₦airaland Forum

Unknown to the supporters waiting to receive him back into the Government House yesterday, reinstated Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was airborne at the time they were drumming and singing in front of the facility in Port Harcourt.

Fubara and Rivers State House of Assembly members got the nod to return to office as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu terminated the six-month emergency rule at midnight on Wednesday.

In anticipation of his resumption, supporters of the governor thronged the Government House in large numbers as early as 6am drumming and singing, but Fubara was nowhere to be found.

Nobody gave any indication to the crowd as to why he did not turn up.

But Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike dropped the hint last night when he appeared on a national television programme, that Fubara left Europe where he was on vacation yesterday morning.

But the lawmakers has a session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule to signify their return to duties.

During the session, they expressed their readiness to start receiving correspondent from the governor.

During the first post-emergency rule plenary, the lawmakers unfolded plans to review the budget passed during the tenure of Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas, who bowed out on Wednesday night following a broadcast.

Wike, who assured that peace had returned to the state, said he spoke with Fubara on Wednesday ahead of the lifting of the emergency rule by President Tinubu.

He said stakeholders were now committed to moving the state forward.

He said: “As I speak to you, as of yesterday, I spoke to the governor. I told him I was leaving that night to come back, and he told me he was leaving this morning.

“So, I can tell you that, by the grace of God, peace has returned. And look at what the Assembly did today to set the tone — you can see peace; you can see we are prepared, for the interest of the state. Let’s move forward.”

Asked who among them placed the call to the other, Wike said it is not important who called, adding that what mattered is that there is peace again in the state.

Wike added that he has forgiven Fubara, saying there is no more conflict between him and his successor.

He said: “I have already said that we’ve been speaking. I will not engage with a man I have not forgiven. Everything is over. I am not a politician, who says one thing today and another tomorrow. We must move forward.”

The FCT minister also criticised those he said are opposed to the return of peace in the state, saying they are only interested in fuelling the crisis.

No communication from governor
There was anxiety as Fubara did not resume, despite the handover by Ibas.

The governor, who was not sighted anywhere in the state, did not also make any broadcast to the people.

Fubara’s supporters under the aegis of the disbanded ‘Simplified Movement’ from the 23 local governments besieged the Government House gate to receive him from 6 am.

Victor Oko-Jumbo, and sacked council chairmen – Chijoke Ihunwo and Ichemati Ezebunwo – were among loyalists, who led others to wait for the governor.

They turned the arena into a carnival, with flutes, drums, dancing troupes and other musical instruments, to welcome Fubara.

The supporters occupied the stretch of Nnamdi Azikiwe Road and adjoining streets, blocking the area and denying commuters access to the roads.

Motorists were forced to divert their vehicles to the internal roads, which were partly blocked by the supporters’ vehicles.

After waiting for seven hours, the crowd began to disperse when there was no positive response to the enquiries by their leaders.

Operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) at the Government House gate did not allow anybody to enter.

However, the House of Assembly reconvened at the conference hall in the legislative quarters, which had served as its temporary chamber since their official chamber on Moscow Road was bombed by arsonist and pulled down by the state government.

Efforts by Ibas to complete reconstruction of the Assembly quarters proved abortive.

The lawmakers set agenda for the remaining part of the third session through a motion by the House Leader, Major Jack, on behalf of eight other co-sponsors.

They said the agenda contained in the motion reflected current realities.

Amaewhule commended President Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions in the state.

He said the House would work with the governor and abide by the terms of the peace parley and the Constitution in the interest of good governance.

The House resolved to call on Fubara to forward the list of commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation in line with the Constitution.

The House called on the governor to forward an Appropriation Bill to cover the remaining part of the year.

The lawmakers resolved to probe the six months emergency rule, with a view to determining the award of contracts and expenditure from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.

They emphasised the need to ascertain the budget passed by the National Assembly and received by Ibas.

The lawmakers said reviewing the budget was important because the 10th Assembly did not make any input into it.

The resolutions were taken after a voice vote by 26 members, excluding the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, who was absent.

The Speaker said: “We never sighted the budget by the National Assembly, but only read it on the pages of newspapers. We don’t know its content. No member of the House is against the motions; there is need to ascertain what came into Rivers State and expenditure by the administrator”.

Amaewhule adjourned the sitting till 10 am on Monday.

The motion, as read by House leader, said: “Pursuant to the foregoing, we wish to respectfully pray this august House to resolve as follows:

“Commend the President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for restoring democratic institutions in the state;

“Declare that the House would continue to abide by all the terms of the peace parley and the constitution of the Nigeria in the interest of peace and good governance of Rivers State;

“Call on the Governor of Rivers State Sir Siminalayı Fubara to forward the list of his nominees for appointment as commissioners into the state Executive Council in line with the Constitution and terms or the peace раrlеу;

“Call on the governor to commence the process of coming up with an Appropriation Law for the remaining part of the year to address current realities;

“Ascertain what transpired in the last six months with regards to award or contracts and expenditure from the consolidated revenue fund of the state.

“Immediately outline the legislative agenda for the remaining part or the third session of the 10th Assembly to reflect current realities;

“Make any other orders this House may deem necessary in the circumstance.”

The Speaker commended the sponsors of the motion, lamenting that the emergency rule prevented the legislative business of the House.

Amaewhule said: “But we thank God that we’re back. There’s need to abide by the terms of the peace parley. I listened to you all and no member is against the prayers, especially on commendation for the President, forwarding of commissioners nominees by the Governor and review of what transpired in the last six months and what happened to the budget.

“If the state needs to move forward, the issue of budget and others should be taken into consideration. The governor should liaise with us regarding the prayers.”

by Bunmi Aduloju


The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) allegedly demanded an annual subsidy of N1.50 trillion to enable members match the refinery’s gantry prices at their own depots.

On Tuesday, DAPPMAN accused Dangote refinery of engaging in market-disruptive practices, claiming that the company’s fuel price cuts were strategically timed to weaken competition rather than to serve patriotic interests.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Dangote refinery said although it sells petroleum products to marketers at its gantry price, DAPPMAN insists on taking delivery via coastal logistics, an option that would add N75 per litre in extra costs.

“Based on daily consumption volumes of 40 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 15 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), this amounts to an additional annual cost of N1.505 trillion (N1,505,625,000,000), which they effectively asked the refinery to absorb or pass on to Nigerians,” the statement reads..

“Specifically, the marketers are demanding that we discount N70/litre in coastal freight, NIMASA, NPA and other associated costs as well as N5/litre for the cost of pumping into vessels to enable them to transport products from our refinery to their depots in Apapa and sell at the same price as our gantry.

“We wish to make it clear that we have no intention of increasing our gantry price to accommodate such demands, nor are we willing to pay a subsidy of over N1.5 trillion, a practice that historically defrauded the Federal Government for many years.”

The refinery said DAPPMAN and other marketers are free to lift products directly from its gantry and take advantage of its logistics-free initiative.

The Dangote refinery further alleged that its refusal to comply with DAPPMAN’s subsidy request is the main reason behind the recent public criticisms and attacks.

The plant reiterated that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet domestic demand while supporting exports, noting that it consistently maintains a closing stock of 500 million litres of refined products in its tanks each month.

“Between June and September, the refinery exported a combined total of 3,229,881 metric tonnes of PMS, AGO, and aviation fuel, while marketers imported 3,687,828 metric tonnes over the same period, an action that amounts to dumping which is detrimental to the Nigerian economy and the wellbeing of its citizens,” the refinery said.

The plant added that it enjoys strong working relationships with government agencies and remain committed to supporting their efforts, while not hesitating to hold institutions accountable where necessary.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery remains firmly committed to the progress and wellbeing of Nigeria, and is open to partnerships with patriotic and responsible stakeholders in pursuit of national development,” the statement further reads.


SMUGGLING ALLEGATIONS

On Wednesday, DAPPMAN issued a seven-day deadline to Dangote refinery to retract its allegation of smuggling among its members, threatening to pursue legal redress.

Addressing the lawsuit threat, Dangote refinery reaffirmed its position regarding its statement on the DAPPMAN, which was published on September 15, in several national dailies and online platforms.

Dangote refinery emphasised that any party dissatisfied with the publication’s content is free to pursue redress through proper legal avenues.

The refinery noted that it would not be swayed by threats or so-called seven-day ultimatums and is fully prepared to defend its position through all legitimate means.

By BUKOLA ARO-LAMBO


With six and a half months to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) March 31, 2026 recapitalisation deadline, no fewer than 12 banks have successfully shored up their balance sheets, clearing the capital thresholds that will determine their place in the next phase of Nigeria’s banking evolution.

In its March 2024 directive, the apex bank raised the minimum paid-up capital for international banks to N500 billion, national banks to N200 billion, and regional banks to N50 billion.

Depending on authorisation, non-interest banks will meet N20 billion and N10 billion benchmarks. The new rules exclude retained earnings, compelling lenders to raise fresh equity, restructure, or merge.

So far, LEADERSHIP findings show that
Access Holdings,
Zenith Bank,
GTBank,
Ecobank,
Stanbic IBTC,
Wema Bank,
Providus Bank,
Jaiz Bank,
Lotus Bank,
Greenwich Merchant Bank,
Premium Trust Bank, and
Globus Bank have crossed the finish line.

Their compliance, analysts say, reflects strong investor appetite and confidence in the sector despite Nigeria’s tight monetary environment.

Access Holdings crossed the line first, raising N365 billion through a rights issue, while Zenith Bank followed with over N350 billion in fresh equity. GTBank, in one of the boldest moves, secured N365.85 billion via a capital injection from its parent GTCO, lifting its paid-up capital from N138 billion to N504 billion.

Stanbic IBTC leveraged support from its South African parent, Standard Bank, to secure its own compliance.

Wema Bank aggressively raised N200 billion in the national tier, aided by its retail-driven ALAT digital platform.

Providus Bank also met its target, while Globus Bank crossed the N200 billion mark after raising N102 billion this year alone, though it still awaits regulatory confirmation.

The chief executive of Premium Trust Bank, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, confirmed that the bank had crossed the hurdle.

He said, “Exceeding the N200 billion capital requirement is a defining moment. This achievement in just three years reflects our performance and the trust of shareholders and regulators.”

