Author: Friday Omosola

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into critical issues plaguing Nigeria’s downstream oil sector. The probe will scrutinise various aspects, including the contentious turnaround maintenance of national refineries, the acquisition of OVH Energy, and growing concerns about market dominance by the Dangote Refinery. Committee Chairman Ikenga Ugochinyere announced the inquiry during a press conference in Abuja yesterday. READ ALSO: Reps summon Education minister over alleged illegal action on VCs, varsity councils He expressed dismay over the repeated shutdowns of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, particularly after much fanfare surrounded their supposed return…

The Federal Government (FG) has elevated flood prevention to a national security priority, announcing a strategic shift from reactive disaster management to an early, coordinated response mechanism. This new approach is encapsulated in a recently unveiled Anticipatory Action Framework on Floods, presented to Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday. The comprehensive framework incorporates scientific and traditional data-gathering methodologies, establishes clear triggers for early action, and includes a consolidated budget dedicated to flood response. READ ALSO: After 22-year wait, FG approves pensions for ex-Nigeria Airways staff Its core objective is to bolster resilience within Nigerian states and…

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday announced the launch of the ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme, a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering food security and agricultural self-reliance within Lagos State and across Nigeria. The programme is backed by a substantial ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, signalling a significant push to develop a robust, localised food supply chain. In a statement posted on his X page, Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos’s pivotal role as Nigeria’s largest food market, consuming over half of the food traded in the South-West region. READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu renews demand for special status for Lagos at constitution review hearing…

The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expand access to electricity across 25 underserved communities in the state. The agreement was formalised yesterday during a roundtable discussion held in Abuja under the theme ‘From Access to Impact: Unlocking Ondo’s Renewable Energy Potential for Economic Transformation and Socioeconomic Inclusion.’ Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who led the state delegation, described the partnership as a pivotal step towards delivering sustainable energy solutions that would transform rural communities and stimulate inclusive growth. READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa flags off FG’s ₦1.2bn conditional cash transfer scheme…

The Federal Government (FG) has given the green light for pension payments to thousands of retired aviation workers, a decision that ends a nearly 22-year struggle for former employees, particularly those from the defunct Nigeria Airways. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) confirmed on Tuesday via its official X account that the Ministry of Aviation has committed to commencing disbursements transparently and fairly shortly. This long-awaited approval brings significant relief to individuals who dedicated years to the nation’s aviation sector. READ ALSO: Groups urges Diri to defect to APC, align Bayelsa with FG The move follows decades of relentless advocacy from various…

The Senate has acknowledged the defection of four lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the dominant All Progressives Congress (APC). This latest political realignment announced on Wednesday solidifies the APC’s numerical strength within the upper legislative chamber. The senators who switched allegiance are Ekong Samson (representing Akwa Ibom South), Etim Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central). READ ALSO: Why Adeleke’s defection to APC was stalled Their move was marked by the Senate temporarily suspending its usual procedures to accommodate a delegation of prominent APC figures. Among those present to witness the…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the President Bola Tinubu administration’s recent celebration of Nigeria’s rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The party labelled the celebration as a deceptive public relations exercise that masks underlying economic hardship. In a statement by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, dismissed the fanfare surrounding the new GDP figures as mere ‘economic cosmetics.’ READ ALSO: Ortom dismisses ADC coalition, says He’s staying in PDP Abdullahi stated that these rebased statistics do not translate into an improved quality of life for ordinary Nigerians nor do they address the fundamental crises gripping the economy. “Economic growth…

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Super Falcons to go all the way and clinch the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy. He made this call in a post on his X page following Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the semi-final clash. While congratulating the team, Tinubu described their win as well deserved, commending the players for their resilience and outstanding performance. READ ALSO: Nigeria, South Africa set for WAFCON heavyweight duel “Congratulations to our Super Falcons. Your incredible #WAFCON2024 semi-finals victory over South Africa today was nothing short of superlative. It was a magnificent…

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has thrown his weight behind Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State over the controversy trailing the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi’s recent visit to Benin City. Speaking at the commissioning of the new Edo Line transport terminal on Tuesday, Wike accused Obi of politicising a matter that should have been handled with discretion. He urged the former Anambra governor to stop “playing to the gallery.” READ ALSO: Peter Obi will never become Nigerian president – FCT minister Wike declares According to Wike, Obi failed to notify the state government of his visit on 7…

President Bola Tinubu has set a first-quarter 2026 deadline for the full operational take-off of the National Single Window (NSW) platform, an ambitious digital trade initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s import and export processes. Speaking on behalf of the President during the fifth meeting of the NSW Steering Committee on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila emphasised the administration’s commitment to the timely implementation of the platform. He noted that recent tax reforms signed into law in June underscored the urgency of fast-tracking reforms needed to realise Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target. READ ALSO: SERAP…