Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lamented the surge in price of petroleum products in Nigeria amid the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.
In a post on his verified X handle on Thursday, Obi said many people wonder why any adverse development in the global economy quickly impacts Nigeria.
He said that a recent example is the tension involving Iran, which led to an increase in global oil prices and, subsequently, a rise in petroleum prices in Nigeria.
“A few weeks ago, petrol was selling for less than ₦1,000 per litre, but today it costs over ₦1,200 per litre. Diesel, which was also priced below ₦1,000 per litre, is now over ₦1,500 per litre. These rapid increases illustrate how quickly external shocks can affect the Nigerian economy.
“The reason for this is straightforward: most countries, whether they are oil-producing or non-oil-producing, maintain strategic petroleum reserves to cushion against supply or price shocks.
“This means that when there is a disruption in the global oil market, they can release part of these reserves to stabilize supply. However, Nigeria lacks such a buffer, so the impact is felt almost immediately.
“The underlying issue is a lack of planning. Countries that engage in planning create buffers against shocks, while those that do not remain vulnerable to them. The old maxim remains true: when a country fails to plan, it has already planned to fail,” he wrote.
The Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, has dared former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai to submit evidence of the alleged procurement of thallium sulphate to the Department of State Services, DSS, for further investigation.
DAILY POST reports that thallium sulphate is a highly toxic, colourless and odourless compound that can kill humans in small doses.
El-Rufai had said the substance was reportedly sourced from a supplier in Poland.
Recall that El-Rufai had accused the ONSA, under Nuhu Ribadu of procuring thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical compound, and has demanded urgent clarification over the alleged transaction.
Responding, the ONSA denied the allegation, asking El-Rufai to supply any evidence he has to the DSS for a thorough investigation.
According to TheCable, a copy of the response sent to El-Rufai’s Abuja address was rejected by the security operatives on duty.
The security operatives reportedly told the dispatch clerk that the head security was not on the ground and that they did not have an idea of when El-Rufai would visit.
Meanwhile, it was eventually delivered on Sunday and the head of security signed and received it on behalf of el-Rufai.
The response, written by Brigadier-General, OM Adesuyi, on behalf of the NSA was reportedly dated February 13, 2026.
Adesuyi wrote: “I have the honour to present the compliments of the National Security Adviser and to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s correspondence received on 11 February 2026 requesting clarification regarding the alleged procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“The correspondence further indicated that information concerning the purported procurement is reportedly available to the political opposition leadership. In this regard, I am directed to respectfully convey that ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so.
“However, I am further directed to state that the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation. Your Excellency and other parties involved, who may possess relevant information relating to this claim will be duly invited by the Service to provide any evidence that may assist in an in-depth investigation, establishing the facts and ensuring due diligence.
“Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards of the National Security Adviser.”
BREAKING: I dare you to submit evidence of toxic chemical procurement to DSS – Ribadu to El-Rufai
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