Fuel Scarcity Hits Nigeria as Protests Loom

Nigeria is currently facing a tough situation as many petrol depots are running dry, resulting in fuel scarcity and long queues in several states including Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, and Niger. The scarcity has led to black marketers cashing in on the situation, selling fuel for a steep price of between N1,300 to N1,500 per litre.

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise is raising alarms about the planned nationwide protests set for August 1. The Director and CEO, Dr. Muda Yusuf, warned that these protests could lead to a daily loss of about N400 billion, which could have serious ramifications for the country and its people.

In a disturbing development, a 25-year-old woman named Yetunde Gbadebo was arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly trying to sell her three-year-old daughter. She was caught negotiating a price of N700,000 with a 38-year-old man identified as Sunday None.

Meanwhile, in Kebbi State, gunmen attacked a patrol base of the Nigeria Customs Service in Koko, resulting in one officer’s death and another being abducted. The incident was confirmed by Mohammed Tajuddeen Salisu, the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi Area Command.

On the judicial front, a High Court in Kwale, Delta State, sentenced Efajemue Israel Aziakpono to a combined total of 16 years in prison for conspiracy to commit arson and arson itself. The judge presiding over the case was Justice O.F. Enenmo.

Additionally, the Lagos State council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is advising its members not to stay away from their workplaces during the upcoming protest period. The chairperson, Mrs. Funmi Sessi, is calling for the protest organizers to take their actions to their respective states instead.

On the political scene, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in last year’s elections, is supporting the nationwide protest aimed at highlighting the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, commented on the situation by attributing the current #EndBadGovernance protests to «frustrated politicians,» advising the youth to avoid protests and engage with the government to seek solutions.

Finally, in entertainment news, Season 9 of the popular reality show Big Brother Naija kicked off under the theme ‘No Loose Guard,’ with hosts introducing pairs of housemates on Sunday evening.