Labour suspends strike | Petrol price set at N97 per litre

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON THE  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DEREGULATION POLICY IN THE DOWNSTREAM SECTOR OF THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY, SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2012

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Dear Compatriots,


1.    This is the second time in two weeks I will address you on the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. In the last seven days, the nation has witnessed a disruption of economic activities.  Although, the economic imperatives for the policy have been well articulated by government, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) went ahead to declare a nationwide strike.

2.    There was also near-breakdown of law and order in certain parts of the country as a result of the activities of some persons or groups of persons who took advantage of the situation to further their narrow interests by engaging in acts of intimidation, harassment and outright subversion of the Nigerian state. I express my sympathy to those who were adversely affected by the protests.
3.    At the inception of the deregulation policy, Government had set up the Justice Alfa Belgore Committee to liaise with Labour and other stakeholders to address likely grey areas in the policy, but despite all our efforts, Labour refused the option of dialogue and also disobeyed a restraining order of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

4.    However, following the intervention of the Leadership of the National Assembly, and other well-meaning Nigerians, Labour accepted to meet with government, but this yielded no tangible result.


5.    It has become clear to government and all well-meaning Nigerians that other interests beyond the implementation of the deregulation policy have hijacked the protest. This has prevented an objective assessment and consideration of all the contending issues for which dialogue was initiated by government. These same interests seek to promote discord, anarchy, and insecurity to the detriment of public peace.

6.    Government appreciates that the implementation of the deregulation policy would cause initial hardships and commends Nigerians who have put forth suggestions and credible alternatives in this regard. Government also salutes Nigerians who by and large, conducted themselves peacefully while expressing their grievances. Let me assure you that government will continue to respect the people’s right to express themselves within the confines of the law and in accordance with the dictates of our democratic space.
 
7.    Government will continue to pursue full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. However, given the hardships being suffered by Nigerians, and after due consideration and consultations with state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly, government has approved the reduction of the pump price of petrol to N97 per litre. The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has been directed to ensure compliance with this new pump price.

8.    Government is working hard to reduce recurrent expenditure in line with current realities and to cut down on the cost of governance. In the meantime, government has commenced the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment projects: including the Federal Government- assisted mass transit programme which is already in place, and job creation for the youth. 

9.     Furthermore, the legal and regulatory regime for the petroleum industry will be reviewed to address accountability issues and current lapses in the Industry. In this regard, the Petroleum Industry Bill will be given accelerated attention. The report of the forensic audit carried out on the NNPC is being studied with a view to implementing the recommendations and sanctioning proven acts of corruption in the industry.

10.    Let me assure Nigerians that this administration is irrevocably committed to tackling corruption in the petroleum industry as well as other sectors of the economy. Consequently, all those found to have contributed one way or the other to the economic adversity of the country will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

11.    My dear compatriots, I urge you to show understanding for the imperatives of the adjustment in the pump price of petrol and give government your full support to ensure its successful implementation. I further appeal to Nigerians to go back to work and go about their normal duties as government has made adequate arrangements for the protection of life and property throughout the federation.

12.    Government will not condone brazen acts of criminality and subversion. As President, I have sworn to uphold the unity, peace and order of the Nigerian State and by the grace of God, I intend to fully and effectively discharge that responsibility.  Let me add that we are desirous of further engagements with Labour. I urge our Labour leaders to call off their strike, and go back to work.

13.    Nigeria belongs to all of us and we must collectively safeguard its unity.

14.    Thank you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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#OCCUPYNIGERIA: HAS SOMETHING SNAPPED? FELA DUROTOYE, SEUN KUTI, UGOMA ADEGOKE & OTHERS ON RUBBIN' MINDS 3PM TODAY

This Sunday's edition of Rubbin’ Minds, the leading national TV show for young Nigerians to discuss issues of national interest, we'll be looking at events on the nation's front burner in the past week. Rubbin’ Minds shows on Channels Television every Sunday at 3pm.
The week's show is captioned 'Something Has Snapped'. Discussions between Labour and Government are currently deadlocked and the possibility of a PENGASSAN shutdown with crippling economic consequences is imminent. Against the backdrop of already pressing security concerns, it would seem the whole polity is treading on thin ice.

