Metro
Obasanjo Blames Rice Import Woes on Shagari-era Policy U-turn
Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has blamed Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on rice imports on the decision by the civilian administration in 1979 to lift a ban imposed by the outgoing military government, saying the policy reversal set the country back by decades.
Obasanjo made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja at the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference marking the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed.
The memorial lecture focused on General Muhammed’s defining “Africa Has Come of Age” address delivered at the Organisation of African Unity Summit in Addis Ababa.
Obasanjo was the military Head of State who handed over power to Alhaji Shehu Shagari, democratically elected President of the Second Republic.
Recounting events at the end of military rule in 1979, Obasanjo said his government had been on the verge of achieving self-sufficiency in rice production for Nigeria before handing it over to civilians.
“By the time we left in July 1979, we wanted to be self-sufficient in rice production. We asked that a report be prepared on what was in the fields. The report showed that we would be self-sufficient that year,” he said.
Based on the findings, Obasanjo explained, his administration banned the importation of rice before leaving office in October 1979.
“When the civilian administration came in, one of the first things they did was to lift the ban on rice importation so they could allocate import licences to their supporters and political associates,” he added.
Obasanjo cited what he described as a notorious case of abuse involving a politically connected importer who inflated the cost of a rice contract in order to extract kickbacks.
“Let me give you an example. One of the barons who obtained a rice import licence from America ordered rice and then asked the suppliers to add $5 million to the cost. They did. They added the $5 million and supplied the rice. He then went back to New York and demanded $2.5 million out of the $5 million. They refused and gave him only $1 million. He reported the matter to the Nigerian embassy and to the Nigerian representative at the UN, who contacted the suppliers. The suppliers said they did not understand what the issue was.
“Eventually, the suppliers explained that the man had asked them to add $5 million to the cost and that, without doing so, they would have lost the contract. They took the risk and secured the deal. He wanted $2.5 million but had taken no risk, so they gave him $1 million.
“The ambassador said he felt like digging a hole and sinking into it. That was your country,” he said.
The former head of state added: “Since the lifting of the rice import ban in 1979, we have not recovered from it. That is why we are still importing rice today. These are the kinds of things that go wrong, and then we ask whether Africa has come of age. I wonder.”
Obasanjo argued that Nigeria’s inability to sustain sound policies was a major reason both the country and the continent had struggled to “come of age”.
Turning to the economy, he lamented that Nigeria had lost ground over the years despite earlier progress.
“There was a time when Nigeria ranked 37th among the economies of the world. If we had continued at that rate for 20 years, we would by now have been among the top ten. Today, I don’t even know where we stand,” he said.
He urged African leaders to focus on reform and production as the pathway to growth.
“What we need to do is reform and produce. Reform and produce,” he stressed.
Obasanjo emphasised that for Africa to come of age, it must record annual GDP growth of nine to ten per cent.
“We have done something like that before, and we can do it again. When we do, Africa will truly come of age,” he said.
Using agriculture as an example, Obasanjo said cocoa output tripled during his elected presidency but has since declined.
“When I became president, cocoa production in Nigeria was 150,000 metric tonnes. We introduced a new system to boost production, and within four to five years, we were producing 450,000 metric tonnes. We tripled output. President Kufuor once joked that Nigeria, as an oil-producing country, should leave cocoa to them. I told him we would produce cocoa while also producing oil.
“Today, I understand we are producing no more than 300,000 metric tonnes. We have gone backwards. That is not how Africa will come of age,” he said.
Beyond the economy, Obasanjo reflected on leadership, governance and the legacy of General Murtala Muhammed, whom he described as patriotic, disciplined and committed to national service.
“The greatest achievement of Murtala, in my view, was that he created a successor who could continue after him. The failure of all leaders after Murtala, including myself, is that we have not been able to create successors who could go on after us,” he said.
Obasanjo’s military government favoured “Austerity Measures” and “Operation Feed the Nation” to promote self-sufficiency.
Shagari’s civilian administration, however, faced immense pressure to satisfy a populace eager for consumer goods, leading to the “Rice Memo” and the liberalisation of imports that Obasanjo is criticising.
Motorists and commuters across Lagos are facing rising transportation costs following another increase in the pump price of petrol, which now sells for between N1,250 and N1,350 per litre at filling stations.
A survey on Sunday showed growing concern among road users as the increase, driven largely by global supply pressures and domestic price adjustments, continues to influence transportation expenses.
The latest increase follows another upward review of petrol prices by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which raised the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to N1,175 per litre from N995 earlier in the week.
The adjustment represents an increase of N180, about 18.1 per cent within three days, marking the refinery’s third price review within the week and prompting swift adjustments across the downstream market.
