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Folarin Kehinde

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Panic buying hits Abuja as NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA shut over PENGASSAN strike PANIC buying of petrol has spread across the Federal Capital Territory as the nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) shut down operations at Nigeria’s key oil and gas regulatory institutions. Motorists were seen thronging fuel stations for panic buying in several parts of the city, including the Airport and Kubwa roads, while queues also stretched at Maple, Kugbo and Nyanyan areas of the nation’s capital . The industrial action, which commenced on Monday, paralysed activities at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). According to Punch, at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was firmly locked, leaving staff stranded outside. Security operatives confirmed that no entry was permitted in line with the union’s directive. Similar scenes played out at the NMDPRA office in the Central Business District, where offices were deserted. Confirming the situation, PENGASSAN chairman at NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, said the strike recorded “100 per cent compliance,” barring both staff and visitors from accessing facilities. He added that the same level of compliance was achieved at the NNPCL and other agencies nationwide. The strike followed PENGASSAN’s National Executive Council (NEC) resolution over the dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions by sacking workers for joining the union and replacing them with foreigners. “All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the NEC declared in a statement signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa. The resolution directed all international oil companies (IOCs) to cut crude and gas shipments to the plant. The move has already triggered fears of acute fuel scarcity and blackouts. Marketers warn that halting supply to Nigeria’s largest refinery will disrupt distribution, drive up prices, and destabilise the downstream market.

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Panic buying of petrol has spread across the Federal Capital Territory as the nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) shut down operations at Nigeria’s key oil and gas regulatory institutions.

Motorists were seen thronging fuel stations for panic buying in several parts of the city, including the Airport and Kubwa roads, while queues also stretched at Maple, Kugbo and Nyanyan areas of the nation’s capital .

The industrial action, which commenced on Monday, paralysed activities at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

According to Punch, at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was firmly locked, leaving staff stranded outside. Security operatives confirmed that no entry was permitted in line with the union’s directive. Similar scenes played out at the NMDPRA office in the Central Business District, where offices were deserted.

Confirming the situation, PENGASSAN chairman at NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, said the strike recorded “100 per cent compliance,” barring both staff and visitors from accessing facilities. He added that the same level of compliance was achieved at the NNPCL and other agencies nationwide.

The strike followed PENGASSAN’s National Executive Council (NEC) resolution over the dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions by sacking workers for joining the union and replacing them with foreigners.

“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the NEC declared in a statement signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa. The resolution directed all international oil companies (IOCs) to cut crude and gas shipments to the plant.

The move has already triggered fears of acute fuel scarcity and blackouts. Marketers warn that halting supply to Nigeria’s largest refinery will disrupt distribution, drive up prices, and destabilise the downstream market.

 

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Final-Year Thesis Now Compulsory Requirement for NYSC – FG

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved new regulations making the submission of academic thesis or project reports a mandatory requirement for mobilisation into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The directive, which takes effect from October 6, 2025, was conveyed through an enforcement circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The move is part of enforcing the National Education Repository and Databank (NERD) policy, which aims to digitise and preserve academic works across Nigeria’s institutions. The goal is to tackle certificate fraud, improve academic quality, and make sure every graduate’s work adds to Nigeria’s body of knowledge.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the policy also allows students and their lecturers to earn from their academic work, which will be stored in a national digital platform.

NERD spokesperson, Haula Galadima, explained that each submission must include the names of the student, supervisor(s), Head of Department, and the institution. “This will improve the quality of supervision and discourage poor academic work,” she said.

From March 30 every year, schools and organisations must submit compliance reports. Existing NYSC members or graduates mobilised before October 6 are not affected.

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JUST IN: Nigeria’s future brighter than its past – SGF boasts

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has declared that Nigeria’s future is brighter than its past as the country marks its 65th independence anniversary.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Akume described Independence Day as more than a ceremonial date, calling it “a profound opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come as a people, celebrate our resilience, and renew our commitment to the ideals of unity, peace, and progress.”

He said Nigeria’s journey since 1960 had been marked by both triumphs and trials, but the “Nigerian spirit has remained unbroken.”

“This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme: ‘Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.’ It reminds us that building a greater Nigeria is not the task of government alone but a responsibility for every citizen,” he said.

Akume praised the “visionary leadership” of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda had become the guiding framework for national transformation.

He said his office plays a central role in ensuring the agenda translates into “a lived reality for Nigerians” by coordinating policies and strengthening inter-ministerial synergy.

“We are all aware of the economic reforms initiated by this administration. They are bold, sometimes difficult, but necessary steps aimed at stabilising our economy, restoring investor confidence, and laying a foundation for long-term growth,” he said.

 

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65th Independence: NSCDC deploys 4, 500 personnel for security in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, has ordered the deployment of 4, 500 Personnel across the nooks and crannies of the FCT ahead of this year’s Independence Day celebration.

