Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike The $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased exports of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel to the Middle East Gulf as Saudi Aramco and other refineries in the region undergo maintenance shutdowns. Industry officials confirmed that the Lagos-based refinery shipped large fuel cargoes in August, following earlier exports in June and July. According to Argus Media, refinery closures in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and reduced production in India have squeezed supplies, pushing Gulf states to seek additional imports. Data from ship-tracking firms show Saudi Arabia imported 478,000 tonnes of petrol in July, while the United Arab Emirates brought…
By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government has announced plans to enroll 44 million Nigerians into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by 2030, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses currently at 70%. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja at the opening of the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue, themed “Reimagining a New Era of Health Financing.” He said the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s drive to strengthen health financing through domestic resources and lessen reliance on foreign aid. Salako highlighted that Nigeria’s health budget rose from ₦434 billion in…
By Kingdom C Nwafor The zoning of the PDP presidential ticket to the South and Goodluck Jonathan’s renewed interests have sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Nigeria. This development has the potential to significantly alter the dynamics of the 2027 presidential election. The PDP’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the South is a strategic move that could either bolster the party’s chances or create more divisions within the party. With the South being a crucial region in Nigerian politics, the PDP’s decision to focus on this area could lead to a surge in support from Southern voters.…
By Atoyebi Nike The House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport will summon the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation following last week’s derailment of a Kaduna-bound train that left seven passengers injured. Committee Chair, Hon. Blessing Onu, described the incident as “embarrassing and unacceptable,” noting the rising frequency of train mishaps in Nigeria. She said lawmakers would demand explanations and assurances on improved safety. Onu also urged the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to fast-track its probe and provide recommendations to prevent future accidents. She commiserated with victims, stressing that rail transport must remain safe and…
By Atoyebi Nike Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against reabsorbing former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, warning that such a move could destroy the party. Speaking during a media chat on Monday, Wike said the PDP had failed to learn from its mistakes in the 2023 general elections. He recalled that he and other leaders had opposed allowing both the presidential candidate and the national chairman to emerge from the North, describing it as unjust and politically suicidal. The former Rivers State governor accused the PDP of ignoring fairness…
By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening to begin a nationwide strike if outstanding welfare demands are not addressed by September 10, 2025. In a communiqué signed by President Dr. Tope Osundara and other executives after its virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, NARD condemned the government’s failure to pay the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, five months of salary arrears under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance. The doctors also criticised the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for downgrading West African…
By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment will present strategies for implementing Nigeria’s new National Industrial Policy at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (IMT) Summit 2025, scheduled for Oct. 21-23 at the Landmark Centre, Lagos. Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh, said the summit would mark a turning point for Africa’s industrial future, stressing the need to move beyond raw material exports and scale up MSMEs. Organised by dmg Nigeria Events, the summit will gather policymakers, manufacturers, and investors to discuss AfCFTA integration, infrastructure, finance, and technology adoption.…
By Atoyebi Nike A Finnish District Court has sentenced Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Government in Exile, to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes. Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities on 21 November 2024 following a probe by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The investigation focused on allegations that he used social media platforms to incite terrorism and encourage violence, actions believed to have fueled unrest in southeastern Nigeria. After his arrest, the Päijät-Häme District Court ordered his remand, ruling that the charges involved “public incitement to commit a crime…
By Atoyebi Nike A Pakistani military helicopter crashed in Gilgit Baltistan on Monday, killing all five people on board, officials confirmed. The army said the MI-17 aircraft was on a routine training mission when it developed a technical fault and went down around 10:00 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) in the mountainous Diamer district, a popular tourist area. Those killed included two pilots, two crew members, and a flight engineer. Local police reported that the aircraft had been attempting a test landing on a newly proposed helipad when the crash occurred. The accident comes only weeks after another army MI-17…
By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian naira opened September on a stronger note in the parallel market, trading below the ₦1,550/$ mark, as foreign exchange inflows increased through diaspora remittances and portfolio investments. The local currency had closed August on a bullish trend at ₦1,531.57/$ in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), external reserves also rose by $1.72 billion to $41.3 billion, giving the apex bank added capacity to defend the naira. CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso disclosed that diaspora remittances surged by 200% to $600 million over the past two months, strengthening liquidity in…