The house of representatives has asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to shut down illegal loan platforms used by criminal gangs running the “one-chance” robberies in Abuja.

“One chance” is a type of robbery in which unsuspecting passengers are lured into commercial vehicles whose occupants are robbers.

Moving a motion of urgent public importance during the plenary session on Wednesday, Billy Osawaru, a lawmaker from Edo, said criminals often use loan applications to extort money from their victims.

He said victims of the robberies are usually coerced into using their details to apply for loans, with the money subsequently transferred to the criminals’ accounts.

Osawaru said the perpetrators evade detection despite the mandatory use of the bank verification number (BVN) and other identification systems due to the lack of coordination between security agencies and banks.

The lawmaker said the use of loan apps complicates efforts to track the criminals, adding that security officials should be swift to take action.

The house passed the resolution after the adoption of the motion and mandated the police, banks, and fintech operators, such as Opay and MoniePoint, to prioritise cases involving the “one chance” and kidnappings.

Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says President Bola Tinubu should reduce the price of petrol to N300 per litre during the yuletide.

George spoke on Wednesday during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos.

The ex-deputy PDP national chairman (southwest) said Nigerians are battling economic hardship, noting that there is a need for a breath of relief.

The elder statesman said the gesture could start from the middle of December to the end of January 2025.

George said well-meaning individuals and businesses could bear the cost of such price reduction to bring happiness to all Nigerians.

“I have been thinking, as a Nigerian, what can we do because the anger and the hunger are almost equal on the streets of Nigeria,” the PDP chieftain said.

“What I am suggesting is that Mr. President should sit down with his managers and give an order that from the middle of December to the end of January, the cost of petrol will be N300 per litre.

“The government can absorb the losses in the interest of the suffering people.

“If they (the government) want others to contribute, let us know how much that is going to cost and ask people to donate, to bear the cost.

“We will be sending a lot of messages of happiness across the tribes and homes.

“Everybody in Nigeria will be happy because it will positively impact this period of the year. It is a challenge, and he (Tinubu) can do it.

“We need this in December and January to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.”

He asked the federal government to take other measures to reduce the high inflation rate, unemployment, and poverty.

Since the removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023, the price of petrol keeps increasing and has led to the hike in transport fares and prices of food items.

At the moment, petrol sells at a little above 1,000 per litre.

If the federal government followed the suggestion of George, N700 will be paid as a subsidy for one litre of petrol.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has partnered with Neptune Oil, a Cameroonian energy firm, for its first export of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to Cameroon.

In a statement on Wednesday, the refinery said the feat highlights both organisations’ dedication to addressing the region’s rising energy needs.

“In a landmark move for regional energy integration, Dangote Refinery and Neptune Oil jointly announced the first-ever export of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil refinery, to Cameroon,” the statement reads.

“This milestone, resulting from a strategic collaboration between the two companies, underscores their commitment to strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Cameroon while meeting the region’s growing energy demands.”

According to the statement, the partnership between the oil firms “does not end with this first export”.

“Both companies are exploring new initiatives to establish a reliable supply chain that will help stabilize fuel prices and create new economic opportunities across the region,” Dangote refinery said.

For Nigeria, according to the refinery, the export showcases its ability to meet domestic needs and position itself as a key player in the regional energy market.

“It represents a significant step forward in accessing high-quality and locally sourced petroleum products for Cameroon,” the company said.

Speaking on the milestone, Aliko Dangote, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Dangote Group, said the facility’s first petrol export to Cameroon is a practical demonstration of its vision for a united and energy-independent Africa.

“With this development, we are laying the foundation for a future where African resources are refined and exchanged within the continent for the benefit of our people,” he said.

On his part, Antoine Ndzengue, director and owner of Neptune Oil, said the partnership with Dangote refinery signifies a turning point for Cameroon.

“By becoming the first importer of petroleum products from this world-class refinery, we are bolstering our country’s energy security and supporting local economic development,” he said.

“This initial supply, executed without international intermediaries, reflects our commitment to serving our markets independently and efficiently.”

Last month, the refinery commenced petrol export to West Africa.