Category: News

Nigerians could soon see lower petrol prices as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) teams up with Chinese firms to bring the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries back online. The move has sparked optimism among fuel marketers and retailers, who anticipate a competitive market that will push prices downward.

After months of speculation, NNPCL inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Sanjiang Chemical Company and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co., Limited on April 30, 2026. This agreement aims to finalize the rehabilitation of the long-dormant refineries, which have been offline since May 2025 for scheduled maintenance.

For years, the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries have remained idle despite billions of dollars—estimated at $18 billion to $25 billion—invested in repairs over the past two decades. Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery in Lagos has become the primary source of fuel for the country.

The recent conflict in the Middle East has exacerbated the situation, pushing global crude prices to $112 per barrel for Brent and $104 for West Texas Intermediate. Domestically, petrol costs have soared to between N1,364 and N1,380 per liter in Abuja, up from around N800, severely impacting transportation and living costs.

Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), expressed confidence that resuming local refining would spur competition and reduce prices. “The more refined products we get from any country, the higher the competition, driving down the price of any refined product,” he said.

Chinedu Ukadike, spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), highlighted the urgency of restarting local refineries and called on the government to offer incentives for both marketers and consumers. “Provide incentives for motorists and also marketers in terms of funding. At that level, marketers will reduce their prices at the pumps,” he stated.

With the MoU in place, stakeholders are hopeful that the new Chinese partnership will finally deliver on the long-awaited revival of Nigeria’s refining capacity, providing relief from the current fuel price crisis.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has officially contradicted the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company regarding the reasons behind the recent blackout affecting several communities in Kogi State.

According to AEDC, the power disruption was due to a scheduled maintenance of 100MVA power transformers at the Apo 132kV substation. The distribution company listed areas such as Zango, Shetima, Apansede, Phase 1, Phase 2, and Crown Estate as affected by the outage.

However, TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah clarified that no maintenance work occurred at its Apo 132kV Transmission Substation during the period specified by AEDC. TCN explained that maintenance was successfully completed on April 30, 2026, when the transformer was taken offline as an emergency measure due to arcing observed on the bushing.

TCN emphasized that the power outage experienced by AEDC customers in the mentioned areas cannot be attributed to the transmission company. The statement underscores a clear disagreement between the two power entities over the actual cause of the blackout.

An organization representing the Fulani community has once more leveled accusations against what it describes as Berom militia gangs, alleging that these groups are responsible for assaults on Fulani herders and the killing or theft of their livestock across certain areas of Plateau State. The Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN) specifically pointed to locales such as Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos East Local Government Areas as hotspots for these incidents.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, GAFDAN revealed that it has repeatedly reported these attacks to security agencies. However, the group claims that these reports have been ignored or not acted upon, as the perpetrators are neither arrested nor face any legal consequences. The association detailed a recent incident involving a herder named Usaini Abubakar from the Fass community, who was allegedly ambushed by a militia group. During this attack, six of his cows were shot, with three dying immediately and the other three sustaining critical injuries from gunshots. The incident reportedly took place on May 5, 2026.

The Fulani community in Riyom LGA strongly condemned the attack, describing it as unprovoked. They stated that the cattle were peacefully grazing when they were targeted, and they expressed deep concern over what they see as a pattern of violence against law-abiding pastoralists. This pattern, they argue, threatens peaceful coexistence and undermines efforts to foster unity and stability in the region.

In addition to the livestock attack, GAFDAN also reported an assault on two Fulani youths. The youths were allegedly ambushed, beaten, and had their motorcycles damaged by Berom youths from Gada village in Jos East LGA. Despite reporting this incident to the authorities, the attackers were not detained, according to the group.

GAFDAN called on security agencies, particularly the Nigerian military, to launch a thorough investigation into these repeated attacks by Berom militias and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. They also urged intensified measures to protect herders and their livestock. The group appealed to all communities in Riyom LGA to embrace peace, dialogue, and mutual respect, emphasizing that violence only deepens divisions and hinders progress. Reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence, they called on stakeholders to support efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in the area.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has made a strong case for bolstered partnership between the electoral body and local security agencies. Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, emphasized the need for a more robust collaborative framework during a series of courtesy visits to key security establishments in Akure on Tuesday.

At the Department of State Services (DSS), Agboke highlighted that such cooperation is vital as the commission gears up for the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election scheduled for June 20, 2026. He stated that INEC and security outfits must work in close coordination to ensure a seamless electoral process. “We need to strengthen the existing collaboration between INEC and the DSS, especially as we prepare for the upcoming by-election,” Agboke remarked.

