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Wike endorses APC’s candidate for Abuja council chairmanship seat

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

FCT minister Nyesom Wike has declared support for Christopher Maikalangu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 2026 Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had last week cleared political parties to commence campaigns ahead of the council polls.

Maikalangu, who currently chairs AMAC, secured the APC ticket after polling 51 votes in the primary election held on June 26, 2025.

Speaking on Monday during the flag-off of road projects linking Tunga Madaki and eight other communities to the airport, Wike urged residents to rally behind the APC candidate.

He said: “Now that INEC has said area councils can go and campaign officially, you all know where we’re heading to.

“My dear people of Tunga Madaki, I have handed over Maikalangu to you. So that, when the election will be held in February, by June, Mr President will be here to inaugurate this road, and then we will all dance, and dance, and then Mr Maikalangu will come and do the needful after the election.”

The minister said President Bola Tinubu had approved full compensation for the communities affected by the construction of the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

He noted that the road projects being executed were part of the residents’ demands in exchange for land released for the runway.

“One of the things that the communities asked for was that they have to be connected, they have to be linked up with roads.

“It is quite unfair that they are releasing their land for a second runway, but yet they have no access to even go to the airport. It does not make sense.

“Mr President said, whatever the settlement asks for, give it to them. Today, the 29th of September 2025, we are here to the glory of God and to fulfil the promise made by Mr President to the people of Tunga Madaki settlement,” Wike said.

He said the completion of the project in June 2026 would transform the communities, describing Tinubu’s administration as “a listening government that cares for the people.”

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Dangote
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TUC Vows To To Join Strike If Negotiations Between Dangote, PENGASSAN Fail

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has placed its members on red alert amid the ongoing dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The TUC Chairman in Kano State, Comrade Mubarak Buba Yarima, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with reporters.

Yarima, a former member of PENGASSAN, said the union was prepared to join the strike if today’s Abuja meeting involving the Federal Government, PENGASSAN, and the management of the refinery fails to yield a resolution.

“We have already placed our members on red alert. Once we receive a communiqué from PENGASSAN, we are ready to act. You cannot trample on workers’ rights and expect us to keep quiet,” he stated.

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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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Atiku Abubakar
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ADC Adamawa Gives Atiku, Babachir Ultimatum to Register Membership

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued an ultimatum to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and other prominent figures in the party to revalidate their membership at their respective wards before the end of the year or risk losing recognition.

Speaking in Yola, the Adamawa State Chairman of the ADC, Shehu Yohanna, said the party had unveiled its membership register and stressed that only those with valid membership cards would be acknowledged.

“Atiku Abubakar should go to his ward in Jada Local Government and register, while Babachir Lawal should do the same in Hong Local Government. That is the only way they can be treated as legitimate members of the party,” Yohanna stated.

He warned that it was unconstitutional for individuals to take decisions or hold leadership positions in the party without being duly registered.

“You cannot be taking decisions for a party you are not constitutionally a member of. All of you should register for the greatness of our party. It is illegal for someone to hold a leadership position at the national level without being a registered member. That makes a caricature of the party,” Yohanna declared.

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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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Group hails Remi Tinubu’s National Library Project; appeals to FCT minister to make library/ICT centers mandatory for estate approvals

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

A pro-literacy, pro-vocational group, Books Across Borders Initiative, has hailed the First Lady’s effort at completing the national library project and her other pro-literacy activities.  Speaking during a media chat, the Chairman Board of Trustees of Books Across Borders Initiative, Light Shedrack, said that literacy and skills acquisition are the only antidote to poverty and insecurity, a belief that the First Lady has validated through her pro-literacy activities. Mr Shedrack also appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and other urban planners to ensure that every neighbourhood and estate is integrated with a functional library/ICT center to serve as a gathering place for the youths and adults alike.

”The First Lady has demonstrated and validated the widely accepted fact that literacy and skills acquisition are the only cures for poverty and insecurity. Poverty and illiteracy are interconnected. A nation that fails to promote a reading culture among its young population will likely be poor and restive. Poverty is a byproduct of illiteracy and a lack of skills. It breeds insecurity. Literacy, on the other hand, broadens and enlightens the mind. It promotes tolerance and human dignity.  A well-informed mind understands human unity and the sanctity of life. Skills acquisition makes us self-sufficient. A literate, innovative, and self-reliant society will effortlessly combat terrorism and other forms of insecurity.

“Let me use this opportunity also to appeal to the Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike, to integrate it into the FCT policy framework that each estate within the Federal Capital Territory should have a spot that serves as a functional library/ICT center as well as a gathering place for the youths. Even if it is a modular library.

“The First Lady has set the pace.  It would be ideal if the other States’ First Ladies toe the same line and ensure that literacy and ICT advancement are prioritised in their respective states, as their pet projects.

Speaking further on the activities of Books Across Borders Initiative, Mr, Shedrack made a case for skills acquisition, calling on organised private sectors, the governments, the religious bodies and other stakeholders in nation building to wade into the educational deficiency bedeviling the country.

“No efforts would ever produce any positive result if we do not prioritise education and skills acquisition.  Today, the world is migrating to AI and robotics.  How prepared are we as a people?  The time to make decisive efforts in advancing education, skills acquisition, especially in the areas of ICT, robotics and AI, has come.  Religious organisations such as Mosques and Churches, traditional organisations, NGOs, governments at all levels, as well as the organised private sectors should be at the fore of this indispensable message and support of mass education and skills acquisition.  This has been our central message and activity in the Books Across Borders Initiative and Academy for Creating Enterprise.

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