PremiumTrust, which began operations in 2022, says the capital buffer will allow it to expand lending to infrastructure and the agriculture sector, which the Nigerian government has identified as critical for growth.

Among specialised institutions, Greenwich Merchant Bank secured its capital position through injections and debt-to-equity conversions.

In the non-interest category, Jaiz Bank and Lotus Bank have both cleared their thresholds, reinforcing their presence in Islamic and alternative banking.

Premium Trust Bank also joined the compliant list after surpassing its capital requirement.

The implications of these capital raises go beyond regulatory box-ticking. Well-capitalised banks now have more headroom to expand credit into infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors critical to Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target.

Market appetite has rewarded early movers. Fidelity Bank’s share price rose more than 1,100 per cent between 2020 and 2025, Wema’s jumped nearly ten-fold, while Access, Zenith, and Stanbic posted steady appreciation, underscoring growing investor confidence.

As the deadline approaches, UBA is working towards meeting its target, extending its rights issue to September 19.

Meanwhile, FirstBank, Fidelity, FCMB, and Sterling are still in the market seeking fresh capital through private placements, asset sales, or offshore injections.

Industry watchers say the recapitalisation exercise is progressing more smoothly than expected.

Head of Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co, Ayokunle Olubunmi, noted that “most are moving in line with their capital plans, and many are even ahead of schedule.

“Encouragingly, most of the funds have come from Nigerians, not foreign investors. Out of the roughly N4 trillion required, about N3 trillion has already been raised, largely from domestic investors.”

Presently, the only mergers and consolidations in play are the proposed marriage between Providus Bank and Unity Bank, and Union Bank and Titan Trust. However, it is believed that more mergers will come into play before the deadline.

By Abdulyassar Abdulhamid


Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Adewole Adebayo, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a well known tax collector.

Adebayo stated this during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today.

Adebayo said, “Everybody knows that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a well known tax collector. But that tax collection is an improvement over a disorganized system he met on ground. He did tax collection in Lagos and he came to do tax collection in Abuja. The problem is with Hon. Dogara’s speech is that he is overstating it. This reform is not the best but is far better than what we had.”

However, Adebayo said that Tinubu has made progress in managing Nigeria’s economy.

“It’s obvious that the economy that President Buhari left was a poorly managed economy, and was an emergency room patient. Like any emergency room patient, the road to recovery will be a good diagnosis by the doctor. So if the doctor is able to know what is the reason why you are ill, he will be able to put you on a solid path to recovery.

“What President Tinubu has done is to stabilise the patient, but I’m not sure that he has managed to know the ailment. So the patient is not going to die imminently, but he hasn’t found a cure.

“He hasn’t been able to identify the problem, the ailment that is disturbing the patient, but as an emergency room doctor he is taking some steps, some of it actually aggravated the case of the patient, but over time, he appears to have one or two wins in two sectors, which is why it appears that they might be deceived into thinking that the patient is on his road to recovery.”

By Kehinde Amodu


President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Tuesday, ahead of the conclusion of his vacation, which would have been on September 19.

The Presidential jet, Air Force 001, touched down at the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 6:50pm local time.

The president has been in France and the United Kingdom since September 4th on a working vacation as part of his 2025 annual leave.

The president will have his hands full as he resumes official duty today.

For one, the six-month emergency rule imposed on Rivers State expires on Thursday.

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following a protracted political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.

The FCT Minister had the majority of the state lawmakers on his side, and an impeachment process was in motion. But what brought things to a head was the blowing up of Oil installations purportedly by militants.

In proclaiming the six-month state of emergency, President Tinubu said the state’s security situation and political tension necessitated his intervention to forestall a total breakdown of law and order.

The president promptly appointed Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the sole administrator of Rivers State.

Six months down the line, President Tinubu may choose to extend the State of emergency or may choose to end it all in alignment with his powers as outlined in section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

In line with the relevant sections of the constitution, there are roles the President will play to bring the saga to an end.

The president is required to make a nationwide broadcast suspending the state of emergency and normalising all other functions that were affected by the emergency rule.

Furthermore, President Tinubu will sign the decree suspending emergency rule, which he cannot do from outside the country.

There has been a raging debate about handover procedures, which could lead to political instability in the state if the transition isn’t handled smoothly.

A school of thought believes that the governor does not need to take a new oath since he was suspended and not impeached, arguing that the process of his return has nothing to do with the National Assembly and so it makes no difference whether the legislature is in recess or not.

The argument is that the sole administrator only needs to hand over to either the Secretary to the State Government or the Head of Service on Wednesday evening for power to be transferred seamlessly to Fubara on Thursday.

Another school of thought argued that the president does not need to make any national broadcast to enable Fubara’s return, although precedent does not support this.

In past instances during the administrations of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the leaders not only made nationwide broadcasts to lift the state of emergency but also signed decrees lifting emergency rule.

Apart from the emergency rule situation, Presidency sources have hinted that Tinubu’s early return could be tied to the need for him to prepare to participate in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 80), which opened on Tuesday, 9th September 2025.

The first day of the high-level General Debate will begin on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025.

It is protocol that President Tinubu will depart Abuja for New York two days before the high-level UN general debate.

DSS Files Criminal Charges Against Sowore At Abuja Federal High Court For Calling President Tinubu ‘A Criminal’

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed criminal charges against human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Also named as the 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit are X Corp. (owners of the social media platform X) and Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook.

Court documents obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday show that the DSS filed a five-count charge at the registry of the Federal High Court, accusing Sowore of defaming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by calling him a “criminal.” The charges, however, have not yet been assigned to any judge.

The charges, however, have not yet been assigned to any judge.

Also, no date has been fixed for Sowore’s arraignment.

The charges were filed on September 16, 2025, by M.B. Abubakar, Esq., Director of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ), together with other counsel listed as M.E. Ernest, Esq., U.B. Bulla, Esq., C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor, Esq.

According to court documents, the DSS listed its exhibits as: a printout of the defendant’s tweet, a printout of the defendant’s Facebook post, a letter to X, a letter to Facebook, and the defendant’s subsequent posts regarding those letters.

The prosecution also indicated that additional evidence may be presented during trial.

Count one reads: “That you, Omoyele Sowore, adult, male on or about the 25th day of August, 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use your official X Handle page, @Yele Sowore, to send out a message/ tweet as: 'THIS CRIMINAL @ OFFICIAL PBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!', which you know the said message to be false but posted it for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order in the country, especially among individuals who hold divergent views on the personality of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.”

Count two reads: “That you, Omoyele Sowore, adult male on or about the 26th day of August, 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use your official Facebook page, Omoyele Sowore, to send out a message/ post as: 'THIS CRIMINAL @ OFFICIAL PBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!", which you know the said message/post to be false but posted it for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order in the country, especially among individuals who hold divergent views on the personality of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.”

In Count three, Sowore is accused of defaming President Tinubu in an August 25, 2025 post on his official X (Twitter) account, where he called the President a “criminal” and accused him of lying about ending corruption in Nigeria.

Count four is a similar accusation related to Sowore's August 26, 2025, post on his official Facebook page, repeating the same statement against the President.

In Count five, Sowore is accused of deliberately publishing false information on both X and Facebook on August 26, 2025, allegedly intended to cause public fear and disturbance, targeting the reputation of President Tinubu.


Background

Sowore, publisher of SaharaReporters and a long-standing critic of successive Nigerian governments, has faced multiple arrests, detentions, and court battles over the years, particularly relating to his activism and public criticism of political leaders.

The latest charges follow his recent public statements in which he described Tinubu as a criminal during the President’s recent visit to Brazil, where he stated that his government had eliminated corruption.

Last Friday, SaharaReporters reported that the DSS had formally written to Sowore, demanding the deletion of the social media posts in which he referred to President Tinubu as a “criminal,” citing the post as “false, malicious, and inciting”.

The agency warned that failure to comply would result in legal action to “protect national security and public order”.

But Sowore didn’t budge. In a public response, he declared that no amount of pressure would compel him to retract his statement.

He stated that his criticism of the government is part of his constitutional duty to hold leaders accountable.

“You have no business telling me how to criticise the President. But, knowing the nature of your service, it is clear you have not learnt your lessons. Let me state it clearly once again: the determination of the Nigerian people to reclaim their country from thieves in power is unwavering. And it shall be achieved,” he said.

Earlier, the agency petitioned Meta Platforms Inc.—owners of Facebook—and X (formerly Twitter), urging them to delete Sowore’s posts and deactivate his verified accounts.

The DSS accused Sowore of spreading “misleading information” and “inciting violence,” referencing August 26 posts, where Sowore criticised Tinubu’s remarks in Brazil about corruption.

Meta has not publicly responded to the petition, but X confirmed receipt of the DSS’s request.

X notified Sowore of the government’s attempt to censor his post. Sowore responded with characteristic resolve: “One option I will NOT be taking is deleting that Tweet. Thank you, @X.”

The presidency also weighed in, with Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga privately messaging Sowore to suggest he had “misfired” in interpreting Tinubu’s statement.

Onanuga urged him to delete the post, claiming the president was only referring to foreign exchange reforms and not corruption as a whole.

However, Sowore accused Onanuga of complicity in the harassment of critics and rejected any attempt to dictate how citizens interpret public statements.

by Deborah Bodunde


Police in The Gambia have forcibly removed Momodou Ceesay, the country’s auditor-general, from office after he refused to accept a cabinet reshuffle by President Adama Barrow.

Ceesay, who had held the post for nearly three years, was recently named trade minister by Barrow, but he turned down the appointment.

However, the president insisted that the auditor-general had initially agreed to the move before changing his mind.

The BBC reports that the standoff escalated on Monday when plainclothes officers stormed the national audit office in Banjul to arrest Ceesay and install his successor, Cherno Amadou Sowe, director of internal audit.

Ceesay’s staff initially resisted the move in a confrontation that was streamed live by local media. It took reinforcements to eject him from a press conference and escort him to his lawyer’s office.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from citizens and activists, who accused the president of attempting to undermine the independence of the audit office.

Many argued that Ceesay’s removal was aimed at shielding the government from corruption allegations.

“He refused your appointment. Now you forcibly remove him out of the office. Are the Gambian people not watching?” said activist Kemo Fatty.

“If the auditor general does not return to office today, President Barrow will leave the State House today,” he added.

