Category: Local

In a landmark event for West Africa’s maritime industry, the Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) on Friday welcomed the Kota Oasis, the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered container ship to berth in the region. The Singapore-flagged, eco-friendly vessel is owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL) and marks a significant step towards greener shipping in Nigeria. With a length of 260 meters and a Gross Registered Tonnage of 78,501, the Kota Oasis boasts a capacity of 8,350 TEUs. It is powered by dual-fuel technology, enabling operation on both LNG and diesel, and is equipped with advanced exhaust gas recycling systems to minimize methane emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. OMT Managing Director, Mr. Nicolo Scannavini, hailed the vessel’s arrival as a transformative moment for Nigerian maritime trade. “This vessel will be a game changer for trade connectivity between Asia and Nigeria. It’s an engineering marvel and a statement of intent for cleaner, greener shipping.” OMT currently hosts major global shipping lines such as PIL and MSC, and is actively expanding its international partnerships. Scannavini also commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), under Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, for facilitating the vessel’s successful docking. Mr. Dhruv Kohli, PIL’s Regional Head of Operations and Logistics, emphasized the vessel’s environmental and operational significance: “The Kota Oasis is part of PIL’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Its deployment in Nigeria underscores our strategic focus on the South West Africa trade corridor.” Kohli highlighted the vessel’s 40,000-horsepower engine, which will strengthen direct trade links between Nigeria, Singapore, and China. Deputy Comptroller John Ejeh of the Nigeria Customs Service (Onne Port Command) pledged continued support for smooth trade facilitation at the port. “We remain committed to OMT, PIL, and other stakeholders to ensure ease of doing business.” The historic berthing attracted top officials from the NPA, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other regulatory bodies, all of whom commended the milestone and reaffirmed their support for sustainable maritime innovation in Nigeria.

A violent kidnapping in Okut, located in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, has resulted in the deaths of three individuals: a prominent local businessman, a vigilante officer, and one of the suspected kidnappers. According to sources who spoke to SaharaReporters, armed men — believed to be of Fulani origin — invaded the residence of Alhaji Dauda Ismaila, a well-known businessman and farmer, at about 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. The assailants reportedly fired multiple gunshots into the air to cause panic before abducting Alhaji Dauda and fleeing into the nearby forest. A local vigilante group swiftly mobilised and tracked the kidnappers deep into the bush. A fierce gunfight broke out during the rescue attempt, leading to the deaths of one suspected kidnapper, Alhaji Dauda, who was hit in the crossfire, and a vigilante officer who was part of the pursuit. “One of the kidnappers was shot and killed, but tragically, Alhaji Dauda was also caught in the crossfire and died on the spot,” a source disclosed. “A member of the vigilante team was also killed in the shootout.” The Joint Task Force has since launched a manhunt for the remaining attackers and has pledged to bring them to justice. This incident adds to a worrying trend of kidnappings in the area. On May 31, a resident of Shiya community was abducted and released only after a ransom was paid. Earlier, in February, another attempt resulted in the death of Alhaji Fatai Olowogbo, who succumbed to gunshot wounds. Residents say kidnappings have become a regular occurrence, stoking fear and disrupting daily life. Community leaders are calling for urgent intervention by security agencies and the government to restore peace in the area. Efforts to reach Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Police Command, for an official response were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Former presidential adviser and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Babafemi Ojudu, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, warning that continued inaction could destabilize the country’s democracy and possibly pave the way for a return to military rule. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Ojudu expressed deep frustration with President Bola Tinubu’s handling of security, calling the government’s response dangerously inadequate. “I’m a member of the APC and I shouldn’t be seen to be deliberately criticising a president elected on our platform,” he said, “but the truth must be told — this is a serious challenge to the existence of this country. The President must sit up.” Ojudu, a former senator who represented Ekiti Central, said that violence is now rampant not just in the North-East and North-West but is encroaching on the North-Central and even the South-West, including parts of Kogi and Kwara states. Referencing the recent killings in Benue, Plateau, and Kano, as well as a deadly suicide bombing in Borno, he said Tinubu’s government has yet to adopt a cohesive national security strategy. “This is not something to treat like skirmishes between a few bad boys. The President must issue a marching order to all heads of military and intelligence agencies to create a coordinated master plan to end this crisis,” he insisted. Threat to 2027 Elections and Democracy Ojudu warned that failure to swiftly tackle insecurity could result in political manipulation of violence ahead of the 2027 elections — a scenario he said could derail democracy. “If these things continue, we don’t know what roles those violent elements may be forced into during the elections,” he said. “That, in itself, is a threat to the fabric of our society. We don’t want to run into exile again or be jailed under a repressive system.” He emphasized that widespread violence, unchecked kidnappings, and impunity threaten Nigeria’s stability and must be tackled with urgency. Federal Overreach and Structural Concerns Responding to recent comments by legal icon Olisa Agbakoba on governance reforms, Ojudu agreed that President Tinubu’s centralist policies contradict his long-standing pro-restructuring stance. “Knowing Tinubu as a restructuring advocate, I’m surprised that powers are again being consolidated at the federal level. We don’t need new commissions everywhere—we need devolved governance and real structural reforms,” he said. Context: Rising Violence Nationwide Ojudu’s remarks come in the wake of escalating violence: President Tinubu has ordered military and intelligence agencies to intensify action, set up peace-building committees, and affirmed that freedom of movement remains a “non-negotiable right” for all Nigerians. Still, many critics, including Ojudu, believe the government is moving too slowly — and that Nigeria’s security architecture needs an urgent overhaul before it’s too late.

