Business
Dangote: NNPCL Not Sabotaging Domestic Refineries — Kyari

Kyari revealed this while outlining the vision for Nigeria’s energy future at the opening ceremony of the 42nd Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual International Conference and Exhibition themed: “Resolving the Nigeria Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth and Affordability” in Lagos, on Monday.
The NNPCL’s GCEO’s clarification comes in the wake of recent controversies between oil marketers and the Dangote Refinery.
However, the GCEO, who was the special Guest of honour at Monday’s event, debunked claims that NNPC Ltd. is sabotaging the efforts of domestic refineries.
Kyari said the NNPC Ltd. is part-owners of the Dangote Refinery, stressing that such an investment is a strategic move aimed at strengthening domestic fuel supply.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Dangote revealed that the NNPCL was originally meant to take a 20% stake in the refinery, but that has now been reduced to 7.2%.
According to Dangote, the NNPC had initially agreed to a deal worth $2.79 billion, which included an upfront payment of $1 billion.
However, after renegotiating the terms, the corporation decided to reduce its equity share.
“They’ve made a big mistake, but that’s where we are now,” Dangote remarked, emphasising that the agreement is now finalised, with Dangote Group holding the majority of the refinery’s shares.
He said, “We agreed with them and we gave them a good deal. Well, we structured an agreement. The first agreement was that they would pay us $1 billion as part of a deal worth about $2.79 billion. They paid that $1 billion roughly a year and a half ago. The balance of the payment was to be split into two portions:
The first portion is every time they supplied us with crude (around 300,000 barrels), we would deduct $2 from the balance until the debt was paid off.
“The other portion would come out of their profits.
“However, the NNPC opted out of this structure. They got confused, or maybe there was some misunderstanding. They no longer wanted the crude deduction arrangement and preferred to pay the remaining balance in cash,” Dangote said.
However, giving an update on NNPCL’s relationship with local refineries, Kyari said the state oil company is set to collaborate with private refineries to ensure affordable and sustainable petroleum products supply; and Naira-for-crude transactions in order to stabilise the local currency and regulate forex markets.
This, he added, will bring about an expansion of gas infrastructure such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipelines projects and the development of cleaner energy options, such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Kyari also said that the NNPCL has stopped importing refined petroleum product,s and is now off-taking fuel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other local refineries.
“Today, NNPC does not import any product, we are taking only from domestic refineries,” he revealed.
Recall that the NNPCL was the sole off-taker of Dangote PMS until the Federal Government permitted other marketers to approach the refinery for direct lifting.
This is as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on Monday, said it has secured an agreement with Dangote Refinery to lift products directly.
IPMAN National President, Abubakar Garima, announced this in Abuja after a meeting of the National Working Committee of the Association.
He said the partnership will ensure a steady and affordable supply of PMS products nationwide.
Speaking further at the event, Kyari also said the company has perfected plans to deliver 12 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mother stations and mini LNG plants soon, as part of efforts to boost the existing 1.6 billion standard cubic feet of gas supply for the domestic market.
The energy trilemma is a profound responsibility we shoulder as stewards of Nigeria’s energy future. NNPC Ltd. is working tirelessly to improve our supply chain, develop new refining capacities and expand our retail network,” Kyari stated.
Explaining that the company is expanding its efforts to enhance domestic energy access, the NNPC Ltd. helmsman said the next 3-6 months will see significant project launches, including CNG mother stations, mini-LNG plants, and additional CNG daughter stations.
Kyari, who commended President Tinubu’s efforts to relieve forex pressures by reducing fuel imports and strengthening Nigeria’s local refining capacity, emphasised the need for collaboration, innovation, and technology in achieving Nigeria’s energy goals.
“Resolving the energy trilemma requires bold ideas, shared knowledge, and collective determination. Together, let us build a Nigeria where energy is secure, sustainable, and affordable for all.”
On NNPC Ltd.’s mandate to guarantee energy security as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, Kyari said the company has fostered partnerships and investments aimed at enhancing local production and generating revenue for economic diversification.
Business
Dangote Cement Creates 50 Agric Entrepreneurs