Fatty and fellow activist Alieu Bah were later arrested while preparing to address a press conference at the audit office.

The removal comes amid protests fuelled by allegations that assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh had been redistributed among Barrow’s allies. The president has denied any wrongdoing.

In a statement, the presidency said Ceesay’s appointment as trade minister was “based solely on his qualifications and experience”, insisting it was not intended to interfere with the operations of the national audit office.

The government added that it “remains firmly committed to the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of public finances”.

By Peter Moses


The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on Monday, mocked the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) for warning Nigerians against accepting Dangote Refinery’s recent fuel price reduction.

Dangote had announced lower petrol pump prices in several states alongside a new scheme to deploy compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks directly to filling stations, a move expected to reduce logistics costs.

But NUPENG dismissed the offer as a “Greek gift,” alleging that the refinery was undermining workers’ rights, sidelining the union, and pushing drivers into a rival association.

Netizens heavily lampooned the union querying that during hard times, NUPENG never supported the masses.

Addressing newsmen at the refinery on Monday on the first anniversary of gasoline production, Dangote took a swipe at the union over its criticism.

“They said we gave Nigerians a Greek gift, why don’t you give the French one. Even if it’s a Greek gift, it means that it is a gift will still be there all the time,” he said.

He also addressed controversy surrounding the new CNG trucks initiative rolled out by the refinery, saying more jobs would be created through the direct fuel distribution scheme.

“At least 24,000 jobs will be created through the initiative,” Dangote said.

By Daily Trust


The Federal Government has warned that 11 states may experience heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding between Sunday and Thursday.

According to a notice issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre, the affected states and locations are Adamawa State (Ganye, Natubi); Benue State (Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma, Ukpiam); Nasarawa State (Agima, Rukubi, Odogbo); Taraba State (Beli, Serti, Donga); Delta State (Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh, Okpo-Krika); and Niger State (Rijau).

Others are Kebbi State (Ribah); Kano State (Gwarzo, Karaye); Katsina State (Jibia); Sokoto State (Makira); and Zamfara State (Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka, Bungudu).

The notice said rising water levels in the River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger pose additional risks, warning that communities situated on the floodplains are especially vulnerable.

“Also, due to a rise in the water level of River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger, the communities on the flood plains of River Gongola up to Numan, and also communities on the flood plains of River Benue and River Niger up to Lokoja are advised to evacuate immediately.

“Relevant stakeholders should kindly take note,” the alert added.

The ministry also urged state governments and other agencies to provide prompt feedback and act quickly to mitigate the impact.

By Dare Olawin


Some fuel importers in the country have alleged that the Dangote refinery sells a litre of petrol to international traders at N65 cheaper than the amount it gives the product to marketers in Nigeria.

The Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria, Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria confirmed this in separate exclusive interviews with Sunday PUNCH.

While kicking against the planned slashing of prices on Monday, DAPPMAN in particular said it was a ploy to stifle competition.

The Dangote refinery recently announced that it would drop petrol prices from N865 per litre to N841 in Lagos and the South West, and N851 in Abuja, Edo, and Kwara.

This would come alongside the commencement of its direct fuel distribution scheme.

In an interview with our correspondent on Saturday, the DAPPMAN Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, told Sunday PUNCH that members of the group bought Dangote’s petrol from international traders in Lome, Togo, at prices lower than what was offered locally by the refinery.

Adewole said importers had made efforts to buy petrol from the Dangote refinery, but the price was higher, adding that sometimes, it could be better to import the product.

But the Dangote refinery downplayed the allegations, suggesting DAPPMAN might be the force behind the recent attack against it by the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.

NUPENG had accused the refinery of anti-union practices, including refusing to allow drivers to join the group. The union threatened to embark on industrial action over the matter.

Adewole told Sunday PUNCH that Alhaji Aliko Dangote once said he would crash prices whenever importers brought in fuel cargoes into Nigeria.

“So, anytime our cargoes are coming, we expect him to reduce the price. He may give a different reason for the reduction,” he said.

“Dangote is selling to international traders at N65 lower than what he offers in Nigeria, or how is it possible for some of our members to buy from someone who bought from Dangote?

“Dangote sells to international traders at N65 cheaper than what he is selling to us. In some instances, we were able to buy from those people and still bring it to Nigeria. They will take the product to Lomé, claiming that they are buying large quantities.

“I have collated the volume of the products needed by DAPPMAN and sent to Dangote twice, yet he is not giving us products. What else does he want us to do? Even if he would give it to us, it would be with conditions that would not be profitable. Is that business?” he said.

Asked if it was cheaper to import petrol than to buy from the Dangote refinery, Adewole said, “It’s not all the time that it is cheaper. But there are instances in which it was cheaper to buy from international markets, and not only did we buy from international markets, we bought from international traders that Dangote sold to.”

When our correspondent sought to know what DAPPMAN’s requests were, he emphasised the need for discounts.

“Dangote has to give us a discount for the freight cost and other costs that we incur between his jetty and our jetty so that we can sell at the same price, and then we’ll be competitive. People will continue to import if the price is cheaper elsewhere,” he added.

The National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, said DAPPMAN was right to say Dangote’s fuel was cheaper in Lome than in Nigeria.

“Exactly, DAPPMAN said the correct thing. It is true. We don’t want to be saying everything. But the way things are going, one day we will say everything,” Billy Gillis-Harry said.

Also, a major importer told Sunday PUNCH that his company refused to buy from Dangote because the margin was not favourable.

However, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, a spokesman for the refinery laughed off the allegations.

He said, “We now know who is behind NUPENG. Our free delivery starts Monday.”

The spokesman wondered when DAPPMAN members started buying petrol from Lomé, asking if they no longer patronised Russia and Malta.

Earlier, the DAPPMAN secretary said portraying Dangote refinery’s repeated fuel price cuts as patriotic gestures overlooked both their timing and effect on the market.

Adewole, in a statement on Saturday, said the price reductions were strategically timed when other importers had active cargoes at sea or in tanks, creating price shocks that undermined competition and imposed financial strain on fellow market participants, including the refinery’s domestic customers.

He said it was concerning that the refinery offered lower prices to international buyers while quoting higher rates to local off-takers.

This, he said, contradicted public-facing claims of prioritising Nigerians and placed unnecessary burdens on domestic businesses already operating under tight margins.

On the crisis between Dangote and NUPENG, the executive secretary said his group had watched the dispute with dismay.

“While the matter may not directly concern our association, we are alarmed by the tone, trajectory, and escalation of this issue. Beyond the reputational risks to various market participants, we are concerned about the potential impact this may have on ordinary Nigerians, particularly in a downstream environment still stabilising post-deregulation,” he added.

Adewole noted that the assertion that Nigeria’s downstream stability rested solely on one refinery was dismissive of the broader ecosystem.

He said, “While we welcome the Dangote refinery as a major infrastructure project, its contribution has peaked at only 30 to 35 per cent of national demand. The balance continues to be supplied by responsible petroleum product marketers, including DAPPMAN members, who import and distribute under strict regulatory oversight by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.”

On Dangote’s direct free fuel distribution scheme, he said the claim was misleading.

“The claim that the refinery offers ‘free delivery’ is also misleading. In reality, marketers are required to lift at least 25 per cent of their allocations directly from the refinery gantry and must do so using only Dangote-owned trucks, paying commercial rates based on their destinations. This arrangement imposes additional logistical and financial burdens on marketers, limits operational flexibility, and undermines the narrative of cost relief being provided to the local market,” he alleged.

While conceding that the Dangote refinery is a valuable contributor, Adewole said it was not a messiah.

The Dangote refinery said it would begin the rollout of compressed natural gas-powered trucks on Monday, as part of its logistics-free distribution programme aimed at significantly reducing fuel prices across the country.

The company said the initiative will see the gantry price reduced to N820 per litre, with corresponding lower pump prices in several key states.

By Peter Moses, Lagos


The Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has described President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy as an act of “extraordinary statesmanship,” and not that of a politician thinking about next election.

Gbajabiamila emphasized that President Tinubu had made it clear from day one that his administration would not shy away from tackling the most difficult reforms.

He said this at the 2025 Southern Summit of former legislators held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The summit, themed “National Unity: Bedrock of Nation Building”, brought together notable figures and former lawmakers including former Senate President Ken Nnamani, former House Speakers, Yakubu Dogara, and Patricia Olubunmi Etteh.

The event also attracted the National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Ajibola Bashiru, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide.

In his remarks, Gbajabiamila, who’s the convener of the summit, said the removal of fuel subsidy, tax reforms and other policies were bold moves made by Tinubu in the interest of Nigeria’s long-term stability.

Gbajabiamila pointed to the administration’s initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which guarantees tertiary education for every Nigerian child, as another indicator of Tinubu’s commitment to future generations.

He also referenced the signing into law of the new tax reforms, describing them as a turning point in Nigeria’s pursuit of economic justice.

“The absolute clarity of the President’s vision is the reason this administration has set out from day one to tackle the most difficult reforms. Today, the Federal Government of Nigeria is no longer paying inflated subsidy claims that benefit only a tiny minority of our citizens.

“Every Nigerian child today is guaranteed a tertiary education courtesy of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) With the signing into law of the tax reforms, President Bola Tinubu has ushered in a new era of economic justice, built on fairness, accountability, and national purpose.

“These are not the actions of a politician thinking about the next election. They are acts of extraordinary statesmanship by a leader whose highest concern is the fortune of the Nigerian people and the fate of the next generation,” he said.

While acknowledging that the reforms come with temporary hardship, Gbajabiamila urged Nigerians to be patient.

“Fixing what has long been broken imposes costs, entails sacrifice and takes time,” he said.

The Chief of Staff said those who do not share the administration’s vision for national prosperity will have Nigerians believe that the last two years of the administration have been a catalogue of hardship and failed promises.

“Unfortunately for them, the data tells a different story,” he said.

He called for a concerted efforts among former lawmakers at promoting the national unity and cohesion.

Dogara told Nigerians not to allow allow “pretenders” cause them to focus on the trivial and miss the significant.

“These pretenders are not about patriotism, they are about vengeance, distraction and power. We are beginning to witness the slow rupturing of their cult; a structure built on mendacity, fury and spectacle,” he said.