The DSS Director in Ondo, Mr. Sagiru Samaila, welcomed the proposal and pledged the service’s full support. He assured that the agency would provide adequate security measures before, during, and after the election to guarantee a peaceful exercise.

During a subsequent visit to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) command in the state, Agboke reiterated the importance of inter-agency synergy. He also used the occasion to inform the command about the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive, which is set to commence on May 11, 2026. The State Comptroller of NCoS, Charles Oyewole, reaffirmed the service’s readiness to assist INEC whenever needed, underscoring their commitment to a secure electoral environment.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, has stirred controversy with a bold call for Nigerians to retaliate against South Africa over recurrent xenophobic attacks. Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, Ningi argued that Nigeria must not remain passive while its citizens are being killed abroad.

Ningi emphasized that the loss of Nigerian lives in South Africa is unacceptable. ‘Life is irreplaceable, and our people are being murdered without justification,’ he declared. The senator asserted that Nigeria and other African nations know exactly where South Africa is located, and if necessary, they can carry the fight onto South African soil.

The lawmaker warned against complacency, stating that the Senate should prioritize this issue until a decisive response is achieved. ‘If this is all we discuss here, so be it,’ he added.

Recall that recent xenophobic violence in South Africa has claimed the lives of several Nigerian and Ghanaian nationals. In a related development, Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North had earlier urged the Nigerian government to take retaliatory measures against South African businesses operating in Nigeria.

A legal practitioner, Emmanuel Ogar, has called on citizens to consistently apply lawful pressure on their leaders and elected representatives to ensure the fulfillment of their official responsibilities. He made this statement on Wednesday in reaction to the invitation of his client, Mr. Fred Obi, by security agencies due to Mr. Obi’s alleged involvement in a protest at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) two days prior.

Ogar emphasized that there is no wrongdoing in holding public officials accountable when they fail or neglect their duties. He stated, “Where they are slow in performing their obligations, it is our duty to exert legitimate pressure on them to act rightly and to hold them answerable for their actions and omissions. Any public officer who cannot tolerate criticism should step down.”

The lawyer expressed disapproval of public officials who employ state security apparatus to intimidate citizens exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech and expression. He criticized the conduct of the complainant, believed to be the university leadership, against his client, describing the actions as a calculated move to use state security as a tool of intimidation.

According to Ogar, such behavior poses a serious threat to the fundamental rights of citizens, including those of his client. However, he acknowledged the professionalism, restraint, and courtesy exhibited by the Department of State Services (DSS) during their engagement with Mr. Obi.

In his own statement following the session with the DSS, Mr. Obi also commended the service for their professional handling of the matter. He recounted, “I had a brief interaction with the Director, who demonstrated great professionalism and knowledge in addressing issues. I was told that multiple calls had been made to the Service alleging that I led or incited the student protest in Calabar, which prompted my invitation. I received advice on several points, and I can say that the Director was fatherly in his approach and showed a high level of comradeship.”

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a significant consignment of cocaine valued at N2.35 billion, along with other prohibited items including explosives, petrol, and synthetic cannabis. The total worth of recent seizures now exceeds N5.5 billion, according to an announcement by the agency.

Comptroller Gambo Aliyu of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, made this known on Tuesday in Lagos during a handover ceremony of confiscated narcotics and suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He detailed that operatives had thwarted 473 smuggling attempts over an eight-week period, calling it a major breakthrough in anti-smuggling efforts.

The cocaine was seized during a targeted operation along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, where officers intercepted a Toyota Highlander carrying the illicit substance. A 71-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the incident. Aliyu noted that the seizures occurred across multiple states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo—and several individuals have been taken into custody.

In addition to the narcotics, the customs unit also recovered four 80-kilogram cylinders of mercury, a hazardous material under international environmental regulations. The mercury will be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency for further investigation.

Aliyu highlighted that enforcement was intensified under ‘Operation Hawk,’ a targeted initiative to dismantle narcotics trafficking networks. This operation led to the seizure of 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, weighing a total of 1,540 kilogrammes. Furthermore, the unit recovered N97.7 million from underpaid duties between February 3 and April 28, 2026, through heightened enforcement actions.

The cumulative duty-paid value of all seizures stands at over N5.5 billion, demonstrating sustained efforts to combat economic sabotage. Aliyu also revealed the use of advanced technologies such as geospatial intelligence, satellite imagery, drones, and predictive analytics to monitor and intercept smuggling activities.

