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Lagos Gold Refinery Not FG Project, Solid Minerals Ministry Slams NEF

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has strongly dismissed claims by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) that the Federal Government sited a gold refinery in Lagos, describing the allegation as false, misleading and driven by mischief.

In a statement signed by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the ministry clarified that the Lagos gold refinery is entirely a private sector initiative, owned by Kian Smith, and has nothing to do with the Federal Government.

MSMD stressed that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, never announced the establishment of a government-owned gold refinery in Lagos or any other part of the country.

The ministry explained that Dr. Alake clearly stated that the refinery is privately owned and that several other gold refineries, also driven by private investors, are in the pipeline across Nigeria.

The Federal Government commended the founder and Managing Director of Kian Smith, Mrs. Nere Emiko, for her perseverance and vision in delivering the project after years of sustained effort.

According to the ministry, the refinery aligns with the value-addition policy of the solid minerals sector, which seeks to end the export of raw minerals and encourage local processing and manufacturing.

It added that the policy has already attracted major investments, including a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, a $400 million rare earth plant in the same state, and a $200 million ASBA lithium plant in Abuja, creating thousands of jobs nationwide.

The MSMD expressed concern over what it described as the declining quality of NEF’s public interventions, questioning how the group expected the Federal Government to compel a private company to locate its investment in a particular region.

The ministry warned that such narratives could stoke mistrust and unnecessary tension, urging the NEF to engage responsibly and support ongoing efforts to build a strong, inclusive and self-reliant Nigerian economy.

Reaffirming its commitment to private sector–led growth, the ministry said the Lagos gold refinery and similar projects across the country are clear evidence that reforms in the solid minerals sector are delivering tangible results.

Africa Stands with Alake as Solid Minerals Ministers Re-elect Him AMSG Chair

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has again won the confidence of Africa as Ministers of Minerals across the continent re-elected him Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG).

Alake was returned unopposed at the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the 24-member ministerial forum, held on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was first elected pioneer chairman of the group in 2024.

The AMSG serves as a continental platform for African countries to align policies, deepen cooperation and drive value addition and beneficiation from the continent’s vast mineral resources.

In a major shake-up aimed at strengthening its structure, the forum approved new leadership positions, including Vice-Chairman, Deputy Secretary-General and Financial Secretary, with offices zoned across Africa’s sub-regions to ensure balance and inclusion.

Under the new arrangement, Alake continues as Chairman representing West Africa, while the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Mines, Hon. Louis Watum Kabamba, emerged Vice-Chairman for Central Africa. Uganda retained the Secretary-General position for East Africa, Mauritania was appointed Deputy Secretary-General for North Africa, and South Africa was zoned Financial Secretary for Southern Africa.

The ministers also approved a two-year tenure for the executive committee and resolved that zoned positions belong to countries, meaning successors automatically assume office if ministers change.

Speaking after his re-election, Alake thanked his colleagues for the renewed confidence and urged African nations to unite to unlock economic growth through solid minerals development. He called for agreed financial contributions by member states to strengthen accountability, transparency and the credibility of the AMSG.

“Once members contribute, accountability will follow, and our collective voice will be stronger globally,” he said.

The forum further agreed to hold quarterly ministerial meetings, set up standing committees on finance, sustainability and institutional affairs, and work towards hosting a global minerals conference in Africa.

Earlier, at a leadership roundtable on infrastructure funding for mineral production, Alake said Africa’s mineral wealth would not translate into prosperity without strong infrastructure, coordinated policies and deliberate value addition.

He cited corridors such as Lobito, Lagos–Abidjan, Walvis Bay and Dar es Salaam as models that could drive regional integration, industrial growth and long-term stability if properly financed and managed.

According to him, the AMSG’s vision is to ensure Africa’s mineral infrastructure is responsibly financed, efficiently managed and aligned with transparency and shared prosperity.

CAN Salutes Hero Imam Who Shielded 262 Christians from Death

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has paid glowing tribute to late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, hailing him as a fearless hero whose rare courage saved 262 Christians during a bloody attack in 2018.

CAN described the late cleric as a symbol of true humanity and interfaith unity, noting that his decision to protect innocent lives at great personal risk stood above religious, ethnic and social divides.

In a statement released on Friday, CAN said the Imam’s selfless action at a moment of grave danger reaffirmed the sacredness of human life and the power of conscience over hatred and violence.

“His single act of bravery did more than save lives; it rekindled hope, strengthened interfaith harmony and showed Nigerians that peace is possible when love and faith lead,” the association said.