He also asked his colleagues rise with an “undying resolve to build a nation that stands not just on maps, but as a testament to the world of what unity in diversity can truly accomplish.”

The Northern Caucus of the forum led by Rufai Chanchagi, reiterated its resolve to back the South in the next election, insisting that the region should be allowed to complete eight years in the presidency in the spirit of fairness and equity.

In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun, described members of the forum them as true custodian of the nation’s democratic journey.

He also declared that the South and President Tinubu must be allowed to complete two term in the presidency.

In the communique issued after the summit, the forum adopted Tinubu as the Sole Candidate of the South in the 2027 presidential election.

The communique which read by Samson Osagie, former House of Representatives member from Edo State, was adopted after the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, put to the question to the participants.

It reads “We commend the patriotic courage of our Colleagues of the Northern Caucus in calling for the South to complete their tenure of the Leadership of the Country.

“We affirm that it is turn of the South to complete its tenure.

“We posit that it is in the best interest of the South and Nation that the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu completes the tenure of the South.

“Accordingly, we adopt him as the Sole Candidate of the South.

“We call on the South to Support the North in 2031 to take up their tenure for the Leadership of our dear Country.

“We call on all Nigerians to pursue this Course to promote National Unity and firm the foundation of Nation Building.”

By Leadership News


The wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has dramatically challenged Senator Uche Ekwunife, urging both of them to swear an oath of fidelity before the Blessed Virgin Mary or subject their children to DNA tests.

The challenge followed claims by Ekwunife, deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2025 Anambra governorship election, who alleged that Mrs Soludo was once close to former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju.

In a statement issued on Friday, Nonye Soludo accused the former fenale lawmaker of fabricating allegations and dragging her children into political disputes.

She described Ekwunife’s comments as malicious and gave her 72 hours to withdraw the claims, tender a public apology, or face legal action.

“Since Uche Ekwunife claims to be a converted Catholic, I challenge her for both of us to swear an oath of fidelity and chastity at any cathedral in front of the Blessed Sacrament and the Bible.

“I will swear (with my children) that in my 55 years on earth, I have known only one man—Chukwuma Soludo. On your part, you should also swear (with your children or your political ambitions) that since you got married, you have never cheated on your husband,” she declared.

Soludo’s wife also invited Ekwunife to scientific verification through DNA testing.

“I challenge you, Uche Ekwunife, for us to subject our children to paternity tests in three reputable hospitals in London. I will pay all the expenses, including travel for you and your family. If the results confirm that your husband fathered all your children, I will not only congratulate you but also present a cash award,” she added.

The governor’s wife emphasised her Christian upbringing and marital fidelity.

“I married him as a virgin and my fidelity to him in 33 years of marriage and for life is ironclad,” she said.

Declaring that her life has never depended on government patronage, even as First Lady, Mrs. Soludo vowed to sustain her defence “with decency, character, and grace.”

“My weapons are decency, character, and grace. I am a long-distance runner, and I welcome you to the marathon,” she stated.

The confrontation stemmed from Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s earlier questions over Senator Ekwunife’s academic qualifications. The APC deputy governorship candidate responded with sharp criticisms, prompting the governor’s wife to step into the feud

By Idowu Isamotu


Barely 48 hours after the Department of State Services (DSS) brokered peace between Dangote Group and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), fresh dispute has erupted between the duo, Daily Trust can confirm.

Amid the ongoing development, leadership of the union halted loading of fuel at the loading bay of the Dangote Refinery, on Thursday.

The crisis is as a result of a directive to MRS tanker drivers to remove all the union stickers pasted on their trucks.

Daily Trust reports that the DSS had on Tuesday brokered peace between the duo after the first conciliatory that was held on Monday at Labour Ministry’s ended in a stalemate.

But after a closed-door meeting that was held at the headquarters of the secret police in Abuja, the leadership of NUPENG directed its members to suspend the nationwide industrial action.

Three Ministers including that of Finance, Wale Edun; Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, were in attendance.

But Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, Director in charge of Logistics at Dangote Group and Managing Director of MRS, led a delegation to the meeting which began at about 1:35pm and ended around 7:15pm, on Tuesday.

Sources who were familiar with what transpired on Wednesday and Thursday, confided in our correspondent that the removal of sticker order angered the union leaders and they summoned an emergency meeting over the matter.

“On Wednesday morning, based on the agreement reached on Tuesday at the DSS headquarters, our members working with Dangote Refinery were called, we didn’t force anybody and we handed over stickers to them.”

“To our surprise, after few hours, we heard that the company directed all of them to remove the stickers. Meanwhile, not all of them even collected the stickers abinitio. We thought it was a rumour.

“When we came here this morning (Thursday), we noticed that all the pasted stickers had been removed. This negates the agreement we had during the Tuesday’s meeting,” one of the union leaders told Daily Trust.

Confirming the development, NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, said, “It’s not yet uhuru” for both the union and the Company.

Akporeha said, “This is to alert the general public and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that notwithstanding the resolution reached and signed at the office of the DSS with three Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Deputy Director-General of the DSS in attendance on the right of unionization of the workers, Alh Sayyu Aliu Dantata on Wednesday, 10th September, 2025 instructed all his Truck Drivers who are NUPENG-PTD members for several years to remove the union stickers from their trucks yesterday.

“Today, Thursday, 11th September, 2025, he instructed them to forcefully drive into Dangote Refinery to load and Union officials stopped them from entering the Refinery to load because their trucks violated union loading rules and regulations.

“Alh Sayyu Aliu Dantata flew over them several times with his helicopter and then called the Navy of the Federal Republic to come over ostensibly to crush the Union officials.

“Our members are waiting for him and his agents to run them over. We call on everyone to let Alh Sayyu Aliu Dantata know that he is not bigger than the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we strongly condemn his arrogant attitude towards official institutions of this great country and blatant lack of respect for the laws of this country.

“We call on the Federal Government not to allow the Navy and other security agents being paid by the resources of this country to be used with impunity against the laws and people of this country.

“Security agents should not allow an individual to ride roughshod with impunity even while not observing terms of agreement reached in meetings in which security agents facilitated along with Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

NUPENG President, however, placed all its members on red alert for the resumption of the suspended nationwide industrial action, while calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, all Regional and Global Working people and Civil Society Organizations to rise in support and solidarity against this threat of the Capitalist world.

He added, “His wealth cannot make him be above the law. We assure the people and the government of Federal Republic of Nigeria that NUPENG will continue to remain a patriotic, responsible and responsive organization to this great country.”

The management of Dangote Group was yet to comment on the new development as at when filing this report.

When contacted, an official who did not want to be quoted said, “Be on standby. We may release a statement on this development anytime soon.”

Staff of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on Wednesday, September 10, locked out the Minister, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in Abuja over what they described as prolonged neglect and poor welfare conditions.

The protesting workers, in their numbers, blocked the entrance gates of the Ministry located in the Central Area, chanting solidarity songs and calling for her removal.

According to them, several attempts to engage the Minister on issues affecting their welfare had failed, leaving them with no option but to embark on the protest.

“The Minister was deployed to the Ministry in October last year, and since then, she has not had any meeting with the workers nor the unions,” one staff member told journalists.

“After several efforts, she fixed a meeting with the unions and staff on Wednesday, and we were glad. Every staff member, including the Permanent Secretary and all the Directors, were seated since morning waiting for the Minister.

“We waited for the Minister for about four hours, because we were told she was returning from a trip. Surprisingly, she snubbed us when she arrived. She never said ‘hello’ to us nor even apologised for keeping us waiting for several hours. Rather, she gave us silent treatment and went to her office. We waited patiently for about an hour for her to come down, but she never did. That made us express our grievances,” the staff member added.

According to Daily Sun, Union leaders also accused Sulaiman-Ibrahim of failing to provide basic working tools and welfare support.

“In fact, the immediate-past Minister, Uju Ohanenye, is far better than her,” said Alake Success, one of the union leaders. “In our Ministry, there are no working tools, statutory welfare, training, and several other issues.

“We don’t see the usefulness of the overhead allocation to the Ministry. The Minister and her over 25 aides use the money. We use our personal funds to work for the Ministry. Cleaners are no longer in the Ministry. We clean the toilets ourselves; we buy stationery ourselves.”

He further disclosed that even the Permanent Secretary had confirmed making efforts to draw the Minister’s attention to staff concerns without positive response.

As of press time, the gates of the Ministry remained locked, while the Minister was yet to address the aggrieved workers or respond to the allegations.

By Saawua Terzungwe


President Bola Tinubu has directed a Federal Executive Council (FEC) committee to implement urgent measures aimed at reducing food prices nationwide.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed this on Wednesday at a capacity-building workshop for Senate correspondents in Abuja.

He said the directive focuses on securing safe passage for farm produce across transport routes to ease logistics costs.

“The president has given a matching order with a Federal Executive Council committee already handling how to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country,” Abdullahi said.

The minister explained that the move aligns with Tinubu’s broader vision of food sovereignty, which goes beyond ensuring availability to guarantee affordability, accessibility, and nutrition on a sustainable basis.

He added that the government is preparing to launch a Farmer Soil Health Scheme to boost productivity, alongside a revamped cooperative reform initiative to mobilise resources and empower rural farmers.

“Mr. President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation, economic activity generation, and improving the livelihood of members,” Abdullahi said.

Mele Kyari, a former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), is currently at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Daily Trust can confirm.

Kyari, who had earlier been placed on watchlist, arrived at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Abuja at about 2:30pm on Wednesday.

Sources within the commission told Daily Trust that Kyari would provide explanations on issues that border on funds earmarked for maintenance of refineries in the country when he held sway.

“Yes, he’s in our office. He will be ushered into where he will face interrogation by the crack detectives of the commission,” a highly-placed source told our Correspondent.

Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja, had earlier frozen all bank accounts linked to Kyari following the demands of the anti-graft agency.

By Ruth Nwokwu


A former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has revealed that late former President Muhammadu Buhari threatened to sack him if his push to remove petrol subsidy during Buhari’s tenure failed.

Kachikwu, who served as minister between 2016 and 2019, made the disclosure on Monday during a virtual business mentorship lecture series organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

He recalled that his biggest challenge as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) in 2015 was the nationwide fuel queues that crippled economic activities.

