Nelson Ugwuagbo

NNPC Shipping, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has entered into a strategic partnership with Stena Bulk and Caverton Marine Limited to enhance maritime transportation efficiency across West Africa through the establishment of a new tanker fleet.

The agreement, signed last week in London, aims to launch a joint tanker operation focused on transporting crude oil, refined petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) within the region. The initiative is expected to bolster Nigeria’s energy supply chain and improve logistics capacity across West Africa.

According to the parties, the joint venture will provide high-quality and efficient maritime transport services. The operation will involve a combination of new and existing vessels, with decisions guided by market trends and commercial viability. The partners also plan to explore vessel acquisitions and long-term charter arrangements, while upholding high standards of safety, sustainability, and cost efficiency.

Managing Director of NNPC Shipping, Panos Gliatis, stated that the new fleet will primarily support NNPCL’s logistics needs for crude oil, clean products, and LNG/LPG. He described the venture as a significant step in modernizing Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and strengthening the country’s role in global energy logistics.

“This partnership brings together NNPC Shipping’s expertise with Stena Bulk’s global experience and Caverton’s local knowledge, creating a strong platform to serve oil producers and traders across the region,” Gliatis said.

President and CEO of Stena Bulk, Erik Hanell, expressed enthusiasm over the company’s expansion into a key growth market, noting the alignment with Nigeria’s energy sector transformation and Stena Bulk’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainability.

Also speaking, CEO of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Bode Makanjuola, described the collaboration as a milestone in boosting Nigeria’s maritime capabilities. He emphasized that the blend of local insight and international best practices would benefit Nigeria and the wider sub-Saharan Africa region.

The joint venture is expected to support Nigeria’s long-term economic growth by enhancing energy logistics and strengthening the country’s maritime operations.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the nomination and administrative fees for aspirants in the July 12 Lagos State Local Government Election. The fees, detailed in guidelines signed by APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and Secretary Dr. Adeola Jokomba, were released on Tuesday.

Chairmanship Aspirants

• Male: ₦5 million nomination fee; ₦500,000 administrative fee
• Female: ₦2.5 million nomination fee; ₦500,000 administrative fee
• Aspirants under 40: 50% discount on nomination fee; ₦500,000 administrative fee
• Aspirants with disabilities: Nomination fee waived; ₦250,000 administrative fee

Councillorship Aspirants

• Male: ₦1 million nomination fee; ₦100,000 administrative fee
• Female: ₦250,000 nomination fee; ₦100,000 administrative fee
• Aspirants under 40: 50% discount on nomination fee; ₦100,000 administrative fee
• Aspirants with disabilities: Nomination fee waived; ₦50,000 administrative fee

There is no separate fee for the Vice Chairman position. All fees must be paid via bank draft in favor of the All Progressives Congress, Lagos State.

Chairmanship nomination forms must be endorsed by five registered APC members who are voters in the aspirant’s ward, local government area, or Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has imposed a nightly curfew in Minna, the state capital, effective immediately.

The curfew, which restricts movement from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., was announced Tuesday during a security summit at the Government House attended by traditional rulers and heads of security agencies.

Under the new order, commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators are barred from operating during curfew hours, though medical emergencies are exempt.

The measure is intended to stem a recent surge in attacks and killings across the city.

Governor Bago affirmed that his administration will not tolerate violence against innocent citizens. He further instructed district, village, and ward leaders to begin formally documenting all visitors.

Any residence found sheltering suspected criminals or drug traffickers will be demolished, he warned.

Fresh protests broke out on Monday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, in response to the continued killings of indigenous residents by suspected Fulani militants.

Led by Christian leaders, including the Plateau State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Polycarp Lubo, demonstrators gathered at the Fawvwei Junction community road, resulting in major traffic congestion and leaving many commuters stranded.

The protest follows a surge in violent attacks across Plateau communities, particularly in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas, where over 100 people have reportedly been killed in the past two weeks.

“We are not happy over the continuous attacks and killings by gunmen in our communities. That’s why we have come out again to protest these happenings,” said one of the protesters, Gyang Dalyop.

Another demonstrator, Hannatu Philip, urged the government to act urgently, warning that the situation could worsen if not addressed promptly.

The protesters, carrying placards with various messages, marched toward the Rayfield Government House to demand immediate security intervention.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has dismissed reports claiming that a lengthy concession period had been agreed upon for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the minister described the report as “utterly baseless and untrue.”

Keyamo clarified that while the federal government is exploring concession options and has received proposals from interested companies, no final decision has been made regarding the Enugu airport.

The development comes amid heightened attention on the airport, following Air Peace’s recent suspension of flight operations due to infrastructural issues. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) subsequently closed the airport to commence emergency rehabilitation of the runway.

Moshood added that several airports across the country are currently operating at a loss and require monthly subsidies from the government, a situation that underscores the need to consider concession arrangements.

The National Assembly has extended the resumption date for plenary sessions by one week, shifting it from Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Monday.

According to the statement, the extension is to allow lawmakers participate in the Workers’ Day celebration and attend to other constituency engagements.

“I am directed to inform Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members, and the general public that the two Houses of the National Assembly have extended the date for the resumption of plenary sessions from Tuesday, 29th April 2025, to Tuesday, 6th May 2025,” the statement read.

It added that the new resumption date should be noted by all concerned, and expressed regret over any inconvenience caused.

The National Assembly had earlier been scheduled to reconvene after recess on April 29.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria today following official visits to France and the United Kingdom.

The announcement was made on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, via a post on his X handle.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return home today,” Onanuga stated.

President Tinubu departed Nigeria on April 2 for a short working visit to Paris, France. According to earlier statements from the Presidency, the trip was intended for the President to assess the midterm performance of his administration and evaluate key milestones.

During the visit, the President was also expected to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary. Onanuga noted that the trip served as a period of reflection to inform future plans aimed at deepening reforms and accelerating national development.

Despite being abroad, the Presidency maintained that the President remained actively engaged in governance. Onanuga previously stated that President Tinubu would return in “about a fortnight.”

Amid criticism over the President’s extended absence, especially in light of ongoing security challenges in the country, the Presidency on April 17 reiterated that President Tinubu was still overseeing affairs of state from abroad.

“His absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks,” the Presidency said, adding that the President would return to Abuja following the conclusion of the Easter holiday.

The Presidency also acknowledged the concerns of Nigerians and assured the public of the President’s continued dedication to his responsibilities.