Author: Gbenga Olaleye

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria has issued a nationwide strike notice to its members in response to what it described as “anti-worker” policies currently being implemented by the management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. In a strongly worded statement signed by its General Secretary, Dr Nuhu Toro, the TUC condemned what it termed the unjust termination of workers for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association and union membership. The union specifically criticised the sacking of workers affiliated with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), calling the move a clear violation of…

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has announced new capital requirements for pension fund administrators (PFAs) and pension fund custodians (PFCs) as part of its ongoing Pension Revolution 2.0 initiative. PenCom increased the minimum capital threshold from N2 billion to N20 billion for PFAs managing assets of N500 billion and above, and for PFCs with custody of less than N500 billion in assets. Special Purpose PFAs, such as the Nigerian Police Force Pensions Limited, are required to hold N30 billion in capital, while the Nigerian University Pension Management Company Limited must maintain a minimum of N20 billion. READ ALSO: PENCOM allows…

China’s former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tang Renjian, has been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for accepting bribes totalling more than 268 million yuan (approximately $38 million), according to a statement released by the People’s Court of Changchun in Jilin Province on Sunday. Between 2007 and 2024, Tang reportedly abused his positions of authority to solicit and receive bribes in the form of cash and property. The court said the scale of corruption “caused particularly severe losses to the interests of the state and the people,” warranting the death penalty. However, the sentence comes with a…

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has stated that Nigeria’s present challenges did not originate with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the current government has already embarked on meaningful reforms aimed at addressing long-standing national issues. Senator Akume made the remarks on Sunday during a special service held at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, as part of events to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration. While addressing the congregation, the SGF emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in nation-building, asserting that every citizen has a role to play in…

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has declared that the South-East region of Nigeria, with particular emphasis on Ebonyi State, will back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, made the announcement during the Ohanivo 2025 New Yam Festival held in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Saturday. He dismissed the influence of the Peter Obi-led Obidient Movement in Ebonyi, stating there is no room for the group in the state. Umahi claimed that the South-East has suffered marginalisation and as a result, is no longer “Obidient.” READ ALSO: ‘Support…

Kaduna State Government has unveiled plans to train and graduate approximately 32,000 learners annually through its newly established Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development. The initiative aims to tackle unemployment and build a skilled workforce to support the state’s economic growth. Commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June, the Institute operates across three campuses located in Rigachikun, Soba, and Samaru Kataf. Each campus is equipped with modern facilities designed to provide practical, lifelong skills to learners from Kaduna State and beyond. The Institute offers training in 14 accredited trades, certified by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the family of the late Chief Audu Ogbeh to emulate the outstanding qualities that distinguished the former politician as an exceptional statesman and dedicated servant of the nation. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu delivered a heartfelt tribute during the burial ceremony of the former Minister of Agriculture held on Friday in Otukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State. The remains of Chief Ogbeh were laid to rest in his hometown, Efugo, with the casket solemnly lowered into the grave around 1:18…

Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, the Olu of Kemta Orile in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, has publicly condemned popular Fuji musician Taye Currency for performing what he described as “disgusting and uncultured lyrics” during the installation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oyo State, last Friday. A viral video of the performance has sparked widespread controversy after Taye Currency was heard singing the Yoruba phrase “Were la fi n wo were,” which translates as “we cure madness with madness.” The lyric was deemed highly inappropriate for the solemn occasion. In a statement released on Saturday,…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced a substantial contribution of N8.86 trillion to the Federation Account between January and July 2025. The disclosure was made yesterday, marking one of the largest remittances by the national oil company in recent years, as the country continues to rely heavily on oil revenues for national development. In a related development, the NNPC has also highlighted its return to Ogoniland as a momentous step in Nigeria’s journey toward national reconciliation and inclusive growth. The oil-rich region, which has long been a focal point for environmental and socio-political unrest, is once again…

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has directed its members to immediately cease the supply of gas and crude oil to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This follows allegations that the refinery’s management has unlawfully terminated employees who are union members. The directive was issued in a formal letter signed by the union’s General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa. In the letter, PENGASSAN accused the refinery’s management of dismissing workers as retaliation for exercising their constitutional right to unionise. The letter reads in part: “We bring you fraternal greetings from the National Secretariat. As you are…