Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed reports that it is shutting down, assuring Nigerians that its operations remain fully intact and production is uninterrupted.
In a statement dated January 5, 2026, the refinery described circulating claims of a shutdown as “false and misleading,” urging the public to disregard unverified information.
The company clarified that routine maintenance is ongoing on select units, but stressed that this does not affect overall production or the supply of fuel to the domestic market.
According to the statement, Dangote Refinery continues to supply between 40 million and 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily in January and February, depending on market demand. On January 4 alone, the refinery produced 50 million litres and evacuated 48 million litres of PMS, maintaining stocks sufficient for over 20 days of national consumption.
The management also reaffirmed its ex-gantry price of N699 per litre of PMS, available to all marketers and bulk consumers without discrimination.
Dangote Refinery urged oil marketers and Nigerians to patronise locally refined products, assuring consistent, high-quality fuel supplies to support price stability and national energy security.
“Reports suggesting a shutdown are misleading and capable of creating unnecessary panic in the downstream market,” the company warned, urging reliance only on credible information.
The refinery reiterated its commitment to steady supply, price stability, and the protection of Nigeria’s energy security.
Nigeria has recorded 1,119 confirmed cases of Lassa fever with 206 deaths, representing a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.4 per cent, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has disclosed.
The figures were contained in the Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 51, covering December 15 to 21, 2025, released by the agency.
According to the report, confirmed cases declined from 28 in Epidemiological Week 50 to 21 in Week 52, with new infections reported in Edo, Bauchi, Kogi, Ebonyi, Plateau, Ondo and Taraba states.
The NCDC said a total of 21 states across 105 local government areas have recorded at least one confirmed case, noting that about 88 per cent of all infections were concentrated in Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba and Edo states.
The agency identified persons aged between 21 and 30 years as the most affected group, while adding that no new infection among healthcare workers was recorded during the period under review.
Although both suspected and confirmed cases were lower compared to the same period in 2024, the NCDC expressed concern over the rising fatality rate, attributing it largely to late presentation at health facilities and poor health-seeking behaviour.
The agency also listed high treatment costs, poor environmental sanitation and low awareness in high-burden communities as major challenges contributing to deaths from the disease.
It urged state governments to intensify year-round community sensitisation on Lassa fever prevention, while advising healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, ensure early diagnosis and promptly refer suspected cases for treatment.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with partners, to strengthening state capacity to prevent, detect and effectively respond to Lassa fever outbreaks across the country.
The Federal Government has explained the ongoing face-off with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), insisting that the disagreement stems from structural and policy constraints rather than neglect, as it disclosed the recent approval of a ₦90 billion annual increase in health workers’ allowances.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the clarification on Tuesday during an interview on AIT’s Kaakaki programme, where he outlined measures taken by the Tinubu administration to address the concerns of resident doctors and prevent recurring strikes in the health sector.
Salako said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to uninterrupted healthcare delivery, but noted that government must balance salary demands with other pressing national responsibilities, including education, security and infrastructure, within limited resources.
According to him, the administration demonstrated its goodwill in November 2025 by approving an upward review of professional allowances for health workers, a move that added nearly ₦90 billion to government expenditure annually.
He explained that the revised allowances cover call duty, shift duty, non-clinical duty and rural posting allowances, and were reached through joint negotiations involving all professional groups in the health sector.
The minister noted that past engagements with health workers were often fragmented, with individual professional bodies negotiating separately, a situation that resulted in conflicting agreements and frequent industrial actions. To address this, he said the ministry adopted a collective bargaining framework bringing together doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and other health workers.
On NARD’s demands, Salako revealed that negotiations had made progress, with the association’s requests reduced from 19 to nine, although some outstanding issues remain constrained by civil service rules and approved schemes of service.
He clarified that the demand for specialist allowance by resident doctors could not be met, explaining that resident doctors are specialists-in-training, while specialist allowances are reserved for consultants under existing regulations.