Kachikwu noted that despite sleepless nights and efforts to ease the crisis, much of the subsidised petrol imported into Nigeria was being smuggled across the borders, making scarcity inevitable.

“The greatest challenge I had when I resumed as GMD was the issue of long queues at petrol stations. Very few Nigerians realise how traumatic it is for a minister or a GMD who is committed to wake up and find the whole country grounded. Of course, I would go to filling stations, try to help them fill, and ensure there were no unnecessary traffic obstructions. At the end of the day, every time that happened, I had no sleep,” he said.

According to him, investigations showed that most of the subsidised products were diverted across borders.

He explained that despite collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies, the leakages persisted because the NNPC lacked the political and security capacity to police the borders.

Kachikwu said he repeatedly asked Buhari to approve a review of pump prices, but the President resisted due to his populist stance.

“I went to the President many times and said, ‘Look, I need to move up on price.’ He resisted very much because of his populist position. Eventually, he said, ‘Okay, you know what? I’ll leave you to take the risk. If it works, fine. If it doesn’t, I’ll fire you.’ That was good enough for me—and I did,” he recounted.

The former minister said he introduced a policy of “price modulation,” allowing petrol prices to reflect international market realities.

He explained that the slight adjustment not only removed the subsidy but also cleared fuel queues nationwide within 48 hours.

“That singular price adjustment removed the subsidy. There was no more subsidy. And within 48 hours, magically, every queue in the country stopped. It never happened again until I left. That was how I could at least sleep better, and the government made more money,” he said.

Kachikwu also disclosed that he refused to settle billions of naira in outstanding subsidy arrears he inherited, insisting that most claims were unverifiable.

“We didn’t pay the arrears of subsidy because my position was that I could not audit the transparency of the subsidy claims. So, I preferred not to deal with those issues,” he added.

He noted that while subsidy removal by the President Bola Tinubu administration was inevitable, it should have been accompanied by clear plans for refineries, infrastructure, transporters, and oil-producing communities.

The federal government has gazetted Nigeria’s new tax reform laws, with implementation set to begin on January 1, 2026.

Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, announced this in a post on X on Monday.

The laws are the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 (NTA), the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 (NTAA), the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025 (NRSEA), and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025 (JRBEA).

“Nigeria’s tax reform laws have been published in the official gazette,” the post reads.

Outlining key provisions of the tax laws, Oyedele said the reforms introduce a zero percent tax rate for small companies — defined as businesses with annual turnover not exceeding N100 million and fixed assets below N250 million.

He added that the corporate tax rate for large companies will be reduced from 30 percent to 25 percent, with the commencement date to be set by the president on the advice of the national economic council (NEC).


“𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒑-𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒂𝒙 – Exemption threshold of N50b revenue for local firms and €750m equivalents for multinationals,” Oyedele said.


“𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 – Tax credit at the rate of 5% per annum for eligible priority sector investments.”

The chairman added that taxpayers will have the option of paying taxes on foreign currency transactions in naira, using the prevailing exchange rate in the official foreign exchange (FX) market.

“The NTA and NTAA will commence on 1st January 2026 while the NRSEA and JRBEA have a commencement date of 26 June 2025 to ensure readiness of the relevant institutions ahead of full implementation in 2026,” he said.

“Download copies of the laws here: /NewTaxReformAc.”

On June 26, President Bola Tinubu signed the four tax reform bills into law.

Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, had said the new tax laws will improve business growth, and boost the purchasing power of Nigerians.

Talks between representatives of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the leadership of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers dragged on for several hours on Monday night despite the role played by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity for reconciliation.

This came as officials of NUPENG paralysed fuel loading activities across petroleum depots nationwide on Monday as they kicked against Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s alleged ban on workers’ unionism.

The meeting, involving all the parties, which was held at the conference room of the Ministry of Labour, lasted for several hours despite plans for both parties to immediately sign a Memorandum of Understanding to put an immediate end to the ongoing conflict.

The meeting had in attendance the national executives of NUPENG and officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. Also present was the Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Ogbugo Ukoha, as well as representatives of the Dangote Group and MRS Petroleum.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Minister of Labour, Muhammed Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiru Onyejeocha. The meeting, which was earlier scheduled to start by 10:00 am on Monday, suffered a setback and did not start until some minutes past 5 pm due to the late arrival of union officials.

Sources at the meeting noted that following the intermediary role played by the labour ministry, resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding were read for all parties to agree upon and sign.

However, disagreements with some of the resolutions by officials of the Dangote Group led to further talks. As of 10:15 pm on Monday, parties continued talks in a bid to find a lasting solution to the crisis.


Depots, stations shut

The PUNCH reports that petroleum tanker drivers on Monday made real their threat to shun fuel loading due to the crisis between them and the Dangote refinery as a result of the unionisation of tanker drivers. This was despite an appeal by the Federal Government that they shelve the plan.

In some parts of the country, filling stations were also closed by NUPENG members. The Aradel refinery in Obele, Port Harcourt, was shut. The Kwale Hydrocarbon facility in Delta State was shut.

NUPENG had on Friday declared its intention to stop loading fuel this week over allegations that the Dangote refinery planned to ban the drivers recruited for its 4,000 trucks from joining the union. NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, on Sunday confirmed that the Federal Government had reached out to the union on the need to avert the strike. He, however, insisted that the industrial action would go ahead.

As of Monday morning, The PUNCH gathered that there was full compliance with the directive that no driver should lift fuel. Checks by one of our correspondents confirmed that activities at petroleum depots were paralysed across the country. NUPENG officials visited the depots to enforce compliance.

In various depots across the country, especially those in Lagos and Warri, Delta State, drivers parked their trucks to wait for the next directive as far as fuel lifting was concerned. Our correspondent reports that NUPENG officials shut down some depots to prevent the movement of trucks. The National President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, told our correspondent that there was “100 per cent compliance across the nation.”

Some members of the union accused Dangote and MRS of having plans to take over their jobs with the recruitment of new drivers.

At Aiteo, RainOil, Shell+, First Royal, and MAO, Hensmor, One Terminals, Africa Terminals, Integrated Oil and Gas, and other depots in Lagos, the gates were locked as workers stayed away to comply with the strike action. Also, A&E, Matrix, Parker AY Shafa, and other depots in Warri joined the strike.

In Sokoto, NUPENG officials shut down filling stations across the state capital on Monday. Union officials were sighted closing several petrol outlets and halting the movement of petroleum tankers along major routes, including Gusau Road and other key highways linking Sokoto to neighbouring states.

Eyewitnesses reported that the officials placed leaves and barricades at strategic points, disrupting the supply and distribution of fuel within the metropolis. NUPENG representatives said they received an instruction from their national leaders at midnight to enforce the shutdown.

“We are only carrying out orders,” an official said. Some residents expressed shock and frustration over the sudden development. A commercial tricycle operator, Bello Musa, said, “I came out early to work and found that most filling stations are closed. If this continues, transport fares will go up, and it will affect everybody.”

The action triggered fears of fuel scarcity as motorists and commuters worried about potential hikes in transportation fares and broader economic impacts if the shutdown persisted. Though the effect of the strike was not felt by Nigerians on Monday, stakeholders feared that the continuous shutdown of the depots would lead to fuel scarcity.


PENGASSAN threatens Dangote

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria declared solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers in the push for the unionisation of tanker drivers and all employees of the Dangote refinery and its allied companies.

In a statement on Monday, the association’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, said, “On behalf of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, we are writing to express our unwavering solidarity with our ally and sister union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote refinery.”

PENGASSAN warned it may be forced to take drastic action if the matter remains unresolved. “Should the ongoing situation persist without a resolution, PENGASSAN will be left with no option but to join in shutting down the refinery operations as a last resort to protect our members’ rights and interests,” the association threatened.

PENGASSAN accused the refinery’s management of resisting unionisation since its inception despite several diplomatic interventions. “We wish to put on record that Dangote refinery management has been resisting potential members of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG from joining the association since its inception.

“All diplomatic efforts to persuade the company’s management have so far not yielded the desired result. It is with deep concern that PENGASSAN observes the increasing resistance to unionisation at the Dangote refinery, as the continued denial of workers’ rights will no longer be tolerated going forward,” the statement read in part.

The union said it fully supported NUPENG’s demand for total unionisation across the refinery and its affiliates, saying this was in accordance with the principles set forth by the International Labour Organisation and in line with Nigerian labour laws.

It declared its firm support for NUPENG’s call for the full unionisation of not just petroleum tanker drivers but all employees of the refinery and its allied companies. “The right of workers to organise and collectively bargain is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for promoting fair labour practices, ensuring safety, and upholding dignity in the workplace,” the statement added.

The union also urged urgent dialogue from all stakeholders to avert disruption. It urged all stakeholders to engage in immediate and constructive dialogue to address the pressing issues.

“Failure to recognise and respect the rights of workers to unionise will have consequences that extend beyond Dangote’s refinery workplace, thereby impacting all facets of our industry. In unity, we advocate for the rights of all workers and pledge our support to NUPENG in this vital mission. Together, we will work towards an equitable and just labour environment for all employees at Dangote Refinery,” PENGASSAN concluded.

Similarly, the National President of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners have all declared their intention to join the industrial auction.

Speaking on Monday, the President of NOGASA, Bennett Korie, directed suppliers of petroleum products to telecom communications sites, hotels, and construction companies, among others, to stop supplies by 9 am on Tuesday should the dialogue initiated by the Federal Government fail.

Korie said the associations were worried about the loss of supply opportunities and job losses that could jeopardise the livelihood of those involved across the distribution value chain when Dangote begins direct supply.

“It is thereby directed that all oil and gas suppliers to all construction companies, industries, hotels, and telecommunication sites nationwide should withdraw their services with effect from tomorrow, September 9, 2025, pending when the matter is resolved.

“I repeat, withdraw their services from tomorrow. We resolutely appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene and facilitate a dialogue between downstream sector distribution stakeholders and Dangote Refinery so that we move forward to avoid further destruction of petroleum products to Nigerians,” the NOGASA boss said.

PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, directed his members to suspend fuel sales by 12 am on Tuesday should the strike continue. However, the Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria called for the quick resolution of the crisis.

The Executive Secretary of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, Olufemi Adewole, said in a statement on Monday that DAPPMAN observed with deep concern the rising tension within the downstream oil and gas industry and the possibility of an industrial action that could disrupt national petroleum supply and distribution.

