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Dangote Price Move Triggers Major Petrol Price Slash in Lagos Depots

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Ex-depot price falls ₦118 per litre in one week as competition intensifies.

LAGOS – Private petroleum depot owners in Lagos have slashed the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by an average of 14%, a dramatic market shift directly attributed to competitive pressures from the newly operational Dangote Refinery.

Market surveys conducted on December 15, 2025, reveal a significant drop, with major private depots now selling petrol at ₦710 per litre. This marks a sharp decline from the average of ₦828 per litre recorded just a week earlier, on December 8.

The move is a direct response to the increasingly dominant market presence of Dangote Refinery-linked marketers, who have been offering petrol at approximately ₦703 per litre. Industry sources confirm this price advantage has made it untenable for independent depots to maintain their previous rates.

“Once Dangote marketers began selling at the ₦703 price point, our volumes at higher prices completely stalled,” a depot operator, who requested anonymity, told NewsFocus. “The Lagos market is highly sensitive and reacts faster to such shifts. We had to adjust to remain competitive and avoid a costly stock build-up.”

Key Depot Price Adjustments (₦/Litre):

· Menj Depot: ₦828 → ₦710

· Integrated Depot: ₦826 → ₦710

· Bovas Depot: ₦826 → ₦710

· A.A. Rano Depot: ₦829 → ₦710

Market analysts note that private depots initially attempted to hold prices close to the ₦800 mark but were forced to capitulate within days due to severely reduced sales activity.

This significant ex-depot price reduction is expected to intensify competition across the downstream supply chain. Observers predict that if the Dangote Refinery maintains its current supply volume and pricing strategy, further price reductions could cascade to retail outlets, particularly during the high-demand holiday season.

The development marks one of the most substantial market corrections since the Dangote Refinery began influencing local fuel supply, signaling a potential new era of price dynamics in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

Nigeria Police to Resume Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement from January 2026, Cites Security Concerns

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

ABUJA – The Nigeria Police Force has announced the resumption of full enforcement of its Tinted Glass Permit policy, effective January 2, 2026. The decision, announced on Monday, is attributed to a rise in criminal activities involving vehicles with unauthorized tint.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police clarified that the enforcement was previously suspended “in the spirit of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience” to allow motorists time to regularize their documents, and not due to a court order.

“Recent trends, however, reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass,” the statement read. It noted that criminal elements have exploited the enforcement pause to conceal identities and facilitate crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping.

A Proactive Security Measure

The Police Force framed the resumption as a “proactive measure to safeguard our communities.” The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, assured that the enforcement would be conducted “with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws.”

The IGP reiterated the Force’s commitment to public safety and collaborative efforts to secure the nation.

Call for Compliance

Motorists using, or intending to use, tinted glass on their vehicles are strongly advised to obtain the requisite permit through approved channels before the January 2, 2026, deadline to avoid penalties.

The announcement signals a renewed crackdown on vehicle modifications that compromise security, as the police seek to close a perceived operational gap exploited by criminals.

Nigeria’s Inflation Falls to 14.45%, Marks Eighth Straight Monthly Drop

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell to 14.45% in November 2025, continuing a sustained downward trend for the eighth consecutive month this year, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The November figure represents a significant decline from the 16.05% recorded in October 2025 and a substantial 20.15 percentage-point drop from the 34.60% rate in November 2024.

A Sustained Disinflation Trend

The newly released Consumer Price Index (CPI) report confirms that inflation is on a consistent downward path. On a month-on-month basis, however, the rate at which prices increased accelerated slightly to 1.22% in November, up from 0.93% in October, indicating that while annual inflation is cooling, short-term price pressures persist.

This marks the longest sustained period of disinflation for Nigeria in recent years, offering a measure of economic relief amidst ongoing cost-of-living challenges.