Salako added that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission advised against extending the allowance to resident doctors, warning that such a move could trigger similar claims from other health professionals undergoing specialist training.
He also dismissed claims that government was inactive on certification matters, stating that the National Postgraduate Medical College does not issue certificates after Part I examinations, a policy beyond the ministry’s authority to alter.
Addressing the controversy over the disengagement of five resident doctors in Lokoja, the minister said due civil service procedures were followed. He disclosed that a ministerial review committee recommended the reinstatement of two doctors, reprimand for two others, and a fresh disciplinary hearing for one, in line with due process.
While acknowledging public concern over frequent strikes in the health sector, Salako noted that industrial actions by doctors are not unique to Nigeria, citing similar disputes in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and other stakeholders, remains committed to sustained dialogue to stabilise the health sector, ensure industrial harmony and prevent future disruptions to healthcare services.
Chairman of the Rivers Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, has declared that the decision of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election was a lifeline that kept Rivers State politically afloat.
Alabraba made the assertion on Tuesday in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, during Wike’s thank-you visit to the area.
The elder statesman described Wike as a dominant force in Nigeria’s contemporary politics, praising his courage, political foresight and pragmatic leadership style.
According to him, Wike took two far-reaching decisions in 2023 that significantly altered Rivers State’s political trajectory, foremost among them the emergence of an Ijaw governor after 24 years.
“When you were concluding your tenure, your thoughts were for Rivers State. You took two critical decisions. First, you sacrificed everything, fought many battles and enthroned a successor from the Ijaw ethnic nationality — a crown that eluded the Ijaw people for 24 years,” Alabraba said.
He described the apparent lack of appreciation from Governor Siminalayi Fubara as an aberration, stressing that ingratitude was alien to the Ijaw people.
“What we are seeing in Rivers State today is an aberration. The Ijaw, as rightly said by others, are not ungrateful people,” he stated.
Alabraba identified Wike’s second defining decision as his choice to align Rivers State with Tinubu’s presidential bid in 2023, even while retaining control of other elective positions within his party.
“That singular decision is what has kept Rivers State afloat today,” he emphasised.
He assured Wike of sustained support from Rivers people, noting that the state’s political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections was already clear.
“Let me assure you, Rivers people know where to go. With Wike, 2027 under the Renewed Hope agenda is the way to go,” Alabraba declared.
In his response, Wike thanked Rivers people for standing by him in 2023, despite the widespread doubts that trailed Tinubu’s candidacy at the time.
Speaking on the political situation in the state, the former governor said he was determined to correct what he described as a mistake made in 2023, while openly pledging his support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“Here, we have shut the door. No other person other than Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike said.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Monday hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Senator Magnus Abe and Mr. Kenneth Kobani into strategic positions in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory agencies, describing the move as a clear testament to the President’s goodwill and affection for the people of Rivers State.
Wike spoke during his thank-you visit to Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he celebrated the nomination of Abe as Board Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Kobani as a non-executive member of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
According to the FCT minister, the appointments underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness and equity, noting that Rivers State had never enjoyed such extensive federal recognition since its creation.
“Just as we are coming, we have two nominations for appointment by Mr. President—Magnus Abe and Kenneth Kobani,” Wike said. “This shows that President Tinubu keeps his promises and honours his agreements. We are standing by the truth, and the truth will always set us free.”
He added that the Tinubu administration has given Rivers State an unprecedented number of federal appointments, urging the people to continue to support the President, particularly as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
Wike described the latest nominations as proof of Tinubu’s “genuine love” for Rivers people, stressing that such gestures would deepen the state’s confidence in the current administration.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abe, a two-term senator who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, previously served as a board member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and currently chairs the National Agency for the Great Green Wall.
Kobani, also an indigene of Rivers State, is a former Minister of State for Trade under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and served as Secretary to the Rivers State Government during Wike’s tenure as governor.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Mr. Vincent Nemieoboka, described Wike as a key driver of development in the area, commending him for facilitating numerous federal and state appointments for indigenes of the council.