CAN recalled that in recognition of his exceptional sacrifice, the Imam was honoured with an award during the association’s Sapphire Anniversary celebration in 2021, describing him as a bridge-builder whose legacy will outlive plaques and titles.

The association called for continued honour and public recognition of the late Imam, urging engagement with his family to ensure that his story continues to inspire unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence across the country.

While mourning his passing, CAN celebrated what it described as a life well spent in service to God and humanity, and extended its condolences to his family, community and all those touched by his remarkable courage.

The statement was signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

Pay Your Tax, Build Abuja — Seyi Vodi Backs Tinubu Agenda, Applauds Wike’s Infrastructure Drive

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

Celebrity fashion designer Seyi Vodi has urged Nigerians, particularly business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to embrace prompt tax payment as a catalyst for national development and the full realisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Vodi made the call on Friday during a visit to the headquarters of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service, where he voluntarily filed his Annual Tax Return.

He said taxes remain a major driver of sustainable development, urging entrepreneurs across the FCT and beyond to see compliance as a civic duty that fuels infrastructure and public services.

“It is noble to pay taxes because that is what government uses to develop infrastructure and serve the people. I urge my fellow business owners, especially tailors, to willingly discharge this responsibility for the progress of the FCT and Nigeria,” he said.

Vodi also praised the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as unprecedented infrastructural transformation in Abuja, particularly in road construction and security.

“I have lived in Abuja for 25 years. I know what the city used to be and what it is today. The transformation is visible—only the blind would fail to see it,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Michael Ango, commended Vodi for voluntarily filing his tax return, describing the move as exemplary.

Ango revealed that the fashion designer is the first High Net-Worth Individual to file his Annual Tax Return this year, urging other wealthy individuals and business owners to follow suit.

He added that sustained development in Abuja depends on citizens meeting their civic obligations, assuring that the Service would present Vodi with a letter of commendation for leading by example.

Hajj 2026: FCT Wraps Up Mandatory Health Screening for Pilgrims

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has successfully concluded a three-day mandatory medical screening for intending pilgrims of the 2026 Hajj.

Held from January 12 to 14 at the Board’s Permanent Hajj Transit Camp, Bassan Jiwa, near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the exercise assessed the physical and mental fitness of pilgrims ahead of their spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia.

Pilgrims from Abaji, Kwali, and Gwagwalada Area Councils were screened on the first day, followed by those from Bwari, Kuje, and AMAC on day two, while the final day catered to pilgrims from the Board’s Headquarters, Annex, and HSS Desks.

In line with Saudi Arabia’s 2026 Hajj health guidelines, all pilgrims must be free from major ailments such as organ failures, chronic or active cancers, psychiatric disorders, tuberculosis, haemorrhagic fever, dementia, and pregnancy at any stage.

The screening, mandated by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), ensures that only medically and mentally fit pilgrims participate. Each pilgrim must obtain a Medical Certificate of Fitness from a qualified doctor and upload it to the Nusuk-Masar platform—a prerequisite for Hajj visa issuance.

The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board reaffirmed its commitment to upholding international health standards and ensuring a safe, spiritually fulfilling Hajj for all intending pilgrims.

Budget Office Fires Back: NEDC ₦246bn “Salaries” Claim Misleading

By
Roland Edet
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The Budget Office of the Federation has slammed claims that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) received ₦246 billion exclusively for salaries in the 2025 budget, calling the narrative “misleading and inaccurate.”

In a statement Thursday, Director-General Tanimu Yakubu clarified that the ₦246.77 billion is a statutory lump-sum allocation presented at an aggregate level, not solely for personnel costs. He explained that allocations may temporarily appear under “Personnel Costs” as a technical placeholder during budget upload, pending detailed internal breakdowns and legislative approval.

Yakubu also addressed the ₦2.70 billion capital expenditure line, noting that 70% of it has been rolled over to 2026 and reflects ongoing NEDC projects such as agricultural support, food security programs, IDP camp reconstruction, orphanage building, boreholes, and security logistics.

“Personnel funding supports essential staff like engineers, project managers, and oversight teams. No development institution executes its mandate without institutional capacity,” he stressed.

The Budget Office urged Nigerians to rely on official fiscal data, warning that misrepresenting budget figures undermines transparency and accountability.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: PDP Demands Better Pay, Funding for Troops

By
Ola Akinola
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As Nigeria marks the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for urgent reforms to improve the welfare and funding of the nation’s troops.

