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The Federal Government has directed civil servants working within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja to work from home on Friday, March 27, 2026, ahead of the national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The directive was contained in a circular issued and signed by Abdul Garba, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, for the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

According to the circular, access roads leading to and around the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phases I, II and III, will be closed from Friday, March 27, to Saturday, March 28, 2026.


The government said the decision was due to the use of Eagle Square for the APC national convention.

It added that workers in affected offices should stay off-site on the specified day.

“Accordingly, all personnel whose offices are located within Phases I, II and III of the Federal Secretariat Complex as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are to work from home on Friday, 27th March, 2026,” it added.

The government also directed heads of ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure compliance.

The directive comes as the APC prepares to hold its national convention at Eagle Square, Abuja, an event expected to bring together party leaders, delegates, and supporters from across the country

The Federal Government has lifted its ban on fuel imports, granting six new licences for the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), following concerns over supply amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The move marks a sharp reversal of Nigeria’s recent policy aimed at reducing dependence on imported fuel.

This comes as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery grapples with mounting foreign exchange losses, highlighting the challenges of the naira-for-crude arrangement. A senior management official of the $20bn Lekki-based firm disclosed that the deal’s inefficiency has eroded potential earnings, even as regulators seek to stabilise domestic fuel supply.

Consequently, oil marketers and domestic crude refiners have called on the Federal Government to boost crude supply to Dangote and other local refineries to shield the country from fuel scarcity, as is being reported in other countries due to the Middle East crisis.

A new report by S&P Global obtained on Wednesday revealed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority granted licences for the importation of about 180,000 metric tonnes of petrol. This comes barely weeks after the regulator insisted that domestic refining capacity was sufficient to meet Nigeria’s fuel demand.


A senior official at the regulator confirmed that the decision was taken to address a sudden supply gap triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The report read, “Nigeria has relaxed its gasoline import restrictions for the first time since October by issuing a round of new licenses to local marketers, according to an official at its downstream regulator.

“The NMDPRA did not issue import licenses for gasoline in February on the strength of the improved domestic supply then. But the Middle East crisis came, and we have had a shortfall. So to bridge the gap, import licenses were issued.”

The spokesperson of the NMDPRA, George Ene-Ita, did not respond to enquiries when contacted to confirm the report, up to the time this report was filed.

Further findings by one of our correspondents revealed that the importing marketers include Bono Energy, Pinnacle, AYM Shafa, Matrix, A.A. Rano, and Nipco, each expected to import about 30,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit, equivalent to approximately 40.5 million litres and a total of 243 million litres.

The development signals a shift in the government’s downstream strategy, which had recently leaned towards reducing dependence on imported fuel following increased output from local refineries.

On March 11, the NMDPRA announced a pause in the issuance of petrol import licences, citing improved domestic production. Industry data at the time showed that local refineries supplied about 36.5 million litres of petrol per day in February 2026, compared to just three million litres contributed by imports.

Officials had argued that the country no longer needed fuel imports, raising expectations of a gradual transition to self-sufficiency.

“It’s correct that we’ve not issued import licences this year. It is obvious that local production has met national requirements. So, there’s no need for importation,” a source at the NMDPRA had earlier told The PUNCH.

However, the latest approvals suggest that supply stability remains fragile, especially in the face of global disruptions.

The Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Jeremiah Olatide, confirmed that the midstream and downstream regulatory authority has started issuing import permits. He said the number of permits issued so far is low, showing that local refining is still dominant. However, he noted that imports are needed to stabilise the market.

According to him, energy insecurity could weaken Nigeria’s economy, so a balance between local supply and imports is necessary.

He said, “Yes, it’s true. NMDPRA has begun issuing import permits; the number of permits issued lately is relatively low, which shows local refining still dominates, but we need to stabilise the market through imports. Energy insecurity could collapse Nigeria’s economy, so Importation is needed for a balance.”

Dangote FX losses

The senior management official of the Dangote Group, who spoke to The PUNCH in confidence due to the sensitive nature of the matter, stated that the Dangote refinery was supposed to supply the same volume of crude it gets under the naira-for-crude deal back to the Nigerian market as refined petroleum products.

However, the official said the company now supplies more than what it gets from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited instead of exporting the same to earn dollars. While commending President Bola Tinubu for approving the naira-for-crude deal, the source maintained that foreign exchange would have been earned if the refinery had focused on exporting its products.

“The naira-for-crude deal was conceived by His Excellency, the President. He wanted us to supply the petroleum products in naira to the extent crude is supplied to us in naira. But we are ending up supplying much more products than the crude we receive, thus losing forex which we would have gained if we had exported the products,” the official stated.

The source stressed that the refinery was not just asking that crude should be sold in naira, but was requesting that the feedstock be made available to the facility in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, which enforces the sale of crude to local refineries before export.

“Under the Petroleum Industry Act, export of crude before meeting the local demand is clearly prohibited. So, we are only asking for the supply of crude to meet the primary purpose of the refinery, which is to add value to the raw materials from the country, instead of exporting the raw material. We are not asking anyone to accept the payment in naira,” he stated.

Meanwhile, during a live television programme on Arise News TV on Wednesday, the Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote refinery, David Bird, said the facility was buying Nigerian crude in foreign markets at a premium after it had earlier requested the product locally before being shipped abroad.

