• Wale Edun assures that Nigeria has saved ₦20 billion from Tinubu’s policies
• Dangote Refinery signs agreement to provide 28 million litres of petrol daily to oil marketers
• Presidency allegedly pushes for the acceptance of the Reform Bill by the National Assembly
• NIS launches contactless passport application system mobile app
• Zenith Bank lights up the streets of Lagos ahead of Christmas Season

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

Wale Edun assures that Nigeria has saved ₦20 billion from Tinubu’s policies

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced that the country has done well with saving ₦20 billion from the policies that Tinubu introduced in Nigeria after becoming president.

The minister revealed this information at an event in Abuja, stating that the ₦20 billion is now going into other sectors in Nigeria like infrastructure, social services, health, education, etc.

“An amount of five per cent of GDP is what those two subsidies were costing when there was a subsidy on PMS when there was petroleum product generally for a long time, and when there was a subsidy of foreign exchange. Between them, they cost five per cent of GDP,” he explained.

Dangote Refinery signs agreement to provide 28 million litres of petrol daily to oil marketers

Oil Marketers and Dangote Refinery have finally reached an agreement and have signed a deal that permits the Nigeria-based oil plant to produce and provide local marketers with 28 million litres of petrol daily.

The deal was struck over the weekend when the oil marketers signed a $20 billion contract with Dangote Refinery to supply 28 million litres of daily petrol for domestic consumption for the next six months.

This deal was made after Dangote reported that it had slashed its petrol prices from ₦990/litre to ₦970/litre as a way of gratitude to Nigerians for their support.

Presidency allegedly pushes for the acceptance of the Reform Bill by the National Assembly

The Presidency has allegedly begun to increase its demand for the National Assembly to pass the Tax Reform Bill.

The bill was introduced on October 3, 2024, and was met with significant criticism by the Northern leaders. However, the president has stood firm with his decision and hopes that the National Assembly passes the bill into law.

According to reports, the Presidency has resorted to lobbying for the National Assembly to carry on with the President’s desire. 

“They are reaching out to get the by-in of lawmakers. They want us to support the bills to scale through,” a source shared.

NIS launches contactless passport application system mobile app 

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched its Contactless Passport Application System mobile app on Google Playstore.

The mobile app is designed to simplify and modernise the passport renewal process for Nigerians, allowing them to apply for a renewal online rather than visiting the office. The NIS also stated the app will begin to function for international usage from December 1, 2024.

The app was earlier announced for use by Nigerians in Canada on November 1 and those in the USA on November 15. With these exceptions, Nigerians in Nigeria are now able to apply for a passport renewal through the website.

Zenith Bank lights up the streets of Lagos ahead of Christmas Season

Zenith Bank has continued its celebration of the festive season by lighting up the street of Ajose Adeogun and the Roundabout, Victoria Island, with incredible light work.

The Light-Up ceremony is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative by Zenith Bank, now in its 18th year. This Christmas decoration turns Ajose Adeogun Street, home to Zenith Bank’s headquarters, into a stunning yuletide wonderland, becoming an iconic tourist attraction that draws visitors from near and far to take pictures and enjoy the festive atmosphere.