Nemieoboka assured the minister of the continued loyalty and support of the people, pledging that Ogu/Bolo would stand firmly with him in 2027.
Similarly, Ambassador Mourine Tamuno, Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited and an indigene of the area, thanked Wike for creating opportunities for sons and daughters of Ogu/Bolo, assuring him of the unwavering support of women and youths in the local government area.
Former Ambassador to South Korea and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Rivers State, Mr Desmond Akawor, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of stalling development in Oyigbo Local Government Area since assuming office in 2023.
Akawor made the allegation on Monday during a thank-you visit by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, to Oyigbo Local Government Area.
He said residents of the area voted for Governor Fubara with the expectation that he would sustain and expand the developmental projects initiated under Wike’s administration, but lamented that the local government had recorded no tangible progress since the change of leadership.
“Permit me to speak frankly. If these things are not said now, they may never be said,” Akawor declared. “We elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara believing that Oyigbo would continue to enjoy meaningful development. Sadly, development in Oyigbo has stalled; we have not moved an inch forward.”
According to him, the only noticeable benefit the area has received under the current administration is the appointment of a commissioner, a development he said fell far short of the expectations of the people.
“The only tangible benefit Oyigbo has received is a commissioner’s slot, which was given to me. Beyond that, nothing substantial has come to our people,” he said.
Akawor also raised concerns over the reported N600 billion in the state treasury, insisting that Oyigbo must not be sidelined in the utilisation of state resources.
He warned that any allocation of funds across political or regional groupings must include Oyigbo, stressing that fairness, not favouritism, should guide government spending.
“We are not asking for favours; we are asking for fairness. Those who neither contributed nor supported the process cannot continue to dominate the benefits,” he said, adding that stakeholders from the area had unanimously agreed on the demand.
The former ambassador further commended Wike for what he described as the liberation of Oyigbo from the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying his intervention restored normalcy and ended weekly lockdowns in the area.
“Without your intervention, our communities would have remained under lockdown every Monday,” Akawor said. “You restored peace and ensured that no Rivers person was profiled or harassed. For that alone, we are deeply grateful.”
He concluded by thanking Wike for the confidence reposed in him through his mobilisation role, reaffirming the continued support of the people of Oyigbo for the minister.
Former Governor of Nasarawa State and Senator representing Nasarawa South, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, on Monday described the death of former Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a profound and immeasurable loss to Nasarawa State and Nigeria.
Al-Makura spoke in Abuja during a condolence visit to the residence of the late senator’s family, where he paid glowing tribute to Akwashiki’s political journey, loyalty and commitment to public service.
“Today is one of my saddest days,” Al-Makura said. “With the demise of Distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki, the loss is not only to Nasarawa State or his senatorial constituency, but to Nigeria as a whole. To say the loss is profound is even an understatement.”
He noted that although the late senator had been bedridden for over two years and could not actively participate in Senate proceedings, his legacy of service and dedication remained enduring.
“Our consolation is that Senator Godiya was a faithful politician, a committed partner and a very loyal leader—loyal to his seniors and to his followers,” he said.
Tracing Akwashiki’s political rise, Al-Makura recalled that the late senator emerged as Majority Leader of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly in 2011 at his first attempt.
“At that time, I was governor. His performance was such that you would think he had spent many years in the Assembly,” he said, adding that Akwashiki played a critical role in the success of his administration.
According to him, Akwashiki later returned to the Assembly during his second term as governor and served as Deputy Speaker, where he again distinguished himself.
“He discharged his responsibilities to the admiration of his constituents, the government and all stakeholders. It became clear that he had the capacity for higher responsibilities, which was why I supported his bid for the Senate,” Al-Makura said.
He added that they both served in the Ninth Senate from 2019, where Akwashiki proved himself through his contributions at plenary sessions, executive meetings and oversight functions.
“He was a worthy representative of his people. His loyalty stood out. Such loyalty is rare in politics,” he noted.
