Apple was born a hardware company, but its future is going to be tethered to services. And if that is the case, for a company which has a proprietary software differentiated by hardware, it needs as many people to be using the iDevices , and that means the iPhone must have affordable versions, away from the fashionista models. That has been my position for years, and today Apple has circled:

“Apple unveiled a new, cheaper iPhone Wednesday that is capable of running the same apps and games that its more expensive models do. The iPhone 16e — which will be priced at $599 when it goes on sale later this month — also dispenses with the home button and fingerprint sensor for Apple’s FaceID scanner and modern design.”

Indeed, removing fingerprint sensors and FaceID scanners which I do not think many use is a good call, if that will help more people to afford the iPhone. The global digital opportunity cake is broken into operating systems, browsers and devices. Google’s Alphabet is represented in all three with Android, Chrome and Android devices; Alphabet is an enduring company. Microsoft is there with Windows and Edge/IE. Apple runs its own world of iOS, Safari and iDevices, and is there. These are the platforms of the modern digital universe. Facebook’s Meta is looking for its own world in smart eyeglasses, aspiring to become the operating system.

The next battle will be the operating system or the apps store of the AI world. Leaving hardware behind as the main rainmaker will help Apple think deeper into that future especially now that Microsoft and Google with their respective quantum computing playbooks are poised to change the basis of competition:

‘Microsoft has unveiled its first quantum computing chip, calling it a breakthrough that could solve “industrial-scale problems” in years rather than decades. The LinkedIn parent says the chip, Majorana 1, is powered by the world’s first so-called topoconductor, which is described as a new class of material that helps advance quantum technology…Google in December announced its own quantum chip, Willow’.

Meanwhile, can you imagine that Google and Microsoft are the ones shaping the conversations around quantum computing, over Intel and IBM? The world rotates except the earth-tech is only in America.

*quotes from LinkedIn News

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has strongly denied reports that it imported over 200 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in February 2025, stating that such claims are “completely false, baseless, and a reckless misrepresentation of facts.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, NNPCL clarified that it has not imported a single litre of petrol in 2025, even though it remains legally permitted to do so if necessary.

“NNPC Limited has not imported a single litre of PMS in 2025. We do not control the import activities of private marketers, nor do we issue import licenses,” Soneye said.

The company also warned against the spread of misinformation, stating that false reports could distort market realities, mislead stakeholders, and undermine public confidence in its operations.

NNPCL Maintains the Right to Import for Energy Security

While insisting that it has not engaged in fuel importation this year, NNPCL emphasized that it retains the right to do so if necessary to prevent disruptions in fuel supply.

“While NNPC Limited has not imported PMS in 2025, let it be clear that there is no legal restriction preventing us from doing so if necessary. As Nigeria’s foremost energy company, we have a duty to ensure energy security. Should any supply shortages arise, NNPC Limited retains the full right and responsibility to step in and import to stabilize the market,” Soneye stated.

However, expressing concern over what it described as deliberate attempts to misinform Nigerians, NNPCL threatened legal action against individuals or media organizations found guilty of spreading falsehoods about its operations.

“Misinformation of this magnitude does a grave disservice to the public, distorts market realities, and misleads key stakeholders. NNPC Limited will not tolerate the spread of false and malicious reports aimed at undermining its reputation,” the statement warned.

The national oil company urged media organizations to verify their facts before publication and assured Nigerians of its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Background: Reports of NNPCL’s Alleged Importation

The controversy began following a report that NNPCL imported 159,000 metric tons of PMS (equivalent to over 200 million litres) between February 1 and February 12, 2025.

The report triggered a wave of public backlash, with many Nigerians questioning why the country continues to import petrol despite repeated assurances that local refineries—particularly those owned by NNPCL—were undergoing refurbishment.

The debate also fueled concerns about NNPCL’s role in fuel distribution, especially in light of recent fuel price hikes and scarcity in some regions.

NNPCL Links Fuel Supply to Dangote Refinery Amid Accusations
In its defense, NNPCL stated that some of the PMS sold at its retail stations in Lagos, including the fuel purchased at its Ojodu Berger outlet, came from the Dang1ote Refinery.

“A significant percentage of Premium Motor Spirit sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos—where this deceptive video was created—is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, a strategic partner in promoting local production and energy security,” the company said.

NNPCL further assured Nigerians that its petrol is “carefully formulated with one of the best compositions, ensuring optimal efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability.”

The company also dismissed a viral video alleging that fuel purchased from its stations burns faster than expected, labeling the claim as “unverified and amateur research that lacks credibility, accuracy, and professional oversight.”

“We will not tolerate deliberate misinformation designed to undermine our operations and mislead Nigerians,” NNPCL warned, vowing to take legal action against individuals spreading falsehoods about its business.

Dangote Refinery Denies Link to Dirty Fuel

Despite NNPCL’s assertion that its fuel supply came from Dangote Refinery, sources from Dangote Industries Limited have denied it, questioning why NNPCL was attempting to link its fuel supply to the private refinery.

An unnamed official from Dangote Refinery, who spoke to The Punch, stated that while the refinery supplies high-quality PMS, it does not account for all fuel sold by NNPCL.

“NNPCL has its refineries and has also been importing fuel from other countries. So why are they now trying to tie this issue to Dangote Refinery? It makes no sense,” the official said.

Another insider source said that NNPCL might be trying to drag the refinery into a controversy to divert attention from its own operations.

“The NNPCL may be trying to drag the refinery into a controversy, but I don’t think that is necessary; they should just be ignored. The NNPCL is just trying to be smart. They’ve been importing. Have they come out to say, no, we are not importing it? So, what are we talking about? They also have their refineries. We don’t sell substandard fuel, and Nigerians know that.

“We can’t respond to such a press release. When something is good, it is good. No doubt about it. Everybody is confirming that. Everybody can testify to it,” the source added.

While NNPCL insists it will not import petrol in 2025, reports of fuel importation and distribution data suggest otherwise. The company has been criticized over fuel quality concerns, with some Nigerians claiming that the petrol it sells burns faster than that of other suppliers.

The controversy surrounding fuel importation and supply in Nigeria seems far from over. While NNPCL remains the dominant player in the petroleum sector, recent happenings raise questions about transparency in fuel importation and pricing.

With continued delays in fully revamping Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, the debate over local production versus importation is likely to intensify, especially as Nigerians grapple with rising fuel costs and inconsistent supply.