Aliko Dangote, the founder of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, says this is the right time for the federal government to stop petrol subsidy.

Dangote spoke during an interview with Bloomberg TV on Monday.

“I think it is the right time to (take away subsidy) because all countries have gotten rid of subsidy,” he said.

He said subsidy is a sensitive issue, adding that once a country subsidises the product, people would increase the price.

Dangote said it would lead to the government “paying what they are not supposed to be paying”.

DANGOTE TO TRACK PETROL SOLD LOCALLY

Dangote said the petrol sold locally by his refinery will be tracked to ensure the consumption rate is accounted for.

“But this refinery will bring quite a lot of issues out there. It would show the real consumption of Nigeria because nobody can tell. Some people say it is 60 million litres per day, some say it is less,” the billionaire said.

“But right now, by us producing, everything can be counted and accounted for. Most of the trucks or ships that will load from us, we will put a tracker on them to be sure they are going to take the oil within Nigeria and that can help the government to save a lot of money.

“For example, Saudis, the citizens believe that oil is our god-given gift and should not charge us for it. Government was selling it at a very low price. But today, as we speak, gasoline is about 40 percent cheaper in Nigeria than in Saudi Arabia, which I think does not make sense.”

‘FG CAN’T AFFORD SUBSIDY’

Dangote said petrol subsidy is not sustainable and the government cannot afford to keep subsidising.

“Our price of gasoline is about 60 percent the price of our neighbouring countrries and we have porous borders, so it is not sustainable. Government cannot afford the amount of subsidies we are paying,” he said.

Speaking further on the viability of petrol subsidy, Dangote said it is the government’s decision to either continue with or halt the payments.

“We have a choice of exporting when we produce and we sell locally. We are a private company and it is true we have to make a profit,” he said.

“We built something worth $20 billion, and definitely we have to make money.

“The removal of subsidy is totally dependent on the government, not on us.

“We cannot change the price but I think the government would have to give up something for something.”

Dangote said eventually, the subsidy would have to go.

TikTok on Monday announced the rollout of its revamped “Subscription” monetization feature for eligible creators in select regions, including Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, the U.K., Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S.

This launch follows TikTok’s March announcement to rebrand its LIVE Subscription tool as “Subscription,” now extending its benefits to creators beyond live-streaming.

The Subscription feature positions TikTok as a competitor to platforms like Patreon, enabling creators to offer exclusive content to paying subscribers. It also rivals Instagram Subscriptions and YouTube’s channel memberships, all aimed at helping creators monetize their content while enhancing engagement with fans.

Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Visa Program is offering a pathway for skilled individuals to become permanent residents. This guide outlines the steps needed to qualify for this program. According to DAAD Scholarships, “This program is designed for individuals who want to live and work in Canada, allowing them to contribute to the economy and society.”

DAAD Forum relates that language skills are essential for qualifying for the FSW Visa. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in Canada’s official languages: English and French.  To achieve this, individuals should take an approved language test such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF for French. To gain maximum points, candidates are advised to reach at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for their first language, which awards up to 24 points. 

For those who can also speak a second language, achieving at least CLB 5 can earn an additional 4 points.

Educational Qualifications 

Education plays a critical role in the FSW scoring system. Candidates must provide evidence of their educational background. If the degree was obtained outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is necessary to verify that it meets Canadian standards.  Reports inform that the points awarded depend on the highest level of education attained. A high school diploma can yield some points, while a PhD offers the maximum 25 points. Candidates seeking to improve their scores may consider upgrading their education or obtaining additional certifications. 

Work Experience 

Work experience is another significant factor in the FSW program. Reoirts confirm that candidates must have at least one year of full-time paid work experience in a skilled position.  The number of years of experience directly correlates to the points awarded; six or more years can result in the highest score of 15 points.  

Candidates are informed that itis essential for candidates to ensure that their work experience aligns with Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.  This ensures that their previous roles meet the requirements set by Canadian immigration authorities. 

Age Considerations 

DAAD informs that age can influence a candidate’s point total.  The ideal age range, according to reports for maximum points is 18 to 35 years old, where individuals can earn up to 12 points. While points decrease gradually for those older than 36, candidates can still accumulate points in other areas to strengthen their application. 

Candidates under 18 or over 47 do not receive points for age, but they can offset this through strong performance in other categories. 

Job Offers 

Candidates are informed that having a job offer from a Canadian employer can provide a significant boost in points; and while a job offer is not mandatory, it can add up to 10 points to a candidate’s score.   Reports inform that in order to qualify, the job must be full-time, require at least 30 hours of work per week, and last for a minimum of one year.  For those without a job offer, focusing on other sections of the application can still lead to success in the FSW program. 

Adaptability Factors 

Adaptability can also contribute to a candidate’s point total. Canada awards points for various factors that demonstrate a candidate’s potential to settle successfully. These factors may include the language skills of a spouse, previous education or work experience in Canada, and having relatives in the country.  The program encouraged that candidates can earn points based on either their own qualifications or those of their spouse, allowing for flexibility in meeting the requirements. 

The Federal Skilled Worker Visa Program offers a structured pathway for skilled individuals seeking permanent residency in Canada. By following these steps and focusing on language proficiency, education, work experience, age, job offers, and adaptability,”  

• Candidates can improve their chances of qualifying.  

With determination and preparation, the journey to becoming a Canadian resident is within reach.