Seven people were killed and two others injured in a multiple-vehicle crash at Kara, Ibafo, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Three vehicles were involved in the crash, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps.
The FRSC identified speed violation as the probable cause, subject to further investigation.
The deceased were evacuated by the Ogun State Ambulance Service, while the injured were taken for medical attention.
Main Story
Seven people have been killed and two others injured in a multiple road crash at Kara, Ibafo, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
The Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident on Monday, saying the crash occurred shortly after midnight along the Ibafo-Lagos corridor.
Three vehicles were involved in the crash: a white HOWO CNG/CIMC ENRIC, a white MACK trailer and a Mitsubishi Canter.
The FRSC Ibafo Outpost Command received the report at about 4:04am and arrived at the scene approximately five minutes later, according to the agency.
All nine people involved in the crash were male, with seven fatalities and two injuries recorded.
The Issues
The FRSC classified the incident as a fatal multiple road traffic crash and identified speed violation as the probable cause, although the agency said the circumstances remain subject to further investigation.
The incident highlights continuing road-safety concerns along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, particularly the risks associated with excessive speed and the operation of articulated vehicles.
The deceased victims were evacuated from the scene by the Ogun State Ambulance Service, while the injured were taken for medical attention.
The vehicles involved were subsequently handed over to the Motor Traffic Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Ibafo for further action.
What’s Being Said
“The Federal Road Safety Corps Ogun State Sector Command, has confirmed a fatal multiple road traffic crash that occurred at about 0003hrs on Monday, 24 August 2026, along the Ibafo–Lagos corridor at Kara, Ibafo. Preliminary information indicates that nine persons, all male, were involved in the crash. Sadly, seven persons were killed, while two persons sustained injuries,” said Chief Superintendent Route Commander Afolabi Odunsin.
“The crash was classified as a fatal multiple road traffic crash, with speed violation (SPV) identified as the probable cause, subject to further investigation,” he added.
Ogun State Sector Commander Oludare Ogunjobi urged motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to avoid excessive speed, maintain safe following distances and remain vigilant.
He also advised motorists to exercise extra caution when driving at night, citing reduced visibility and fatigue as factors that could increase the risk of road crashes.
While commiserating with the families of the deceased, he wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.
What’s Next
The Motor Traffic Division of the Nigeria Police Force, Ibafo, is expected to take further necessary action following the handover of the vehicles involved in the crash.
The FRSC’s investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident will also determine whether the preliminary identification of speed violation as the cause is sustained.
Bottom Line
Seven people lost their lives and two others were injured after three vehicles collided at Kara, Ibafo, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
While the FRSC has identified speed violation as the probable cause, further investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris has warned against calls to restore petrol subsidy.
He said returning to the previous subsidy regime could weaken Nigeria’s fiscal position and investor confidence.
Subsidy removal reportedly mobilised N15.8 trillion in resources for the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025.
The N15.8 trillion was distributed across the Federal Government, states and local governments through the Federation’s broader fiscal system.
The government recorded N6.47 trillion in additional expenditure on strategic infrastructure during the period.
Idris said Nigeria is already carrying an estimated N3.14 trillion electricity subsidy between June 2023 and December 2025.
He argued that restoring petrol subsidy would create another significant burden on public finances.
Main Story
The Federal Government has rejected calls to restore petrol subsidy, warning that a return to the former regime could undermine Nigeria’s fiscal improvements and reverse gains recorded since the implementation of economic reforms, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued the warning in an opinion article titled “Restoring Fuel Subsidy Will Reverse Nigeria’s Economic Gains.”
According to Idris, reinstating petrol subsidy would recreate many of the fiscal pressures, market distortions, fuel scarcity and opportunities for arbitrage that contributed to the previous system’s unsustainability, He argued that the debate should not focus solely on the immediate impact of higher petrol prices following subsidy removal but should also consider what government resources would have to be redirected if subsidy payments were restored.
Idris cited the Federal Government’s recently presented Nigeria’s Reform Scorecard: The Benefits, Costs and Harms Prevented, which stated that subsidy savings mobilised N15.8 trillion in resources for the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025, The minister explained that approximately N5.43 trillion accrued to the Federal Government, N6.52 trillion to states and N3.88 trillion to local governments.
He clarified that the N15.8 trillion was not held as a separate pool of cash but represented resources released within the wider fiscal system following the reforms, According to Idris, the additional fiscal space strengthened the ability of governments at different levels to meet salary and pension obligations while supporting investment in infrastructure, security, agriculture and human capital.
The Issues
The central issue is the trade-off between short-term fuel affordability and the government’s longer-term fiscal capacity, Petrol subsidy historically kept pump prices below their market-related cost but required significant government expenditure. Idris argued that restoring the policy would once again place substantial pressure on government finances.
He recalled that Nigeria spent about $10 billion on petrol subsidy in 2022, at a time when oil production and government revenues were under pressure, The minister said the resources used for subsidy could otherwise have been directed towards sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and social protection.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s existing electricity subsidy burden, According to Idris, the country carried an estimated N3.14 trillion electricity subsidy between June 2023 and December 2025. Restoring petrol subsidy, he argued, would add another major fiscal obligation.
The government has also faced the challenge of managing the social consequences of subsidy removal, including increased transportation and living costs, This has created continued public debate over whether the fiscal benefits of subsidy removal sufficiently compensate for the pressure placed on households and businesses.
What’s Being Said
Idris said Nigerians should consider what government would have to sacrifice if petrol subsidy returned, He framed the issue around competing priorities, asking whether Nigeria should restore petrol subsidy or maintain programmes such as student loans and consumer credit, increase allocations to states and local governments, continue infrastructure investments or strengthen healthcare, education and social protection.
The minister said the Reform Scorecard recorded approximately N6.47 trillion in additional expenditure on strategic infrastructure, alongside more than N400 billion committed to major social investment initiatives, including NELFUND, the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) and CREDICORP.
He also said social transfers had reached more than 10 million Nigerian households, Idris maintained that Nigeria’s fiscal reforms should be viewed within the context of long-term economic stability rather than only their immediate effects on consumers, He also cited warnings from the organised private sector and the wider economic community against reversing the reform.
What’s Next
The Federal Government is expected to continue defending the removal of petrol subsidy while directing attention towards how the resulting fiscal space is deployed, The key issue going forward will be whether the government can demonstrate tangible improvements in infrastructure, social investment, public services and economic productivity from the additional resources made available by the reforms.
At the same time, pressure over the cost of living is likely to keep the subsidy debate alive, particularly if petrol prices, transportation costs and other household expenses remain elevated, The government will therefore face the challenge of balancing fiscal sustainability with measures that reduce the impact of higher energy and transportation costs on households and businesses, The effectiveness of the reform will ultimately depend on whether the resources released from subsidy removal translate into stronger economic growth, improved public services and increased household welfare.
Bottom Line
The Federal Government’s position is that restoring petrol subsidy would undermine the fiscal gains achieved since its removal and recreate the financial pressures that made the previous system unsustainable, The government says subsidy removal mobilised N15.8 trillion in resources between June 2023 and December 2025, supporting spending across federal, state and local governments, However, the continued debate reflects a broader challenge: fiscal savings must translate into visible economic and social benefits for Nigerians.
As the government resists calls to restore petrol subsidy, its ability to demonstrate that the resources released by the reform are being effectively invested in infrastructure, social protection, human capital and productive economic activity will remain critical to sustaining public confidence in the policy.