According to Bird, the company receives far below its agreed crude oil supply under the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude deal. Bird stated that the refinery currently gets only five cargoes of crude monthly instead of the expected 13 to 15 cargoes.

He said the shortfall has been affecting the refinery’s ability to optimise local crude as it keeps importing feedstock from other countries.

“What we see under that agreement, we should be getting about 13 to 15 cargoes a month. And that’s what we could process to meet the domestic fuel requirements of Nigeria. Currently, we’re only getting five. So, that’s an underperformance against that pre-agreed volume contract,” he said.

According to him, the gap has forced the refinery to source preferred Nigerian crude grades from the international market at a premium while also paying freight costs and other costs that add to the prices of fuel at the gantry and the pumps.

The CEO explained that the naira-for-crude policy was designed to stabilise Nigeria’s foreign exchange market rather than provide financial advantages to the refinery, noting that the company still purchases crude at international benchmark prices. He clarified to Nigerians that buying crude in naira is not a subsidy, as it is being thought by some people.

“The naira-for-crude deal is not there to benefit the Dangote refinery. That is a fundamental misunderstanding. The programme is to provide resilience to foreign exchange. It is the benefit of the country to process domestic crude in the domestic currency,” Bird said.

Despite the supply challenges, Bird said the refinery is currently operating at its full installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, supplying both domestic and regional markets.

He, however, noted that global oil market disruptions, particularly tensions in the Middle East, have increased operational costs across the refinery’s value chain, including freight, insurance, and logistics.

Bird added that fuel pricing remains tied to international market forces. He emphasised that the refinery operates without subsidies or discounts on crude inputs. He called for improved crude allocation and long-term strategic planning, including building national reserves, to strengthen supply chain resilience in Nigeria’s oil sector.

Supporting the call for crude supply to domestic refineries, Olatide stressed that adequate crude supply to local refineries is non-negotiable, as it will help reduce fuel prices, stabilise the naira, and support economic growth.

He added that the naira-for-crude policy is not working effectively and should be reviewed. He also suggested considering subsidised crude to protect pump prices from global oil shocks.

“I have advocated severally that adequate crude supply to local refineries is non-negotiable as it will help drive pump prices down, stabilise our naira and grow our economy. The naira-for-crude policy is practically inefficient, and it needs to be reviewed. Also, subsidised crude should be considered as it is the only way oil shocks won’t have a direct effect on our pump prices,” he added.

Domestic crude demand

Oil marketers and refiners on Wednesday called for increased crude supply to domestic refineries as part of urgent measures to address the rising cost of petroleum products, warning that continued price increases were placing pressure on households and businesses.

They said rising fuel prices in Nigeria can be curtailed if the government adopts a holistic value-chain approach and increases crude allocation to domestic refineries.

The spokesperson for the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria, Eche Idoko, said in a chat with our correspondent that refining alone would not automatically reduce pump prices. Idoko identified three key drivers of petrol prices in the country, namely international crude oil prices, exchange rate pressure, and cost of logistics and distribution.

He added that domestic refining would not sufficiently lower prices if these factors remained unresolved. “So even with local refining, if these factors are not addressed, pump prices will still rise,” he stated.

The CORAN spokesperson, however, stressed that increasing crude supply to local refineries would help reduce costs if properly implemented. “More crude allocation to Dangote and other modular refineries will definitely help, but it must be done properly and strategically,” he said.

He urged the government to strictly enforce the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation. “Strictly enforce the domestic crude supply obligation. Local refineries must get priority access to crude before export. This ensures a steady feedstock supply and reduces dependence on imports,” he said.

Idoko also called for a fair domestic pricing model for crude supplied to local refineries, saying, “Crude sold to Nigerian refineries should not carry full international export costs (like freight and insurance). A fair local pricing template will reduce refining costs and ultimately pump prices,” he said.

He further recommended stabilising the naira-for-crude framework and boosting crude production. “Refineries should be able to buy crude in naira (or with reduced FX exposure). This will limit the impact of exchange rate volatility on fuel prices. More production means more barrels available for both export and local refining without supply tension,” he added.

The CORAN spokesman also urged support for modular refineries alongside the Dangote refinery. “While Dangote is critical due to its size, the government must also support modular refineries (Waltersmith, Aradel, Duport, etc.) to create competition and improve supply stability,” he said.

He also highlighted high logistics costs as a major contributor to pump prices, arguing that high transportation, port charges, road issues, and multiple levies all add to pump prices. Fixing these, he urged, will significantly reduce the final cost to consumers.

On whether more crude allocation would help, Idoko said it would make a major difference, but it must be structured properly. “Yes—very significantly. But it must be predictable, fairly priced, and extended to all operational refineries,” he said.

He concluded that strategic allocation and pricing of crude remained key to long-term stability. “Nigeria must not just refine locally but must also price and allocate crude strategically for domestic energy security. That is the real way to sustainably bring down fuel prices,” CORAN recommended.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Joseph Obele, the association urged the Federal Government to implement temporary interventions to cushion the effect of higher fuel prices across the country.

The retailers said the recent steady increase in the pump price of petrol had placed “significant financial pressure on citizens, businesses, and the broader economy”. According to the National President of PETROAN, Billy Gillis-Harry, the ripple effects were already visible nationwide.

He said, “The ripple effects are evident in rising transportation costs, increased prices of goods and services, and a general strain on the cost of living.”