By Francis Ugwu


Elon Musk, owner of social media platform X, has stressed that the platform would remain a space where all sides of an argument are heard, adding that content moderation is handled through community-driven mechanisms.

In a post on his X handle on Sunday, he wrote: “On this platform, the people decide the narrative. You hear all sides of an argument. Community Notes corrects everyone, no exceptions. Notes data & code is public source. Grok provides further fact-checking.”

The statement comes amid a request by the Nigerian government for the suspension of African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore’s account over posts critical of President Bola Tinubu.

DAILY POST reported that the Department of State Services had written to X Corp., demanding the immediate takedown of a tweet posted by Sowore, saying it disparaged Tinubu and posed a threat to national security.

On August 25, Sowore, through his verified X account @YeleSowore, shared a video of Tinubu during a state visit to Brazil, and criticised the President’s comment that corruption is no more in Nigeria.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has been a vocal critic of the Tinubu administration.

His posts on X have repeatedly drawn the attention of government authorities

By : Guardian Nigeria


India’s state oil giant has turned to Nigerian and Middle Eastern supplies in its latest crude purchases, bypassing the United States as trade tensions with Washington escalate.

According to trading sources quoted by Reuters, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) skipped US crude in its latest tender, instead buying two million barrels from Nigeria and another one million barrels of Abu Dhabi’s Das grade from Shell. The Nigerian cargoes — one million barrels each of Agbami and Usan grades — were sourced from TotalEnergies.

The barrels are expected to arrive at Indian ports between late October and early November. This marks a sharp departure from IOC’s previous tender, in which it purchased five million barrels of US West Texas Intermediate (WTI).

Nigeria has recently boosted its crude production to above 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) for the first time in seven months — a 16.6 per cent rebound from September 2024 levels. Officials at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) attribute the recovery to tighter security measures in the Niger Delta, which have cut oil theft from as much as 300,000 bpd to fewer than 5,000 bpd.

Rig activity has also surged, with 46 rigs active compared to just eight in 2021. International oil companies are renewing interest, particularly in deepwater production. Given that crude exports account for about two-thirds of Nigeria’s government revenue and more than 80 per cent of its foreign exchange inflows, the uptick offers hope of easing fiscal pressures, strengthening reserves, and stabilising the naira.

For India, the move comes amid a broader recalibration of its energy imports. New Delhi has taken advantage of discounted Russian oil since 2022, becoming Moscow’s biggest seaborne customer after Europe and the US imposed sanctions over the Ukraine war. But this policy has deepened frictions with Washington.

Former US president Donald Trump, who has returned to office, recently imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, accusing New Delhi of “funding Moscow’s war effort” through its oil purchases. US Treasury Secretary Scott

Bessent has also accused India of profiteering by reselling refined fuels from discounted Russian crude at higher prices.

Despite the pressure, India has signalled it will not scale back Russian imports. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told CNN-News18 that India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, will continue to “buy from the place which suits our needs — whether in terms of rates or logistics.”

“Whether it is Russian oil or anything else, it’s our decision,” she said. “We spend most of our foreign exchange on crude oil and refined fuels. We will undoubtedly be buying it.”

Washington, meanwhile, has urged New Delhi to resume trade talks and align more closely with US policy. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Friday: “We’re always willing to talk… We are the consumers of the world.”

In the fiscal year to March 2025, crude oil and refined fuels made up about a quarter of India’s overall imports, underscoring how central energy is to both its trade profile and its foreign policy balancing act.

How Ondo SDP Ex-Gov Candidate Akingboye Was Pushed By Wife From Balcony Leading To Death – Source

One of the wives of the former candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the November 16, 2024, Ondo State governorship election, Bamidele Akingboye has been accused of being behind his death.

Akingboye reportedly died last Wednesday at his Victoria Garden City (VGC) residence in Lagos at the age of 60.

“With deep sorrow and a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our father, brother, mentor, and leader, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), CEO of Benshore Maritime, CEO of Clog Oil Systems, President of WeAfrica Group, the Olowomeye I of Ikaleland, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Governorship Candidate in the 2024 Gubernatorial Elections,” Oyeniyi Iwakun, the deceased's Personal Assistant and Media Adviser had said in a statement.

“Otunba Akingboye passed away earlier today at his residence in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos. He was a man of unwavering integrity, an accomplished businessman, philanthropist, visionary leader, and community builder who lived a fulfilled and purposeful life.

“He is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Burial arrangements and further details will be communicated in due course.”

A source on Saturday told SaharaReporters that Akingboye’s death wasn’t natural but caused by domestic violence.

The source urged security agencies to unravel the truth.

“The SDP candidate in Ondo state who recently died was killed by his wife. She allegedly killed him by pushing off the balcony,” he said.

Meanwhile images of Akingboye’s lifeless body trending online showed bruises and deep cuts on his head and neck.

The late politician had contested in the November 16, 2024 governorship election against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and 12 others.

Police authorities confirmed that they had launched a discreet investigation into the case, vowing to leave no stone unturned in getting to the roots of his death.

Akingboye, who contested the 2024 Ondo State governorship election on the SDP platform, was widely respected for his philanthropy and political ideals.

Activists, civil society groups and concerned Nigerians have demanded a thorough investigation, with some warning against attempts to cover up the circumstances of his passing.

The stability in the distribution and availability of petroleum products being enjoyed by Nigerians is about to be aborted as a result of the seeming cold war between management of the Dangote Refinery and one of the umbrella union of workers in the oil industry, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

NUPENG, in a statement jointly signed by Comrades Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, President and General Secretary of NUPENG, respectively, issued to newsmen in Abuja on Friday, accused the management of Dangote Refinery of alleged anti-labour practices inimical to the survival and means of livelihoods of its members under its Petroleum and Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch.

The Union specifically expressed strong reservations about the position of Chairman of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote, that drivers recruited for operations of its 10,000 Compressed Natural Gas ( CNG) Trucks imported into the country would not be allowed to join any trade union.

The Union described the position taken by the management of Dangote Refinery as an affront on the right of association, guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and a breach of relevant international labour laws to which Nigeria is a signatory.

The NUPENG recalled several meetings it initiated, jointly with the leadership of Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to prevail on Dangote to rescind his stance not to allow his drivers to join trade unions. The Union expressed regret that its appeals fell on deaf ears.

The union said: “Arising from the unfortunate outcome of the meeting, the leadership of the Union have made several efforts to get relevant institutions of the country to make Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his cousin, Alhaji Sayyu Ali Dantata to follow line of global best practices and decency but all to no avail.

“To our utmost shock, Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata’s MRS commenced the recruitment of drivers for the imported CNG Trucks on Friday, 29th August 2025.

“The drivers being recruited are being
forced to sign an undertaking not to belong to any existing union in the Oil and Gas Industry.

“NUPENG is seriously concerned and disturbed with the unconscionable business practices of Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata and Alhaji Aliko Dangote who are scared of allowing unions to exist in their business outfits. To us, amassing wealth on the basis of enslavement, depriving workers of a union and voice amounts to creating filthy wealth.

“NUPENG will not stand idly by while these billionaires seek to destroy the livelihoods of thousands of workers, including tanker drivers.

“NUPENG stood in solidarity with Dangote Refinery during its construction and commissioning.

“We did so in good faith, in expectation it would create jobs, strengthen local capacity, and benefit the Nigerian people, under a conducive atmosphere for unions to thrive.

“Unfortunately, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has chosen to betray that trust by scheming to monopolise distribution, crush competition, and enslave the sector and raise prices, which would ultimately result in an attack on the living standards of the masses of ordinary Nigerians.

“This is not philanthropy, it is economic sabotage!”

While appealing to relevant oil industry regulatory agencies to wade into the unfolding crisis, the Union dropped the hint that it would call on its members to down tools and shun loading of petroleum products, effective from Monday, September 8.

“We call on the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Authority (the Authority, for short) to invoke its powers under Section 32(u) & (aa) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“Under those two provisions, the Authority is empowered to promote competition and private
sector participation in the midstream and downstream petroleum operations.

“The Authority has responsibility to identify, investigate and prevent abuse of dominant positions and restrictive business practices with regard to midstream and downstream petroleum operations.

“Nigeria is a member of the international community and a State member in the International Labour Organisation. Nigeria has ratified Convention No. 87 of 1948, the Convention on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, 1948. This Convention had been ratified by Nigeria, as far back as 17th October 1960. Under the Convention, workers have the right to join unions of their choice, for the protection of their employment and trade union rights, and without prior authorization of any employer or authority.

“Indeed, by virtue of section 254C (2) of the Constitution of Nigeria, a ratified ILO Convention is a constitutional provision.

“Therefore, any practice or policy by any employer which seeks to deprive workers of the right of association is an affront to the Constitution.

“Above all, the rights of association, including membership of trade unions, is guaranteed by Section 40 of the Constitution. Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his cousin Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata should not be allowed to enslave Nigerian workers. They should be made to be lawful business persons and not lawless individuals and business outfits. Nigeria is a country of laws, not a lawless society.

“By this statement, we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria and its agencies, including well-meaning segments of the Nigerian society, to call the two trillionaire businessmen to order. They should be told to obey the laws of Nigeria. If they persist in their anti-union tyrannical attitudes, NUPENG is set and ready to mobilize its forces to fight within the framework of the law.

“Meanwhile, since Alh Aliko Dangote and his cousin have resolved to replace all Petroleum
Tanker Drivers in Nigeria and there is no one or institution that can stop him, the members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of NUPENG will from Monday, 8th September 2025, start looking for alternative employments/skills and sources of livelihoods.

“We plead with the general public to bear any inconveniences our struggle against this tyranny and indecency may cause.”

By Peter Moses


Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has launched fresh attacks on the Nigerian lawmakers, describing them as “much worse” than all those who have gone in the First, Second and Third Republics.

He labelled constituency projects by legislators either at the national or state level as daylight “unarmed robbery” and one devised by lawmakers “in their hunger for illegitimate money.”

Obasanjo said this in one of his recently released books titled “Nigeria Past and Future: Contemplations on Nigeria’s History and Vision For Tomorrow.”

