Author: Damilola Olufemi

Retail stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Monday adjusted pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petroleum, pushing them to ₦945 per litre in the Federal Capital Territory and ₦915 in Lagos, marking a new high in Nigeria’s deregulated fuel market. The latest increase reflects a ₦35 jump in Abuja and a ₦45 rise in Lagos, from previous prices of ₦910 and ₦870 per litre, respectively. This upward revision comes on the heels of a recent move by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which raised its ex-depot price of petrol from ₦825 to…

Nigeria has attained the third position among African countries with the most formidable military forces in the 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Index. The list, according to Global Firepower’s annual report, examined 145 countries based on over 60 metrics. The countries were rated based on troop numbers, equipment capabilities, financial resources, logistical efficiency, and geographical advantages to assess military strength. At the top of the list is Egypt, followed by Algeria. Nigeria is placed third, while South Africa comes fourth. Below is the full list of African countries with the most formidable military forces. N.B.: In brackets is each country’s…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has slammed Governor Seyi Makinde for his administration’s decision to allocate a hefty N63.5 billion towards the renovation of the Agodi Government House, describing the plan as an outrageous show of “profligacy, insensitivity, and impunity.” The party argued that such spending could place unnecessary strain on the state’s economy and questioned the priorities of the state government. The controversial announcement came last week when the State Executive Council revealed that it had approved the large-scale refurbishment of the Government House. This was accompanied by an additional N132 million to hire professional gardeners…

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to step up operations aimed at eliminating the remaining elements of the Boko Haram insurgency, following a deadly suicide bombing in Konduga, Borno State. In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the attack, describing it as “cowardly.” He extended condolences to the Borno State government and residents, and instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist those injured. “The President mourned those who lost their lives in the tragic incident and condemned the act of violence…

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has hinted that Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa may soon join the All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling a potential political realignment in the South-South region. Akpabio made the statement on Saturday during a reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, to formally welcome Governor Umo Eno into the APC. Eno had earlier announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on June 6. The event attracted key figures in the ruling party, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, as well…

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has defended the controversial ₦63.4 billion earmarked for the renovation of the Government House, attributing the high cost to Nigeria’s volatile exchange rate and broader economic instability. The figure, which has sparked criticism and debate among citizens and stakeholders, was addressed by the governor during a special session of the State House of Assembly to commemorate its second anniversary. Governor Makinde explained that the project’s cost is a reflection of the current naira-dollar exchange rate, noting that fluctuations in the currency market have significantly impacted financial planning across the board. He said, “Our economy is…

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Femi Soneye, has officially resigned from his position. In a statement released personally on Saturday, Soneye explained that his decision to leave was driven by a desire to focus on family and personal ventures. “I wish to inform you that I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd. This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence,” he said. Reflecting on his nearly two years at…

A coalition of prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has taken a major step toward creating a new political party, formally requesting registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a letter dated June 19 and acknowledged by INEC on Friday, the group applied for the registration of a new party named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). This move ends speculation about whether the coalition would revive an existing political platform or pursue a fresh one entirely. The initiative is also backed by other political heavyweights such as former Rivers…

A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Kalgo, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deliberately stalling efforts by a coalition of political groups aiming to register new parties ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday, Kalgo alleged that the electoral body was acting in concert with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to suppress political alternatives and maintain the current political order. “I think INEC is being biased and also afraid because the coalition is here to defeat APC come 2027 election,” he said, claiming that over…

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, says the President’s running mate for the 2027 elections will be determined after the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds its next convention. Onanuga clarified in an interview with Daily Trust amid swirling rumours that Tinubu may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the next election cycle. The speculation gained momentum after some speakers at a recent APC stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe endorsed Tinubu for a second term without making any mention of Shettima — an omission that triggered tension and disrupted the event, as delegates demanded an…