Petrol Prices Surge By 76.73% Year-On-Year In April 2025 — NBS

According to the most recent “Petrol) Price Watch” released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Wednesday, the average retail price paid by consumers for premium motor spirits (PMS) or gasoline increased to N1, 239.33 in April 2025.

Despite recent initiatives aimed at stabilizing the downstream petroleum sector, the NBS report demonstrates how volatile fuel prices are across regions.

In contrast to the N701.24 recorded in April 2024, the increase indicates a year-over-year increase of 76.73%.

However, the average price decreased by 1.77% from the N1 price of N1 (261.65) as reported in March 2025.

Imo State, followed by Jigawa and Sokoto States, where the average retail price of PMS was N1, 588.50, with N1, 567.84 and N1, 550.00, respectively, was the state’s highest average retail price, N1, 588.50.

Yobe’s average cost was N970.00, followed by Kwara and Osun States, who followed, with N1, 014.85, and N1, 042.49, respectively.

The retail price of gasoline in Lagos and Abuja is currently N935 per litre, or N880 per litre.

According to the report, the South East had the highest average price of N1, 341.71, while the South West had the lowest average, which was N1, 138.64.

A breakdown of zonal averages is as follows: &nbsp, South East: N1, 341.71, North West: N1, 325.90, North Central: N1, 242.94, South South: N1, 222.54, North East: N1, 166.27, and South West: N1, 138.64.

The move comes after Dangote Refinery reduced the ex-depot price of gasoline to N835 per litre in the middle of April, which is its second price reduction in a week. The refinery in Lagos sold gasoline for N890 per liter, down from N920, while Abuja and the refinery experienced a similar trend.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) identified exchange rates, transportation costs, energy prices, interest rates, and security concerns as the top five factors influencing inflation perception in April 2025 in its most recent Inflation Expectation Survey Report.

According to the report, 91% of respondents cited energy prices as a major factor, with gasoline, diesel, and electricity as having the biggest influence on inflation perception.

Throughout April, gas prices fluctuated between N870 and N920 per litre.

Third place were transportation costs, including those for road, air, water, and rail travel, with 86.7% of respondents citing them as being a significant factor in inflation perception.

READ ALSO: In April, UK Inflation Increases To 3.5%.

President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies, which slowed inflation to around 24.66% on May 29, 2023, helped to stop the trend of rising gasoline prices.

In April 2025, inflation eased to 23.71%, compared to the most recent NBS data, which was 24.23%.

Electricity Access, Security Key To Drawing Investment To Nigeria – Elumelu

Tony Elumelu, the chairman of Heirs Holdings, has argued that both improving security and improving access to electricity are essential to attracting investment.

Elumelu, who addressed the Taraba International Investment Summit in Jalingo on Wednesday, also emphasized the value of simple business practices in attracting investors.

“Investing in and supporting investments in the country requires a better access to electricity. At the summit organized by the Taraba State government, Elumelu stated that improving security also makes things easier and, most importantly, makes it easier to conduct business.

READ MORE: Without Local Investors, Foreigners Can’t Make Investments in Nigeria-Dangete.

He claimed that because of its numerous advantages, one of which is engaging the youth, he loves and preaches investment everywhere he goes.

He claimed that leaving school without being able to find employment is one of the best ways to empower young people. He also claimed that it is a betrayal for the younger generation.

Elumelu also praised the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu for maintaining currency stability, but emphasized the need to stabilize the currency further.

“I must add that one of the questions they posed to me yesterday in Doha was about money. I praised President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Government for maintaining stability, not just that the rate is high but stable.

And investors enjoy having stability to make their own decisions. Elumelu stated, “I want to see us perform well and help lower the currency further.”

Aliko Dangote, the president of the Dangote Group, gave advice to the state and federal governments on how to promote local economic development.

According to the richest man in Africa, domestic investors are the ones who will draw foreign investors because, in his opinion, no foreign investors would enter a nation where local businesses are struggling.