We've got two segments lined up for this week's show:

The first will feature Efe Paul Azimo - a poet who specialises in revolutionary themes and is popular in literary circles. Efe Paul was at the Occupy Nigeria rallies and will treat us to one of his poems. We'll also be having GT Da Guitarman with his new single 'Excuse Me Sir'.
The second segment will be a review of the revolution that sparked across the country this past week ( We'll play clips of the different protests at this time). And to put it all in context, we'll be having Fela Durotoye - CEO Visible Impact, Gbenga Sesan - ED Paradigm Initiative, Kola Oyeneyin - Convener Sleeves Up and Seun Kuti - Musician and Activist. Also joining us in the studio is Ugoma Adegoke, Fashion Designer and Co-founder, The Life House.

Rubbin’ Minds shows on Channels TV on terrestial television and DSTV Channel 134 on cable. It can also be watched online via http://ynaija.com/rubbin-minds/ or www.channelstv.com.

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“The Fuel Doubler" Starring Tha Suspect

Smash Akademy Presents A Team Capital/Capital Dreams Productions

With the present buzz building over the first episode from the “SUBSIDY” short film that hit the internet barely a week ago, Garnered over 10,000 views in barely 2 days and turning the viral community bugging.

With television stations such as T.V.C., Channels & S.T.V. requesting for the short clip for airing, shows this short flick has touched the populace by depicting the social effects the subsidy removal act by the ruling government body can have in the society. The buzz off the film has sent the production team back to the drawing board to cook up a follow up “The Fuel Doubler”, to further stress the social effects of the government act on its’ people. In a few days the follow up will hit the internet again and subsequent episodes still under production will ensue.

The Fuel Doubler starring the usual suspects Tha Suspect (No pun intended, Lol) and Team Capital presents The Fuel Doubler. Directed/Edited by X.Y.Z. & produced by Teflon (Team Capital)

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Sardauna Magazine Publisher arrested for #fuelsubsidy edition

About 72 hours ago, we were informed that the publisher of Sardauna Magazine, Mr. Rilwan Hassan had been arrested by the State Security Service (SSS) for publishing an edition on the ongoing fuel subsidy saga in Nigeria. Speaking on his arrest, Hassan tells Olamild Ent the following:

"At about 3pm on the wednesday 11th, January, 2012, my circulation manager was invited for questioning at the nnamdi azikwe international airport by the sss and his picture was taken. He later started receiving threat call from the sss operatives including the OC in charge of the airport. He was questioned concerning the latest sardauna magazine edition titled "Fuel Subsidy will spark revolt". He was asked to go and the magazine was realised.

They later followed him to our office and rearrested him and took away the batch of the magazine in our office after they couldn't find me in the office. I had to go to the headquarters and was taken in for questioning. I was asked who was sponsoring me and if the aim was to destabilise the government. I refused to answer their questions and instead insist that they release my staff. Some of the magazines were carted away. I was released after two and half hours because they found out that the press had been notified of my arrest.

We need to tell the world that their is no press freedom in nigeria despite the FOI bill."

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NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, ON THE DEREGULATION OF THE DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM SECTOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2012

Dear Compatriots,
1. A week ago, I had cause to address Nigerians on the security challenges we are facing in parts of the country, which necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in 15 Local Government Areas in four states of the Federation. That course of action attracted widespread support and a demonstration of understanding. With that declaration, government had again signaled its intention to combat terrorism with renewed vigour and to assure every Nigerian of safety.

2. The support that we have received in the fight against terrorism from concerned Nigerians at home and abroad has been remarkable. We believe that it is with such continued support that progress can be made on national issues. Let me express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has expressed a commitment to support us as we strive to improve on the country’s security situation, and build a stronger foundation for the future. The recent mindless acts of violence in Gombe, Potiskum, Jimeta-Yola and Mubi are unfortunate. I urge all Nigerians to eschew bitterness and acrimony and live together in harmony and peace. Wherever there is any threat to public peace, our security agencies will enforce the law, without fear or favour.

3. This evening, I address you, again, with much concern over an issue that borders on the national economy, the oil industry and national progress. As part of our efforts to transform the economy and guarantee prosperity for all Nigerians, Government, a few days ago, announced further deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. The immediate effect of this has been the removal of the subsidy on petrol.

4. Since the announcement, there have been mixed reactions to the policy. Let me seize this opportunity to assure all Nigerians that I feel the pain that you all feel. I personally feel pained to see the sharp increase in transport fares and the prices of goods and services. I share the anguish of all persons who had travelled out of their stations, who had to pay more on the return leg of their journeys.