Nigeria’s electricity landscape is undergoing a major transformation as seven states—Enugu, Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, Oyo, Edo, and Kogi—officially assume full regulatory control over their electricity markets, in line with the Electricity Act 2023 signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. This landmark reform marks a shift from the long-standing, centrally managed electricity sector, giving sub-national governments the authority to independently generate, transmit, distribute, and regulate electricity within their jurisdictions. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), previously the sole regulator, will now serve a diminished role, providing only oversight to states that haven’t transitioned. According to NERC, at least 11 states have begun the decentralisation process, with Lagos, Ogun, Niger, and Plateau expected to finalise their transitions between June and September. Anambra State has also passed its electricity law and is setting up its regulatory agency. While many experts and stakeholders have welcomed the move as a much-needed push towards true federalism, energy market competitiveness, and improved service delivery, concerns remain about state readiness. Industry insiders warn of capacity gaps, regulatory inexperience, and a lack of technical expertise that could hamper the success of the new state-managed electricity markets. “There’s a serious manpower issue,” a senior NERC official told The PUNCH. “States may not yet grasp the full implications of managing their own electricity markets, especially when it comes to technical operations like tariff setting or enforcement.” States are expected to create new electricity regulatory commissions to license operators and monitor distribution companies. In Enugu, the state has already begun enforcement, even sanctioning a local distribution firm, MainPower Electricity Distribution Ltd, for overbilling. Lagos has also made strides by issuing its first regulatory order under the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC), asserting control over all intrastate electricity activities. Consumer advocates have raised red flags about the possible creation of “regulatory vacuums” in states that have taken over without setting up solid frameworks. Others fear the politicisation of power pricing, subsidy management, and consumer protection. Still, proponents like PowerUp Nigeria’s Adetayo Adegbemle argue the reform is a necessary leap forward. “Decentralisation will open the door for private investment and tailored solutions to local electricity needs,” he said. “But states must act quickly to build institutions, protect consumers, and avoid regulatory confusion.” The development is being hailed as a step toward realising the economic potential of the country’s power sector, long plagued by inefficiencies and poor service delivery. Experts warn, however, that success will hinge on collaboration between state and federal actors, as well as a shared commitment to capacity building, transparency, and innovation.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦945 per litre in Abuja and ₦915 per litre in Lagos, reflecting a new wave of cost hikes across the country’s deregulated fuel market. The upward revision follows Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s decision to raise its ex-depot price from ₦825 to ₦880 per litre, sparking a ripple effect. NNPC retail stations in Kubwa and Obasanjo Way in Abuja, as well as Igando and Badagry in Lagos, reflected the updated pricing on Monday, further compounding pressure on consumers amid steep living costs. Private fuel stations have also raised their prices in response. MRS now sells at ₦925 per litre, while TotalEnergies has adjusted to ₦910, and smaller independent marketers like Oluwafemi Arowolo Petroleum in Iba have gone as high as ₦920. Depot sources confirmed that major supply hubs, including Wosbab and NIPCO, are now selling PMS at up to ₦925 per litre, citing rising international crude prices and operational costs. Experts warn the price could cross ₦1,000 per litre if global crude exceeds $80 per barrel, amid heightened geopolitical tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. “Unless Dangote keeps prices stable, depot owners will hike rates,” said Olatide Jeremiah of PetroleumPrice.ng. With inflationary pressures mounting, Nigerians now brace for deeper economic strain.