PETROAN noted that while global crude oil price fluctuations influence domestic pricing, urgent steps were required to mitigate hardship. Gillis-Harry warned that without timely intervention, the economic burden could worsen.

“Without timely intervention, the economic burden on households and small businesses may worsen, leading to reduced productivity and heightened economic instability,” he said.

The marketers specifically called for improved crude supply to strengthen local refining, urging the government to enhance the framework of the naira-for-crude policy. They stated that one of the urgent measures required was a “strategic intervention to boost the supply framework of the Naira-for-Crude policy to enhance local refining and stabilise pricing”.

The association also asked the government to direct the NNPC to fully restart operations at the Port Harcourt refinery to “dismantle monopolistic tendencies and improve domestic supply”.

Other recommendations by the association included transportation relief for Nigerians, temporary food subsidies, and accelerated promotion of alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas.

PETROAN further called for sustained engagement with stakeholders to ensure energy security, pricing stability, and a resilient supply chain. The statement added that the association remained committed to working with the government and industry players to ensure the availability and efficient distribution of petroleum products nationwide.

“While we acknowledge the ongoing reforms in the sector, we appeal for urgent and decisive action to alleviate current hardships and protect the welfare of Nigerians,” PETROAN said.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Taminu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ini Ememobong, says it will be immoral and unjust for the party to endorse President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Ememobong made the assertion on Thursday on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’.

He expressed optimism that during the PDP reconciliation process, reason will prevail over emotions.

According to him, the Turaki-led faction would insist that the reconciliation strengthens the party as an opposition, not an appendage.

“It is improper, it is immoral, it is unjust, it is unfair for an opposition party of the standing of the Peoples Democratic Party to endorse the presidency or the presidential candidature of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“So it’s part of the underpinning principle. We are hoping that reason will prevail over emotions,” he said

Babzrockman:
We are here in Kano, Abba performance will re elect him come 2027. No miscalculation anywhere.

I know Kwankwaso dynasty will reclaim Kano 2031 but not 2027.

A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has announced and given reasons for his exit from the ruling party.

Eze said he left the party after consultations with associates and family, adding that the brazen ineptitude of the current APC administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, has undoubtedly tipped a precarious balance on the economy and overall livelihood of Nigerians, coupled with the menace of terrorism and general insecurity across parts of the country.

He explained that these are part of his reasons for leaving the APC, a party he once canvassed for, sacrificing his energy and resources to promote its ideologies to Nigerians.

In a statement made available to the media, Eze also hinted that he has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to collaborate with other patriots and people of good conscience in propagating the party’s ideologies to the Nigerian public.

Eze said he regrets being among those who encouraged Nigerians to accept the party and the promises it carried for the country, because the APC has lost direction and has been reduced to a congregation of minions and puppets adoring the gross incompetence of President Tinubu.

He stated: “We promised Nigerians that we would improve the value of our local currency against the dollar, but the Naira has maintained a free-fall trajectory and abysmal performance in the international money market; we promised to eradicate insecurity in Nigeria, but instead, the party and government in power have turned the country into a graveyard where no Nigerian is sure of life.

“The party promised sufficient food for all Nigerians, but instead the government is building Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to house farmers as bandits raze homes and villages in the North East and North Central zones, which are the nation’s food basket; we promised quality education for our children, but today education is flat on its back, beaten into a prostrate position, making those who knew the previous standard shake their heads in sorrow and dismay.

We promised to make our democracy one of the most outstanding in the world, but instead, we have turned our democracy into a huge joke and a laughingstock, as the country under Tinubu is being forced into a one-party system. We promised to eradicate corruption, but instead corruption and embezzlement of public funds have become a way of life under the current regime.”

Eze continued: “Our dear President Tinubu promised Nigerians uninterrupted power supply, and if he failed, nobody should vote for him or the party, but he has given Nigerians darkness while scheming for reelection.

“To mess up our dear party, we mistakenly brought in Tinubu, whose claim of being a democrat has crushed every dint of democracy that remained in our polity.

To embarrass us as a party, Tinubu brought in Akpabio and Nyesom Wike, who were sworn enemies of the APC from the beginning, to prove to Nigerians what undemocratic minds can achieve through dishonest craftiness.”

Expressing sadness over what the APC and Tinubu have done to Nigeria, Eze tendered an unreserved apology to all Nigerians for the shame and disparaging image the government has created of the country on the global stage.

He added: “The best I can show of my seriousness in my decision is to disengage myself from such an evil setup that does not mean well for Nigeria and Nigerians, and join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to collaborate with others to turn the fortunes of this country and restore true and genuine democracy to us all.

today, no Nigerian can claim to be safe anymore, as the country has been turned into a field of bloodshed. If we count daily the number of Nigerians killed, they would be in the hundreds. Suicide bombings are now back in our midst. Our soldiers are no longer safe, as Boko Haram and their groups now overrun our barracks.”

Eze asked: “Who, in their right senses, should still proudly claim to be a member of such an undemocratic setup called APC?”

A member of the House of Representatives representing Ayedaade/Isokan/Irewole Federal Constituency of Osun State, Hon. Lanre Oladebo, has said Governor Ademola Adeleke has outperformed the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administrations in the state.

Oladebo made the remark while receiving his Accord Party membership card, marking his official defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He noted that despite the alleged withholding of local government funds by the Federal Government, Governor Adeleke had delivered more impactful governance within three and a half years than the APC did during its 12-year rule in the state.