The exhibition highlights Ukraine’s history, culture and national identity amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Its centrepiece is an interactive 20-piece map exploring the country’s regional cultures and history.
The exhibition is open to the public at the Ukrainian Embassy in Abuja.
Main Story
The Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria has opened an exhibition in Abuja to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence.
The exhibition, which explores the country’s history, cultural heritage and struggle for freedom, was opened by the Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Ivan Kholostenko, on Sunday.
Kholostenko said the exhibition was intended to give visitors a broader understanding of Ukraine beyond the war with Russia, including its centuries of statehood and diverse cultural identity.
The display includes Ukrainian cultural artefacts, photographs depicting the impact of Russia’s war and patches and flags belonging to Ukrainian military units.
At the centre of the exhibition is an interactive installation, “Puzzle of Unity: Mapping Ukraine’s Identity through Culture and History”.
Kholostenko explained that the installation uses a map made up of 20 puzzle pieces, with each piece representing aspects of Ukraine’s people, architecture, art, traditions, inventions and historical events.
He said contemporary Ukrainian artists Sestry Feldman created the artwork on the front of the pieces, while the reverse contains information providing cultural and historical context.
According to him, the installation allows visitors to explore the diversity of Ukraine’s regions while assembling the country’s map.
The ambassador said the installation also carried a deeper message about Ukraine’s territorial integrity and resistance to attempts to alter its borders by force.
He said Ukraine’s different regions had their own traditions, cultural characteristics and histories but remained connected as parts of one country.
Kholostenko accused Russia of seeking to undermine Ukraine’s historical memory, culture and national identity in addition to its territorial ambitions.
He said the exhibition was also aimed at helping Nigerians appreciate Ukraine as a country with a long history and distinct cultural identity, rather than viewing it only through the lens of the ongoing war.
The envoy said the values represented by the exhibition were among those being defended by Ukrainian soldiers.
He added that independence, cultural identity and territorial integrity remained closely connected for Ukrainians.
The Issues
Ukraine restored its independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The exhibition presents the country’s cultural and historical diversity alongside its current struggle against Russia.
Its central installation uses the image of a complete map assembled from individual regional pieces to communicate the idea of national unity.
What’s Being Said
“By assembling the puzzle, visitors literally put Ukraine together while discovering the diversity of its regions.” — Ivan Kholostenko
“None of these pieces can be taken away by force. The map carries deep symbolism amid Russia’s aggression.” — Ivan Kholostenko
“Ukraine is and will remain united, in all its cultural, historical and regional diversity.” — Ivan Kholostenko
“This is precisely the Ukraine that our soldiers are defending today.” — Ivan Kholostenko
What’s Next
The exhibition remains open to members of the public at the Embassy of Ukraine in Abuja.
The installation was developed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the non-governmental organisation Port of Culture, with support from the European External Action Service.
Bottom Line
The exhibition uses Ukraine’s history, culture and regional diversity to present a broader picture of the country and reinforce its message of national unity and territorial integrity amid the ongoing war.
NAF increases air presence in Sokoto to support joint security operations.
The service says enhanced surveillance will help counter terrorists and bandits exploiting difficult terrain.
Air Force chief pledges continued coordination with ground forces and other security agencies.
Main Story
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has increased its air operations across the North-West as part of efforts to disrupt terrorist, bandit and kidnapping activities in the region.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
He said the service had particularly strengthened its air presence in Sokoto State to support ongoing joint operations by security agencies.
Ejodame said the deployment was intended to improve surveillance and enable security forces to respond more quickly to threats within the Joint Operations Area.
He said the nature of the security threats in the region made air support important, as criminal groups often use difficult terrain, mobility and concealment to avoid ground forces.
According to him, the NAF’s air capabilities would help security forces locate hostile groups, disrupt their activities and restrict their movement, while providing support for troops operating on the ground.
Ejodame quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as saying the NAF was refining its air operations to achieve stronger results during joint security missions.
Aneke said the changing nature of the security environment required security forces to combine timely intelligence with responsive air operations and effective coordination with surface forces.
He said the NAF would continue to work with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect communities and weaken terrorist and criminal networks.
The CAS said the approach was also consistent with his objective of maintaining a professional, motivated and operationally prepared force.
He added that intelligence-led operations, innovation, readiness and closer integration with other forces remained central to the NAF’s operations.
Aneke said the service would continue supporting national efforts to restore peace and stability in the North-West.
He called on residents to assist security agencies by providing credible information that could support ongoing operations.
The Issues
Security challenges involving terrorism, banditry and kidnapping remain a concern in parts of the North-West. Criminal groups operating in the region can exploit difficult terrain and mobility to avoid ground forces.
The NAF’s increased air presence is intended to strengthen surveillance and give surface forces additional support during joint operations.
What’s Being Said
“By leveraging the reach, speed, flexibility, and precision of air-power, the NAF is better positioned to locate, disrupt, and degrade hostile elements, deny them freedom of movement, and create opportunities for surface forces to consolidate gains.” — Ehimen Ejodame
“Our objective is clear; to sustain pressure on criminal elements, deny them freedom of action, and create the conditions for our surface forces to dominate the operational environment.” — Sunday Aneke
What’s Next
The NAF said it would maintain its enhanced air operations and continue coordinating with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies across the North-West.
The service also expects members of the public to provide timely and credible information to the relevant authorities to assist security operations.
Bottom Line
The NAF is strengthening its air presence in the North-West, with increased operations in Sokoto intended to improve surveillance, disrupt criminal groups and support ground forces.
The Federal Government spent N6.47 trillion on strategic infrastructure between June 2023 and December 2025.
Major highway projects accounted for more than half of the infrastructure expenditure.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway received the largest allocation at N2.23 trillion.
The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway received N1.11 trillion, while the Trans-Sahara Superhighway received N489.3 billion.
The three projects accounted for approximately N3.83 trillion, or nearly 60 per cent of strategic infrastructure spending captured in the reform scorecard.
Overall incremental Federal Government expenditure reached N30.64 trillion during the period.
Subsidy and foreign exchange reforms generated N15.8 trillion in additional resources for the Federation.
Wage adjustments and the foreign exchange impact on external debt service jointly accounted for N18.76 trillion of incremental expenditure.
Main Story
The Federal Government spent N6.47 trillion on strategic infrastructure development between June 2023 and December 2025, with major highway projects accounting for the largest share of the expenditure, An analysis of the Federal Government’s newly released Nigeria Reform Scorecard on savings from fuel subsidy removal showed that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway received the highest allocation among the strategic infrastructure projects listed.
The project received N2.23 trillion, representing about 34 per cent of the total N6.47 trillion spent on strategic infrastructure during the period, The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway followed with N1.11 trillion, while N489.3 billion was paid for the Trans-Sahara Superhighway, Together, the three highway projects accounted for approximately N3.83 trillion of strategic infrastructure expenditure.
Other major infrastructure and intervention spending included N366 billion for road emergency intervention projects, N304.2 billion for the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road Section II and N291.3 billion for the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road, The government also spent N250 billion on the Renewed Hope Smallholder Support Programme and N228.4 billion on the Ilesha-Akure-Benin road section.
Other allocations included N124.7 billion for 1,550 housing units for Nigerian Armed Forces personnel and N109.9 billion for Operation Lake Sanity, a multinational security operation, The infrastructure expenditure formed part of a broader N30.64 trillion increase in government expenditure during the 30-month period.
The Issues
The scale of infrastructure spending comes amid significant pressure on the Federal Government’s finances, While N6.47 trillion was allocated to strategic infrastructure, the government also faced substantial expenditure increases linked to wages, external debt service and monetary policy.