5. If I were not here to lead the process of national renewal, if I were in your shoes at this moment, I probably would have reacted in the same manner as some of our compatriots, or hold the same critical views about government. But I need to use this opportunity as your President to address Nigerians on the realities on the ground, and why we chose to act as we did. I know that these are not easy times. But tough choices have to be made to safeguard the economy and our collective survival as a nation.

6. My fellow Nigerians, the truth is that we are all faced with two basic choices with regard to the management of the downstream petroleum sector: either we deregulate and survive economically, or we continue with a subsidy regime that will continue to undermine our economy and potential for growth, and face serious consequences.

7. As you all know, the subject of deregulation is not new, we have been grappling with it for more than two decades. Previous administrations tinkered with the pump price of petroleum products, and were unable to effect complete deregulation of the downstream sector. This approach has not worked. If it did, we would not be here talking about deregulation today. I understand fully well that deregulation is not a magic formula that will address every economic challenge, but it provides a good entry point for transforming the economy, and for ensuring transparency and competitiveness in the oil industry, which is the mainstay of our economy.

8. As a President, elected and supported by ordinary Nigerians, and the vast majority of our people, I have a duty to bring up policies and programmes that will grow the economy and bring about greater benefits for the people. Let me assure you that as your President, I have no intention to inflict pain on Nigerians.


9. The deregulation of the petroleum sector is a necessary step that we had to take. Should we continue to do things the same way, and face more serious economic challenges? Or deregulate, endure the initial discomfort and reap better benefits later? I want to assure every Nigerian that whatever pain you may feel at the moment, will be temporary.

10. The interest of the ordinary people of this country will always remain topmost in my priorities as a leader. I remain passionately committed to achieving significant and enduring improvements in our economy that will lead to sustained improvement in the lives of our people.


11. I am determined to leave behind a better Nigeria, that we all can be proud of. To do so, I must make sure that we have the resources and the means to grow our economy to be resilient, and to sustain improved livelihood for our people. We must act in the public interest, no matter how tough, for the pains of today cannot be compared to the benefits of tomorrow. On assumption of office as President, I swore to an oath to always act in the best interest of the people. I remain faithful to that undertaking.

12. To save Nigeria, we must all be prepared to make sacrifices. On the part of Government, we are taking several measures aimed at cutting the size and cost of governance, including on-going and continuous effort to reduce the size of our recurrent expenditure and increase capital spending. In this regard, I have directed that overseas travels by all political office holders, including the President, should be reduced to the barest minimum. The size of delegations on foreign trips will also be drastically reduced; only trips that are absolutely necessary will be approved.

13. For the year 2012, the basic salaries of all political office holders in the Executive arm of government will be reduced by 25%. Government is also currently reviewing the number of committees, commissions and parastatals with overlapping responsibilities. The Report on this will be submitted shortly and the recommendations will be promptly implemented. In the meantime, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies must reduce their overhead expenses.

14. We are all greatly concerned about the issue of corruption. The deregulation policy is the strongest measure to tackle this challenge in the downstream sector. In addition, government is taking other steps to further sanitize the oil industry.

15. To ensure that the funds from petroleum subsidy removal are spent prudently on projects that will build a greater Nigeria, I have established a committee to oversee the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme. I sincerely believe that the reinvestment of the petroleum subsidy funds, to ensure improvement in national infrastructure, power supply, transportation, irrigation and agriculture, education, healthcare, and other social services, is in the best interest of our people.

16. Fellow Nigerians, I know that the removal of the petroleum subsidy imposes an initial burden on our people, especially the rising cost of transportation. Government will be vigilant and act decisively to curb the excesses of those that want to exploit the current situation for selfish gains. I plead for the understanding of all Nigerians. I appeal to our youth not to allow mischief-makers to exploit present circumstances to mislead or incite them to disturb public peace.

17. To address the immediate challenges that have been identified, I have directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to embark immediately on all projects which have been designed to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal in the short, medium and long-term, as outlined in the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme Document.

18. Tomorrow, 8th January, I will formally launch a robust mass transit intervention programme to bring down the cost of transportation across the country. The programme will be implemented in partnership with state and local governments, labour unions, transport owners, and banking institutions, and supported with the provision of funding at zero interest rate as well as import duty waiver on all needed parts for locally-made mass transit vehicles, which will create additional jobs in the economy.