According to him, the governor’s achievements, particularly in infrastructure development, influenced his decision to join the Accord Party.

“It is important to let you know that Governor Adeleke’s achievements informed our political alignment here in Osun. His many feats in infrastructure are the reasons we left the PDP for Accord,” he said.

Oladebo urged residents of the state to continue supporting the governor to enable him deliver more dividends of democracy.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to release local government allocations to the state, stressing that the situation was negatively affecting governance at the grassroots.

“We have had APC administrations for years without any seizure of local government funds, yet Governor Adeleke, in less than four years, has performed better. Let’s continue to support him to do more for our people,” he added.

In his remarks, the Osun State Chairman of the Accord Party, Mr. Victor Akande, commended Oladebo for joining the party and assured him of full support.

“We are here to present the membership card to the lawmaker representing Ayedaade/Isokan/Irewole Federal Constituency in recognition of his decision to join us,” Akande said.

He also encouraged residents to take advantage of the party’s digital registration platform ahead of the deadline for its primary elections.

Former Vice President and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of actively dismantling democracy and pushing Nigeria toward full-blown authoritarian rule, with dangerous implications for the entire West African subregion.


In a blistering condemnation on Monday, Atiku reacted to what he described as a state-sponsored siege by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on the residences and businesses of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, an action he called lawless, vindictive, and politically motivated.

According to Atiku’s media office, the DSS swooped in to seal Malami’s properties shortly after his visit despite the matter being before the courts.


“This is not governance. This is intimidation. This is a regime weaponizing state power to silence dissent,” Atiku declared.

He warned that Nigeria is witnessing the rapid erosion of democratic norms under Tinubu, with state institutions now reduced to tools of political persecution.

“What we are seeing is the naked abuse of power security agencies deployed not for national security, but for settling political scores. This is how democracies die,” he said.

Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of running a deliberate and coordinated campaign to crush opposition voices and impose total political control ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Let it be said clearly: this government is terrified of competition. That is why it is resorting to brute force harassing, intimidating, and attempting to break opposition leaders into submission,” he stated.

He further alleged that the sustained targeting of figures like Nasir El-Rufai and Abubakar Malami is part of a broader strategy to coerce them into abandoning opposition politics and falling in line with the ruling APC.

“This is political extortion at the highest level join us or be destroyed. That is the message being sent,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President warned that Nigeria is dangerously close to becoming a one-party state in all but name.


“When opposition is criminalised and dissent is punished, elections become a mere formality. If Tinubu wants to run unopposed, then let INEC stop wasting public funds on a sham election,” he added.

Drawing a chilling parallel, Atiku likened the current trajectory to the infamous Abacha-era self-succession plot.

“We have seen this script before. It ended in national disgrace. What is happening now is a dangerous replay, one that Nigerians must resist,” he warned.

He further accused the administration of using anti-corruption agencies as instruments of political coercion, forcing elected officials to defect under pressure.

“Governors and political leaders are being railroaded into the APC under threat of persecution. This is not politics, it is state capture,” he said.

Atiku questioned the moral basis of a system where one man seeks to bend the entire political structure to his personal ambition.

“No individual has the right to hijack the destiny of over 200 million Nigerians just to cling to power. Leadership is not ownership,” he stated.

Atiku added: “Freedom of choice is the lifeblood of democracy. Once you kill it, dictatorship takes over. What Tinubu is engineering is nothing short of a civilian coup, denying Nigerians real options while pretending to run a democracy.

“A confident leader welcomes competition. Only a weak and insecure one fears it. This administration’s actions expose its fear, and Nigerians are watching.”

Indications have emerged that ITB Nigeria, a construction firm owned by a Lebanese-Nigerian businessman and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s longtime associate, Gilbert Chagoury, will execute the renovation contract of Lagos Tin Can and Apapa Ports.

Tinubu had, in January, conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second highest honour, on Chagoury “because of his contributions to the country.”

Last week, Nigeria and the United Kingdom during a meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Tinubu at Downing Street in London, sealed a £746 million export finance deal to support the refurbishment of the two major ports in Lagos.

Checks showed that Chagoury, whose conglomerate operates through the Chagoury Group, was part of the delegation to London where the financing agreement for the Lagos ports refurbishment project was sealed during President Tinubu’s two-day state visit to the UK.

A report by Africa Intelligence in March 2025 had revealed that the Federal Executive Council’s meeting in February 2025 selected Chagoury Group and its subsidiary, ITB Nigeria, for the contract.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, had also confirmed on October 22, 2025 that the federal government approved a sum of $1 billion (N1.4 trillion) for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos.

The minister spoke in Lagos at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference, with the theme ‘Enhancing Logistics and Transport for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria.’

Chagoury’s key projects in Nigeria

Chagoury co‑founded the Chagoury Group in Lagos in 1971, building it into a sprawling conglomerate with interests in construction, real estate, hospitality, manufacturing, infrastructure, among others.

Through the Chagoury Group, Gilbert Chagoury has built one of the most influential business empires in Nigeria, with interests spanning construction, manufacturing, real estate, and energy.

The Chagoury Group is handling the N15 trillion 700-kilometer 10-lane Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project designed to connect Lagos to Cross River State, passing through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom states.

The section one, phase one of the project, handled by Chagoury’s Hitech, has been concluded.