Al-Makura further said Akwashiki’s constituency projects cut across all wards in Nasarawa, Akwanga and Wamba local government areas, stressing that his impact transcended party lines.
“Whether APC, SDP or otherwise, his people will miss him. He touched every ward, and his support base remained strong even during his health challenges,” he said.
Describing the late senator as a close friend and political ally, Al-Makura said his replacement would not come easily.
“I have lost a friend, a political soul and an associate whose replacement will not be easy to find,” he said, praying for God’s comfort for the family and supporters left behind.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Nasarawa State chapter, Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha, described Akwashiki’s death as a devastating loss to Nasarawa North Senatorial District and the nation.
“The leaders have said it all. Senator Godiya Akwashiki was very committed to his people and very dear to our hearts,” Andaha said. “Since the return to democracy in 1999, we have not had such excellent representation as the one provided by this distinguished senator.”
While acknowledging the pain of the loss, Andaha said faith offered some consolation.
“As believers, we know that one day we shall return to our Creator. But that does not reduce the pain of losing a leader who performed exceptionally well,” he said.
Andaha, who is also the Executive Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area, extended condolences to the late senator’s family, the people of Nasarawa North Senatorial District, the Nasarawa State Government, the National Assembly and Nigerians at large.
“We have lost a great leader, a friend and a strong political ally—someone who truly gave his best in representing his people,” he said, urging residents to uphold the values of service and dedication exemplified by the late senator.
Meanwhile, a senatorial aspirant in Nasarawa North, Duba Dodo, also described Akwashiki’s death as an unfortunate loss to both Nasarawa State and the nation, noting that his contributions to lawmaking and constituency development would be deeply missed.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Monday issued a strong warning to the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, to steer clear of Rivers State politics, declaring the state a “no-go area” for political interference.
Wike delivered the warning during his thank-you visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he cautioned the APC chieftain against making what he described as reckless comments about the state and its political leadership.
“Take this message to your National Secretary: leave Rivers State alone,” Wike said. “Go and ask those who tried it before. Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful with the statements you make.”
The former Rivers State governor accused some APC leaders of exploiting the alleged N600 billion left in the state’s coffers to make inflammatory remarks.
“Because you hear we have N600 billion, you come here, you collect, and then you open your mouth to talk anyhow,” he said. “This state is a no-go area. If your hand burns, no be me burn am.”
Wike’s remarks followed comments attributed to the APC Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, who reportedly referred to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the “so-called governor” of Rivers State and claimed the governor could not secure a second term without Wike’s backing.
Reacting earlier, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru had described Giadom’s comments as “unfortunate,” stressing that the office of a governor must be respected regardless of political differences.
“The office of the governor is an exalted position, and whoever occupies it must be respected, irrespective of political affiliation,” Basiru wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Rivers State, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, blamed Governor Fubara for what he described as stalled development in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
According to Akawor, Oyigbo has witnessed little or no developmental progress since the governor’s inauguration, despite reports of substantial funds available to the state.
“Development in Oyigbo has stalled. We have not moved an inch forward,” he said. “The only tangible benefit Oyigbo has received is a commissioner slot. Beyond that, nothing substantial has come to our people.”
He called on the state government to ensure fairness in the allocation of resources, insisting that Oyigbo must not be sidelined.
“We are not asking for favours; we are asking for fairness. Oyigbo people must get their fair share,” Akawor added.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP), prominent political leaders and people of Nasarawa State on Monday received the remains of late Senator Godiya Akwashiki amid tears and glowing tributes, describing his death as a monumental loss to the state and Nigeria.
The solemn reception, held in Abuja, drew top party chieftains, former governors, lawmakers and supporters, including former SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo; former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi; and Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danadi Jato.
Leading tributes, Prince Adebayo described the late senator as one of the strongest pillars of the SDP and a lawmaker whose integrity and dedication cut across party lines.
“We’ve lost one of our strongest soldiers,” Adebayo said. “We feel devastated, especially for the family. The pain of this loss is not just for the family, but for the Agon Nation, the senatorial district, the entire state and Nigeria.”