Wage adjustments accounted for N9.39 trillion, while the foreign exchange impact on external debt service amounted to N9.37 trillion, Combined, the two areas consumed N18.76 trillion, representing approximately 61.2 per cent of the total N30.64 trillion incremental expenditure.
The figures highlight the competing demands on government finances. Infrastructure investment is intended to address long-standing constraints to economic growth, but the government must simultaneously meet rising recurrent costs and debt-service obligations.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has also attracted public debate over its cost, financing structure and the pace of government payments, The N2.23 trillion recorded for the project is more than twice the N1.11 trillion allocated to the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and more than four times the N489.3 billion recorded for the Trans-Sahara Superhighway, Another issue is borrowing. The reform scorecard put incremental borrowing during the period at N11.85 trillion, further underscoring the pressure on public finances.
What’s Being Said
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market mobilised N15.8 trillion in additional resources for the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025, Oyedele explained that the savings did not appear as a separate item labelled “subsidy savings” in the Federation Account.
Instead, he said the benefits appeared through increased naira collections from areas such as Customs duties and petroleum-related taxes because of the higher naira value of foreign-denominated transactions, The Ministry of Finance said the strategic infrastructure interventions were designed to address infrastructure constraints that have historically limited investment, productivity and economic growth, The government has therefore positioned the expenditure as part of its broader economic reform strategy, using additional fiscal resources to finance infrastructure and other interventions.
What’s Next
The focus will increasingly shift from the amount spent on infrastructure to the economic returns generated by those investments, For the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other major road projects, completion, quality of construction and the ability to improve transportation and commercial activity will be key measures of their value to the economy.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is expected to run along Nigeria’s southern coastline and connect nine states when completed, Work has progressed on different sections, including the 47.47-kilometre first section in Lagos, while construction has also been ongoing across Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
The Federal Government will also have to balance continued infrastructure investment against rising debt-service obligations, wage costs and other recurrent expenditure, With incremental borrowing reaching N11.85 trillion during the period, future infrastructure spending will likely face increasing scrutiny over financing, value for money and its impact on economic growth.
Bottom Line
The Federal Government’s N6.47 trillion strategic infrastructure expenditure between June 2023 and December 2025 demonstrates the administration’s emphasis on roads and major infrastructure as tools for economic growth, However, the figures also reveal the scale of competing fiscal pressures, The government spent N30.64 trillion in incremental expenditure during the period, while wage adjustments and the foreign exchange impact on external debt service alone consumed N18.76 trillion.
The challenge now is to ensure that the N6.47 trillion invested in infrastructure produces measurable economic returns through better connectivity, lower logistics costs, increased productivity and stronger investment, For the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in particular, its N2.23 trillion expenditure places the project under significant public and economic scrutiny. Its eventual impact will ultimately be judged not by the size of the allocation, but by whether the completed infrastructure delivers lasting value to Nigeria’s economy.
The United States Coast Guard has lifted the Condition of Entry imposed on vessels arriving in the US from Nigeria.
The restriction had been in place since June 25, 2014, subjecting affected vessels to additional security measures and scrutiny.
The decision follows four USCG assessments of Nigeria’s maritime security framework and port facilities between 2024 and 2026.
The Federal Government says the development reflects improved compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
The lifting of the restriction is expected to improve vessel turnaround times, reduce additional operating costs and strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
Main Story
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels calling at Nigerian ports before proceeding to the United States, bringing an end to a 12-year regime of enhanced security requirements that had increased operational costs and scrutiny for shipping operators.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who announced the development, described the decision as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen maritime security, improve port competitiveness and restore confidence in the country’s maritime infrastructure.
The Condition of Entry, which came into effect on June 25, 2014, required vessels destined for the United States that had called at designated Nigerian ports within their previous five port calls to undergo additional security measures and enhanced scrutiny before entering US waters.
Oyetola said the removal of the restriction demonstrates the progress Nigeria has made in strengthening its maritime security architecture and implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code across the country’s ports and maritime facilities.
He attributed the achievement to sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), working alongside relevant government agencies, port and terminal operators, facility operators, shipping companies and other industry stakeholders.
The Minister said the collaboration was focused on identifying and addressing gaps in Nigeria’s maritime security framework while demonstrating sustained compliance with internationally recognised maritime security standards.
The progress was assessed through four comprehensive reviews conducted by the USCG over the past two years.
The assessments took place between March 11 and 13, 2024; April 15 and 19, 2024; March 15 and 21, 2025; and April 13 and 17, 2026.
According to the Federal Government, the assessments showed significant improvements in Nigeria’s maritime security performance and implementation of the ISPS Code, ultimately leading to the lifting of the Condition of Entry.
For Nigeria’s maritime industry, the development comes with implications beyond security compliance. The removal of additional entry requirements could improve vessel turnaround times, reduce delays and lower some of the costs associated with additional documentation, inspections and security procedures.
It could also strengthen the attractiveness of Nigerian ports to international shipping lines at a time when the country is seeking to deepen its participation in global maritime trade.
The Issues
The Condition of Entry had remained a longstanding operational challenge for vessels trading between Nigeria and the United States.
For shipping operators, the additional requirements translated into increased security and operating costs, further inspections and documentation, as well as potential delays in vessel turnaround. These additional costs could also have implications for freight and insurance expenses.
The restriction had broader implications for the competitiveness of Nigerian ports, particularly as international shipping operators assess ports based on efficiency, security, reliability and cost.
Its removal therefore places greater responsibility on Nigerian maritime authorities and industry stakeholders to sustain the improvements that led to the US decision.
The lifting of the restriction is not simply an end to an additional regulatory requirement. It also places a premium on maintaining the security standards and institutional coordination that enabled Nigeria to regain full confidence from a major international maritime regulator.
What’s Being Said
Oyetola said the development represented a validation of Nigeria’s progress in maritime security.
“The lifting of the Condition of Entry is a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector. It is a strong affirmation of the progress we have made in strengthening maritime security and implementing the ISPS Code across our ports and facilities.”
He added:
“We are committed to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that Nigeria remains a safe, secure and competitive destination for international shipping.”
The Minister also commended the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and his team for their contribution to the achievement, noting that the development reflected the impact of effective regulation, stakeholder collaboration and sustained investment in maritime security.
What’s Next
The immediate priority for Nigeria’s maritime authorities will be to sustain the security standards and compliance measures that resulted in the lifting of the Condition of Entry.
For port operators and shipping companies, the removal of the additional USCG requirements could translate into more predictable vessel operations, improved turnaround times and lower costs associated with additional security procedures.
The development could also support the Federal Government’s broader ambition of positioning Nigerian ports as more competitive gateways for international trade and strengthening the country’s role in the global maritime economy.
However, the long term value of the decision will depend on Nigeria’s ability to maintain the standards that secured the USCG’s approval and translate improved maritime security into measurable gains in port efficiency and shipping activity.
Bottom Line
The lifting of the 12 year Condition of Entry removes a significant operational and reputational hurdle for Nigeria’s maritime industry. More importantly, it signals renewed international confidence in the country’s maritime security standards.
For Nigeria, the opportunity now extends beyond celebrating the removal of the restriction. Sustaining the gains could help lower operational friction, improve the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and strengthen the country’s position in global maritime trade.
Nigerian Navy personnel dismantled three illegal refining sites in Rivers State.
About 91,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 70 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO were recovered.
The operation also uncovered equipment and makeshift camps linked to illegal refining activities.