Among its most prominent undertakings is the Eko Atlantic City project, a sprawling urban development built on reclaimed land along the Atlantic coastline.

The initiative has been widely described as a response to coastal erosion and urban expansion pressures in Lagos.

Chagoury Group’s role in delivering Eko Atlantic has earned it recognition as a key player in Nigeria’s infrastructure transformation, though the project has also attracted criticism over environmental and socio-economic concerns.

Key assets constructed by Chagoury included major property developments like Banana Island and ongoing large‑scale projects such as the Eko Atlantic City urban development through South Energyx Nigeria Limited, among others.

Lagos-focused ports upgrade deepens regional imbalance – Experts

The federal government’s plan to channel the United Kingdom-backed loan into the development of Lagos ports has triggered widespread criticisms, with stakeholders accusing the authorities of deepening infrastructural imbalance by prioritising already functional facilities over neglected ones in other parts of the country.

Maritime operators and regional advocates argue that the move underscores a persistent policy tilt towards Lagos, despite repeated calls for the revitalisation of ports in the eastern and Niger Delta corridors, many of which remain underutilised due to years of neglect.

Industry players say the decision to invest fresh loan funds in Lagos, where port activities are already thriving, raises concerns about fairness and strategic planning.

According to them, ports such as Onne, Warri, Calabar and Ibom, and lately Baro Port in northern part of Nigeria, have suffered from poor infrastructure, low draught levels, security concerns and limited connectivity to major economic centres.

The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC), in a statement titled ‘Re-balancing Nigeria’s Maritime Future: Integrating Port Decentralisation into National Reform Agenda Amid Lagos-Centric Investments’, signed by its Head of Research, Dr Eugene Nweke, said while the centre acknowledged the economic importance of ongoing upgrades in Lagos ports, it was concerned about “the continued structural neglect of other national port assets” which, according to him, poses long-term risks to trade efficiency, foreign exchange stability and inclusive economic growth.

The centre said it had critically reviewed the government’s recent port infrastructure financing arrangement supported by UK Export Finance, alongside the broader trajectory of Nigeria’s maritime development strategy.

It stated: “Nigeria’s maritime system remains heavily concentrated in Lagos, which currently accounts for the majority of cargo throughput.

“However, this concentration has resulted in persistent congestion and logistics inefficiencies, increased cost of imports and exports, overstretching of port and road infrastructure.

“At the same time, strategic ports in: Port Harcourt, Warri, Calabar and Onne, without mincing words, remain significantly underutilised due to policy neglect, inadequate infrastructure linkages and inconsistent investment priorities.”

The centre said the current port imbalance is not merely a logistics issue, but a macroeconomic concern with direct foreign exchange (FX) implications.

It further stated that overdependence on Lagos ports would ultimately drive up import handling costs and also encourages congestion-induced inefficiencies.

“It will effect port inefficiency and geographic concentration contribute indirectly to pressure on the Naira and Nigeria’s external reserves.

“The federal government’s investment in Lagos port infrastructure—though necessary—reflects a short-term efficiency-driven approach that is inconsistent with broader national objectives of trade facilitation, export diversification and regional economic inclusion,” the statement added.

A maritime expert and former Director of Operations at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Captain Warredi Enisuoh, said the government should redesign the available space at the different ports for ports automation, warehouse automation so that “Ñigeria could rake in more money instead of the economy stuck in traffic and ships waiting at anchorage which is the order of the day.”

He said the Nigeria-UK deal “should have been geared towards decentralization and automation which will bring down operational cost of shipping.”

A businessman, Okey Okonkwo, expressed concerns that the government should have considered upgrading ports in other parts of the country as well.

He said: “This deal is a clear example of the federal government’s lack of commitment to developing the Niger-Delta region. We have ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar that are in dire need of upgrade, but the government is only focusing on Lagos.”

Lucky Amiwero, a shipping expert and maritime industry activist, also queried the rationale behind signing the loan deal for ports infrastructure upgrade.

Amiwero, who is also the president of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents and CEO of Eyis Resources Limited, noted that revenue from the port is more than enough to carry out any upgrade.

He queried what happened to the money realised from terminal operators when the nation’s seaports were concessioned in 2006.

He advised the government to utilise revenue collected from port operations for any future upgrade.

“Having stated all these, the next question is what happens to other ports? Why is government neglecting ports in other regions. Why not make viable them if they are not. It will improve efficiency and eliminate congestion that has bedeviled all the ports in Lagos.

“The government’s focus on Lagos ports is short-sighted and neglects the economic potential of other ports. We need to develop our ports in a way that promotes economic growth and development across all regions, not just Lagos,” he said.

Ohanaeze Youth Council alleges marginalisation of S/East

The Ohanaeze Youth Council, in a statement yesterday by its president, Igboayaka Igboayaka, alleged that the Nigerian government’s £747million port rehabilitation agreement with the UK was a further indication of the “marginalisation” of the South-East.

The council warned that the continued neglect of seaport infrastructure in Igbo-dominated areas could deepen separatist sentiments.

It alleged that the focus on Lagos ports ignored what it described as historically viable maritime locations in the South-East, including Ose-Akwa/Ose-Moto in Ihiala and Oguta, Azumini Blue Sea in Abia State, and Ozziza Beach in Ebonyi State.