Food and Core Inflation Show Mixed Signals

A deeper look at the data reveals a complex picture:

· Food Inflation: The annual food inflation rate saw a dramatic year-on-year decline to 11.08% in November 2025, down sharply from 39.93% in November 2024. This easing is attributed largely to “base effects” from last year’s exceptionally high prices. However, on a month-on-month basis, food prices rose by 1.13%, reversing a deflationary trend from October. Key drivers of the monthly increase included higher costs for staples like dried tomatoes, cassava tubers, ground pepper, eggs, crayfish, and fresh onions.
· Core Inflation: The core inflation rate, which excludes volatile agricultural produce and energy costs, stood at 18.04% year-on-year. This indicates that underlying inflationary pressures, often linked to monetary factors and imported costs, remain more stubborn than the headline figure suggests.

Urban-Rural Divide and Broader Context

The report also highlights a persistent gap between urban and rural experiences. Rural headline inflation was recorded at 15.15% year-on-year, higher than the urban rate of 13.61%. On a monthly basis, price increases in rural areas (1.88%) outpaced those in urban centers (0.95%).

This sustained decline in inflation will likely be welcomed by policymakers and the Central Bank of Nigeria as validation of recent monetary tightening measures. However, analysts caution that the slight uptick in month-on-month inflation and persistent core inflation require continued vigilance to ensure the disinflation trend becomes entrenched and translates into tangible relief for households.

Court Orders Ngige Held in Prison Until Bail Ruling, Cites Flight Risk Concerns

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – A Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the continued detention of former Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre until a ruling on his bail application scheduled for December 18.

Justice Maryam Hassan of the Gwarimpa court gave the order on Monday after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution regarding the bail request for the former Anambra State governor.

Prosecution Cites History of Breaching Bail Terms

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), opposing the application, portrayed Ngige as a significant flight risk. EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) informed the court that Ngige had previously breached the terms of an administrative bail.

“He was granted administrative bail and allowed to travel abroad for medical care but never reported back to the Commission,” Tahir stated. The prosecution further argued that the international passport released for that trip was never returned, dismissing Ngige’s subsequent claim of losing the document as “an afterthought.”

Defence Cites Health Grounds, Pledges Compliance

Arguing for his client’s release, Ngige’s lead counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), urged the court to grant bail, primarily on health grounds. Ikwueto assured the court that Ngige would not abscond, tamper with evidence, or interfere with witnesses if released.

Justice Hassan, after taking submissions from both sides, adjourned the matter to December 18 for her ruling on the bail application. This means Ngige will spend at least four more days in prison custody pending that decision.

Background of the Charges

Dr. Ngige was arraigned before the court last Friday by the EFCC on an eight-count charge of corrupt practices. The charges are related to an alleged N2.2 billion fraud. The specifics of the allegations, as outlined in the charge sheet, involve accusations of misappropriation and abuse of office during his tenure as Minister of Labour and Productivity.

The case has drawn significant public attention, given Ngige’s prominent political profile as a former governor, senator, and two-time minister. The court’s upcoming bail ruling on Wednesday will be a critical juncture in the high-profile case.

Renewed Cult Clashes Claim Two Lives, Heighten Tensions in Rivers State Communities

By
Ola Akinola
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0

PORT HARCOURT – Fear has gripped communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State following renewed violent clashes between rival cult groups, leaving at least two persons dead and one critically injured.

The latest killings, confirmed by the state police command, occurred in separate incidents in the Ngo and Unyengala communities on Monday, December 15, and Sunday, December 14, 2025, respectively.

Supremacy Battle Fuels Violence

Community sources indicate the violence stems from an ongoing and bloody struggle for territorial control between suspected members of the MEND and Iceland cult groups. The resurgence of these clashes has sparked deep concern among residents about a potential return to widespread cult-related insecurity in the region.

The incident in Ngo this week follows the killing of another victim, identified simply as Prince, in a separate Andoni community last week, suggesting a pattern of escalating tensions.

