Contributory Pension Scheme lacks implementation credibility
Contributory Pension Scheme lacks implementation credibility
Some pensioners in Makurdi have described the Contributory Pension Scheme as lacking in implementation credibility.
The pensioners, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Makurdi, said though the policy was designed to be the best pension scheme, it had failed.
A former federal civil servant, Mr Tsea Humbe, told NAN that the scheme was designed to reduce the frustration hitherto experienced by retirees after exiting service.
Humbe noted that before the introduction of the scheme, most retirees had difficulties accessing their pension many years after retirement.
He said it was based on that challenge that the Federal Government introduced the scheme to ameliorate the sufferings of the retirees.
“However, this challenge is still staring in the face of the retirees. Most retirees still find it difficult to access their pensions after exiting service.
“I am a victim. I retired in 2020, and I am yet to start receiving my pension. Though the process is on, I have not started enjoying my pension,” Humbe said.
Another retiree, Mr Francis Myaga, called on the Federal Government to intensify supervision of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), to ensure they were treating pension issues with dispatch.
Myaga expressed optimism that the measure would help retirees start drawing pensions at least two months after retirement.
The retiree therefore, advised the government to reduce most of the bureaucratic bottlenecks to pave the way for pensioners to have easy access to their pensions. (NAN)
This latest price war follows recent drops by both companies, which are now reshaping the nation’s fuel market.
On Monday, NNPCL unveiled new petrol prices of N860 per litre in Lagos and N880 per litre in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other parts of the country.
The updated price is already visible at NNPCL retail outlets, including those along the Kubwa Expressway in Abuja, the Central Business District, and near the company’s headquarters, all of which are reflecting the N880 per litre rate.
Just six days ago, Dangote Refinery made a similar move, slashing its petrol price to N880 per litre at its partner MRS filling stations and other locations in Abuja.
This move has triggered a fresh round of competition between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery, resulting in what is now seen as a full-blown fuel price war.
With both companies vying for market dominance, Nigerians now have a choice between purchasing petrol at NNPCL or Dangote outlets, where the price differences are becoming increasingly pronounced.
Since February 2025, Dangote petrol has been priced more competitively compared to NNPC, adding fuel to the growing rivalry.
Industry leaders have welcomed the competition, with Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Retailers Outlets Owners Association, and Abubakar Maigadi, President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, both predicting that further price cuts are on the horizon.
Gillis-Harry emphasized that this price battle places Nigerian consumers in a favorable position, with the ongoing rivalry between NNPCL and Dangote bringing much-needed relief to citizens grappling with the rising cost of living.
Speaking to Daily Post, he said: “The new price has been reflected on our portal.
“This price reduction will be a huge relief to many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
“The reduction in PMS prices is expected to positively impact Nigerians’ lives.
We are engaging NNPCL to also bring down the petrol prices for the benefit of Nigerians and marketers.”
On his part, Maigadi described the developments in the downstream oil and gas sector as a positive outcome of deregulation.
According to him, “It is not surprising because Dangote petrol is selling at that rate.
“This is what we have been telling the government to deregulate the sector. The price will start coming down. Investors have started coming.
“The reduction in petrol price means joy to Nigerians and marketers.”
News
Angry Mob attack Police officer over hard drugs
Angry Mob attack Police officer over hard drugs
While delivering confiscated hard narcotics to a local police station, a police officer in Plateau State’s Jos North Local Government Area was severely injured in a mob attack.
Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of local law enforcement officers in the wake of the early Saturday morning incident at Polo Roundabout.
After two policemen from the Nigeria Police Force’s “C” Division tried to apprehend a suspect who was discovered in possession of a cache of hard drugs, the attack took place.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who shared details of the event on his official X account, the suspect fled upon noticing the police, abandoning a bag filled with hard drugs and substances believed to be Indian hemp. The suspect then ran into the Jenta Adamu area of Jos North.
However, the situation took a violent turn when the suspect returned with a group of motorcycle riders, launching a vicious attack on the officers as they were en route to the station with the confiscated drugs.
During the chaos, one of the officers, Inspector Ikale Muhammed, was severely injured in the assault. He was quickly rushed to Bingham University Teaching Hospital for emergency treatment.
A Bajaj Boxer motorcycle was found at the scene of the attack, and police reinforcements were swiftly deployed to restore order.
Authorities are now working to track down those responsible for the violent assault.
News
Notorious terrorist known as Amirul Khahid, others killed by Sildiers, weapons seized
Notorious terrorist known as Amirul Khahid, others killed by Sildiers, weapons seized
Nigerian Army soldiers killed Abba Alai (Amirul Khahid of Alafa), a known terrorist commander who had been on security watchlists for a while, in a series of decisive operations over the weekend.
In fierce firefights that lasted over four hours in Bama and Gwoza, the commander and many other militants were killed.
11 RPG bombs, 760 rounds of 7.62mm linked ammunition, 220 rounds of 12.7mm linked ammunition, one AK-47 rifle, 440 rounds of 7.62mm by 54mm ammunition, General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), a Mowag armored tank engine, a QJC W85 anti-aircraft gun, three light machine guns, and one M60 machine gun were among the substantial arsenal of weapons that the troops seized during the operation.