Main Story
The Nigerian Navy, through Operation DELTA SENTINEL, has dismantled three illegal refining sites in the Okolomade and Ogbogolo areas of Rivers State, recovering about 91,000 litres of crude oil suspected to have been stolen.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in an operational report made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
Folorunsho said personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH carried out the operation on Friday after receiving intelligence about the suspected reactivation of illegal refining activities in the area.
He said the operation uncovered two cooking drums, two large ovens, 10 reservoirs and four storage facilities associated with the illegal refining activities.
Two makeshift camps suspected to have provided shelter for illegal refiners were also discovered.
The operation also led to the recovery of about 70 litres of a product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Folorunsho said the recovered products, equipment and illegal refining sites were handled in accordance with established procedures.
He said the operation disrupted the reactivated facilities and deprived their operators of the infrastructure required to resume their activities.
According to him, the operation was part of the navy’s sustained efforts to prevent criminal elements from rebuilding illegal refining infrastructure in areas previously affected by crude oil theft and illegal refining.
Folorunsho reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to dismantling infrastructure supporting crude oil theft, protecting critical national assets and safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
The Issues
The operation targeted suspected illegal refining facilities that had reportedly been reactivated in parts of Rivers State. The discovery of storage facilities, refining equipment and makeshift camps indicates the infrastructure allegedly supporting the activities in the affected areas.
The recovery of crude oil suspected to have been stolen and illegally refined AGO also highlights the link between crude oil theft and unauthorised refining activities.
What’s Being Said
“Two makeshift camps suspected to have provided shelter for illegal refiners were also discovered, alongside approximately 91,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil.” — Abiodun Folorunsho
“The operation also led to the discovery of about 70 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined AGO.” — Abiodun Folorunsho
What’s Next
The Nigerian Navy said it would sustain operations aimed at disrupting infrastructure used for crude oil theft and illegal refining.
Bottom Line
The navy’s latest operation in Rivers State dismantled three suspected illegal refining sites and recovered crude oil and illegally refined products, as security efforts continue against activities affecting Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
Five companies generated about $120 million, representing 29.51 per cent of earnings recorded by Nigeria’s top 100 non-oil exporters in April 2026.
Dangote Fertiliser led the group with 14.15 per cent of the top 100 exporters’ earnings.
Robust International Commodities accounted for 5.16 per cent, followed by Tulip Cocoa Processing at 4.03 per cent.
Valency Agro Nigeria and Outspan Nigeria contributed 3.17 per cent and 3.01 per cent, respectively.
Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings rose to $960 million in April 2026, from $770 million in the previous month.
Cashew nuts, urea and cocoa beans were the leading non-oil export products during the month.
India, Vietnam, the United States, China and Germany were among Nigeria’s leading destinations for non-oil exports.
Main Story
Five companies accounted for nearly 30 per cent of the earnings generated by Nigeria’s top 100 non-oil exporters in April 2026, highlighting the growing contribution of fertiliser, agriculture and agro-processing to the country’s export earnings, According to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s April 2026 Economic Report, Dangote Fertiliser, Robust International Commodities, Tulip Cocoa Processing, Valency Agro Nigeria and Outspan Nigeria generated a combined $120 million, representing 29.51 per cent of earnings recorded by the top 100 non-oil exporters.
The development points to the increasing importance of agricultural commodities and industrial processing in Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its foreign-exchange earnings away from crude oil, Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings increased to $960 million in April, from $770 million previously. The CBN attributed the increase largely to higher global commodity prices and improved receipts from commodities including cashew nuts and fertiliser.
Cashew nuts were the largest non-oil export product, accounting for 21.25 per cent of earnings. Urea followed with 14.15 per cent, while cocoa beans accounted for 10.46 per cent, Other agricultural products contributed 8.33 per cent, sesame seeds accounted for 5.56 per cent and cocoa products represented 4.92 per cent.
The export destination data also showed the growing international reach of Nigerian non-oil products. India accounted for 16.51 per cent of exports among the country’s top 10 destinations, followed by Vietnam at 10.96 per cent, the United States at 8.71 per cent, China at 8.48 per cent and Germany at 5.88 per cent.
Dangote Fertiliser emerged as the largest contributor among the five companies, accounting for 14.15 per cent of earnings recorded by the CBN’s top 100 non-oil exporters, Its performance reflects the increasing role of fertiliser in Nigeria’s non-oil export market.
Urea accounted for 14.15 per cent of Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings in April, making it the second-largest export product after cashew nuts, The company has also been pursuing expansion of its fertiliser business. Bloomberg reported in January 2026 that Dangote Industries appointed MTN Group Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita to the board of Dangote Fertiliser as the business pursued expansion and considered a potential listing on the Nigerian Exchange.
Robust International Commodities ranked second among the five companies, accounting for 5.16 per cent of earnings, The company operates in agricultural commodity processing and trading, with products including cashew nuts, sesame seeds, rice, gum arabic, ginger and grains, Its position in the CBN ranking highlights the contribution of agricultural commodity trading and processing to Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings.
The company has also accessed the domestic capital market through commercial paper issuances. FMDQ Exchange records show that Robust issued several commercial paper instruments between 2023 and 2024, supporting its working-capital requirements, Tulip Cocoa Processing ranked third, contributing 4.03 per cent of the earnings of the CBN’s top 100 non-oil exporters.
The Ogun State-based company processes cocoa beans into cocoa liquor, cocoa butter and cocoa cake, giving it a role in the higher-value segment of Nigeria’s cocoa export industry, Premium Times reported in May 2025 that the company had expanded its cocoa-grinding capacity from 12,000 tonnes to more than 30,000 tonnes annually, citing the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.
The company’s processing operations demonstrate the potential for Nigeria to move beyond exporting raw agricultural commodities and capture more value through domestic processing, However, the cocoa sector continues to face traceability challenges.
An Associated Press investigation published in 2023 identified Tulip Cocoa Processing among companies purchasing cocoa linked to farming in Nigeria’s protected Omo Forest Reserve. The report raised questions about the traceability of cocoa moving through complex supply chains.
The Issues
The figures demonstrate the growing contribution of non-oil exports to Nigeria’s foreign-exchange earnings, but they also reveal the concentration of the sector around a relatively small number of commodities and companies, Agricultural commodities such as cashew, cocoa and sesame remain significant contributors, exposing exporters to fluctuations in international commodity prices and supply conditions.
The concentration also highlights the need to strengthen domestic processing, While Nigeria remains a major producer of several agricultural commodities, exporting processed products can generate greater value than exporting raw materials. Companies such as Tulip Cocoa Processing demonstrate how processing can move the country further along the global value chain.
Another issue is supply-chain infrastructure, Exporters must contend with transportation, storage, financing, power supply, port logistics and regulatory requirements. These factors can increase production and export costs and affect Nigeria’s competitiveness in international markets, Traceability is another challenge, particularly for agricultural commodities such as cocoa. International buyers are increasingly demanding information about where commodities originate and whether they comply with environmental and sustainability requirements.
What’s Being Said
The April figures from the CBN suggest that agriculture and industrial production are becoming increasingly important to Nigeria’s trade performance, The combined performance of the five leading companies shows that fertiliser and agro-processing are no longer peripheral components of the country’s export strategy.
Dangote Fertiliser’s leading position also demonstrates the growing contribution of manufactured products to the non-oil export basket, while the performance of Robust International Commodities and the cocoa processors highlights the continued importance of agricultural value chains, The figures also reinforce the argument that Nigeria can increase foreign-exchange earnings by moving beyond the export of raw commodities and developing stronger domestic processing capacity.