In a statement Thursday, PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, extended condolences to families of fallen service members, describing their sacrifice as “the ultimate price for Nigeria’s continued existence.”

The party urged the federal government to ensure adequate financing for security agencies, emphasizing that proper funding is crucial to tackling insecurity and restoring peace across the country.

“We demand improved welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces and all security and intelligence personnel to enable them to discharge their duties effectively,” Turaki said.

The PDP also cautioned all actors, state or non-state, against actions capable of destabilizing the nation, stressing that the sacrifices of fallen soldiers must not be in vain.

The message is clear: honouring Nigeria’s heroes requires tangible action—better support, protection, and recognition for those who defend the country.

Kogi Governor Demolishes Criminal Hideouts in Okene, Vows Zero Tolerance for Crime

By
Gladys Phillip
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Okene – The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Thursday ordered the demolition of the notorious Sambel Joint in Idoji, Okene Local Government Area, after intelligence confirmed the building was a hub for criminal activities.

The action followed a state directive declaring all fraudulently and illegally acquired properties null and void, with the government warning that any structure used for crime would be reclaimed and its occupants prosecuted.

Properties at GP. 23A, 23B, 24A & 24B (Government Quarters, Idoji) with Certificate of Occupancy KG. 13958 were demolished after investigations revealed they had been unlawfully occupied and turned into operational bases for criminals.

Speaking during the exercise, Governor Ododo reiterated his commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods, stressing that the move was a proactive measure against crime.

“We will never negotiate with criminals. If you harbour criminals, your house will go down. We are taking the fight to them anywhere they are,” the Governor warned.

Residents of Idoji praised the swift action, describing the demolition as bold and timely, restoring peace and confidence in the community.

Governor Ododo also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security initiatives in the state, affirming that Kogi will not serve as a safe haven for criminals.

The exercise underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality, aiming to ensure that citizens live without fear and that lawbreakers face the full weight of the law.

Court Clears Senator Natasha: FG Drops Criminal Charges

By
Udehi Alambo
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0

 

ABUJA – A major legal battle involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ended on Thursday as the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory struck out all criminal charges against her.

Justice C. N. Oji formally dismissed the case following a Notice of Discontinuance filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on December 12, 2025, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025.

The court noted that the development highlights the importance of restraint in prosecutorial powers. “The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for restraint, healing, and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process,” Justice Oji stated.

The case, which attracted widespread national attention, centered on criminal defamation and related allegations arising from comments the senator made during a televised interview. The discontinuance effectively ends the high-profile suit, reaffirming freedom of expression and public accountability.

Counsel for the Federal Government confirmed in court that the move aligns with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and serves the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, is now cleared to focus on her legislative duties without the shadow of ongoing litigation.

Dangote Refinery Boosts Petrol Supply: Domestic PMS Hits 64% in December 2025

By
Uche Kingsley
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0

 

Nigeria’s domestic petrol supply surged in December 2025, reaching 32.01 million litres per day (MLD), up from 19.5 MLD the previous month, as Dangote Refinery ramped up operations, contributing 5.783 MLD at 71% capacity utilization.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) released the December fact sheet on Thursday, showing marked improvements in fuel supply, stock sufficiency, and refinery output across the country.

According to the report, national petrol sufficiency hit 29 days—the highest in over a year—with inland stocks at 25.1 days and marine reserves at 4.2 days. Average daily truck-outs also exceeded benchmarks: PMS at 63.7 MLD, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at 16.4 MLD, Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) at 2.7 MLD, and LPG at 4,380 metric tonnes per day.

Dangote Refinery averaged 64% capacity utilization, ensuring a stable PMS supply while AGO remained on shutdown since May 2025. Modular refineries, including Edo and Aradel, also contributed to the supply, though OPAC and Duport remained offline.

Meanwhile, Waltersmith Refinery’s Train 2 completed pre-commissioning and is expected to start hydrocarbon production in January 2026, while Train 1 operated at 63.24% capacity.

Wholesale gas supply averaged 4.787 billion standard cubic feet per day, with significant volumes directed to Nigeria LNG, domestic power, and industrial consumption. LPG domestic supply reached 5,201 metric tonnes per day, with retail prices between N1,120 and N1,600 per kg.

Indicative petrol pump prices ranged from N832 in Lagos to N900 in Maiduguri, reflecting improved domestic production and moderated imports.

The report highlights a stabilizing supply chain, as Nigeria leverages local refining capacity to reduce import dependency and enhance fuel availability nationwide.

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