Determined to support the governments in its food security effort, the Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Benue State.
The initiative is aimed at enabling 50 farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops in commercial quantity from Benue State, considered to be the food basket of the nation.
The programme is coming barely two months after the company empowered businesswomen in Gboko host communities of the State with cash grants, thus deepening business activities in the State. Earlier, the company had increased bursary payments to students of host communities by more than 100 per cent.
Speaking Thursday at the launch of the Farmers Empowerment Programme, General Manager Social Performance, Johnson Kor, described the programme as ‘historic and innovative.’
He said the beneficiaries were selected from the company’s host communities of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to him, the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the six catchment areas of the Local Government.
Mr. Kor said the projects have been earmarked for the communities as captured in the extant Community Development Agreement (CDA), adding that the contents of the CDA are progressively being executed.
“Today we are witnessing an historic occasion in our journey of mutual development. Farmers Empowerment Programme is the first programme to be launched since we signed the CDA with the immediate host communities in December 2024,” he said.
In his speech, Plant Director, Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant, Munusamy Murugan, said the company will also support farmers with fertilizers, Agro chemicals, Knapsack Sprayers and various types of seedlings.
Mr. Murugan who was represented by Head of Production Department, Engr Soom Kiishi said: “This is the first batch but certainly just the beginning, and certainly not the end. We plan it to be an annual event, but the choice of the Farmers programme may change, depending on the choice of the benefiting communities.”
He said other economic empowerment programmes are lined up in the coming weeks.
“The Youth Empowerment Programme will soon be launched, and selected beneficiaries will receive training in Welding & Fabrication, and Solar Electrical Installation from Professional personnels,” he added.
He said the company’s scholarship scheme cuts across students from various disciplines and tertiary institutions.
In his address to the communities, Consultant from Abbass Corporate Services, Dr. Ahemen Aondoaver Samuel, advised the beneficiaries to make use of what he described as a rare opportunity from the Dangote Cement Plc.
The Consultant said the company’s effort will help transform beneficiaries into entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector and enable them to support the government’s food security effort.
Responding, a member of the community, Kwaghgba Isaac, described the Farmers Empowerment Programme as a historic and huge intervention from the company, noting that the effort will not only boost subsistence farming, but help feed the nation.
He urged members of the communities to sustain the peaceful coexistence currently being enjoyed with the company.
Business
Smart AI, Smarter Life: How the itel City 100’s AI Enhances Your Daily Life

In today’s fast-moving world, everyone needs a smartphone that not only keeps up with their daily routine but also makes life easier. That’s exactly what the new itel City 100 offers. As the first smartphone in the all-new itel City Series, the City 100 delivers a perfect mix of sleek design, smart features, and powerful performance—all at an affordable price.
But what truly sets the itel City 100 apart is its AI capability. Designed to bring “The Future in Your Palm,” this device is packed with AI-powered features that simplify everyday tasks and boost productivity, whether you’re a student, a professional, or a tech lover.

Smart AI, Smarter Life
The itel City 100 comes with itel AI, a collection of intelligent tools designed to make your smartphone smarter than ever. With AI Picture, taking great photos is now automatic. The phone automatically adjusts settings like brightness, contrast, and exposure to give you the best shot, even in difficult lighting conditions.
And when you want fast access to AI tools, the One Press AI Access function lets you open your AI assistant in just one tap. Whether you’re checking the weather, setting reminders, or searching online with voice commands, everything becomes quicker and easier.

The City 100 also comes with DeepSeek AI, a powerful tool that helps you get things done efficiently — search files, organize apps, and even assist with smart suggestions based on your habits.
Designed for Modern Everyday Life
The City 100 isn’t just smart on the inside—it’s also built to impress on the outside. With a super slim unibody design at just 7.65mm, the phone fits perfectly in your palm or pocket. It’s not only stylish but also strong, thanks to drop resistance and IP64-rated protection against dust and water.
Add the infrared remote control, and you’ve got a phone that also doubles as your universal remote—control your TV, AC, fan, and more, right from your phone.
Big Power, Big Screen, Big Fun
If you’re tired of charging your phone all the time, the 5200mAh battery with 18W fast charging will be a lifesaver. Stream, chat, or browse all day without worry.
Enjoy your content on a stunning 6.75” High Brightness display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate that makes watching videos and scrolling social media feel super fluid. And with the itel Magspeaker (itel magnetic speaker), you can enjoy loud, clear audio—whether it’s a voice note, call, or your favorite song.
Smooth Storage, Fast Performance
With up to 128GB storage and 18GB RAM, you can store more and multitask without lag. Plus, powered by a Qualcomm chipset and running on OS 14.5, the City 100 gives you fast, stable performance for up to 60 months of smooth use.
Great Value for Money
The City 100 is officially available at itel Home Stores (https://bit.ly/4hzIfmG) nationwide and goes for ₦119,300 – 128GB + 18GB. Plus, if you’re on Airtel, you get 3GB data on every ₦1000 rechargeand a massive 7GB bonus when you buy with EasyBuy installment plan as part of our launch offer. That’s an interesting combo!