19. We will keep these incentives in place for as long as it takes. I want to assure you that Government will not rest until we bring down the cost of transportation for our people. Let me thank the transporters’ associations that have agreed to reduce transport fares. I have directed the Minister of Labour and Productivity to work with these associations to come up with a sustainable plan to guarantee this within the shortest possible time.

20. In addition, I have ordered the mobilization of contractors for the full rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt –Maiduguri Railway Line and the completion of the Lagos-Kano Railway Line. I have also directed the immediate commencement of a Public Works programme that will engage the services of about 10, 000 youths in every state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. This will create an additional 370, 000 jobs.

21. Government has taken these decisions in the best interest of our economy, so that we not only have benefits today, but to ensure that we bequeath even greater benefits to our children and grandchildren.

22. Let me assure Nigerians that every possible effort will be made to ensure that we march forward, with a collective resolve to build a Nigeria that can generate greater economic growth, create and sustain new jobs, and secure the future of our children.

23. This Administration will aggressively implement its programme to reposition and strengthen our economy, while paying adequate attention to the immediate needs of our citizens.

24. I assure you all that we will work towards achieving full domestic refining of petroleum products with the attendant benefits.


25. As I ask for the full understanding of all Nigerians, I also promise that I will keep my word.

26. Thank you. May God bless you; and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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OKONJO-IWEALA DID NOT THREATEN TO RESIGN ...FUEL SUBSIDY IS A GOVERNMENT, NOT A PERSONAL DECISION

OKONJO-IWEALA DID NOT THREATEN TO RESIGN
...FUEL SUBSIDY IS A GOVERNMENT, NOT A PERSONAL DECISION

It has come to our notice that a well coordinated campaign of calumny against the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, founded on outright lies and despicable distortions is being executed by cowardly persons hiding behind the ongoing controversy over the government’s decision to deregulate the petroleum sector.

For obvious reasons, the faceless campaigners have elected to tell their lies online because the normal journalistic principles of facts and balanced reporting are generally absent there.

For instance, we have received numerous enquiries regarding an alleged threat by the Coordinating Minister to resign if the government goes back on its decision to end the fuel subsidies. The threat was supposedly made during the emergency Federal Executive Council meeting which held yesterday.

This speculation, like numerous others is absolutely false. DR OKONJO-IWEALA WAS NOT AT THE MEETING BECAUSE SHE WAS OUT OF THE COUNTRY WHEN IT WAS GOING ON. In other words, they are saying that she made a threat at a meeting that she did not attend. She made no such threat physically or through any other means. She had no reason to.

The agenda behind the alleged threat and similar stories is obvious: to inspire public hatred and odium against her person by manipulating public opinion so that she is seen as the sole person pushing for the removal of subsidies.

Their calculation is that Nigerians are so angry and so gullible that they will believe anything if the lies are supported with manufactured “facts”. But we believe that fair minded Nigerians are not fools.

It is clear that governments and certainly the Jonathan administration do not work in the manner that the peddlers of falsehood are saying. It is not only naive but also highly disrespectful to the President and the government as a whole to suggest that the entire decision making machinery of government is the sole preserve of any official.

We urge the media and the Nigerian public to ignore the antics of people who obviously believe that Nigerians are fools.

For the avoidance of doubt, Dr Okonjo-Iweala supports the decision on fuel subsidy removal because she believes that ending the subsidies will drastically reduce corruption in the downstream sector.

Deregulation will also help to end the waivers enjoyed by powerful cabals at the expense of the Nigerian people. In addition, the vast majority of Nigerians will also gain as the proceeds will be redirected into safety nets, other identifiable social interventions as well as provision of sorely needed infrastructure projects nationwide.

Paul C Nwabuikwu
Senior Special Assistant to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy/Minister of Finance

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Fela Durotoye speaks on fuel subsidy| #occupynigeria

Since I got back into Nigeria yesterday, I have heard some preposterous arguments that the removal of the fuel subsidy will be justified by wise investments that will benefit all.

My response has been...How will a wasteful government suddenly realize the genius of prudence and making the right investment decisions simply bcs there is more money available from oil subsidy removal?

Will there be less graft & bribes involved in process of issuing the road contracts or power contracts?

Have we sought to honestly find every way we can plug wastage in our leaking economy before we ask a feeble populace to carry the burden of corruption and gross ineptitude of a gluttonous few?

Have the Presidency, the State & Local Governments and the Legislature discovered how to travel without a convoy of 20 cars to the airport?