In the chapter seven of the book “Lawmakers at Federal and State Levels”, Obasanjo recalled that twice he had to directly deal with Nigerian lawmakers at national level, as a military leader and democratically-elected president – and he saw “no redeeming feature in them to build a Nigeria of our dream as projected in our constitution.”

How Lawmakers attempted to kill EFCC bill
The farmer said the bill which birthed the current leading anti-graft agency in the country, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), took a year and half to scale through the National Assembly as it was “somewhat watered down in the form that it was passed.”

According to him, some of the lawmakers said that if they passed the bill as originally sent to them, most of them would go to jail after their term as lawmakers.

Obasanjo said he had to assent the bill as he was hinted that any attempt to return it to the parliament, the legal framework would never have seen the light of the day.

He said “As a result of my uncompromising stand on the issue of corruption and because of the rigour of the first bill I sent to them. the EFCC bill, and possibly putting their threat into action, it took them a year and half to pass the bill and it was somewhat watered down in the form that it was passed.

“Some of them said that if they passed the bill as I had sent it to them, most of them would go to Jail after their term as lawmakers. I had to assent to the bill as they passed it because it was hinted to me that some of them were expecting me to veto the bill as passed and send it back to them and it would never have seen the light of the day after.

“There were other bills they mangled up either to suit their interests or to satisfy those who paid them. A typical example was the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) bill which was designed for oil companies, the Federal Government and the affected States to contribute and the total fund to be used for regional development of the Delta and oil-producing states and in some way to mitigate some adverse effects of oil production in the area. The states, may not be all of them, went to bribe the national lawmakers and they excised states from making contributions to the fund.”

Obasanjo equally said the worst action of the current lawmakers “is their insatiable appetite for corruption and breach of the Constitution.”
“In our Constitution, no group is allowed to determine its salary and emoluments. For elected officers and officials, it is the Revenue
Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission RMAFC).

“The lawmakers set aside the provision of the Constitution and granted themselves obscene salaries and allowances that make them the highest paid among the developing countries and even higher than some developed countries.

“When I was president, I refused to release funds budgeted that I found unacceptable to release. On occasions, I was threatened with impeachment which did not move me. If they had the power to abuse their authority and breach the law and the Constitution, I had the power to hold the purse and reduce profligacy and area boys’ conduct or misconduct of lawmakers,” he said.


‘They Devised Constituency Projects Out Of
Hunger For Illegitimate Money’

The former president said “In their hunger for illegitimate money, the lawmakers devised what they called constituency projects which they unilaterally inserted into the budget without consultation or agreement with the executive and which very badly distorted the national budget and made it unbalanced. Invariably, once such misconduct and illegitimate action is allowed, the budget would go into deficit. Then, budget making exercise becomes a joke or a caricature.
“Constituency projects by lawmakers at national or state levels are daylight unarmed robbery. All involved must be treated as criminals. In my time, it was not as brazen and audacious as it is now and particularly from the time of Buhari.

They used to go through the ministries and departments. Normally, they went into collusion with the ministries and any minister or head of parastatal caught by me would be in for a high jump. That was the case with a female Minister of Education of mine. But now, there is no disguise or pretence; it is openly done with impunity and the president calls nobody to order and he thereby becomes an accomplice in the crime.”

He added that “The last point in this voracious attitude of the lawmakers to satisfy themselves at the expense of the nation and the common people is what they call oversight visits. They have a committee for each ministry or parastatal and commission. They visit the projects of these ministries and parastatals purely only to collect money from them. It is shockingly bad!”

Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, has declared that he knew the exact locations of bandit leaders terrorising the state but was powerless to act because he does not control security agencies.

In a viral video that has stirred reactions, Lawal lamented that despite his knowledge of bandits’ movements, the ongoing fight against insecurity was being crippled by the fact that security chiefs in Zamfara State take directives only from Abuja.

“I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandit leader is located within Zamfara State, I know it and if he goes out, I know,” he said. “With my mobile phone, I can show you where and where these bandits are today. But we cannot do anything beyond our powers.”

The visibly emotional governor added: “If today, I have the power to give orders to the security agencies, I can assure you, we will end banditry in Zamfara State within two months. Most of the time, I shed tears for my people because I can see a problem but I cannot order the security operatives to act in time.”

Lawal narrated how bandits once invaded Shinkafi Local Government Area of the State while security operatives in the state failed to respond because they had not received clearance from Abuja.

“There was a time the bandits invaded Shinkafi and the security operatives were alerted, but they refused to go simply because they were not given orders from Abuja,” he said.

He stressed that his administration has gone the extra mile to support security outfits despite lacking direct command. Recently, Zamfara distributed 150 patrol vehicles to police, army, DSS, and civil defence. Thousands of Community Protection Guards were recruited, and 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe hired to reinforce the fight.

“I am doing all these despite the fact that I have no control over the security agencies; but because it’s my responsibility to protect the lives and properties of the people of Zamfara,” he said.

Governor Lawal’s revelations came as Zamfara State reels from a fresh wave of attacks and abductions. Within the past month, over 150 people were kidnapped in multiple raids across Zurmi, Kaura Namoda, and Bukuyum LGAs, while at least 10 security operatives and three civilians were killed in an ambush in Adabka.

Protests have also erupted in Gusau, where residents accused authorities of failing to protect them from repeated bandit raids that have killed more than 100 people in recent months.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu hinted at the creation of state police as a solution to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

“I am reviewing all the aspects of security; I have to create a state police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, people, livelihoods, places of worship, and recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us,” Tinubu said on Wednesday during a meeting with Katsina State elders at the Presidential Villa.

He also announced the deployment of forest guards and the acquisition of drones to bolster operations in troubled regions.

By Baba Martins


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has blamed opposition parties for drawing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) into early political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, but insisted that he will not be distracted from providing good leadership for Nigerians.

Tinubu said this when he met with governors from the North East region led by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

In their submission made on their behalf by Zulum, the Governors said they have resolved to partner with President Tinubu in providing good governance for Nigeria with a view to leaving behind lasting legacies and landmarks for the country.

The Governors also used the opportunity to present their demands including tackling insecurity and some important infrastructure development to the President for consideration.

Addressing his visitors, the President noted the challenges facing the region and how the governors have tried their best especially using the civilian JTF in collaboration with the security agencies and hinted about approaching the National Assembly on the issue of State Police.

The President said he has been looking at the security situation more careful your and how civilian JTF reacts to the security challenges, adding that “Politics apart we can discourse with the National Assembly leadership to really look at critical part. To see how we can eliminate political issues from state police that will be indigenous to the community and provide the additional safety buffer and effectiveness in the area. We have to look at it collectively together.”

Speaking on the political situation, President Tinubu said, ” In the political environment, is we are being drawn into early political activities from our rival political parties but whichever way it is, I am not distracted I am solidly focused, focused on what is ahead. Politics will happen at a given time. It is maturity but what we have seen come from the North East is being a great dedication that is yielding results .

“I think working together the way we have been is the way to go to build Nigeria of our dreams. There’s no way politics will not interfere once in a while. It is for us to embrace the heart of wining and from that heart we know the superior thinkers and doers. Our political party will prove itself eventually. He said.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Governors, Zulum thanked President Tinubu for fostering peace and stability within the sub-region and continuing with the initiative of sustaining the fight against insurgency.

He told the president that the North East have a peculiarity of managing large states with “unmanned forest, gorges, deserts, mountains and rivers which make them inaccessible, often hard to reach and almost becoming ungoverned spaces and thereby exacerbating the security challenges of the region.

“We are fully aligning with Mr. Presidents good initiative of training of manpower and providing technology with a view to reversing the ugly trend in the forest thereby reducing the insurgency and promoting agricultural development in alignment with the renewed hope agenda on food security.”

Zulum also commended the President for his intervention in mitigating the menace of flood, desertification and other natural disasters, adding that the region having suffered so much environmental and developmental setbacks, asked the President for continued military operations in the shores of the Lake Chad, Dajin Madama, Mandara Hills, Sambisa Game Reserve, Mansur, Yelwa, Futuk, Kolmani areas, Karin Lamido Forest amongst others.

Other demands of the region were for the Provision of funding to MNJTF for Military operation in the Tumbus of the Lake Chad, Completion of ongoing road projects and building of critical roads connecting the State; including, Kano – Maiduguri Road, Port Harcourt – Jos – Bauchi – Maiduguri Railway line, Bama – Mubi – Yola Road, Wukari – jalingo – Yola Road, Duguri – Mansur Road (NNPC Project Ongoing).

Other demands, includes, Bauchi – Gombe – Biu – Damaturu Road, Damaturu- Geidam Road, Bauchi – Ningi – Nasaru – Babaldo Road and Gombe – Potiskum, Damaturu – Biu Roads, among others.

The Governors also called for the resumption of oil exploration in the frontier wells in particular Kolmani and Lake Chad wells.

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja


The United States Government has given reasons for cancelling visas issued to Nigerians and nationals of other countries.

The Embassy of US told Daily Sun, that a recent report on the issue was in the interest of national security.

The report titled:‘The quiet revocation: Why is the U.S. silently cancelling Nigerians’ visas?’ had said: “In recent weeks, an unsettling trend has quietly unfolded. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has begun revoking valid visas previously issued to Nigerian citizens. This is not rumour or speculation. Dozens of affected Nigerians, professionals, entrepreneurs, and frequent travellers have received formal letters instructing them to submit their passports at the consulate in Lagos or Abuja, only to have their visas unceremoniously cancelled.”

It added: “What makes this development even more alarming is the veil of silence surrounding it. I have personally reviewed at least eight of such cancellation letters.

“The notices cite Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122 as the legal basis, vaguely stating that new information became available after the visa was issued. Beyond that, nothing is explained. No evidence is shared. No avenue for appeal is offered. Recipients are merely advised to reapply if they wish, an instruction that provides no comfort to those suddenly stripped of their mobility.”

But, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson, said: “The Trump Administration is protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.

“Prohibiting entry to the U.S. by those who might pose a threat to national security or public safety is key to protecting U.S. citizens at home. Every prospective traveller to the U.S undergoes interagency security vetting. The Department’s continuous vetting includes all of the more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid U.S. visas.

“Under the Trump administration, the State Department is revoking the visa in cases, where a foreign visitor, including foreign students, overstays their lawful period of admission, engages in criminal activity, provides material support to a terrorist organisation, or otherwise violates the US law.”