Police Confirm Details, Deploy Reinforcements

The Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, officially confirmed the casualties.

“Yes,I can confirm the incident. Two persons were killed and another person was critically injured,” Iringe-Koko stated. “The killings are linked to a supremacy battle between two rival cult groups in the area.”

To quell the violence and prevent further bloodshed, the police have reinforced security presence across the affected communities. SP Iringe-Koko added that “investigations are ongoing with a view to arresting members of the cult groups involved.”

The situation remains tense as residents anxiously await the outcome of the police investigation and hope for a sustained security presence to restore calm to the area.

Tinubu Reaffirms Unwavering Support for Nigerian Army at Key Conference

By
Ola Akinola
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0

LAGOS – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed his administration’s strategic commitment to enhancing the welfare, professionalism, and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, framing it as a cornerstone of national security.

The President’s assurance was delivered today at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025, a pivotal strategic forum hosted in Lagos. Represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, the President praised the enduring heritage and sacrifices of the nation’s military.

“This gathering of elder statesmen and former Service Chiefs is a testament to the enduring heritage, professionalism and fighting spirit of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” the President stated, honoring officers and soldiers whose sacrifices are “indelibly etched in the nation’s history.”

A Platform for Strategic Reflection and Adaptation

The President highlighted the conference’s critical role in facilitating “honest reflection, strategic evaluation and continuous improvement.” This comes at a time when the Army faces evolving global, regional, and domestic security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

Echoing this sentiment, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), described the event as vital for reviewing operational readiness and aligning the Army’s future with national security priorities. He emphasized a “whole-of-society approach” and urged commanders to ensure the conference yields “concrete operational actions and measurable results on the battlefield.”

Army Leadership Points to Institutional Support and Transformation

In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expressed “profound appreciation” for the President’s sustained political will and support, particularly in areas of welfare, equipment modernization, and training. He also acknowledged the crucial legislative and budgetary backing from the National Assembly.

The COAS reaffirmed the Army’s frontline role in combating national security threats, stating the force is deliberately transforming into a “more professional, adaptive and technology-driven force” capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric challenges.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscored the military’s foundational role, describing security as a “fundamental prerequisite for development” and commending the Army for safeguarding democratic governance and national unity.

Conference to Deliberate on Key Strategic Issues

The opening ceremony was attended by a high-level assembly of senior government officials, serving and retired Service Chiefs, military officers, diplomats, and heads of security agencies. The conference is expected to deliberate on key operational, administrative, and strategic issues to further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to fulfill its constitutional duties.

The President’s renewed pledge of support and the conference’s strategic focus mark a significant moment for Nigeria’s armed forces, as the nation continues to navigate a complex and demanding security landscape.

House Committee Vows Proactive Oversight of Oil Sector, Backs Local Refining

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has announced a strategic shift toward proactive and evidence-based oversight of Nigeria’s critical oil sector, moving beyond reactive interventions to prevent future crises.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, declared this new direction on Monday in Abuja during his welcome address at an end-of-year capacity-building workshop organized by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for committee members and staff.

A Shift in Legislative Strategy

Ugochinyere stated that the committee’s focus for the coming period would be on strengthening anticipatory oversight to ensure stability in a sector that directly impacts national welfare through fuel pricing, inflation, and transportation costs.

“Regulation and legislation are not parallel lines; they are complementary forces,” Ugochinyere said. “When regulators and lawmakers understand each other’s mandates, constraints and expectations, the Nigerian people ultimately benefit.”

He outlined the committee’s core commitments, which include supporting policies that encourage local refining, storage, and logistics efficiency, ensuring regulatory accountability, promoting market transparency, and protecting the interests of citizens while sustaining investor confidence.

Building on a Year of Engagement

The chairman reflected on the committee’s activities throughout 2025, which were marked by sustained engagement with the reforms of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), extensive stakeholder consultations, and focused oversight on fuel availability and pricing stability.

