Nigerian marketers push for N800/liter petrol, seek import licenses amid government efforts to reduce prices
via Punch Nigeria16 min read
Independent petroleum marketers in Nigeria are advocating for the reinstatement of their rights to import petroleum products, projecting that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit petrol could drop below N800 per liter. This comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to lower petrol costs, holding a stakeholders' meeting with major operators in the downstream petroleum sector, including representatives from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The meeting, which included the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria IPMAN, and other industry bodies, addressed the disparity between falling global crude oil prices and persistently high domestic petrol prices. Abubakar Maigandi, National President of IPMAN, urged the government to allow independent marketers to import products directly and to support local refineries, stating that increased competition would drive down prices. He assured Nigerians that independent marketers are prepared to reduce prices, noting a current nationwide reduction of N125 per liter. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Oil, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed concern that current petrol prices do not reflect international crude oil prices and warned marketers against using profits from previously acquired expensive fuel inventories to justify high prices. He emphasized that the benefits of lower replacement costs must be passed on to consumers and called for the s
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Belgium eliminated the United States from their home World Cup with a 4-1 victory, secured by Charles De Ketelaere's two goals. This win means Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals, while the US exits the tournament in the round of 16. The match was preceded by controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension, which US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review, leading to its reversal. Despite this, Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia made surprising lineup choices, benching key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku. De Ketelaere scored early, followed by a goal from Malik Tillman for the US. However, De Ketelaere quickly restored Belgium's lead. A goalkeeping error by Matt Freese and a late goal from Romelu Lukaku sealed the win for Belgium. The decision to lift Balogun's ban was criticized globally, but the Seattle crowd enthusiastically supported him. The US team's performance was described as flat, with their defense appearing nervous and midfield outgunned. Christian Pulisic left the game due to injury, further diminishing US hopes. Chris Richards' error in stoppage time allowed Lukaku to score the final goal.
Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide stated that qualification for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup will motivate Nigeria as they prepare for the expanded 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The tournament, scheduled from July 25 to August 16, will feature 16 teams for the first time and offers spots in the next FIFA Women’s World Cup. Babajide, an AS Roma Women winger, told the Nigerian Football Federation that the expanded format will increase competition, but Nigeria's goal remains to defend their continental title. She emphasized that the pressure to win is constant, whether for the African championship or World Cup qualification. Babajide, who was part of the Super Falcons team that won the continental title in Morocco last year, noted that her football journey in England and Nigeria has shaped her, teaching her resilience and professionalism. The Super Falcons are in Group C with Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt, and will start their campaign against Malawi in Rabat on July 28.
Must ReadNigerian sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi secured a significant win at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, clocking 9.84 seconds in the men’s 100m. This time equals his own Nigerian national record, which he first set in May. Ajayi’s performance saw him defeat reigning world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who finished in 9.89 seconds, and American Olympian Christian Coleman, who took third with 9.95 seconds. Ajayi, 21, expressed confidence that faster times are achievable, stating, “Equalling the national record again means a lot. That means I can do better and I feel great about that.” This victory follows his recent NCAA Outdoor 100m title. Ajayi attributed his success to consistency, practice, staying healthy, and trusting himself and his coach. He also noted that the demanding collegiate athletics environment prepared him for professional competition, stating, “If I could overcome the pressure in the NCAA, that means I can overcome any pressure at pro level.” His 9.84s time is currently second only to Seville’s season-best of 9.82s. Ajayi initially broke Olusoji Fasuba’s 2006 national record of 9.85s in May at the NCAA East Regional Championships.