National

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed strong support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its decision to initiate a nationwide strike.

The strike threat follows allegations that military personnel were deployed to remove workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, a move that has drawn widespread criticism.

In a statement issued on Friday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the alleged military intervention, affirming the congress’s solidarity with NUPENG.

Ajaero warned of escalated actions from NLC if breaches of agreements and the use of security forces in industrial disputes persist.

This stance arises from a protracted dispute between NUPENG and the oil rig’s management, where agreements on employment terms reportedly remain unfulfilled.

Earlier in the week, NUPENG alerted the Federal Government, cautioning against military involvement and urging respect for previously established agreements.

On Thursday, however, a special naval unit allegedly arrived at the Oritsetimeyin rig to forcibly evict workers, prompting NUPENG’s strike warning.

Ajaero decried this development as an affront to worker rights, urging military and government officials to address the issue immediately.

“This unacceptable use of state security forces to intimidate workers undermines democratic values and workplace freedoms,” Ajaero’s statement read.

“The militarization of workplaces only harms our economy and violates the principles of industrial relations.”

NUPENG maintains that the eviction followed workers’ calls for adherence to agreements, including severance benefits discussed during prior meetings mediated by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The NLC’s statement specifically called out companies Dutchford E&P and Selective Marine Services for failing to honor these commitments.

The NLC is urging the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, and other key government figures to intervene and prevent further confrontations, emphasizing that industrial issues should not involve the military.

By Uzair Adam

Three prominent oil marketing firms in Nigeria have filed a motion at the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE from establishing a monopoly within the country’s energy sector.

The companies—AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited—argued that giving Dangote control over the oil industry could be detrimental to Nigeria’s economy.

Efforts to reach the Group Head of Communications at Dangote Group, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.

The oil marketers filed their response after Dangote’s firm challenged the validity of licenses that the marketers had obtained to import refined petroleum products.

Dangote Refinery had initially brought a suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), and several oil marketing companies, arguing that it was unnecessary to issue import licenses for refined products, given Dangote’s local production capacity.

The plaintiff claims that NMDPRA violated Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by allowing other companies to import refined products like Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Jet-A1 fuel.

Dangote’s suit seeks N100 billion in damages from NMDPRA, asserting that the authority’s actions undermine local production capacity.

Additionally, Dangote requested an injunction to prevent further issuance or renewal of import licenses to these companies.

In their defense, the oil marketers countered that Dangote’s refinery does not produce enough petroleum products to meet Nigeria’s daily demand.

They argued that a monopoly would stifle competition, leading to rising product prices and an increased burden on consumers.

The companies also noted the risks involved if Dangote’s production chain encounters disruptions, potentially plunging Nigeria into an energy crisis.

The defendants highlighted that their import licenses were lawfully issued in compliance with the PIA, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and other relevant legislation.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, overseeing the case, has adjourned proceedings to January 20, 2025, for potential out-of-court resolution.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, has ordered rescheduling of the Federal Executive Council meeting till another date to be announced.

Initially scheduled for today, the council meeting was postponed in honour of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night.

General Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, till his death on November 5, 2024.

President Tinubu also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for seven days in honour of the departed general.

Earlier today, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to wipe out poverty in Nigeria.

Sani made this known at a town hall meeting and sensitization event on Tuesday in Kaduna for the N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund and Loans Scheme for SSMEs, which the Federal Government organised in collaboration with the Bank of Industry.

He was represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Mr Ibrahim Muhammad.

He said the fund, which includes the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and loan options for MSMEs, is designed to boost Nigeria’s economy by empowering local entrepreneurs.

“This massive presidential initiative is proof that President Tinubu is a listening leader.

“Through these stimulus packages, small businesses and manufacturing enterprises will be revitalized, significantly benefiting both sub-national economies and Nigeria as a whole.”

He also emphasised the importance of MSMEs in driving job creation, innovation, and economic resilience, noting that Kaduna’s government is committed to fostering a supportive business environment.

The governor praised the timing of the fund, calling it a valuable support for Kaduna State’s ongoing efforts to boost the local economy, create jobs, and encourage entrepreneurial growth.

He urged all stakeholders to spread awareness of the initiative to maximize its impact.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Caroline Bala, one of the grant beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the financial assistance that enabled her to start a soya milk business after she lost her previous job.

Bala said her business has been thriving, with daily earnings between 10,000 to 15,000 Naira.

She urged the organisers to sustain the initiative and ensure that deserving citizens continue to benefit from the grant, which she described as a life-changing opportunity.

Another beneficiary, Mr Albert Ibrahim, said he utilised the grant to purchase herbicides for his farm, resulting in a bumper harvest.

He expressed hope that others would also have the chance to benefit from this scheme.

Similarly, Summayya Ibrahim thanked the government for the support, adding that she looked forward to more assistance to enable broader outreach to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Muktar Aliyu, a cartoonist, said he used his grant to purchase specialised software to enhance his creative work.

He also appreciated the scheme, noting that it has greatly impacted his career.

Additionally, Mrs. Joy Oghiadomhe of the Bank of Industry outlined the eligibility criteria for both the grant and loan schemes, emphasizing the administration’s intent to tackle economic challenges through MSMEs as a key sector for development.

By Uzair Adam

On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed treason charges brought against several minors involved in the August #EndBadGovernance protest, following the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw the case.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu approved the dismissal after Mohammed Abubakar, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), moved an application for discontinuation.

Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), cited Sections 174(1)(b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 as the legal basis for withdrawal.

The DPPF also requested that proceedings exclude the minors from the courtroom, in compliance with Section 266(b) of the ACJA and the Child Rights Act.

Defense lawyers, including Femi Fanala (SAN), did not oppose the application, leading Justice Egwuatu to officially drop the charges.

