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FG to Launch CNG Initiative Ahead of Tinubu’s Anniversary

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The presidency announced on Sunday that the Federal Government is gearing up to launch its compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative in May, coinciding with President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming first anniversary in office.

Tinubu had declared the end of the fuel subsidy era during his inauguration, a move that led to a surge in fuel prices.

However, he assured the public of implementing measures to mitigate the impact, including the introduction of CNG-powered mass transit buses and tricycles.

According to presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, the initiative is now ready to be set in motion after nearly a year in the making.

Onanuga stated in a late Sunday statement, “In all, over 600 buses are targeted for production in the first phase that will be accomplished this year.”

He further elaborated on the plans, mentioning, “A new plant on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will assemble thousands of tricycles.”

Onanuga revealed that parts manufactured by Chinese company LUOJIA, in partnership with local entities, are en route to Nigeria and expected to arrive early in May.

He added, “About 2,500 of the tricycles will be ready before May 29, 2024.”

The Federal Government aims to procure “5,500 CNG vehicles (buses and tricycles), 100 Electric buses, and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits,” Onanuga explained.

He also highlighted efforts to facilitate the development of CNG refilling stations and electric charging stations.

President Tinubu’s approval of tax and duty waivers in December 2023 has paved the way for collaboration with the private sector to advance the initiative.

Onanuga noted, “The private sector has responded with over $50 million in actual investments in refueling stations, conversion centers, and mother stations.”

Additionally, plans are underway to assist petrol-powered buses and taxis in transitioning to CNG. Onanuga assured, “Thousands of conversion kits for petrol-powered buses and taxis that want to migrate to CNG are also ready with CNG cylinders.”

In response to negotiations with labour unions over the subsidy removal effects, Tinubu has urged patience from Nigerians, expressing confidence in the long-term benefits of his reforms.

As part of the government’s efforts, a package includes a temporary pay increase for federal employees, suspension of VAT on diesel, and social security cash transfers to the poorest citizens.

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FG Declares April 18, 21 Public Holidays for Easter Celebration

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The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

The Federal Government has declared Friday, 18 April and Monday, 21 April 2025 as public holidays to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday celebrations across the country.

This was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

“Announcing this on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo extended heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on this joyous occasion,” the statement read.

The Minister emphasised the significance of Easter, urging Christians to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, love, and selflessness exemplified by Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for the redemption of humanity.

Dr Tunji-Ojo also encouraged Nigerians to use the holiday period to offer prayers for peace, unity, and stability in the country. He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at driving national growth and development.

In his message, the Minister called on citizens to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity, embodying the spirit of Easter.

He concluded by wishing Christians a blissful Easter celebration and extended warm holiday greetings to all Nigerians.

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Pandemonium as Irate Investors Storm CBEX Office in Ibadan

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There was pandemonium on Tuesday at the Ibadan outlet of CBEX, a digital trading asset firm, as angry investors stormed the premises in protest, vandalising property and looting valuables.

The unrest, which occurred in the Oyo State capital, was triggered by reports that investors had been unable to access or withdraw funds from their accounts on the platform for several days. Matters escalated when many of them reportedly discovered that their investments had completely vanished.

The protest, initially peaceful, quickly degenerated into violence, resulting in looting and physical assaults on some staff members of the firm. Witnesses say the situation became uncontrollable as emotions flared and the aggrieved investors accused the company of operating a Ponzi scheme.

The affected investors were said to cut across various walks of life, including artisans, traders, and civil servants, all of whom had put their trust—and money—into the digital trading venture.

It took the intervention of security operatives to restore calm and disperse the rampaging crowd. Officers have since cordoned off the building and maintained a presence overnight to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

As of Wednesday morning, normalcy had returned to the area. Vehicular and pedestrian movement has resumed, with business activities gradually picking up.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but concerned stakeholders are calling for a thorough investigation into the operations of CBEX to protect future investors from similar occurrences.

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Pandemonium as Irate Investors Storm CBEX Office in Ibadan

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There was pandemonium on Tuesday at the Ibadan outlet of CBEX, a digital trading asset firm, as angry investors stormed the premises in protest, vandalising property and looting valuables.

The unrest, which occurred in the Oyo State capital, was triggered by reports that investors had been unable to access or withdraw funds from their accounts on the platform for several days. Matters escalated when many of them reportedly discovered that their investments had completely vanished.

The protest, initially peaceful, quickly degenerated into violence, resulting in looting and physical assaults on some staff members of the firm. Witnesses say the situation became uncontrollable as emotions flared and the aggrieved investors accused the company of operating a Ponzi scheme.

The affected investors were said to cut across various walks of life, including artisans, traders, and civil servants, all of whom had put their trust—and money—into the digital trading venture.

It took the intervention of security operatives to restore calm and disperse the rampaging crowd. Officers have since cordoned off the building and maintained a presence overnight to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

As of Wednesday morning, normalcy had returned to the area. Vehicular and pedestrian movement has resumed, with business activities gradually picking up.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but concerned stakeholders are calling for a thorough investigation into the operations of CBEX to protect future investors from similar occurrences.

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