Industry sources attribute the rise partly to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the escalating standoff between Israel and Iran, as well as attacks linked to Yemen’s Houthi movement in the Red Sea corridor.
The instability has forced many oil tankers to reroute from traditional shipping lanes, pushing global freight costs up by roughly 40 per cent, according to market data from the Baltic Exchange.
At the same time, international oil prices have risen, with Brent crude approaching 99 dollars per barrel, while the Nigerian currency trades at about N1,650 to the dollar, factors analysts say are contributing to higher domestic fuel prices.
However, with the emergence of the Dangote refinery, Nigeria continues to rely significantly on imported refined petroleum products.
The spokesperson for the refinery, Anthony Echiejina, said the price adjustment reflects rising feedstock and logistics costs associated with developments in the global energy market.
Checks revealed that retail prices have increased across several outlets in Lagos, with petrol selling between N1,200 and N1,350 per litre depending on location.
Major marketers have also adjusted their pump prices. MRS Oil Nigeria Plc and Matrix Energy Group sell petrol at about N1,250 per litre, while outlets of Ardova Plc (formerly AP) retail the product at around N1,300 per litre.
Some independent stations charge slightly higher prices.
A NorthWest outlet in the Gbagada area dispensed petrol at about N1,250 per litre, while several other stations across the metropolis sold the product close to the N1,200 mark.
At a Mobil Station along the LASU–Isheri Road corridor, petrol was sold at N1,250 per litre, while Petrocam Station nearby dispensed fuel at the same price.
Similarly, MRS stations in parts of Alimosho sold petrol at about N1,250 per litre, while Mobil outlets in Alaguntan and Iyana Ipaja recorded prices of N1,250 and N1,350 per litre respectively.
Other stations, including Heyden outlets in Iyana Ipaja and along the Oshodi–Abeokuta Expressway, also sold petrol at about N1,250 per litre, reflecting a broad market trend.
Meanwhile, market insiders have said pricing differences were increasingly influenced by variations in product sourcing, particularly between coastal marine lifting arrangements and gantry loading operations.
The increase in fuel prices has already led to higher transportation fares across Lagos, with commuters reporting increases of more than 30 per cent on several routes.
Commercial driver, Sodiq Olarenwaju, said the rising cost of petrol had made daily operations more demanding.
“We are the ones passengers blame for increasing fares, but they don’t realise how much we now spend on petrol.
“If we buy fuel at over N1,000 per litre, we have no option but to adjust fares,” he said.
Another motorist, Funke Oladipo, described the experience of searching for fuel as stressful.
“I have been driving around since morning with my jerry can looking for petrol. Some stations that opened earlier have already shut their gates,” she said.
A private car owner, Dr Adewale Suleiman, said fuel price increases often had wider economic implications.
“When fuel goes up, transport fares rise and the prices of goods follow immediately,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, said geopolitical tensions in the Middle East often lead to volatility in global oil markets.
According to him, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 per cent of global crude oil shipments pass daily, can quickly push up oil prices, shipping costs and insurance premiums worldwide.
He noted that higher fuel prices could affect multiple sectors of the economy, particularly industries that rely heavily on energy and transportation.
“For manufacturers, the consequences can be significant, as many factories rely on diesel-powered generators due to electricity supply challenges,” Yusuf said.
The CPPE boss explained that rising fuel prices might increase costs of logistics; transporting raw materials and finished goods, potentially adding to inflationary pressures.
“As manufacturers absorb higher energy and logistics costs, firms may adjust pricing structures or production levels,” Yusuf said.
He also noted that Nigeria might not fully benefit from higher oil prices because crude production remains below capacity, fluctuating between about 1.4 million and 1.6 million barrels per day.
The organisation recommended measures such as strengthening crude production, building fiscal buffers from higher oil revenues and expanding domestic refining capacity.
It also emphasised the importance of sustained foreign exchange reforms, targeted support for vulnerable households and continued economic diversification.
“The evolving situation in the global energy market presents both opportunities and challenges for Nigeria,” Yusuf said.
From Aliyu Askira, Kano
The National Industrial Court, sitting in Kano, has ordered the Kano State Government to pay a total of N1m as costs in a legal dispute involving former commissioners over the official vehicles given to them while in office.
The court, presided over by Justice Mahmood Abba Namtari, gave the order yesterday after the state government asked for more time to prepare its defence in the case.
The case, filed by five former commissioners, is praying the court to stop the Kano State Government from retrieving the official vehicles they used during their time in office.
During the hearing, defence counsel to the Kano State Government, S.
U. Jibril, requested for an adjournment because he was not ready to continue with the case, owing to the fact that he was only informed about the matter the previous day and had not had enough time to prepare the necessary documents.“We were briefed yesterday around 2:30 p.m. by the office of the first defendant. We tried to get our papers ready but could not complete them. We are asking for another date,” he informed the court.