This decision comes after 114 protesters were granted bail of N10 million each with two sureties by Justice Egwuatu last Friday, following their arraignment on charges of treason and related offenses.

Health concerns prevented five minors from attending the arraignment, while four defendants reportedly collapsed in court, prompting a brief adjournment.

Further proceedings for both groups of defendants are scheduled for January 24, 2025.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed the AGF to ensure the release of the minors involved in the protest.

By Uzair Adam

The Osun State Police Command has detained a man identified as Saudi for allegedly killing his father in a farm located in Ilusi village.

This shocking incident marks a rare and tragic occurrence for the local community.

According to sources, the deceased, known as Baale, was reported missing on Thursday after heading to the farm earlier in the day.

When he did not return home, a search team was organized, consisting mostly of village youth.

On Friday, the search team discovered Baale’s headless body on the farm, partially covered with palm leaves.

Ismail Olaolu, a resident of the village, disclosed that suspicions quickly fell on Baale’s son, who had accompanied him to the farm.

After being questioned, the son reportedly admitted to the killing.

Items belonging to the deceased, including his motorcycle and a cocoa harvest, were found beside his body.

The suspect has since been handed over to the police, who continue to investigate.

Osun State police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that the suspect remains in custody as inquiries continue into the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident.

By Anwar Usman

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation has confirmed the deactivation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System for Federal Tertiary Institutions.

This comes after the Federal Government’s decision to remove these institutions from the IPPIS platform.

Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, made this known in an interview with journalists.

Mokwa stated, “It was only natural for the IPPIS platform for FTIs to be shut down, given the Federal Government’s directive to remove these institutions from the system.”

He added that November salaries for FTIs would be processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

Institutions are expected to prepare their payrolls in Excel format and bring them to IPPIS for verification and validation.

In response to concerns about possible changes to salary account details, the OAGF clarified that it has issued no directive instructing workers to change the financial institutions linked to their IPPIS accounts.

Mokwa reiterated that workers’ welfare remains a top priority, assuring that no misleading or panic-inducing instructions would be given.

He explained that any decision to change salary accounts is entirely personal for each worker, with no mandate from the IPPIS office.

Workers with valid reasons for changing their salary accounts were advised to follow the official procedures provided by the OAGF to ensure a smooth transition without payroll disruptions.

By Uzair Adam

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, is set to lead a national prayer initiative aimed at addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.

The prayer session, held in collaboration with Christian and Muslim leaders, seeks divine intervention for the nation under the theme “Seeking the Intervention of God in Nigeria’s Affairs.”

Chief Segun Balogun Afolorunikan, Director General of the National Prayer Forum (NPF), announced the event in Abuja, emphasizing the importance of national unity in overcoming the country’s crises.

He noted that the interfaith gathering is a call for resilience among citizens and a source of inspiration for leaders to find sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s stability.

The week-long prayer sessions will bring Muslims to the National Mosque, where 313 participants will collectively recite the Qur’an 2,191 times, praying for peace.

Concurrently, Christian prayer warriors from various denominations will convene at the National Ecumenical Centre to focus on Nigeria’s ongoing adversities.

NPF leaders have engaged with religious and traditional figures, including the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Sultan of Sokoto, to encourage broad participation.

Organizers express hope that the interfaith prayers will bring a renewed sense of purpose and unity as Nigeria approaches 2025.

“Unity is essential to find lasting solutions,” Afolorunikan said, expressing belief that, with divine guidance, Nigeria’s leaders and citizens can gain the strength to confront shared challenges.

By Anas Abbas

The Nigerians in Libya are grappling with a wave of arrests following escalating tensions linked to a disrupted confederation African Football match between Nigeria and Libya.

Reports indicate that individuals, including those holding valid passports and residence permits, are being detained indiscriminately in various regions, notably Tripoli and Teodora.

The Punch reported that a prominent member of the Nigerian community expressed deep concern over the emotional turmoil within the local population, suggesting that feelings of revenge may be driving the recent crackdown on Nigerians. “The situation is alarming; people are being arrested without any regard for their legal status,” he stated.

Peter Omoregbie, President of the Nigerian community in Libya, confirmed the troubling reports during an official visit to the Libyan immigration office.

He emphasised that many innocent individuals are caught in the crossfire of these arrests, raising serious concerns about human rights violations in the ongoing turmoil.

The unrest appears to stem from a failed football match scheduled for October 15. The Nigerian team was rerouted away from Benghazi, leading to significant dissatisfaction among local fans and officials.

This disruption has drawn scrutiny from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), further complicating diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Libya.

As tensions rise, members of the Nigerian community are calling for urgent intervention from both Nigerian authorities and international organisations to ensure their safety and uphold their rights.

The situation remains fluid as community leaders seek to address the growing fears among expatriates living in Libya.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has voiced strong criticism against the stringent bail conditions imposed on minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a statement shared on his X account on Friday, Kwankwaso expressed shock at the arraignment of 67 minors by the Nigeria Police Force at a court in Abuja, describing the move as a violation of basic human rights and dignity.

He highlighted the minors’ apparent malnutrition and urgent need for medical care, arguing that these children should be attending school rather than facing legal proceedings.

Kwankwaso criticized the “cruel experience” these young protesters were subjected to, adding that the imposed bail conditions, which reportedly require a sum of 10 million naira and a grade 15 civil servant as surety, are “absurd” for teenagers.

He called on the government to redirect its efforts toward tackling critical issues such as banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and economic instability, rather than prosecuting minors.

Kwankwaso also referenced the Child’s Rights Act of 2003, stressing its mandate to protect children from all forms of physical, mental, and emotional harm.