The seized drugs and three suspects were formally transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution. Receiving the items, NDLEA Commander Ibrahim Kabiru commended the customs operatives for their professionalism and collaboration. He confirmed receiving two parcels of suspected cocaine weighing 2.30kg, four parcels of crack cocaine weighing 4.05kg, 3,340 cannabis parcels, and three suspects. Kabiru emphasized that these interceptions send a strong message that Lagos and its environs are not safe havens for drug trafficking and praised the ongoing partnership between the agencies.

Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Taiwo Oyedele, has firmly stated that the government has no plans to bring back fuel subsidies. Speaking during a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and international investors in Paris, France, Oyedele emphasized that subsidies had previously caused significant economic distortions. He argued that leaving petrol prices to market forces is the best path forward, as the administration trusts free-market mechanisms over regulated pricing.

The removal of the subsidy in May 2023 led to a sharp rise in inflation, which hit a 19-year high. Headline inflation soared from 22.41% in May 2023 to 34.19% by June 2024, largely driven by higher fuel, food, and transportation costs. These increases worsened living conditions across the country. Food inflation alone climbed above 39% by October 2024, while transportation expenses jumped nearly 300%, deepening poverty levels.

During the Paris meeting, President Tinubu highlighted that removing the subsidy had helped stabilize foreign exchange markets. “The subsidy was a burden on the entire nation, and after its removal, we achieved FX stability,” he told investors. His adviser, Bayo Onanuga, added that the government’s reform agenda aims to eliminate economic distortions and strengthen macroeconomic stability for long-term inclusive growth.

Oyedele pointed to strong economic indicators, noting that Nigeria recorded 11.2% GDP growth in dollar terms in 2025, supporting the goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030. He also stressed that the government’s immediate priority is ensuring reforms translate into real benefits for citizens, with a commitment to publishing quarterly financial reports. The Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha, assured investors of prudent debt management and sustainable borrowing practices.

The investor group included representatives from Citibank, France’s Amundi, BlueCrest, Ninety One, Kirkoswald Capital, Principal Finisterre, PGIM, and Mesarete Capital. President Tinubu, who was on a three-nation trip, reiterated that his administration’s economic reforms are designed to stabilize key indicators and create a foundation for sustained growth. He also pledged to deepen reforms, improve transparency in the oil sector, and implement a comprehensive security strategy, including decentralizing the police and tackling terrorist financing. “Policy stability and diligent execution are crucial to ensuring these strategic shifts benefit all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.

As the Nigerian Army gears up for the 2026 Captain to Major Written Promotion Examination, the commander overseeing the process has issued a firm directive: no compromises will be tolerated. Major General Peter Malla, who leads the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), addressed members of the examination panel on May 3, 2026, at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport in Benin City, stressing the need for absolute professionalism and fairness.

Malla, who also chairs the panel, emphasized that every candidate must be evaluated strictly on leadership qualities, critical thinking, and preparedness to tackle modern security threats. He reminded panelists to adhere rigorously to the Nigerian Army Charter for Promotion Examinations 2022 (Revised), ensuring the exercise remains transparent and credible. The commander expressed optimism that the process would be conducted smoothly and acknowledged the support from the Chief of Army Staff.

Earlier, the school’s commandant, Major General Adebayo Adegbite, confirmed that the institution is fully prepared to host the examination and guarantee an efficient operation. The statement was released by Felicia Daniel, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for TRADOC, and published on the official Nigerian Army page on May 3, 2026. The army’s call underscores its commitment to upholding merit and integrity in officer promotions, vital for maintaining combat readiness.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has pointed fingers at certain politicians, alleging they are behind the persistent violence and insecurity plaguing the region. Speaking during a meeting with journalists at the Government House in Jos, he claimed that these attacks are orchestrated by individuals seeking political gain, particularly around election periods.

Mutfwang highlighted several incidents, including the Dogo Nahawa massacre in 2010, which claimed over 1,000 lives, and the recent attack on the Angwan Rukuba community, where more than 30 people were killed. He argued that the timing of these events points to a political motive rather than mere terrorism. “I am confident in stating that the insecurity in Plateau is fueled by desperate politicians aiming to destabilize the state,” Mutfwang asserted.

The governor also noted that recent attacks in predominantly Muslim areas like Kanam, Wase, and Quan Pan further discredit claims of religious extremism, as attackers would not target their own faith. “Our findings indicate that these acts are politically motivated. We are determined to prevent them from succeeding,” he added.