What’s Next
The next phase of Nigeria’s non-oil export strategy will depend on whether the country can sustain growth in agricultural exports while increasing the amount of processing carried out domestically, Greater investment in processing facilities, storage, transportation infrastructure and export financing could help Nigerian companies capture more value from commodities before they reach international markets, For cocoa, cashew and other agricultural products, improving traceability and meeting international sustainability standards will also become increasingly important as global markets impose stricter requirements.
The performance of Dangote Fertiliser could similarly encourage further investment in industrial products capable of generating foreign exchange beyond the traditional agricultural export base, If these trends continue, Nigeria’s non-oil export sector could become a more significant and diversified source of foreign-exchange earnings.
Bottom Line
Five companies generated about $120 million, or 29.51 per cent, of the earnings recorded by Nigeria’s top 100 non-oil exporters in April 2026, The ranking is significant because it shows two major forces shaping Nigeria’s export diversification drive: industrial production, represented by Dangote Fertiliser, and agriculture and agro-processing, represented by the other leading exporters.
With non-oil export earnings rising to $960 million in April, the opportunity for Nigeria is no longer simply to export more commodities, but to process more of them locally, build competitive supply chains and capture greater value from the global market, The challenge will be turning this emerging export momentum into a broader, sustainable and diversified source of foreign exchange for the Nigerian economy.
The exchange rate between the Naira and the US dollar, according to the data released on the FMDQ Security Exchange,the official forex trading portal, showed that the naira closed at 1348 per $1 on Monday, August 24th 2026. The naira traded as high as 1342 to the dollar at the investors and exporters (I&E) window on Sunday. This is brought to you by Bizwatch Nigeria.
Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1410 and buy at ₦1400 on Sunday 23rd August, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN)
Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate
₦1410
Buying Rate
₦1400
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN)
CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate
₦1348
Lowest Rate
₦1342
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.
Gambling Nerd is building its identity around a simple question that is surprisingly difficult to answer in online gambling: why should a player trust a recommendation?
A large welcome bonus or five-star rating is easy to display. Neither tells a reader whether an operator’s license was verified, how difficult withdrawals are, what restrictions apply to the bonus, or whether the publisher receives money when someone signs up.
That is where Gambling Nerd is trying to differentiate itself. Its approach combines experience-based testing, published review criteria, affiliate disclosure, ongoing updates and the Nerd Nook Hub, an educational section dedicated to the mathematics and mechanics behind gambling. The objective is not simply to tell players where they can play, but to make the reasoning behind those recommendations visible.
Those distinctions become particularly important in America, where Gambling Nerd’s guide to online gambling in the United States addresses a market in which availability, regulation and gambling options can differ significantly depending on location.
Why Online Gambling Reviews Need More Than Rankings
Online gambling comparison sites face an inherent problem: readers see the final score but may know very little about how it was produced.
Two casinos can advertise similar bonuses while providing substantially different experiences. One might have straightforward withdrawal conditions and verifiable licensing. Another could impose restrictive payout limits or complicated promotional terms.
A useful review therefore needs to answer questions that exist behind the headline offer.
Who licenses the operator? What happens when a player requests a withdrawal? Are there wagering requirements? Which games contribute toward them? Are there account limits and responsible gambling controls?
When money is involved, information about the transaction can matter as much as the product being used.
How Gambling Nerd Actually Reviews Gambling Sites
Gambling Nerd publishes the framework behind its reviews instead of presenting its ratings as unexplained editorial opinions.
Security, licensing and trust carry the greatest weighting. Banking and payouts are another major component, followed by bonuses, games and software, responsible gambling protections, customer service, mobile performance and usability.
The process goes beyond looking at a casino homepage.
Depending on what can be tested for a particular review, Gambling Nerd combines firsthand use with checks of licensing information, operator terms, banking conditions, bonus restrictions, player complaints and other relevant information.
This matters because promotional material rarely reveals the entire player experience. Depositing money can take seconds while withdrawing it may involve identity verification, limits or additional conditions.
A reviewer needs to investigate both sides.
What a Transparent Online Gambling Review Should Tell You
Readers can apply much of the same thinking themselves.
A useful casino or sportsbook review should identify who licenses the operator and distinguish accessibility from local regulation. It should explain its rating methodology rather than presenting a score without context. Banking coverage should discuss withdrawals as well as deposits, while bonus coverage should examine conditions rather than simply repeat the advertised amount.
Negative findings matter too.
If every casino receives an excellent score and every review concentrates almost exclusively on advantages, readers have little information with which to distinguish one operator from another.
The publication’s commercial relationship with the operator should also be visible.
Gambling Nerd discloses that some links are affiliate links and that it can earn commissions when readers use them to sign up or deposit. Its editorial standards state that those commercial relationships do not determine its verdicts.
Transparency does not require pretending a business model does not exist. It requires explaining it.
The Gambling Nerd Transparency Test
Players don’t need to be professional reviewers to evaluate the quality of gambling information.
A simple five-question test can expose weaknesses quickly.
Who actually reviewed the operator? Look for identifiable writers, relevant experience and evidence that the review goes beyond information supplied by the casino.
How was the score calculated? A 4.8/5 rating has limited value if the publication never explains what separates it from a 4.2.
Can the licensing claim be verified? A casino being accessible from a country or state does not automatically mean it is licensed there.
Does the review clearly discuss disadvantages? Restrictions, withdrawal conditions and poor features deserve the same visibility as bonuses and game libraries.
How does the publisher make money? Readers should be able to identify whether affiliate or advertising relationships exist.
Those five questions form the Gambling Nerd Transparency Test: a practical way to judge the review before judging the casino.
Why Negative Findings Can Matter More Than a Big Bonus
Consider two hypothetical casinos.
Casino A offers a huge welcome promotion and thousands of games but has questionable licensing information and repeated unresolved payout complaints. Casino B offers a smaller bonus but provides verifiable licensing, clear withdrawal conditions and stronger player protections.
The biggest advertised bonus does not automatically make Casino A the better option.
Gambling Nerd’s methodology allows serious safety concerns to outweigh strengths elsewhere in an operator’s evaluation. Its editorial standards also state that commercial relationships should not prevent criticism.
That creates an important distinction between comparison content and advertising.
Sometimes the most useful sentence in a review is the reason not to sign up.
Nerd Nook Hub Explains the Mathematics Behind Gambling
Finding a suitable operator is only one part of making an informed decision. Players also need to understand the product.
The Nerd Nook Hub is Gambling Nerd’s attempt to address that second problem.
Its educational coverage examines concepts such as house edge, expected value, implied probability, random number generators, betting systems, game theory and sportsbook pricing.
Consider standard -110 sportsbook odds. A bettor risking $110 to profit $100 needs to win approximately 52.38% of comparable wagers just to break even over time, before considering other variables.
That single calculation teaches something a sportsbook ranking cannot.
Likewise, understanding house edge explains why casino games can produce short-term winners while still maintaining a mathematical advantage for the operator over repeated play.
The distinction captures an important part of Gambling Nerd’s positioning: telling somebody where a sportsbook offers a market is useful, but teaching them how to interpret the price provides a different kind of value.
Why Reviewing U.S. Gambling Sites Is Particularly Complicated
The United States makes transparency especially important because “U.S. gambling site” can describe very different products.
State-regulated online casinos, sportsbooks and poker rooms operate within specific jurisdictions. Sweepstakes platforms follow another model. Offshore operators may accept American customers without holding a U.S. state gambling license.