“Neglected seaports in Igboland, specifically Ose-Akwa Ose-Moto Sea at Ihiala/Oguta, Obeaku Ndoki Sea, Azumini Blue Sea Ukwa-East Abia State, and Ozziza Beach Afikpo Ebonyi State, demonstrate the empirical evidence of the long-standing injustice and marginalisation faced by Ndigbo, which has led to the call for Biafra Restoration under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“Regrettably, the British Government agreed to refurbish two ports in Lagos, specifically Apapa and Tin Can Island standing at 60 nautical miles to Atlantic Ocean, also undermined the dredging of Ose-Akwa Ihiala Anambra Sea and Ose-Moto Oguta Sea in Imo State in 1958, a site boasting a natural harbour depth of 22m and a mere 18 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean,” the council said.

It demanded the immediate dredging of the proposed Ose-Akwa/Ose-Moto seaport channel, estimated at 18 nautical miles to the Atlantic, as well as similar projects in Abia State.


Nigeria taking loans to fund British economy – ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the Lagos ports upgrade deal with the UK as a “mugu” deal, saying it disproportionately favoured the UK and its economy while leaving Nigeria with a massive debt.

The national publicity secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said while the All Progressives Congress, APC had tried to pass off the deal as President Tinubu’s achievement, it is in fact an achievement of the “UK Government, which, through this deal, has managed to save its steel industry, protect thousands of UK jobs, and get Nigeria to pay for it.”

The party called on the federal government to provide full transparency by disclosing comprehensive details of the agreement, including the applicable interest rates, repayment terms and any local content provisions or obligations associated with the deal.

It[b] stated: “Based on information available on the UK Government website, which described the deal as a major vote of confidence in UK manufacturing, the £746 million agreement will be delivered through UK Export Finance’s (UKEF) Buyer Credit Facility and arranged by Citibank, N.A., London Branch.

“UKEF is the UK government’s export credit agency. Its buyer credit facility enables foreign buyers to access financing from commercial banks to procure UK goods and services, typically for projects that require significant UK content participation.
[/b]
“In simple terms, UKEF guarantees a loan obtained by a foreign buyer from a commercial bank, which is then used to pay for UK goods and services, with the bank paying the UK exporter directly on behalf of the buyer.

“Under this agreement, at least £236 million of the £746 million in supplier contracts will be awarded to British companies, while British Steel will supply 120,000 tonnes of steel billets under a £70 million contract, representing its largest UKEF-backed export order, for port rehabilitation projects.

“The ADC is particularly concerned that the Nigerian government has entered into an agreement that leaves the country at a clear disadvantage, seemingly in exchange for a few hours of pomp and pageantry, and as part of a broader attempt to secure foreign validation, even as millions of Nigerians continue to face poverty, unemployment, and worsening insecurity.

“There are still several unanswered questions regarding this agreement. These include: what are the repayment terms of the commercial loan, including its duration and applicable interest rate? What percentage of local goods, services, and subcontracting is involved in the port rehabilitation project? How many direct and indirect jobs will be created for Nigerians? What is the project timeline, and when will the ports become fully operational? What provisions exist for training, apprenticeships, and skills transfer? Finally, what are the limits on expatriate staff, and are there defined quotas for SMEs and community benefit obligations?”



FG defends deal

Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, had in a statement on Tuesday, explained that the decision to secure £746 million in financing for the modernisation of Nigeria’s seaports is a strategic investment aimed at accelerating critical infrastructure upgrades that cannot be achieved quickly enough through internally generated port revenues alone.

According to him, the port facility upgrade includes dredging of port channels to allow for big vessels, noting that the dredging is not limited to Lagos ports only.

He said the common user facilities, which are the sole responsibility of government, through the Nigeria Ports Authority, are captured in the facility upgrade.

"By securing long-term financing, the federal government is able to undertake a comprehensive and simultaneous overhaul of key port infrastructure, rather than implementing upgrades in small phases. This approach ensures that the ports are modernised within a much shorter time frame, enabling Nigeria to quickly enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and capacity in maritime trade.

“The modernisation programme will deliver numerous benefits. It will improve the structural integrity and capacity of port infrastructure such as quay walls, berths, and channels, enabling them to accommodate larger and more modern vessels. It will also enhance cargo handling efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround time, and improve overall logistics performance within the ports.

“The arrangement between the federal government and terminal operators is a concession agreement rather than a lease. Under the port concession model adopted by the federal government, terminal operators are granted the right to manage and operate specific cargo terminals within the ports. Their responsibilities are primarily focused on cargo handling operations, terminal management, and the provision of modern cargo handling equipment within the areas that have been concessioned to them.

“However, the responsibility for core port infrastructure and common user facilities remains with the federal government. This includes the dredging of port channels to ensure safe navigation, the maintenance and rehabilitation of quay aprons and berths, the upkeep of internal port roads, and the provision and maintenance of other shared infrastructure that supports overall port operations.

“The financing being secured by the federal government is therefore directed at addressing these critical infrastructure components that fall outside the scope of the terminal operators’ obligations. By investing in these areas, the government ensures that the entire port ecosystem functions efficiently, complementing the operations of the concessioned terminals and supporting the overall performance of the ports.

“It is important to clarify that while discussions regarding financing began a couple of years ago, the agreement itself was not concluded or signed at that time. What occurred then was the initiation of the financing process, including negotiations and the structuring of the proposed facility.”

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is facing severe internal crisis just days before its National Convention at Eagle Square, as some aspirants allege a “tactical approach” to exclude them from the race through the denial of nomination forms.