The deployment is in a bid to ensure security of lives and property as well as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in the FCT and it’s environs before, during and after the celebration.

A statement released Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSC Monica Ojobi, said the deployment of officers and men cuts across specialized departments and units such as Female Strike Force, Arms Squad, Operation Adakasu, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosives(CBRNE).

The statement said: “There is also massive deployment to vulnerable locations and soft targets such as Shopping Malls, Recreational Centres, prayer grounds, Markets, Motor Parks, Amusement parks, City Gate, 3 Arms Zone, government buildings and areas housing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.

“In a bit to ensure proactiveness and prevent emergency or unforseen circumstances, men of our under cover unit have already been deployed for covert operations and surveillance.

“Black spots like uncompleted buildings that harbour criminals are also covered to avert security breeches.”

The statement added that Odumosu gave matching orders to all Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to ensure their various Area Councils to be on top of their game and ensure their presence is felt to avoid security hitches.

“All hands must be on deck, I will not tolerate any form of breeches, ensure you deploy your personnel adequately”.

The FCT helmsman, charges all officers to be of good conduct and work in synergy with other security agencies and adhere strictly to the rules of engagement, avoid harassment and intimidation of any citizen as well as accidental discharge.

He accordingly assures residents of FCT of a safe celebration by ensuring a secured environment before, during and after the celebration.

Commandant Odumosu, urges residents of the FCT to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements, individual or group to any Security agency near them.

“my personnel are ready to ensure a peaceful celebration, you have a part to play too by being proactive”.

He warns criminals and vandals to stay off Critical National Assets and Infrastructure stating that NSCDC covert officers are all over the capital city and will not hesitate to bring any offender to justice.

“He wishes residents of the FCT a joyous 65th Independence Day celebration, urging them to continue to have faith in Nigeria as well as prayed for the well being of our Nation, Nigeria.”

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Africa & World

Fraud: China sentences former agricultural minister to death

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

China’s former agricultural minister was sentenced to death on Sunday on corruption charges, with a two-year reprieve, a court statement said.

Tang Renjian accepted cash and property bribes totalling more than 268 million yuan ($38 million) between 2007 and 2024, the People’s Court of Changchun in northeast Jilin province said in a statement.

The court ruled that the bribes “caused particularly severe losses to the interests of the state and the people, and therefore warranted the death penalty”, adding that Tang had confessed to his crimes and expressed remorse.

Tang’s sentencing is the latest in President Xi Jinping’s sweeping anti-graft campaign that has brought down several high-level figures.

Supporters of Xi’s anti-corruption drive say the campaign promotes clean governance, but critics argue it provides the president with the power to purge political rivals.

Tang previously served as governor of the northwestern province of Gansu, as well as the vice chairman of southern autonomous region of Guangxi.

His downfall follows similar graft investigations into former defence ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe.

Li was removed from office just seven months into the job, and later expelled from the Chinese Communist Party for offences including suspected bribery, state media said.

His successor, Dong Jun, was also reportedly placed under investigation on corruption charges.

 

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BREAKING: Dangote Refinery Shut Down as PENGASSAN Enforces Decision

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery was forced to shut down operations on Sunday as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) enforced a labour decision following the alleged mass dismissal of over 800 workers.

The development marks a further escalation in the dispute between the union and the management of Africa’s largest refining facility, located in the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos.

According to updates from PENGASSAN, the refinery has been completely shut down, with the fertiliser plant’s Train Two also fully halted, while Train One is operating at only 60 per cent capacity. The diesel plant, however, remains operational.

The union, which directed its members to down tools after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday, September 27, said the shutdown extends beyond the refinery to other oil installations across the country. Crude oil and gas supply to the plant have also been disrupted.

PENGASSAN’s decision follows the dismissal of hundreds of workers allegedly for their involvement with the union. In a circular signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the association described the action as a necessary response to “anti-labour practices,” vowing not to resume operations until the sacked workers are reinstated and negotiations are held.

Reacting to the union’s move, Dangote Refinery described the directive as “economic sabotage” in a statement issued on Saturday. The company, however, has yet to officially confirm the extent of the shutdown.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has called on both parties to engage in dialogue and resolve the dispute through peaceful negotiation.

Since its partial commissioning, the $20 billion Dangote Refinery has been central to Nigeria’s strategy to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and stabilise domestic supply.Nigerian real estate

 

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BREAKING: Dangote refinery suspends petrol sales in naira

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced the suspension of petrol sales in naira, a move that has unsettled marketers and raised fresh concerns about fuel pricing and foreign exchange pressure.

In an email sent to its customers at exactly 6:42 pm on Friday, the refinery disclosed that the decision would take effect from Sunday, September 28, 2025, citing the exhaustion of its crude-for-naira allocation as the reason.