Those categories should not be presented as interchangeable.
For a beginner, the practical questions are straightforward: Is this operator available where I live? Who regulates it? What player protections exist? How are disputes handled? What happens when I withdraw money?
A transparent review should answer those questions before concentrating on the size of a signup promotion.
Responsible Gambling Is Part of the Evaluation
Player protection should not appear solely as a disclaimer at the bottom of an article.
Gambling Nerd incorporates responsible gambling into its editorial and evaluation framework. The broader principle is that an operator should be assessed not only on entertainment value but also on the controls available when a player wants to restrict access or spending.
That means examining whether responsible gambling tools are visible and practical rather than merely confirming that a responsible gambling page exists.
It also reinforces a basic limitation that gambling coverage should communicate clearly: strategy and mathematical knowledge can improve understanding, but neither can remove the underlying risk.
Gambling Reviews Have an Expiration Date
Even an accurate review can become inaccurate.
Bonuses change. Payment options disappear. Terms are rewritten. Licensing arrangements change. Operators enter and leave markets.
Gambling Nerd treats reviews and guides as resources that require updating rather than one-time publications.
That principle is particularly important for content discovered through search engines months after publication. Readers need to know whether information was checked recently, especially when it concerns money.
Transparency Also Means Saying What You Don’t Know
No review methodology eliminates uncertainty.
A reviewer cannot guarantee that every future withdrawal will arrive at the same speed experienced during testing. A casino can change its terms after publication. Player experiences can differ, and an operator that performs well today could encounter problems later.
Gambling mathematics has similar limitations.
Expected value describes a mathematical expectation, not what will happen on the next wager. House edge operates over repeated play rather than predicting an individual session. An RNG does not owe a player a win because several losses occurred beforehand.
Acknowledging those limitations makes gambling information more useful, not less.
The Approach Extends Beyond the United States
The U.S. is a major focus for Gambling Nerd, but the brand also covers Canada, Australia and selected European jurisdictions.
The evaluation principles can remain consistent across those markets while the details change. Licensing systems, payment methods, terminology, operators and consumer protections vary between jurisdictions.
International expansion therefore requires more than changing a country name on a casino ranking.
Transparency has to be localized.
Building Gambling Media Around Informed Decisions
There are already countless websites capable of ranking casinos and publishing bonus tables.
Gambling Nerd’s opportunity is to become associated with what happens behind the ranking: testing the operator, explaining the methodology, disclosing commercial relationships, identifying weaknesses and teaching readers enough mathematics to interpret gambling products themselves.
The brand’s Nerd Nook Hub, published editorial standards and review framework all support that direction.
The objective isn’t to make gambling predictable.
It’s to make the information surrounding it easier to understand.
About Shaun Stack
Shaun Stack is Editor-in-Chief at Gambling Nerd and has written extensively about online casinos and sports betting. His work has appeared in publications including the Daily Herald, Space Coast Daily and NJ 101.5. A football betting specialist and blackjack player, Stack has published hundreds of articles for GamblingNerd.com and covers subjects ranging from casino games and poker to sports betting analysis.
DataPro has assigned Foremost Capital Ltd. a BBB+ credit rating with a stable outlook.
The rating agency cited the company’s financial strength, liquidity, capitalisation, profitability and growing asset base.
Foremost Capital says the rating will support efforts to pursue larger mandates and strengthen investment performance.
Main Story
Foremost Capital Ltd. has received a BBB+ credit rating from DataPro, with the agency citing improvements in the asset management company’s financial and operational position.
The rating, which comes with a stable outlook, was based on an assessment of the company’s financial strength, liquidity, capitalisation, profitability and asset growth.
Foremost Capital said the assessment provided an independent indication of its ability to meet financial obligations and manage clients’ investments.
DataPro also highlighted growth in the company’s assets under management (AUM), which rose by 250 per cent between July and December 2025.
The assessment covered Foremost Capital’s revenue generation and ability to sustain earnings, alongside its governance, risk management, internal controls and compliance systems.
The company said the rating further strengthened its position as a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-licensed participant in the Nigerian capital market.
It added that the assessment reflected progress in its overall financial and operational performance since it commenced operations less than two years ago.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Foremost Capital, Emmanuel Akehomen, said the rating demonstrated the strength of the company’s governance and its ability to maintain liquidity and operational resilience.
He said the company would build on the improved market standing by seeking larger mandates and enhancing portfolio performance.
Akehomen added that Foremost Capital would maintain disciplined risk management while developing investment strategies focused on delivering long-term value to investors.
The Issues
The BBB+ rating provides an external assessment of Foremost Capital’s financial position and operational capacity as the company continues to expand its asset base.
The 250 per cent increase in AUM between July and December 2025 was among the indicators considered in DataPro’s assessment, alongside profitability, liquidity, governance and risk management.
What’s Being Said
“This BBB+ rating from DataPro is a significant milestone, validating our robust governance, liquidity and operational resilience. For our clients, it serves as an independent assurance of our stability and capacity for sustainable growth.” — Emmanuel Akehomen
What’s Next
Foremost Capital plans to use the stronger market position to pursue larger mandates, improve portfolio performance and develop investment strategies aimed at generating long-term value for investors.
Bottom Line
The BBB+ rating gives Foremost Capital an independent assessment of its financial and operational strength as the asset management company continues to grow its assets and pursue expansion in Nigeria’s capital market.
ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has criticised the removal of petrol subsidy, saying it has worsened economic hardship and weakened Nigerians’ purchasing power.
He defended Atiku Abubakar’s proposed fuel affordability plan, arguing that it would reduce production costs rather than restore the former subsidy regime.
Okonkwo also criticised the performance of the naira under President Bola Tinubu, linking its decline to inflation and currency depreciation.
His comments come amid renewed debate over petrol prices and the economic consequences of subsidy removal.
Main Story
ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has faulted the Federal Government’s decision to remove petrol subsidy, arguing that the policy has intensified economic hardship and eroded the purchasing power of Nigerians.
Okonkwo made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, while explaining former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to make petrol more affordable if elected president in 2027.
He described the subsidy removal as an ill-advised policy and argued that Nigerians had not seen sufficient benefits from the savings the government says the policy has generated.
Okonkwo cited the current petrol price, which he put at around N1,300 per litre, as an illustration of the pressure facing households. He noted that filling a vehicle with a 100-litre tank would cost about N130,000, compared with the N70,000 minimum wage.
He argued that Atiku’s proposed approach would not amount to a return to the previous subsidy regime. Instead, he said it would focus on making crude oil available to domestic refineries at affordable rates in order to reduce the cost of refined petroleum products.
The former actor also argued that nominal wage increases under the Tinubu administration had not translated into improved living standards because of inflation and the depreciation of the naira.
He said Atiku’s proposed Atiku Fuel Affordability Plan (AFAP) would focus on lowering production costs rather than subsidising fuel consumption.
The Issues
The debate over fuel subsidy has remained one of the most contentious aspects of President Tinubu’s economic reforms since he announced its removal during his inauguration on May 29, 2023.
The policy triggered an immediate increase in petrol prices, with the government subsequently defending the decision on the grounds that subsidy savings have increased funds available to the Federation.
Okonkwo, however, argues that the financial gains to government must be weighed against the impact of higher fuel costs and inflation on household purchasing power.
He also compared the N30,000 minimum wage under the previous administration with the current N70,000 minimum wage, arguing that the nominal increase had not necessarily translated into greater purchasing power.