He described Akwashiki as a perfect gentleman whose good name would outlive him.
“Our only consolation is that he left behind a good name. He was a great man, a great Christian, a great family man and a senator who enjoyed the full confidence of his people. If he had lived another 30 years, many would still have considered that seat as his,” he said.
Adebayo admitted that the death had negatively impacted the party and the quality of legislative politics in the state.
“For us in the SDP, losing one of our strongest is a very heavy blow. That is why all of us came here, from wherever we were, to receive him and to let the family know that we stand with them,” he added.
Also speaking, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi described Akwashiki’s death as heartbreaking, noting that the late senator left an indelible mark in public service.
“He was a seasoned legislator, a wonderful father and a fantastic husband. This is a great loss to Nasarawa State,” Gaza said, praying that the tragedy would strengthen unity within the party and the state.
He particularly sympathised with the Egon Nation, describing the loss as deeply painful. “We pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this loss,” he said.
The Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, said the party was deeply saddened by the demise of the lawmaker, describing it as a national loss.
“This is a great loss not only to his constituency and Nasarawa State, but to the SDP family nationwide and Nigeria at this critical time of our democracy,” Gombe said, while urging Nigerians to accept the will of God.
He noted that the large turnout at the reception reflected the late senator’s wide acceptance beyond party boundaries.
“It is not about party alone; it is about the entire political family. People from different political divides are here to honour him,” he added.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danadi Jato, described Akwashiki’s death as a huge blow to the state and the nation.
“We are in pain. Distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki was a performing senator who served with excellence. His death is a great loss, especially to the Egon people and to Nigeria,” Jato said.
Recalling their time together in the state assembly, Jato noted that Akwashiki served as Deputy Speaker from 2011 to 2015 and later made history as the first lawmaker to return twice as senator from Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone.
Prayers and words of consolation marked the end of the ceremony as leaders, party members and supporters paid their last respects to the late senator.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged other states to replicate Rivers State’s rare “Rainbow Coalition” ahead of the 2027 elections, saying no state currently matches its ability to build broad-based, cross-party support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike made the declaration during his thank-you visit to Ahoada West Local Government Area in Rivers State, insisting that the state’s political strength lies in unity that transcends party lines.
“As of now, this is the only state where politics is not about parties but about the Renewed Hope Family,” Wike said. “Other states should adopt this level of organic unity and inclusiveness for total victory for the President in 2027.”
The former Rivers governor said the state’s resilience stems from a long-standing tradition of cooperation and consensus, which has helped it withstand pressures and attempts to weaken its political structure.
Wike expressed optimism that political stakeholders would eventually consolidate on a single platform ahead of 2027, further strengthening unity and strategic focus.
Warning against complacency, he stressed that popularity should never be taken for granted, admitting that past political negotiations had mistakes but asserting that lessons had been learned.
“We had agreements in the past, people emerged, and we all saw the challenges that followed. We will not make those mistakes again. Politics requires firmness, clarity and courage not to go backwards,” he said.
He also maintained that opposition forces have lost relevance, insisting the will of the people has prevailed and that no group was cheated or sidelined.
Wike commended Rivers people for their support for President Tinubu in 2023, calling it an act of good faith that deserves appreciation.
Reflecting on his role as FCT minister, he said his emergence mirrored the resilience and contributions of Rivers people to national development, with ongoing projects in Abuja reflecting the diligence and commitment of the state.
“This is the time for everyone to come together and do what is right. Where governance is working, encourage it,” Wike urged.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Chita Eugene Epelle, described Wike’s visit as a moment of pride and renewal, praising his leadership and achievements that extend beyond Rivers State.
“Despite your busy schedule, you found time to visit Ahoada West. Today, we receive you as our leader, our hero, and a proud son of Ahoada West,” Epelle said, reaffirming the area’s support for Wike and praying for his continued strength and wisdom.
