By David Torough, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC) has challenged former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar to provide the legal, fiscal and practical basis for his proposal that the Federal Government should make cheaper crude oil available to local refineries and intervene to reduce petrol and diesel prices.

The council argued that any such intervention must comply with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

The position was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, following Atiku’s call at a media briefing in Abuja for measures to reduce the cost of petroleum products and support domestic refining.

Alake said the proposal raised fundamental questions about the extent of government intervention in the downstream petroleum sector. He cited Section 205(1) of the PIA, which provides that wholesale and retail prices of petroleum products are to be determined under unrestricted free-market conditions.

He also referred to the position of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which, according to him, does not fix pump prices or issue administrative price templates except where statutory conditions for intervention have been met.

The APC-PCC spokesperson questioned how President Bola Tinubu could directly impose lower pump prices without affecting the statutory responsibilities of the NMDPRA, which regulates the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.

Alake also asked Atiku to clarify whether refineries receiving government support under his proposal would be required to sell petrol at a government-prescribed price.

If so, he said, Atiku should identify the legal framework for imposing such a condition and explain how it would be reconciled with the PIA.

If not, Alake argued, the proposal would need to explain how government support to refiners would translate into lower prices for consumers at filling stations.

The council further questioned the funding implications of preferential crude pricing for domestic refineries, arguing that a discount on crude could reduce the value accruing to the Federation and, by extension, affect revenues available to the federal, state and local governments.

Alake said the financial cost of the proposed intervention could potentially run into trillions of naira annually, depending on the size of any crude discount, the volume of crude covered and whether the arrangement applied to the entire barrel or only petrol sold domestically.

Meanwhile, the APC-PCC said the Tinubu administration was pursuing other measures aimed at reducing transportation costs, including compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric mass transit.

The council said CNG-powered and electric buses were already operating on some routes, while acknowledging the pressure on households and businesses arising from higher petrol prices.

It added that petrol had sold at about ₦830 per litre before the Middle East crisis pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, arguing that any easing of the geopolitical tensions could reduce global crude prices and, consequently, the cost of petrol and diesel.

The council also said the NMDPRA was working with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over alleged price-gouging and with the Nigeria Customs Service to address the diversion of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), has reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources as it settles into its new role as Nigeria’s port economic regulator.

The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr.

Akutah Pius, stated this when he received a delegation from the Civil Society Coalition for Transparency and Good Governance (CSCTGG), led by its Executive Director, Comr. Success Uko, on a courtesy visit to the Agency’s Abuja Liaison Office.

Akutah said the Nigerian Shippers’ Council had transitioned into NPERA under the new legal and regulatory framework, positioning the Agency to provide stronger economic regulation of Nigeria’s port sector.

He assured the delegation that NPERA remained committed to responsible management of public funds in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities, as well as promoting regulatory practices that enhance confidence and efficiency in the maritime sector.

The DG/CEO said the Agency would give due consideration to the Coalition’s request for collaboration and take appropriate formal steps to explore areas of partnership that align with NPERA’s mandate.

Earlier, the Executive Director of CSCTGG, Comr. Success Uko, said the Coalition was seeking a working relationship with NPERA to promote transparency, accountability, public awareness, stakeholder participation and good governance in the maritime sector.

Uko described NPERA as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s transport and maritime sector, noting that effective regulation and access to accurate information were important to improving service delivery and strengthening public confidence.

He said the Coalition had developed initiatives focusing on transparency, accountability, good governance and community development, and sought NPERA’s support towards their implementation and wider impact.

According to him, the proposed collaboration would also promote greater awareness among shippers, importers, exporters, transport operators and other stakeholders about policies, procedures, rights and responsibilities within the maritime sector.

He assured NPERA of the Coalition’s readiness to support legitimate programmes and initiatives of the Agency that are consistent with its statutory mandate.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to political parties, candidates and voters to ensure peaceful conduct before, during and after the 2027 general election.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Ondo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, made the appeal at a major stakeholders meeting on Thursday at the commission’s offices at Akure South and North Local Government Area of the state.

Political parties, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, NYSC members, National Association of Transport Owners (NATO) and other drivers union, among others were present.

Agboke, who visited the traditional ruler of Iju and Ita-Ogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area, said the stakeholders meeting became necessary to ensure the forthcoming election was free, fair and credible.

According to him, credible elections are a collective responsibility and that security, traditional institutions and transport unions all play a critical role in protecting voters, officials and election materials.

The REC, who said INEC would remain neutral and transparent, warned that the commission would not tolerate partisan leaning, vote-buying, intimidation or any act capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.

“This advocacy is for the commission and our major stakeholders to be on the same page because our expectation is to let votes count.

“The recent elections conducted by INEC are enough proof to show that people’s votes determine the direction of who wins.

“Meanwhile, we don’t want them to engage in violence, nobody should allow him or herself or wards to be used for violence and desist from engaging in vote buying.

“It is only votes lawfully cast and duly counted would determine winners,” he said.

He, therefore, assured that INEC officials had been trained to adhere strictly to the Electoral Act and its guidelines, while the commission’s doors remained open for questions and clarifications to avoid misinformation.

Agboke reiterated INEC’s promise of neutrality, saying that preparations for the 2027 general elections had already begun in earnest.

According to the REC, the success recorded in recent by-elections in the state will be built upon to deliver free, fair and inclusive polls that reflect the will of the people.

In their separate responses, Oba Idowu Faborode, The Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu; Oba Amos Farukanmi, The Okiti of Iju and religious leaders, pledged to sensitise their subjects and congregations on non-violence.

Also, Dr Gbenga Jemiloye, Akure South Local Government Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), applauded the commission for the meeting, saying it showed INEC was ready for the election.

The security agencies and drivers union assured of adequate deployment across the state, while the transport unions committed to timely movement of personnel and materials.(NAN)