LIVE: Taraba International Investment Summit 2025

Key national figures and investors gather at the summit to discuss opportunities in the state’s rich agricultural, energy, and mineral sectors, under the theme “Unlocking Taraba’s Investment Potentials: Advancing Agriculture, Energy, Mining, and Industrialization (AEMI) for Sustainable Growth and Development.”

The Taraba State government is in charge of organizing the summit.

Watch the below live stream of the event:

Without Local Investors, Foreigners Won’t Invest In Nigeria – Dangote

Aliko Dangote, the group’s president, has advised the federal and state governments to support local investors’ economic development.

Attracted investors from all over Nigeria and beyond with his advice at the Taraba International Investment Summit in Jalingo.

According to the richest man in Africa, domestic investors are the ones who will draw foreign investors because, in his opinion, no foreign investors would enter a nation where local businesses are struggling.

Read more about Dangote Refinery Consistently Reduces Petrol Prices in a Spokesperson’s article here.

The only way for you to attract foreign investors or investors is through local investors, my Excellency, please. Foreign investors are the ones who actually draw foreign investors.

No foreigner will invest if you don’t invite local investors to do so. Only when they see potential for investment, are foreigners drawn to them. They will come once they understand that, yes, things are flowing, according to Dangote.

In our cement company, FG makes more money.

He further made it clear that for every one nige earned at his Dangote Cement factory, the federal government pays fifty-two kobo.

“I’m sure it might interest you to know that our cement business, for instance, is the source of more revenue for the federal government of Nigeria, not even the state. 52 kobo is given to the federal government of Nigeria for every N1 we turn around. That is the advantage, then. When the government offers assistance, you receive the necessary tools to start your own business. You should act and file your taxes, just like we should, and what we should do.

“So, I want to urge the government to continue to support investment, particularly domestic investment. You invest more if you encourage. There won’t be jobs if you don’t encourage, he said.

Dangote praised Governor Agbu Kefas for organizing the Investment Summit, which he claimed would open up Taraba for business.

According to him, Taraba state has abundant resources, including vast arable land for agricultural production, which he claimed would lead to employment and reduce poverty in the state and the nation as a whole.

He promised to invest in Taraba State for his organization.

“We will make investments in Taraba State.” We won’t make any investments. It’s my home. He continued, “We will continue to create jobs.”

Reps Urge More Private Sector Investment To Tackle Energy Crisis

The private sector should play a more active role in resolving Nigeria’s persistent energy issues, according to members of the House of Representatives Committee on Privatization and Commercialization.

They cited the success of the Kano-based Bagaja Renewables’ 1MWp interconnected solar mini-grid project as a potent illustration of what can be achieved through public-private collaboration.

Chairman, Hon., as the leader. The lawmakers made the call while on an oversight visit to Bagaja’s state-of-the-art facility in Zawaciki, which provides clean, reliable power to underserved communities by supplementing the national grid.

Chidari praised the transformative potential of private investment in the power sector. Nigeria’s energy crisis can be resolved more quickly and sustainably, according to the statement.

Read more about Adelabu’s request for funding for TCN to boost infrastructure expansion.

Chidari argued that Nigeria’s excessive reliance on the central grid is no longer sustainable, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where electricity access is still difficult to come by.

He urged both local and international investors to research opportunities for distributed energy technologies like solar farms and mini-grids.

The government is unable to go it alone. To promote innovation, efficiency, and expansion in our energy space, he said, “we need serious, committed players in the private sector.” This is not the case, but renewable energy projects like this must become the norm.

Bagaja Renewables’ Zawaciki project, which was created and run by Bagaja Renewables, aims to improve grid stability and reduce power outages for both businesses and households.

Sadiq Zakari, the managing director of Bagaja Renewables, reiterated the company’s commitment to providing scalable, clean energy solutions throughout the nation during the facility tour.

Zakari stated, “Our goal is simple: to close Nigeria’s energy access gap.” We’re demonstrating that reliable power can be found in every region of Nigeria with the right combination of investment and innovation.