Can the occupiers of these lofty positions act in honour as Barack Obama did in 2010 when he got every member of his cabinet to take a pay cut, starting with himself?

Within his first few days as British Prime Minister, David Cameron led the austerity cuts (upon his assumption) by cutting down his convoy to 2 cars and one outrider. The Members of Parliament in Britain are now only allowed 3rd class train tickets on official travel (as opposed to their traditional first class train ticket allowances). The Mayor of London now rides a bicycle to work.
Leadership by example!!!

How come our 'leaders' in government earn so much and still spend so much furnishing the same houses and offices they furnished with our money last year?

Do you furnish your office every year? Why should the President, Governor or Senate President?

Wasteful leadership cannot make prudent investments!!!!! Q.E.D

The change we need is not just policy. Its in the quality of mind and persons at policy making positions.

That said, how will we effectively deliver sustainable desired-change?

History has taught us that governments increase fuel prices, the people fight, students riot, labour unions strike, and then after a couple of weeks, the government reduces the price but never to its original price...and everyone feels like a winner, but the poor know and experience the reality of the loss. Then we start the cycle all over again with another administration.

God bless everyone who has stood up against this unjust policy. I salute everyone who has risked their lives to Occupy Nigeria with the message that Enough is Enough.

This is only the beginning of a long and arduous journey. The real Nigerian spring is going to be in April 2015.

WE NEED A CRITICAL MASS OF NEW NIGERIANS TO TAKE HOLD OF EVERY LEVEL OF POLICY MAKING POSITIONS BY 2015. Not a few good men and women whose voices will get drowned in the cacophony of mediocrity.

Let our brightest and best brains begin serious preparations NOW. Don't wait till 2014 to decide you want to make a change by running for office in 2015. It will be too late if you don't start NOW!!!!

As we keep up the pressure of PEACEFUL, NON-VIOLENT PROTESTS through all channels, let another set of emerging leaders (with a heart for the nation and a love for the people) arise and begin to prepare for 2015. We must encourage, train, mentor and empower the right people to go where few dare.

I have committed my life to raise and prepare as many exemplary leaders of excellence to take over the various policy making positions at all levels of governance (federal, state and local)- executive and legislative.

Even when 'they' back down on the fuel subsidy removal, (only because they need the banks to reopen so they can cash some of their billions or so that the airports can reopen so their children can travel back abroad to continue their education), don't let us be deceived again into submission and celebrate the illusion of victory.
Until we change the quality of people in policy-making positions, we won't yet have real and lasting victory.

Don't get it twisted... The 2015 elections is going to be the opportunity for the real Nigerian Spring.

The real question is ...Will we be ready to bring the real change we've always desired with the same zeal and fervor as we show now?

Please don't let today's passion die tomorrow.
The struggle continues today, tomorrow and forever. We WILL deliver the future!

God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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ENOUGHISENOUGH NIGERIA CONDEMNS THE DECEIT OF THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT: #CUTGOVERNMENTWASTE NOT #FUELSUBSIDY

“THE YOUNG ILORIN PROTESTER WILL NOT DIE IN VAIN” - ENOUGHISENOUGH NIGERIA CONDEMNS THE DECEIT OF THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT: #CUTGOVERNMENTWASTE NOT #FUELSUBSIDY

Yesterday, news came in – now confirmed - that a 22-year-old Nigerian, Mustapha Muyeedeen Mofoluwasho Opobiyi, was shot down during the Ilorin, Kwara State protests in another unacceptable case of police brutality. While young Nigerians across the country are joined together in mourning for this terrible and entirely avoidable loss of another one of us, it lends an even greater urgency to the widely condemned removal of the infamous fuel subsidy through a press release by PPPRA.

The Federal Government of Nigeria would be mistaken to assume this will discourage other young Nigerians from taking to the streets or wherever else it takes to stand down this wrong-headed decision – if anything, the reactions will only be strengthened in his memory. And it only adds to a litany of woes that the Federal Government of Nigeria has unleashed on its citizens since it began its deceitful handling of this matter. In between talks of the removal taking effect as of the 2012 budget (April); and recent utterances by the President, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Petroleum Resource

s that consultations will continue; it is obvious that they deliberately misled Nigerians.