“We have interfaced with regulators, operators, labour unions and consumer groups to balance national interest with market realities,” he noted, highlighting challenges related to importation, local refining capacity, and distribution infrastructure.

He commended the NMDPRA for organizing the workshop, describing it as “timely and strategic” and a reflection of the collaborative spirit intended by the PIA. Ugochinyere emphasized that capacity building is now a “critical necessity” for effective governance in the complex petroleum landscape.

Central Role of Committee Staff

Paying tribute to the committee’s secretariat and support staff, Ugochinyere described them as the “quiet force” behind successful hearings, reports, and oversight visits.

“Your role is not auxiliary; it is central to the effectiveness of this Committee,” he stated, underscoring that as legislative work grows more technical, the need for well-trained, knowledgeable staff becomes paramount.

He urged all participants to engage actively in the workshop, challenge assumptions, and focus on translating the knowledge gained into “better laws, stronger oversight and improved outcomes for Nigerians.”

The workshop brought together lawmakers, committee staff, regulators, and resource persons to deepen understanding of the evolving downstream sector and reinforce collaborative governance under the PIA framework.

Political Activist Warns Irregular Military Promotions Threaten Democracy

By
Ola Akinola
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0

 

 

ABUJA — Political activist and former APC official, Comrade Timi Frank, has issued a grave warning, asserting that alleged political interference in military promotions risks destabilizing Nigeria’s democracy and could create conditions that tempt military interventions.

The warning centers on reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a special, accelerated promotion for his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, to the rank of Brigadier-General just months after his last elevation. The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

A Breach of Tradition and a Threat to Stability

In a strongly-worded statement, Frank described the reported promotion as “deeply troubling and unacceptable,” framing it as a dangerous politicization of a national institution.

“The Nigerian Army is not a personal guard unit of any President,” Frank stated. “Senior military ranks…are earned through years of service, sacrifice, command experience, rigorous training and competitive assessments. They are not political rewards.”

He argued that such actions demoralize career officers, erode institutional cohesion, and weaken the professional command structure. Most severely, Frank linked the move to the recent wave of coups across West Africa.

“Across West Africa today, we are witnessing the consequences of weakened civil-military relations,” Frank said, citing Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger as examples where the abuse of institutions preceded military takeovers.

Conflicting Reports Amid Official Silence

The promotion’s validity remains unconfirmed. It stems from a purported December 2025 letter from the office of the National Security Adviser conveying presidential approval. However, military insiders and experts are divided.

 

Critics point to established promotion guidelines. A military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that an officer typically must serve four years as a Colonel before being eligible for promotion to Brigadier-General. Retired General Ishola Williams also questioned the move, stating that an ADC’s role is typically a two-year tour before returning to regular regiment duties.

Conversely, some have cited historical exceptions. Retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi referenced the case of Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who was promoted from Lieutenant-Colonel to Brigadier-General, suggesting accelerated promotions are not without precedent for exceptional service.

 

Calls for Clarification and Broader Implications

Frank has called for immediate action from the Presidency, demanding a public clarification on the legal basis for the promotion, its suspension if it violates guidelines, and a commitment to end the “personalisation of state power.”

This controversy emerges against a complex backdrop. Just days prior, President Tinubu was praised at an ECOWAS summit for Nigeria’s role in helping to thwart a coup attempt in the Benin Republic. Critics now highlight a perceived contradiction between advocating for democratic stability abroad while facing allegations of undermining professional military norms at home.

As the debate continues, the silence from official Army channels has only heightened scrutiny, leaving unanswered questions about protocol, precedent, and the principles governing Nigeria’s armed forces.

House of Representatives Intervenes in Dangote-NMDPRA Feud, Orders Media Blackout

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – The House of Representatives has moved decisively to quell a public dispute between the Dangote Refinery Group and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), ordering both parties to cease all media engagements immediately.