He also praised Bagaja’s expanding portfolio, which includes the Kafin Hausa project in Jigawa and Kura-Karfi in Kano, both of which are aimed at supporting local industries and boosting rural electrification.

The lawmakers’ visit highlights a wider policy shift that, according to experts, is crucial to achieving long-term energy security by encouraging private sector participation in Nigeria’s post-privatization power landscape.

Man Utd, Spurs Face Season-Defining Europa League Duel

Both Manchester United and Tottenham both want a golden ticket to the Champions League after historically unfavorable seasons, so they square off in the Europa League final on Wednesday in Bilbao.

The two Premier League sides have lost a total of 39 times, with Spurs and United, who are only one place above the relegation zone, ranking 16th overall.

Yet one of them will be ecstatic when the San Mames stadium’s final whistle blows — not just a European trophy but also a financial windfall worth up to $ 100 million ($134 million) in cash.

On the eve of the UEFA Europa League final football game between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao on May 20, 2025, Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim (R) and his staff make a quick tour of the stadium. (Photo by Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP)

In his first season at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim acknowledges that victory won’t solve United’s long-standing and deep-rooted issues, but he also acknowledges that it would alter the mood.

Read more about Postecoglou’s fight to avoid Sack as Spurs take on Man Utd in the Europa League final.

On the eve of the game in northern Spain, the 40-year-old said, “We have bigger things to deal with than that. To put this club back to the top.”

However, he added that “if we win, people will view our team differently because it’s very important to win a European championship.”

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United play at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao on May 20, 2025, with Manchester United’s players inspecting the pitch during a walkabout. (Photo by Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP)

Due to the club’s size and pulling power, the former Sporting Lisbon boss was keen to stress that the success of United depends not solely on the success of the Champions League.

However, Kieran Maguire, a professor of football finance, claims that it is “the most significant game in the club’s history” in terms of money.

United, who are struggling to balance the books and have access to vital funds for a squad rebuild, would benefit greatly from the enormous cash windfall from various revenue sources.

Postecoglou exit, and &nbsp

Whatever happens, the Portuguese manager’s job appears to be secure, despite the fact that United are on the verge of their worst league performance in 50 years.

Regardless of whether Ange Postecoglou, 59, ends Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought, many people believe the 59-year-old manager is heading for the exit door.

On the eve of the UEFA Europa League final football game between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao on May 20, 2025, Welsh striker #22 Brennan Johnson (C) kicks at goal during a training session. (Photo by Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP)

Nothing is guaranteed in life, and nothing is guaranteed in sport, the former Australia and Celtic coach said to the young people from day one.

You just need to make sure you take advantage of every opportunity, which is what I’ve done my entire career.

In his second season with Spurs, Postecoglou feels that he has unfinished business in London and thinks winning the Europa League might represent a “turning point” for the club.

He said earlier this month, “Until you actually do it, then it’s fair game for people to say, Well, you’ve always kind of fluffed it on the big stage.”

Tottenham have won the Europa League twice in its former form, the UEFA Cup, but not since 1984, despite not winning silverware since the 2008 League Cup.

On the eve of the UEFA Europa League final football game between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur on May 20, 2025, the players of Tottenham Hotspur gather in a circle to listen to Greek-Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou during a training session. (Photo by Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP)

The sixth all-English final in European football history is too close to calling.

This year, Spurs have defeated United three times, once in the Premier League and once in the League Cup.

However, three-time European champions United, who are chasing their first European victory since the 2016/17 Europa League, have recently won the League Cup and the FA Cup under former manager Erik ten Hag.

Since February 2, neither club has won any league games against rivals who are pursuing the Championship or each other.

Yet they remain undefeated in the Europa League.

With a 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Bilbao, United, the only team in continental competition this season, denied the Spanish side a fairytale final in their own stadium.

Bodo/Glimt, the Norwegian champions, lost 5-1 on aggregate to Tottenham.

Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain, and Casemiro, who has won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, are United’ standout players.

Lucas Bergvall, a midfielder, will not face United, according to Postecoglou, who confirmed it on Tuesday. Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are also available.