In typical fashion of a bloated-government, a 22-member committee has been set up to manage the imaginary savings. Will these savings be the theoretical cost of the subsidy – minus cost of corruption - or the current (inflated) figure? Also, how does the government intend to remit same to this proposed quasi-government agency? Will this necessitate the setting up of another special account, in the manner of the Excess Crude Account? Setting up a new body means an increase in recurrent expenditure for staffing, salaries, pensions, cars, running costs etc. This is UNACCEPTABLE.

In addition, a review of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE) document shows at least 5 projects that contracts have already been awarded for. A recurring contract is the Lagos – Benin Road; the same road that the current Minister of Petroleum Resources cried at the deplorable state as Minister of Transport in 2007. The Mambilla Power Plant was awarded under the Obasanjo Administration, mobilization funds were released and the Yar’Adua Administration cancelled the contract. The funds are yet to make it back to the federation account.

It is also instructive that the President has belatedly set up a committee to ‘resolve’ the crisis arising from the fuel subsidy removal. We request that no well-meaning Nigerian opposed to the removal should attend any such “arrangee” meeting. The message from the Nigerian Government is simply that they can afford to waste money and Nigerians should pay for it.
Nigerians are resilient, but we can no longer afford to pay for government’s inefficiencies. It’s too expensive (financially; productive man hours and human lives) and it’s also NOT sustainable.

The Only Way Forward
1. Return to Status Quo. Pump price returned to N65.
2. Reduce Cost of Governance. The government must drastically cut down the cost of maintaining public and civil servants – security votes, multiple advisers, fuel guzzling convoys, excessive foreign travel and estacodes etc.

• How can we build another house for the Vice-President at N7 bn ($43.75m) and an additional N9 bn ($56.25m) is being requested to complete it?
• They disburse N250 billion per year in ‘security votes’ to the President and Governors and they can spend it as they choose
Items in the 2012 budget:
• approximately N1 billion to ‘feeding’ the President and the Vice-President
• N1.7 trillion wage bill for the Federal Government
• N675 million on power related expenses at the Villa and VP’s residence
• N1 billion on miscellaneous expenses include honorarium & sitting allowances; welfare packages and publicity & advertisements. These expenses are criminal and unsustainable.
3. Plug the holes in the oil sector
• No one knows the exact amount NNPC makes or the exact amount of fuel consumed per day in Nigeria, hence the figures being touted and which give rise to the N1.3 trillion last year are not accurate.
• Why does NNPC get 445,000 barrels of crude a day that it can’t refine?
• In 2006, there were 3 marketers; we now have 77. According to BusinessDay, “the increase has also been linked to [the 2011 elections] and it has been suggested that the subsidy programme became an avenue for patronage extended to those with political connections.” Significant savings can be made on the bandied N1.3 trillion if the government will prune out the “briefcase marketers”.
• Tackle smuggling.
• Our refineries operate at 30% capacity. Billions have been earmarked for upgrades and maintenance over the last 12 years, with no impact. Increasing the capacity of our refineries would reduce the amount of fuel that needs to be imported into the country.

4. Provide Power
• According to a 2009 report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Agency (NERC), Nigerians spend N797 billion yearly to buy fuel for powering generators.
• In 2010, President Jonathan said the cost of fuel (to power generators) was $13 billion.
• NERC’s estimates 32% of generator fuel is PMS. This means Nigerians spend about $4.19 billion or N646 billion on petrol, while the rest goes to diesel.
• With this unnecessary hike in pump prices, the cost of maintaining generators in Nigeria will also increase almost 150%. Imagine how much fuel import dependence we can curb if this government fulfills the often-repeated promise of improving power supply in Nigeria!
In the words of a popular adage, the Federal Government has, yet again, left leprosy to treat ringworm Enough is Enough Nigeria has put structures in place to join other pro-democracy forces to ensure that the democratically elected government of Nigeria is truly a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

ABOUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH NIGERIA
EnoughisEnough Nigeria (www.eienigeria.org) is a coalition of individuals and youth-led organizations committed to instituting a culture of good governance and public accountability in Nigeria through advocacy, activism and the mobilization of the youth population as responsible citizens. The coalition includes The Future Project; Paradigm Initiative Nigeria; Education as a Vaccine (EVA); Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND); RISE Networks; Chocolate City Group; EME and Light Up Nigeria.

EiE Nigeria created the RSVP (Register|Select|Vote|Protect) Campaign to leverage technology, especially social media to mobilize significant participation from citizens in the 18-35 age bloc in the 2011 elections and beyond

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