• Dangote halts sale of petrol in Naira
• EFCC arraigns Bauchi’s accountant-general over alleged ₦70 billion fraud
• Senate fails to decide on emergency rule in Rivers State, adjourns meeting to today
• Minister of Power raises alarm on attack on discos
• NYSC reveals it could spend ₦307 billion on paying corpers the new minimum wage

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the five top Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

Dangote halts sale of petrol in Naira 

Dangote Group has released a statement announcing that it would be temporarily suspending its sale of petroleum products in Naira as there has been a mismatch between its sales proceeds and its purchase of crude oil from NNPC who sells in US dollars.

The refinery claimed that there have been more losses than gains since this transaction began, therefore, it would be adjusting its sales currency to march its purchase rate.

“As soon as we receive an allocation of Naira-denominated crude cargoes from NNPC, we will promptly resume petroleum product sales in Naira,” the statement said.

EFCC arraigns Bauchi’s accountant-general over alleged ₦70 billion fraud 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Sirajo Jaja, the Accountant-General of Bauchi State; Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed bureau de change (BDC) operator from Jasfad Resources Enterprise; and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a point-of-sale (PoS) operator.

A source within the agency said they were taken into custody as part of an investigation into the alleged laundering, diversion, and misuse of ₦70 billion in public funds.

The source also revealed that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed is being investigated in connection with the case.

Senate fails to decide on emergency rule in Rivers State, adjourns meeting to today

The Senate has postponed its decision on declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State until Thursday, March 20. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele proposed the delay, which Minority Leader Abba Moro supported. A majority of lawmakers approved the postponement through a voice vote.

The motion, originally the first item on the agenda, was set aside before any discussion could take place.

According to the order paper, the Senate recognised that the crisis in Rivers State has disrupted governance, preventing residents from fully benefiting from democracy.

Minister of Power raises alarm on attack on discos

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has called on the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to address the recurring attacks on electricity distribution company (DisCo) facilities and staff.

Reacting to the March 14 attack on Eko Electricity Distribution Company’s (EKEDC) substation in Badagry, he strongly condemned the vandalism, destruction, and abduction of workers. He described these acts as unacceptable and a serious threat to both the nation’s power stability and economic growth.

Adelabu urged the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to take action by ensuring security forces handle such situations lawfully, emphasizing that violence should not be an option, especially in a democracy.

NYSC reveals it could spend ₦307 billion on paying corpers the new minimum wage 

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reveals that it could spend up to ₦307.6 billion on mobilising and paying allowances to corps members.

This projection is based on the recent increase in corps members’ stipends from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, as announced by the NYSC in a statement issued in September 2024.

The pay raise came after the new minimum wage bill was signed into law in May 2024 but it has yet to be implemented as corpers are still paid ₦33,000.