Meanwhile, in Jibia Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State, Nigerian soldiers rescued 10 hostages, including seven women and three children, from a notorious terrorist commander who surrendered to the troops. The commander also handed over two AK-47 rifles.
In Delta State, a significant victory was achieved as soldiers captured a high-profile commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Ekene Ifeanyi. He was apprehended in his hideout within the Issele Asagba Forest in Oshimili South LGA.
A statement by the Army confirming the offensive said, “In a relentless and ferocious crackdown on terrorism, gallant troops of the Nigerian Army have once again demonstrated their unyielding resolve to obliterate terrorist enclaves, dealing a devastating blow to their operations.
“The latest offensives, executed with precision and overwhelming firepower, sent the terrorists into a state of utter disarray, forcing them to abandon a massive cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives as they fled for their lives.
“On Saturday, 1 March 2025, troops deployed in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State launched a ruthless and coordinated assault on a well-fortified terrorist stronghold following credible intelligence that insurgents were regrouping to unleash havoc on villages around Fallujah and its environs.
“The ensuing fierce gun battle raged for hours as troops overpowered the terrorists, neutralizing several of them while systematically dismantling explosives laid en route their camp.
“In the aftermath of the onslaught, troops recovered an astonishing cache of deadly weapons, including 11 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs 760 rounds of 7.62mm linked ammunition, 220 rounds of 12.7mm linked ammunition, one AK-47 rifle and 440 rounds of 7.62mm by 54mm ammunition.
“The troops also conducted a thorough clearance operation in Unguwan Abdullahi, a terrorist-infested settlement, where they annihilated all terrorist life-support structures and unearthed stockpiles of food items buried underground, depriving the terrorists of crucial sustenance.
“As troops advanced ahead of Garin Fallujah, they engaged the terrorists in a blistering firefight, forcing them into a chaotic retreat.
“In the process, a notorious terrorist commander, Abba Alai (Amirul Khahid of Alafa) a high-value target who had long been on security watchlists, was neutralized.
“Weapons recovered in the operation are one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 rifle magazine, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one radio set, a DSHK heavy machine gun barrel, one motorcycle and assorted medical supplies
“The troops further cleared Ukuba Forest capturing alarming assortment of heavy weaponry and military-grade equipment.
“These include 2 General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), Mowag armored tank engine, Heavy-duty vehicle engine block with components, one QJC W85 anti-aircraft gun, 3 light machine guns, One M60 machine gun, 2 RPG launcher tubes, one QJC cradle one HK21 machine gun, one G3 rifle magazine, a fabricated 60mm mortar tube and 3 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) cylinders.
“In a separate operation troops strategically positioned in Gwoza Local Government Area as part of a blocking force to prevent insurgents from escaping Sambisa Forest delivered yet another crushing blow on the terrorists.
“The coordinated offensive in Gobara village saw the insurgents abandon their weapons and fled in panic.
“A meticulous search of the area led to the discovery of 57 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three AK-47 rifle magazines, a locally fabricated dane gun, two prototype firearms suspected to be used for terrorists’ training.
“In a heartwarming development, troops also rescued an elderly woman who had been held hostage by the terrorists for 10 years.
“Meanwhile, acting on credible intelligence, troops in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno state stormed a notorious kidnappers’ hideout in Shirkaki village, where they apprehended a prime suspect who had long been on the security watchlist.
“The swift and precise operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 rifle magazines, one pump-action shotgun, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and six cartridges.
“In Katsina State, at Unguwan Baki village, Faskari Local Government Area, terrorists attempting an attack were met with superior firepower, forcing them to flee into the forest, abandoning their motorcycles.
“Also, in a rare but telling development, a high-ranking terrorist commander in Jibia local government area of Katsina State voluntarily surrendered to troops, handing over two AK-47 rifles.
“He also freed 10 captives, including seven women and three children, signaling his decision to abandon a life of terror and embrace peace.
“In Zamfara State, troops engaged another group of terrorists, neutralizing one while the rest scattered in confusion, leaving behind two motorcycles.
“Troops deployed to Niger State equally engaged terrorists in a pitched battle, compelling them to flee into the dense forests of Dakwala and Chikuba.
“Troops subsequently launched a sweeping clearance operation, recovering 36 abandoned motorcycles and demolishing all terrorist hideouts in the area.
“In Baruten Local government Area of Kwara State, troops stormed a known kidnappers’ enclave in Karunji village, forcing the criminals to flee in terror on sighting the advancing troops, leaving their captives behind.
“The successful rescue operation led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, 6 Dane guns and 3 motorcycles.
“Meanwhile, in a significant counterterrorism breakthrough, troops deployed to Delta State captured a high-profile IPOB/ESN commander, identified as Ekene Ifeanyi, in his hideout within Issele Asagba Forest of Oshimili South Local Government Area.
“The suspect, who had been on the security watchlist, was a key figure in establishing IPOB/ESN terrorist cells in Delta State. During interrogation, he confessed to being a top IPOB operative.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede while commending the troops’ resilience, has reiterated his resolve to make their welfare a priority, adding that they deserve the best for their selfless service.
“He also affirmed that the Nigerian Army remains unyielding in its resolve to eradicate terrorism and criminality across the nation.
“With unwavering commitment, unmatched firepower and relentless pursuit, troops will continue to hunt down remnants of the nation’s adversaries, ensuring that peace and stability prevail across the country.”