The notice, signed by the Group Commercial Operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, was titled “Suspension of DPRP PMS Naira Sales – Effective 28th September 2025”.

The company also asked customers with ongoing naira-based transactions to formally request refunds.

It read in part, “We write to inform you that Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has been selling petroleum products in excess of our Naira-Crude allocations and, consequently, we are unable to sustain PMS sales in Naira going forward.

“Kindly note that this suspension of Naira sales for PMS will be effective from Sunday, 28th of September, 2025. We will provide further updates regarding the resumption of supply once the situation has been resolved.

“All customers with PMS transactions in Naira who would like a refund of their current payments should formally request the processing of their refund.”

The announcement comes at a time the refinery is embroiled in a bitter dispute with labour unions over the alleged mass sack of more than 800 Nigerian workers, a development that has triggered outrage and calls for government intervention.

This is not the first time the refinery has suspended local currency transactions. In March 2025, Dangote had briefly halted sales of refined products in naira, insisting that its allocations under the crude-for-naira programme were inadequate to meet growing domestic demand.

The decision then sparked concerns over the dollarisation of fuel sales in Nigeria, escalating prices at the pump to almost N1,000 per litre.

Analysts warn that the latest move could again trigger volatility in the downstream sector, with fears of a potential hike in petrol prices if transactions are shifted predominantly to dollars.

The Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Jeremiah Olatide, warned that petrol prices could soar above N900 per litre, noting that the Dangote Refinery had been instrumental in keeping pump prices lower in recent months.

The Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Jeremiah Olatide, warned that petrol prices could soar above N900 per litre, noting that the Dangote Refinery had been instrumental in keeping pump prices lower in recent months

The suspension also coincides with heightened industrial tension at the refinery. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria on Friday accused the company of anti-labour practices, following the termination of hundreds of Nigerian workers.

Union leaders have vowed to resist what they described as “an unjust and insensitive corporate decision,” threatening nationwide solidarity actions if the matter is not addressed.

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BREAKING: Dangote Refinery sacks Nigerian workers

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced the termination of appointment of all its Nigerian staff.

The mass sack is happening less than 24 hours after majority of the workers joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

In a memo signed by the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, the company said the action was part of a “total re-organisation” following alleged sabotage across several units of the refinery. Affected workers were ordered to return all company property and proceed for clearance.

The development has heightened tensions in the oil and gas sector, with PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery already in a long-running dispute over unionisation rights.

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Be Patient With Me’, Governor Kefas Begs Taraba Residents

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde
  1. Taraba State governor, Agbu Kefas, has asked residents of the state to be patient with him, saying his administration has mapped out programmes that will impact on their lives positively.

Governor Kefas made the plea on Wednesday when he met with the people of Central Taraba and loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Federal Polytechnic in Bali.

The meeting, which brought together the people of Central Taraba, comprising Kurmi, Gassol, Gasaka, Sardauna, and Bali local governments as well as loyalists and stalwarts of the PDP who expressed their concerns to the governor.

At the meeting, Governor Kefas acknowledged that the people of the state, especially Central Taraba were faced with challenges, and assured that, his administration was going to address them, with the view to improve their living standards.

He pledged that after the rainy season, construction and other critical projects will begin, such that will improve their lives.

“I want you to be patient with the government. I know your many problems, but the resources coming to the state are limited.

“But, we will do our best to put smiles on your faces, especially in the areas of improved electricity, healthcare, roads and other basic needs,” the Governor assured.

 

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Heavy Rainfall Submerges Lagos, Leaves Homes, Roads Flooded

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Heavy rainfall on Wednesday left parts of Lagos submerged, causing severe flooding on major roads and in residential areas, especially across the Island axis.

The downpour, which lasted for hours, disrupted traffic, damaged properties, and forced many commuters to abandon vehicles and trek long distances.

Worst-hit areas include Mile 2, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki Expressway, 3rd Mainland Bridge, Ago Palace Way, Ayobo-Ipaja, Fola Osibo, and Sangotedo. Residents and eyewitnesses blamed blocked drainages and clogged water channels for worsening the situation.

An eyewitness stranded on the 3rd Mainland Bridge described the experience as terrifying, saying their bus nearly lost balance in the floodwaters.

In Lekki, residents lamented poor government response, noting that drainage channels remained clogged, with foul odours lingering after the rain.

“There’s traffic everywhere. I can’t even get a ride to deliver an item. The road construction before Abraham Adesanya is making things worse.

“Government should speed it up or pause it until the rainy season ends,” a resident complained.

In Orchid, another resident decried how stagnant water from clogged drains had become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and insects.

The flooding also triggered gridlock across major roads, with commercial drivers struggling to navigate submerged routes.

Traffic officials were deployed to ease movement, while authorities warned residents against dumping refuse into drainage channels, stressing that environmental laws would be strictly enforced to avert future flooding.

 

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