The intervention by the Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream) follows renewed tensions sparked by public allegations made by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, against the regulatory body.

A Bid to Protect Sector Stability

Addressing journalists after an emergency committee meeting, Co-Chairman Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere stated the move was necessary to prevent the rift from destabilizing the petroleum sector at a critical juncture. He emphasized that the legislative body is committed to safeguarding recent gains in fuel supply and pricing stability.

“The issue that prompted this emergency meeting is the renewed tension in the downstream sector arising from allegations made by Alhaji Aliko Dangote against the NMDPRA,” Ugochinyere said.

Direct Summons and a Call for Silence

The committee has resolved to summon both Alhaji Dangote and the leadership of the NMDPRA to appear before it and explain their positions. Pending this investigation, which is expected to conclude within days, a media truce has been enforced.

“We have appealed to all parties involved to cease fire, especially in the media, to prevent the situation from worsening,” Ugochinyere added, urging that disagreements be channeled through institutional forums rather than the press.

Broader Industry Concerns Under Scrutiny

The lawmaker revealed that the committee’s probe will extend beyond the immediate clash to address wider industry issues raised in petitions. These include questions about the transparency of petroleum import licence issuance and the capacity of domestic refineries to meet national fuel demand.

“These petitions raise serious questions, from import licensing to the adequacy of local refining capacity. All these issues will be addressed in the course of our investigation,” he stated.

Ugochinyere expressed confidence that direct engagement with the key stakeholders would provide clarity and enable the committee to recommend lasting solutions in the national interest.

The House’s intervention comes at a time of intense public scrutiny of Nigeria’s downstream sector, with high expectations for local refining, regulatory clarity, and a stable fuel supply.

NCAA Launches Digital Licensing, Promises Renewals in Hours for Pilots

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – In a landmark move to modernize Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched a new digital system that promises to renew the licenses of pilots and other aviation professionals in a matter of hours, a process that previously took weeks or months.

The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, announced the “Go-Live” of the EMPIC Personnel Licensing and Medical Certification (PEL/MED) system on Monday during a stakeholder engagement in Abuja.

The globally recognized, ICAO-approved platform represents a fundamental shift from Nigeria’s historic reliance on manual and semi-digital processes. When fully operational, it will automate and streamline licensing, medical certification, and regulatory oversight.

A Phased Transition for System Stability

Capt. Najomo outlined a deliberate, phased approach to ensure a smooth transition. The system will become fully operational and mandatory for all applicable transactions on April 2, 2026.

“Between now and the formal operationalization date, the Authority will complete final data validation and migration activities,” Najomo stated. He detailed that stakeholders will continue to receive onboarding support, and operational guidelines will be issued ahead of the deadline.

This period will allow for a “parallel run” of old and new systems where necessary to guarantee regulatory continuity and data integrity.

Enhanced Data Integrity and Nationwide Access

The new system is designed to address long-standing industry concerns about bureaucratic delays and data management. Engr. Godwin Gyang Balang, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), emphasized that the technology provides “better quality data system with better data integrity,” with built-in quality assurances to minimize human error.

To ensure nationwide accessibility, the NCAA will establish four biometric data centers in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano, allowing aviation personnel across the country to interface with the system efficiently.

Aligning with Global Best Practices

Capt. Najomo positioned the launch as a critical step in fulfilling the NCAA’s strategic objective of becoming a “fully digital, data-driven regulator.” The EMPIC system aligns Nigeria with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and State Safety Programme (SSP).

“With this technology, Nigeria now joins the list of elite civil aviation regulators who have deployed this bespoke technology,” Engr. Balang said, noting that the project was the culmination of a process started several years ago.

The NCAA DG called on all airlines, Aviation Medical Examiners (AAMEs), training organizations, and aviation professionals to actively participate in the transition activities, stating that the initiative reinforces Nigeria’s “collective commitment to safety, professionalism, and global best practice.”

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