The disagreement reflects a broader debate over whether Nigeria should prioritise direct fuel-price intervention or focus on reducing production and refining costs to make petroleum products cheaper.
What’s Being Said
“N130,000 is almost two times the minimum wage of a Nigerian. Meaning 70,000 naira paid to a Nigerian can only afford him half a tank of his vehicle. No rent, no food, no medical, nothing,” said Kenneth Okonkwo.
“Atiku is not going back to that. And cannot even go back to that. Why? We have our local refineries now working,” he further explained.
“Naira has become useless in Tinubu’s government. This government is destroying our currency, destroying our economy,” he added.
“What Atiku is talking about is that oil is our product. We do not have any basis for producing it in our land by ourselves and still selling it to Nigerians at an unaffordable price,” he maintained.
“50% of the 30,000 Naira people were earning before Tinubu came into office has greater value than the 70,000 he’s offering Nigerians,” he further argued.
“Atiku is aiming at increasing the quality of Naira, not the quantity of it,” he stated.
What’s Next
The Federal Government’s position on subsidy removal remains centred on the fiscal savings generated by ending the policy.
On Wednesday, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele said the removal of the petrol subsidy generated N15.8 trillion in savings for the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025.
Atiku has nevertheless proposed a targeted intervention to make petrol more affordable if elected president in 2027, keeping fuel pricing and subsidy policy firmly within the emerging political debate ahead of the election.
Bottom Line
Okonkwo’s criticism puts the economic consequences of subsidy removal at the centre of the 2027 political conversation, particularly its effect on fuel prices, household purchasing power and the value of the naira.
His defence of Atiku’s proposal rests on a different model: reducing the cost of producing and refining petroleum rather than returning to the former subsidy system.
Dangote Refinery has extended its free petroleum product delivery programme to Kano, Imo, Anambra and Nasarawa.
The initiative is designed to reduce marketers’ distribution costs and create room for lower pump prices.
IPMAN says the arrangement could ease cash-flow and logistical pressures facing independent petroleum marketers.
Main Story
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has extended its free petroleum product delivery programme to Kano, Imo, Anambra and Nasarawa States as it seeks to reduce distribution costs for petroleum marketers.
The latest expansion brings the number of locations covered by the initiative beyond Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Kaduna, Abuja and Delta, where deliveries had previously commenced.
Under the arrangement, the refinery bears the cost of transporting petroleum products to customers, allowing marketers to avoid some of the expenses normally incurred when moving products over long distances.
These costs can include haulage, vehicle operations, drivers’ expenses, insurance and other risks associated with transporting petroleum products from the refinery to distant markets.
The refinery said removing the transportation burden could improve the economics of distribution and give marketers greater room to offer more competitive prices to consumers.
Fatima Aliko Dangote, Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Oil & Gas, WAEP and Fertiliser, said the initiative was intended to ensure that the benefits of domestic refining extended to businesses and consumers across the country.
She said the refinery was seeking to eliminate avoidable distribution expenses and make the movement of petroleum products more efficient.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) welcomed the expansion, saying it could ease some of the financial and logistical difficulties faced by independent marketers.
Chinedu Ukadike, IPMAN National Publicity Secretary and Public Relations Officer, said marketers often commit significant funds to purchasing petroleum products and may subsequently have to wait for extended periods before loading and transporting them.
He said delivering products closer to marketers would reduce the period during which their capital remained tied up and allow them to deploy funds to other aspects of their businesses.
Ukadike also said lower transportation expenses could support reductions in pump prices because logistics costs form part of the expenses ultimately reflected in retail prices.
He urged Dangote Refinery to extend the programme to more locations, particularly in northern Nigeria, so that additional independent marketers could benefit from the lower distribution costs.
The initiative comes as Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market adjusts to increased domestic refining capacity and greater competition following years of reliance on imported refined products.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has a stated processing capacity of 700,000 barrels per day and has been supplying refined petroleum products to the domestic market while also exporting products.
The free delivery programme extends the refinery’s involvement beyond production and supply by addressing transportation costs between the refinery and downstream markets.
The Issues
Transportation remains an important cost in the downstream petroleum supply chain, particularly for marketers serving markets located far from refineries.
For independent marketers, the combination of product costs, transportation expenses and delays in loading can tie up working capital and increase operating costs.
By absorbing delivery costs, Dangote Refinery is seeking to reduce one of those expenses. However, the benefit to motorists will ultimately depend on how much of the savings is passed through to retail pump prices.
What’s Being Said
“The value of domestic refining must ultimately be felt beyond the refinery gate. By absorbing the cost of delivering petroleum products to our customers, we are removing a significant component of the distribution burden and creating room for those savings to flow through the value chain to consumers,” — Fatima Aliko Dangote
“Our goal is to make fuel distribution more efficient, reduce avoidable costs and support more competitive pump prices across Nigeria,” — Fatima Aliko Dangote
“This gesture, if sustained, will be able to alleviate the sufferings of independent marketers,” — Chinedu Ukadike
“There has been the issue of financial hold-up, whereby marketers pay for products and are not loaded for days and weeks, and they suffer unnecessary hardship bringing the product down.” — Chinedu Ukadike
What’s Next
Dangote Refinery is expected to continue expanding the free delivery programme to additional locations, while IPMAN has called for wider coverage, particularly in northern Nigeria.
The key measure of the initiative’s impact will be whether reduced distribution expenses translate into lower and more competitive petrol prices for consumers.
Bottom Line
Dangote Refinery’s free delivery programme is intended to remove transportation costs from part of the downstream supply chain, potentially improving marketers’ cash flow and creating room for lower retail prices as domestic refining and competition expand.
Cassi was the only housemate evicted during the fourth live show of Big Brother Naija Season 11.
Araga, Aikou and Yusuf were among the housemates placed at risk of eviction following Abi’s Veto power vote.
Viewers and housemates were led to expect multiple evictions during the live show.
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu questioned several housemates about relationships, alliances and intimate moments in the house.
Abi became the third Most Influential Player of the Week (MIPOW), earning immunity and a BetPawa Elite Reward.
Cassi said his experience in the house was filled with changing emotions and revealed plans to take his acting career more seriously.
Main Story
The pressure intensified in the Big Brother Naija Season 11 “Show Ya Sef” house as housemates faced the fourth live eviction show on Sunday, August 23, 2026, The housemates entered the live show expecting a potentially dramatic night after hearing that Araga, Aikou and Yusuf were up for eviction following Abi’s Veto power vote. They were also left with the impression that more than one housemate could leave the competition.
However, when the eviction process was completed, Cassi emerged as the only housemate to leave the house, The live show also provided host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu with an opportunity to question some of the housemates about relationships and developments that had attracted attention during the week, During his first interaction with the house, Ebuka spoke with Head of House Abi about her choice of Deputy Head of House. He suggested that she may have preferred Cassi, whom she described as “my guy”, rather than Chimsom Chuka.
The conversation then moved to the relationship involving Barry, Goddessa and Araga. Ebuka suggested that Araga appeared to be the outsider in the developing dynamic between Barry and Goddessa, Barry, however, maintained that he and Goddessa were simply friends who were getting to know each other.
The Issues
Relationships and alliances continued to dominate conversations around the house during the fourth live show, Ebuka questioned Ricky about his back-and-forth relationship with Sheba, while Keivo was asked about his situation with Temi Nkem, Bells and Yusuf were also placed in the spotlight over their intimate moments in the house.