However, counsel to the applicants, Suraj Sa’ed (SAN), did not oppose the request for an adjournment but instead asked the court to award costs to his clients, recalling the government had already received the court documents earlier and should have prepared its response.
Sa’ed requested for N1m in costs for each case, arguing that the delay had caused inconveniences to the claimants.
In response, Jibril opposed the request. He argued that the government was still within the legal time allowed to submit its documents. “My lord, we should not be asked to pay costs. All the respondents were served on March 3, and we are still within time to file our papers,” he argued.
But Justice Namtari noted that court records showed the defendants were actually served earlier, on February 26, and ordered the respondents to pay N200,000 in costs to each of the five applicants, bringing the total to N1 million.
The court then adjourned the case to April 28, 2026, for further hearing.
The former commissioners who filed the suit include Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim K/Mata, AVM Ibrahim Umar (Rtd), Nasir Sule Garo, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, and Mustapha Rabi’u.
They asked the court to stop the Kano State Government from collecting the official vehicles given to them during their tenure.
The defendants in the case are the Attorney General of Kano State, the Governor of Kano State, and the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
The court had earlier rejected a request by the former commissioners for an urgent order to restrain the government from retrieving the vehicles but ruled that both sides must first present their arguments before any temporary order could be granted.
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
Mujidat Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, has unveiled a scholarship scheme for over 1,000 indigent students seeking admission into Havilla University, Ikom local government area of Cross River state for 2025/2026 academic session.
The tuition-free award valued at N400,000 is in commemoration of her second anniversary as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Havilla University.
Confirming the scholarship award in a telephone conversation shortly after marking the two- year anniversary ceremony in office as the institution Pro-chancellor, the Iyaloja- General of Nigeria stated that the initiative reflects her commitment to youth empowerment and educational advancement.
She described education as “the only level between the rich and the poor in society.” Emphasizing that every Nigerian youth deserves access to quality education to ensure a brighter future for the nation.
The Iyaloja-General expressed gratitude to the Governing Council of Havilla University, led by the Chancellor, Hon Jones Tangban, a former member representing the Ikom/Boki federal constituency, for their exceptional leadership, which has ranked Havilla University among Africa’s leading institutions.
In his remarks, Tangban thanked Iyaloja-General for her generosity, noting that her gesture aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration, even though the scholarships are personally funded.
The scholarship program adds to her extensive record of educational support, with thousands of beneficiaries across institutions such as Philomath University, GrandPlus College of Education, Kwara State, and Foreign Link Academy campuses nationwide.
Iyaloja-General had earlier commissioned the Folasade Tinubu-Ojo Complex of the institution and later laid the foundation for the Folasade Tinubu-Ojo Centre for Vocational Studies at the University grounds to further strengthen her legacy in educational development.
In her closing remarks, Iyaloja-General urged prospective beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity with all seriousness now and in the near future.
Nasarawa Varsity Partner Vocational Institute to Train 500 Furniture Artisans
ShareNasarawa State University, Keffi and Prince Interior Vocational Institute have taken a significant step toward strengthening entrepreneurship and practical skills development...
Super Eagles Friendlies against Iran, Jordan Moved to Turkey
ShareThe Jordan Football Association (JFA), has announced a new venue for the four-nation invitational tournament involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Iran,...
Pope Leo Calls for Ceasefire in Middle East War
SharePope Leo calls for a ceasefire and denounces “horrific violence” in the Middle East Pope Leo XIV has called for a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict as Israel and Iran continue...
Motorists, Commuters Groan as Petrol Hits N1,350 Per Litre
ShareMotorists and commuters across Lagos are facing rising transportation costs following another increase in the pump price of petrol, which now sells...
Sleep Deprivation Root Cause of Disease, Says Physician
ShareA Consultant Lifestyle Medicine Physician and Founder, Lifestyle Champions International (LCI), Dr. Moyosore Makinde, has identified sleep deprivation as the...
ShareFAAC Shares N1.894trn Feb Revenue to FG, States, LGCs By Tony Obiechina, Abuja A total sum of N1.894 trillion, being...
Terrorists Kill Two, Displace Residents in Sokoto Community
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja At least two people were killed and residents forced to flee Bargaja town in Isa Local...
FG, Mining Firm Clash Ahead of Tinubu’s UK Visit
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Federal Government has alleged that an embattled mining company, Jupiter Ltd, is planning what it...
Turnah Emerges as Bayelsa PDP Chairman
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa Alabh George Turnah has emerged as the newly elected Chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Bayelsa...
Military Repels Attacks, Neutralizes Terrorists, Rescues Kidnap Victims in Nationwide Operations
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded multiple operational successes across the country between March 7...