While the party leadership insists on a state of readiness for the March 26 and 27 ballot, the surfacing of “anointed” candidates and the “hoarding” of expression of interest documents suggest a house divided against itself.

Director General of the APC States Assembly Forum, ASAF, and an aspirant for the Zonal Vice Chairman (South-South), Ambassador Dagogo Fubara, has petitioned the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, over what he described as a deliberate bottleneck.

Despite fulfilling all financial obligations, including the payment of N5.1 million, Fubara claimed he was repeatedly turned down at the office of the organizing secretary without “reasonable reasons.”

In a scathing letter of protest, Fubara noted that the filing of such forms was “tasking and requires a minimum of four days to fill/complete,” further asserting his suspicion of foul play.

“I do not wish to believe that the delay or refusal by the National Organizing Secretary is a tactical approach to exclude me from the election,” Fubara wrote in his petition, pointedly adding that “time is of the essence” as the convention deadline looms.

Against the grain

The aspirant is not alone in his grievance as Oyiborume Paul Yovwe, who is eyeing the National Secretary position, narrated a similar ordeal after following the official procedure for obtaining the form, which costs N7.5 million.

Yovwe said when he attempted to convert his bank teller into an official receipt, he was met with a blunt refusal from the finance department.

“I went to the financial department to clear my payment and convert the teller to a receipt, but they refused. When I asked why, I was told the form for the position of national secretary had already been assigned to one person,” Yovwe alleged.

However, Vanguard reports that the party had last week announced that it would go into the convention with its existing zoning formula.

The formula effectively dismisses Mr Yovwe from the race, as he is from Delta State (South South), while the position he is seeking – national secretary – is zoned to the South-West, with the incumbent from Osun State.

In an earlier statement, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, had urged aspirants to be well-guided.

He said: “As contained in the published All Progressives Congress, APC, 2026 Schedule of Nationwide Congresses, National Convention, and Related Activities, the existing zoning arrangement for National Working Committee positions across states within the geo-political zones remains valid and applicable to the upcoming for national convention.


“Aspirants purchasing and submitting Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for national offices, ahead of the National Convention, are advised to be strictly guided by the existing zoning arrangement.”

There were mounting concerns that the convention committee may have printed only solitary nomination forms for the offices of the national chairman and national secretary, specifically intended for the incumbents.

This move is boosted by groups such as the Prince Simon Ali Support Organization, which had already purchased the N10 million forms for the retention of Yilwatda as national chairman.

The group’s Director-General, Dominic Alancha, dismissed claims of exclusion, insisting they acted because they believed the chairman had the “capacity and confidence to move this party forward and lead us into the upcoming elections with guaranteed victory.”

Amid these competing interests, power blocs within the party, ranging from the influential Progressive Governors’ Forum PGF, the National Assembly Caucus, to disgruntled regional caucuses, threatened to disrupt the peace of the convention.

While Nze Chidi Duru, the Deputy National Organizing Secretary, indicated that the party’s publicity directorate was working on a statement to address these developments, others within the leadership remained cautious.

Mr. Abimbola Tooki, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communications to the APC National Chairman, when reached for comments, said there was no directive barring anyone from picking forms. He, however, said the process was guided by established party structures and that since the National Executive Committee, NEC, had zoned the offices, only those who qualified from their zones were eligible to pick forms to contest for the offices zoned to their areas.

Tooki said: “There is no such directive from any individual party executive. However, the process is guided by established party structures and constitutional provisions.

“The National Executive Committee has already determined the zoning of positions, and eligibility to purchase nomination forms is strictly based on compliance with those zoning arrangements.

“In essence, only aspirants who are duly qualified within the approved zoning framework are permitted to obtain forms and contest. This ensures order, fairness, and adherence to the party’s internal guidelines

Reviewing some of the video clips from the State Visit to UK 🇬🇧 amongst other state affairs with Mr. President after Eid prayers. He expressed appreciation to many Nigerians who came out en masse to honour their country. Eid Mubarak .

Barring any last-minute changes, former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is set to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso reportedly reached this decision after delegating Buba Galadima to initiate negotiations with ADC leaders.

His move follows the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party faction led by Agbo Major, against that of Ajuji Ahmed, who is aligned with Kwankwaso.

Meanwhile, the ADC in Kano has been gaining momentum, largely driven by the activities of former APP Chairman, Ibrahim Ali Amin. His growing influence is evident in the increasing number of political stakeholders visiting his residence, with many already regarding him as a key figure in the party’s structure in the state.

Sources reveal that no agreement has been reached regarding party structures. The ADC is expected to conduct transparent congresses open to all aspirants, as well as inclusive primaries—an approach that may contrast with Kwankwaso’s known preference for consensus-based candidate selection.

It remains uncertain whether Kwankwaso will back a governorship aspirant from his political camp or align with other contenders such as Ibrahim Ali Amin or Ibrahim Khalil

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says many Nigerians are going through tough times but insists the situation will not last, urging people to hold on to faith, resilience and unity as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

In its Eid message, the party shifts from the usual greetings to something more grounded, recognising the daily pressure on families while encouraging Nigerians not to lose hope or their sense of shared humanity at a difficult moment.

The message was contained in a statement on Friday by Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC.