The US Embassy spokesperson further said: “This work is based squarely on the Department’s authorities under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), tools that have existed for decades. Section 221(i) gives the Secretary and Consular Officers discretion to revoke visas at any time, and we use this authority to take action when there is an indication of a potential ineligibility under the INA.

“While we have had this revocation authority for decades, we are using all the information we have to do this on a scale never seen before, in order to keep American borders secure and American communities safe.”

By Bukola Aro-Lambo


Pressure on Nigeria’s Tier-2 banks is intensifying as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) March 2026 recapitalisation deadline approaches.

New research by SBM Intelligence warns that many may be swept up in a fresh wave of mergers and acquisitions.

In 2024, the CBN directed all commercial banks to raise their minimum paid-up capital to N500 billion for international banks, N200 billion for national banks, and N50 billion for regional banks.

According to the latest SBM report, “Capital, Competition, and Consolidation,” the new rules are designed “not merely as a compliance exercise but as a strategic imperative to fortify the sector’s capacity to withstand macroeconomic shocks, support Nigeria’s ambition for a $1 trillion economy, and restore global investor confidence.”

The report noted that Tier-1 banks such as Zenith, Access, and FBN Holdings remain firmly dominant with record profits and strong balance sheets, but mid-tier lenders are now fighting for survival.

“For Tier-2 banks, these developments present both a challenge and an opportunity. While some have made early strides in capital raising, many face the stark reality of needing to scale up rapidly or risk being subsumed in a wave of industry consolidation.

The ability of Tier-2 banks to navigate regulatory headwinds, leverage technology, and execute bold capital strategies will determine their place in the next chapter of Nigeria’s financial evolution.

The sector will likely witness further consolidation, with mergers and strategic alliances among mid-tier banks becoming more prevalent. This will create larger, more competitive institutions, but the risk of marginalising smaller players and potential integration challenges must be carefully managed.”

Already, some banks have made progress. Fidelity Bank raised over N270 billion through a public offer and rights issue that were oversubscribed by 238 per cent and 138 per cent, respectively. With its next phase of capital raising, it is on track to exceed the N500 billion threshold.

SBM noted that FCMB Group had adopted a “comprehensive, phased approach” targeting about N400 billion. The plan, broken into three phases, includes a public offer that raised N144.6 billion in early 2025, asset divestments of subsidiaries such as Credit Direct and FCMB Pensions, and final private placements with offshore investors.

According to the report, Wema Bank has pursued a two-tranche programme combining rights issues and private placements worth N200 billion. In December 2023, it completed a N40 billion rights issue, followed by a N150 billion raise in April 2025. A further N50 billion private placement is expected.

Sterling Financial Holdings, on its part, is seeking $400 million through a mix of private placements and a planned public offering.

Despite these moves, SBM warned that the recapitalisation process is not without risks, saying, “The prospect of such consolidation raises critical questions about the future structure of the sector, the competitive dynamics between banks, and the implications for customers, employees, and the broader economy.”

The report pointed to high funding costs, shrinking non-interest income, and the risk of loan defaults in a high-interest-rate environment, stating, “Many banks face the twin burden of expanding their asset base while keeping non-performing loans below regulatory thresholds.”

By : Kingsley Jeremiah, Abuja


The Dangote Refinery has exported its first gasoline cargo to the United States (U.S.). The development, which marks a new milestone for the facility’s growing global footprint, was not immediately confirmed when The Guardian contacted the company’s Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina .

Argus reported that a Gemini Pearl loaded around 300,000 barrels of gasoline at Dangote’s Port on August 26 for U.S., with a likely discharge at New York or New Jersey, according to trade data from Kpler.

Market participants suggested that a trading firm, Vitol, might have chartered the vessel, although this has also not been confirmed. While this is the first Nigerian gasoline cargo to move to the U.S., Dangote has already shipped products eastwards. In June and July, the refinery exported three LR2 cargoes, two to the Middle East Gulf and one to Singapore.

Traders said the latest shipment appears to be driven by arbitrage opportunities, with U.S. Atlantic Coast gasoline prices rising and inventories falling.

The refinery is, however, still exporting low-sulphur straight-run fuel oil, suggesting its RFCC is operating at around 45-50pc capacity. The unit was shut in August for 10–15 days and has since restarted, but market sources said operational issues persist, including high metals content in the feedstock .

Meanwhile, Aliko Dangote has said that he did not rely on inherited wealth to build his business empire, insisting that everything he owns today was built from scratch.

In an interview originally uploaded by Bloomberg, which resurfaced online yesterday, the billionaire industrialist reflected on his family background, revealing that his late great-grandfather was regarded as the richest man in West Africa in the 1940s, while his grandfather was also among Nigeria’s wealthiest at the time.

“The family’s name is Dantata. That’s from my maternal side,” Dangote said. He added that although his father was “fairly rich” through business and politics, he deliberately chose not to keep any of the wealth passed down to him.

“One thing that I’m very, very proud of is that I did not inherit any money from my father. I built everything from scratch to where I am.

“Whatever I inherited from him, which means in assets, I gave that on to charity since then,” he explained.

Dangote, however, recalled how he began his career working briefly with his uncle before moving to Lagos, where he started buying and selling cement, saying: “It was just a very low-key business. The issue is that when you look at cement, cement is what builds infrastructure, and we need a lot of infrastructure.”

Operatives of Zone 16 of the Nigerian Police have arrested a girl identified as Kadi from the Federal University in Otuoke (FUO), for allegedly assaulting and stripping a girl naked.

The suspect, alongside other girls were seen in a viral video assaulting the victim, and stripping her naked for allegedly insulting her grandmother.

The viral video, which was posted on Sunday on Facebook, showed three girls descending on a girl identified as Nancy, with heavy slaps and blows while the victim was later stripped naked and her hair braids cut with a sharp object.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the operatives of Zone 16, acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Francis Idu, and with the assistance of FUO security, apprehended the key suspect, Kadi, said to be a student of Social Work Department of the institution.

Confirming her arrest, Kadi in a phone conversation with unidentified man who recorded and posted it on Facebook, said, “A group of Civil Defense officers had come to arrest me, they are taking me to the school authority and after that Zone 16 in Yenagoa,” she told the man.

When asked by the man if the issue involved her boyfriend identified as “Upcoming” as alleged on social media, she said, “No, nothing concern ‘Upcoming’. We are not dating again, today made it one month I stopped dating him, I have stopped talking to him since after then. Somebody insulted my grandmother that she is smelling and you said I should not beat her.”

Meanwhile, a group, the Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence (AWAGBV) and ‘Do Foundation’, in a statement on Monday, expressed shock over the violence displayed by the suspects against a fellow girl.

President of AWAGBV, Dr. Dise Harry, said, “This ordinarily is not what we expect from young ladies who should be responsible and law-abiding citizens”.

“It’s sad and embarrassing that my own gender is in the front burner of the social media with a very shameful exhibition of violence and assault due to reasons we still cannot fathom.

“This incident raises so many critical issues of assault, body harm, character assassination, threat to life and cybercrime. We will most humbly suggest that all relevant security agencies spring into action and investigate the matter,” Harry said.

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has quietly begun revoking valid visas previously issued to Nigerian citizens, leaving professionals, entrepreneurs, frequent travellers, and families stranded with disrupted plans and mounting costs.

Former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, made this know in an article yesterday titled: ‘The quiet revocation: Why is the U.S. silently cancelling Nigerians’ visas?’

According to him, several affected individuals have confirmed receiving official letters from the embassy in recent weeks, instructing them to submit their passports at the consulate in Lagos or Abuja. Upon submission, their visas were summarily cancelled without explanation.

The cancellation notices, citing Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, vaguely stated that “new information became available after the visa was issued,” but provided no details, evidence, or avenues for appeal.

Among those impacted are a prominent journalist, the head of a federal government agency scheduled to deliver an international address, and an Abuja-based entrepreneur with a spotless travel record.

Others include professionals and frequent travellers who rely on visas for education, family reunions, medical treatment, and critical business engagements.

Several were forced to cancel overseas trips at short notice, refund tickets, and explain to partners why they could no longer attend important meetings.

In some cases, travellers only discovered the cancellations at airports and boarding gates, with a few briefly detained by immigration officials before being turned back.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria nor Nigerian authorities have issued a public statement addressing the wave of cancellations, leaving affected citizens in limbo.

Those affected insist they have never overstayed visas, violated immigration rules, or raised security concerns. The sudden revocations have therefore sparked growing fears of a quiet but targetted tightening of U.S. visa policy against Nigerians.

Analysts point to longstanding scrutiny of applicants from high-migration countries, with Nigeria often singled out.

Policy documents from previous U.S. administrations encouraged consular officers to apply heightened review standards to certain nationalities, raising concerns that the current wave of cancellations may be a continuation of that practice.

It has been revealed how former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo clashed with the Department of State’s Security (DSS) over the refusal of the agency to obey a court order for the release of Omoyele Sowore during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

This is contained in a new book by Richard Akinnola, titled “I WRITE WHAT I LIKE”.
Akinnola said in the book:

“Sometime in 2019, at the height of the detention of Omoyele Sowore by the Buhari government and the refusal of the DSS to obey court order for his release, l booked an appointment with the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. I was aware of the previous efforts made by VP Osinbajo to get the DSS obey the court order, which almost led to a face-off with the security agency.

“Osinbajo said he had a job to go back to after leaving the office and he could not be around when such an order was being flouted. The DSS had told him that there could not be two presidents, a veiled reference to how Osinbajo, as acting president in 2018, sacked Lawal Daura as DG of DSS. Nonetheless, l still decided to see him, so that he could put more pressure on his government, which he did that day and Sowore was released same day I came to see him.

“Beyond the issue of advocacy,” Akinnola wrote, “I sometimes explored back channels to get things done, like in the case of the then detained Shitte leader, El Zakzakky, who was eventually granted bail, through this method”.

The 198-page book, made up of twenty chapters, essentially is a compilation of some of the author’s Facebook posts between 2017 and 2025.

The book is scheduled to be unveiled at the Airport hotel on Saturday, September 13 during the author’s 67th birthday Summit titled “A handshake across the Niger: The Yoruba/Igbo detente,” under the Chairmanship of Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.