Former Delta North Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi, popularly known as “Oracle,” joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2021 amid fears that then-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was plotting a return to the Senate in 2023. Nwaoboshi, once a key ally of Okowa during the 2014 PDP primaries, sensed political danger if he remained in the PDP. Despite their past collaboration, the two politicians had a history of being in opposing camps. In 2011, as PDP chairman in Delta State, Nwaoboshi supported Mariam Alli over Okowa for the Delta North Senate seat. Okowa would eventually win that race and serve from 2011 to 2015 before becoming governor. After Nwaoboshi decamped to the APC, the PDP suspended him, citing repeated public attacks on Okowa. Ironically, Okowa did not contest the Senate seat in 2023, having been picked as the PDP vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku Abubakar. Okowa’s absence from the Senate race opened the door for Ned Nwoko, who received the governor’s blessing to vie for the Delta North senatorial seat on the PDP platform—an opportunity that reshaped Delta North politics. Read Also: Legal Troubles Derail Nwaoboshi’s 2023 Senate Ambition Senator Nwaoboshi was considered a formidable candidate for a third Senate term until legal troubles stemming from a loan transaction upended his plans. In 2022, the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal convicted him on charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The case, centered on a business loan and the alleged fraudulent purchase of a Delta State property, led to a seven-year prison sentence. This conviction effectively removed Nwaoboshi from the 2023 election scene. While he maintained his innocence, the timing proved politically fatal. It wasn’t until after the election that the Supreme Court overturned the conviction, ruling that the EFCC had no jurisdiction in the civil matter and that Nwaoboshi had been wrongfully prosecuted. The court described his conviction as a violation of his constitutional rights. By then, however, Ned Nwoko had already secured the Senate seat, while Nwaoboshi was serving time. His arrest and subsequent incarceration ensured he could not contest or campaign effectively, leaving his political rivals with an open field.

By Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFRPresident & Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria I am deeply saddened and outraged by the series of tragic events that have shaken our nation in recent days. From the cowardly suicide bombing in Konduga, Borno State, to the horrifying lynching of innocent travellers in Plateau State, and the deadly explosion in Kano, these attacks on innocent Nigerians are heinous, senseless, and must not stand. In Borno, the suicide attack that claimed the lives of peaceful citizens was a cruel and desperate attempt to spread fear and chaos. I have directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide support to survivors and affected families. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Borno State. I also urge our security forces to intensify their operations to eliminate the remaining elements of Boko Haram and ensure they can no longer harm our people or destabilise our communities. In Plateau State, the brutal murder of 12 wedding guests—peaceful Nigerians returning from a joyous celebration—is an unforgivable act of barbarism. I have ordered the Nigerian Police Force to work with relevant intelligence and security agencies to ensure those responsible are swiftly identified, apprehended, and brought to justice. I further call on the Plateau State Government to work with federal authorities to break this cycle of senseless violence and use this incident as a watershed moment to establish lasting peace. Let me be clear: freedom of movement is a constitutional right, and no Nigerian should ever be afraid to travel, celebrate, or live freely anywhere within our nation. We will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or terrorize Nigerians into submission. In Kano, I mourn the tragic loss of lives caused by the explosion at a scrap metal facility. I offer my condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Kano State. This unfortunate incident underscores the urgent need for greater adherence to industrial safety standards. I have directed the appropriate federal agencies to investigate the cause of the explosion thoroughly and take steps to ensure such tragedies do not occur again. To the families of the departed, to the wounded, and to the communities in Borno, Plateau, Kano, and Kaduna States, I stand with you in grief and resolve. These tragedies will not break our spirit. They will strengthen our unity, deepen our commitment to justice, and renew our dedication to peace. We will not rest until justice is done. We will not be deterred until security is restored in every part of our country. May the souls of all the departed rest in perfect peace.May God continue to protect the Federal Republic of Nigeria.