“As Nigerian Muslims mark the end of Ramadan, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) extends warm Eid-el-Fitr greetings to you and your families. This season reminds us that even in the most challenging times, faith, sacrifice and resilience can restore our confidence in a better tomorrow,” the party said.


The ADC said what many Nigerians are experiencing right now is real, but should not define the future.

“Across the country today, many families are facing real difficulties. Yet, the spirit of Ramadan teaches us that hardship does not have the final word; perseverance, compassion and unity do.

“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month, may the values of discipline, generosity and devotion that defined the past weeks guide us towards building a more just, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria for all,” it prayed.

The party also used the message to restate its broader vision for the country.

“The ADC remains committed to a future where every Nigerian can live with dignity, security and opportunity,” Abdullahi added.

Kingosytex:
Abaribe is one of those who haven't achieved anything tangible staying in the senate. He has no developmental project whatsoever in his constituency. All he does is, go back to his constituency during elections, tell them that Ndi Igbo are marginalized, say some good things about Nnamdi Kanu and it's a done deal automatically

Tupacx:
If Peter Obi had not become Anambra state governor we would have been hearing what again?


Una too mumu

A Lagos-based woman, Osarobo Odigie, has instituted legal action against popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat , popularly known as Peller, over alleged defamation, cyber harassment, and invasion of privacy at a lounge.

In a pre-action letter dated March 10, 2026, and signed by Bola Osineye of FA Garrick & Co., the claimant’s lawyers accused the influencer of making defamatory remarks against their client and publishing a video of her online without consent.

According to the letter, the incident occurred in the early hours of January 6, 2026, at Folixxx Lounge along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos State.

“Our client was present at Folixxx Lounge… for the purpose of purchasing food. While standing at the counter/cashier area, our client was suddenly startled by your loud outburst directly behind her,” the letter stated.

The lawyers alleged that after Odigie moved away from Peller due to the loudness, he confronted her and demanded to know why she had stepped aside.

“You aggressively approached her and proceeded to instruct her to ‘shut up’. When she requested that you moderate yourself in a public space, you immediately resorted to verbal abuse, including but not limited to Yoruba curses such as ‘Oloriburuku,’ ‘Omo Ale,’ and ‘Ashawo,’” the letter read.

The law firm said the words were “untrue, ridiculing and defamatory,” and were used publicly with the intention of humiliating their client.

They further alleged that Peller recorded the confrontation on his phone without her consent and subsequently shared the video across multiple social media platforms.

“You proceeded to escalate the situation by producing your mobile phone and using the same to record our client without her consent. You thereafter published the video on your Snapchat, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms, causing public ridicule of our client,” the letter added.

The lawyers claimed the video quickly went viral due to the influencer’s large online following, attracting thousands of comments and allegedly leading to harassment and cyberbullying directed at their client.

“Owing to your substantial online presence and following as a streamer and public influencer, the video went viral almost immediately… triggering thousands of comments, many of which reiterated and amplified your defamatory remarks against her,” the letter stated.

The claimant also alleged that the online exposure had led to reputational damage, emotional distress and threats to her safety.

“Our client has suffered significant emotional distress and has developed genuine fears for her safety,” the lawyers wrote.

Consequently, the claimant is demanding a total sum of N395m in damages. This includes N200m as compensation for the alleged defamatory publication, N100m for emotional trauma and reputational harm, and N75m for additional distress caused by alleged cyberbullying and threats from members of the public.

The legal team also demanded N20m to cover legal fees and related costs.

In addition to the monetary compensation, the lawyers asked Peller to immediately cease further publication of the video, remove the content from all his social media platforms, and issue a public apology.

The apology, according to the letter, must be published across his social media platforms and in two national newspapers, The PUNCH and The Guardian, acknowledging that the statements were “false, malicious and injurious” to the claimant’s reputation.

“You are required to issue a clear, unequivocal, and public apology to our client across all platforms where the defamatory content was published,” the lawyers said.

They also demanded that the influencer notify third-party blogs and platforms where the video may have been reposted and ensure its removal within seven days.

The lawyers warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would result in the commencement of legal proceedings.

“Should you fail, refuse, or neglect to comply… our client shall, without further recourse to you, institute appropriate legal proceedings against you,” the letter stated.

The lawsuit follows a widely circulated confrontation between Peller and the woman at a Lagos eatery on January 6.

Peller had earlier apologised publicly to the woman on January 9 after the video sparked widespread criticism online. In the apology video, he admitted that his reaction was out of character and expressed regret for his conduct during the altercation.

Peterobiisathie:
Abaribe the chief Ipob tellolist must go

helinues:
How many of the opposition supporters and their family are amongst

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has announced the official schedule of activities for the conduct of its 2026 nationwide congresses and national convention.

In a statement released by the party, the ADC said the exercise forms part of its constitutional responsibility to renew leadership structures across all levels of the organisation.

According to the party, the process will begin at the grassroots level and progress through the various tiers of the party structure, starting from polling units and wards, through local government and state levels, before culminating in the National Convention.

The party explained that the congresses are aimed at strengthening its internal democratic processes and repositioning the party ahead of future political activities.

The timetable approved by the party leadership is as follows:

Polling Unit and Ward Congresses: Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Local Government Area Congresses: Thursday, 9 April 2026

State Congresses: Saturday, 11 April 2026

National Convention: Tuesday, 14 April 2026

The ADC urged members across the country to participate actively in the process to ensure a smooth and transparent exercise.