Newspaper Headlines: Inactive telephone lines hit 7.6m and Nigerians scramble for fuel

March 02

08:58 2021

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Reactions to the food blockade of the southern part of the country dominated the headlines in many Nigerian newspapers. Besides the hike in the prices of foodstuff, issues on fuel scarcity also made the headlines.

On food blockade, The Punch reports that some state governments in the south and farmers dismissed the blocking of food suppliers to the region from the north. The newspaper’s cover photo shows the parading of 172 fun seekers, who were arrested at Cubana nightclub, at the weekend, for violating COVID-19 protocol.

The Nigerian Tribune says prices of food items soar in Kano, Abuja, Lagos and some states. The newspaper interviewed traders in many parts of the country to find out the reason for the hike in the price of foodstuff. On vaccines strategy, the newspaper says the federal government has launched an online portal for COVID-19 vaccination registration.

The Guardian reports that Nigerians are scrambling for fuel as scarcity of petrol spread in many parts of the country. The newspaper says uncertainties, intrigues and the face-off between the federal government and labour unions may have created an avenue for smuggling or hoarding of the product. The newspaper also reports that telecommunication companies are counting their losses as inactive telephone lines hit 7.6 million in two months.

The Nation says the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 has ruled out the donation of COVID-19 vaccines to states without facilities to store them. The newspaper reports the comment of Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation, that the abductions of schoolchildren are in a bid to embarrass the federal government.

Business Day says the focus of the federal government on gas consumption locally has opened investment opportunities. With electronic call-up at Apapa Ports, the newspaper says the move has scuttled racketeering at the ports. The initiative, according to the newspaper, elicited celebrations among residents of the area.

Daily Independent reports the comment of Femi Adesina, presidential spokesperson, that the security of the country cannot be left alone in the hands of President Muhammadu Buhari. Adesina said state governors have roles play to ensure their states are secure. The newspaper also reports that rising inflation has clogged the uptake of insurance investment policies.