Verdict
The itel City 100 is more than just a phone – it’s your smart assistant, your personal camera expert, your entertainment hub, and your remote control, all rolled into one. Thanks to its AI-powered features, it helps you do more with less effort and keeps up with your everyday hustle.
So why wait? Step into the future with the itel City 100 – because life is simpler when your smartphone is smart.
Business
itel’s Triple Triumph: City 100, BudsFit 5 and Power 70 Win Awards at the Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit & Leadership Award

itel, one of Africa’s leading smart technology brands, cemented its place as a powerhouse in mobile innovation with a triple win at the prestigious Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards. The annual event, hosted by Nigerian Communications Week, held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, saw itel taking home three top honors for its revolutionary products: the Power 70 smartphone, City 100, and BudsFit 5.

itel Power 70: Most Innovative Smartphone of the Year
Making waves in the mobile industry, the itel Power 70 earned the coveted title of Most Innovative Smartphone of the Year. As Nigeria’s first smartphone boasting a massive 10,000mAh battery capacity — a combination of a 6,000mAh built-in battery and an innovative 4,000mAh charging case — the Power 70 is redefining power efficiency and on-the-go durability. Its IP54-rated water and dust resistance and reverse charging functionality make it a reliable companion for users who demand long-lasting performance without compromise.

itel City 100: Customer Choice Mobile Phone of the Year
Similarly, itel’s customer-centric approach was validated as the City 100 clinched the Customer Choice Mobile Phone of the Year award. Designed with Gen Z city dwellers in mind, the City 100 is as stylish as it is functional. Standout features like a first-of-its-kind magnetic speaker, DeepSeek AI integration, and a built-in infrared remote control cater to the dynamic, connected lifestyle of modern urban users – all at an affordable price point.

itel BudsFit 5: Most Attractive Mobile Accessory of the Year
For rich sound lovers, fashion-forward users and enthusiasts alike, the itel BudsFit 5 was honored as the Most Attractive Mobile Accessory of the Year. These sleek wireless earbuds combine style with performance, boasting AI-powered noise cancellation, IP54 water resistance, and an impressive 32-hour total playtime – making them the perfect accessory for music lovers on the move.

A Landmark Moment for itel
Speaking at the event, itel’s representatives expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to democratizing technology through innovation, affordability, and style.
“We designed these products with real people and real lifestyles in mind,” said Dolapo Olorun-Nimbe, ATL Marketing Manager, itel Mobile Nigeria. “Whether it’s the long-lasting battery of the Power 70, the trend-driven appeal of BudsFit 5, or the Gen Z-centric City 100, itel continues to put innovation within reach of every Nigerian.”
Echoing the sentiment, Terngu Simeon Shagba, Public Relations Supervisor, itel Mobile Nigeria, added: “This triple recognition is not just a win for our brand, but a win for every user who believes in the power of affordable technology. We’re incredibly grateful to our customers and the ICT community for trusting our vision. This triple win reaffirms our mission to create smart, stylish, and power-efficient devices that meet the evolving needs of our users”
Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards is one of the most respected platforms celebrating contributions to the development of information and communication technology (ICT) in Nigeria. itel’s success at this year’s edition underscores its growing impact in shaping the future of digital life across Nigeria and the African continent.
For more information about itel products and upcoming innovations, visit https://www.itel-life.com/ng/itel-home/itel-home-products
About itel
Established over 15 years, itel is a reliable smart life brand for everyone. Adopting “Enjoy better life” as its brand philosophy, itel’s mission is to provide budget-friendly consumer electronic products and lifestyle products to everyone. It democratizes technology by giving entry to technology and connections to consumers without prior access to it. After more than 15 years’ development, itel has expanded its presence in more than 80 emerging markets globally. itel has a product portfolio of smartphones, accessories, electrics, home appliances, and lifestyle products and in 2024 it ranked No.1 Global Smartphone brand under $75 and No.1 feature phone brand. https://itel.com.ng/
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