The questioning demonstrated how interpersonal relationships have become an important part of the Season 11 narrative, with friendships, romantic connections and perceived alliances potentially influencing how viewers perceive individual housemates, The eviction process itself also added another layer of tension, Araga, Gerard and Tram experienced what appeared to be stressful moments when Ebuka called their names before eventually confirming that they were safe. Cassi, however, did not receive the same outcome.
What’s Being Said
Cassi reflected on his experience after his eviction, describing his time in the house as an emotional journey, “I was taking it at a pace. There are a lot of emotions at the same time – one minute you’re happy, the next minute you’re sad,” he told Ebuka after leaving the house, He also revealed that he intends to take his acting career more seriously following his departure from the competition.
Meanwhile, Abi had another significant moment during the live show after being named the third Most Influential Player of the Week, Her week had already included winning the Wager with her team, while the MIPOW recognition gave her immunity and access to the BetPawa Elite Reward, During the live show, Abi spun the BetPawa rewards wheel and won a smartwatch, Previously, Chimsom Chuka became the first most influential player of the week, while Sultex earned the recognition in the following week.
What’s Next
Cassi’s departure leaves the remaining housemates to navigate another stage of the competition without one of the contestants who had become part of the house’s social dynamics, Attention will now shift to the next round of nominations, Head of House developments, weekly tasks and potential twists as the competition progresses, The relationships highlighted by Ebuka during the live show will also remain under scrutiny, particularly those involving Barry, Goddessa and Araga, as well as Ricky and Sheba and Keivo and Temi Nkem, for the remaining housemates, maintaining audience support will become increasingly important as the number of contestants continues to fall.
Bottom Line
Cassi’s eviction was the defining moment of the fourth BBNaija Season 11 live show, but the night also exposed the relationships and tensions shaping the “Show Ya Sef” house, While Araga, Gerard and Tram survived tense eviction moments, Cassi became the only housemate to leave, His decision to focus more seriously on his acting career gives his post-BBNaija journey a clear direction, while the remaining housemates now face another week of nominations, strategy, relationships and public scrutiny.
New Zealand’s government has introduced legislation seeking to ban under-16s from using social media.
Platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue for failing to comply.
The proposal faces opposition from two of the government’s coalition partners, ACT and NZ First.
The legislation comes after Australia introduced a similar ban in December 2025, although researchers have questioned its effectiveness.
Main Story
New Zealand’s government has introduced legislation to ban children under 16 from using social media, joining a growing group of countries seeking to restrict young people’s access to platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
Under the proposed law, social media companies could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from accessing their platforms.
“We simply cannot accept the harm being done to a generation of New Zealand children,” said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
“One in three children aged between 13 and 17 are now spending at least five hours on social media a day.
“Social media is exposing them to harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with, and it’s affecting their family life, mental health, sleep and education,” he lamented.
Luxon said platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook would be required to take “reasonable steps to check users are over the age of 16.”
Those measures could include the use of existing account information, facial age estimation, digital ID services and formal identification.
The proposed legislation would also require platforms to assess the risks they pose to young users and report on measures taken to reduce those risks.
The Issues
Education Minister Erica Stanford said the Bill would “place legal obligations on platforms.”
“No penalties are proposed for children, their parents or caregivers,” Stanford said.
However, the legislation faces a significant political hurdle, with both of the National Party’s coalition partners—libertarian ACT and populist NZ First—opposing the proposal.
NZ First said it could not support the legislation because of what it described as the “colossal failure” of Australia’s equivalent law, while ACT said the proposal “won’t work” and teenagers would easily circumvent the restrictions.
The main opposition Labour Party has also raised questions about how the scheme would operate, including how age verification would be conducted and which platforms would be covered.
What’s Being Said
“We take this legislation very seriously,” said Labour spokesman Reuben Davidson.
“The safety of young people in Aotearoa New Zealand is at stake, and the risks they face in increasingly complex online environments are significant,” he added.
The proposed ban follows Australia’s decision to restrict under-16s from platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok in December 2025, in a move aimed at protecting children from online bullying and “predatory algorithms.”
However, a peer-reviewed study by Australia-based researchers published in June found little evidence that teenagers had turned away from social media as a result of the restrictions.
What’s Next
The New Zealand legislation must still pass through the country’s parliamentary process, with its prospects uncertain given opposition from ACT and NZ First.
If enacted, social media platforms would be required to introduce age-verification measures and assess and report on risks to younger users.
The proposal will therefore face two major tests: whether the government can secure enough political support to pass it, and whether the resulting restrictions can effectively prevent under-16s from accessing social media.
Bottom Line
New Zealand is seeking to follow Australia’s lead in restricting children’s access to social media, but the proposal faces political opposition and questions over whether such bans can achieve their intended effect.
The debate is likely to centre not only on protecting young people online, but also on whether age-verification systems can be enforced effectively and whether teenagers will ultimately find ways around the restrictions.
CSOs want communities, labour and other stakeholders involved in decisions on Nigeria’s energy future.
Speakers say renewable energy could create jobs and improve electricity access in Niger Delta communities.
They urge communities to use existing laws and funding mechanisms to demand accountability.
Main Story
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called for stronger transparency, accountability and community participation in Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy.
The call was made at a workshop on energy transition and energy democracy organised by Environmental Rights Action (ERA) Nigeria and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Nigeria in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The workshop, themed “Who Controls Our Energy? Energy Access and Social Justice”, examined questions around energy access, ownership and control in the Niger Delta.
Mr Kentebe Ebiarodor, Programme Manager, ERA Nigeria, said the country’s energy transition should prioritise people and ensure that reliable and affordable energy was accessible irrespective of location or economic circumstances.
He said communities, workers and other sections of society should participate in decisions shaping Nigeria’s energy future.
Ebiarodor expressed concern about Nigeria’s continued reliance on fossil fuels, arguing that decades of oil extraction had not resulted in sustainable development for many Niger Delta communities.
He called for a rethink of Federal Government energy policies and greater energy sovereignty that would allow communities to have more influence over how energy resources were managed.
The ERA Nigeria programme manager said energy democracy should give communities a meaningful role in decisions concerning the management and distribution of energy resources.
Dr Emem Okon, Executive Director, Kabetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, also advocated greater community involvement in energy resource management.
Okon said dependable electricity was important to small businesses, schools, health centres and other essential services, urging communities to understand relevant energy laws and policies so they could demand their implementation.
She said the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan could create opportunities for women and small businesses in renewable energy, including through clean cooking initiatives and grants.
Okon urged CSOs to raise awareness about such opportunities and help communities acquire the skills required to participate in the emerging energy sector.
Earlier, Mr Tijar Bolton, Executive Director, Policy Alert, said communities in the Niger Delta continued to face unreliable electricity despite the region’s longstanding contribution to Nigeria’s fossil fuel economy.
Bolton said the situation provided an opportunity for communities to seek greater ownership of decentralised renewable energy infrastructure, including solar-powered mini-grids.
He said community-owned energy systems could provide electricity while creating employment and developing technical skills for local residents and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Bolton encouraged communities to use resources available through Host Community Development Trusts to build skills in solar panel installation, production and maintenance.
He also called for funds intended to address environmental pollution, including gas flare penalties, to be used for their designated purposes.
The Issues
The discussions centred on who should control and benefit from Nigeria’s energy resources as the country moves towards cleaner energy sources.
Speakers argued that communities in the Niger Delta should have a greater role in energy decisions and benefit economically from renewable energy projects, particularly in areas that continue to experience limited electricity access.
What’s Being Said
“The Nigerian Government has been very clear about its drive for energy, irrespective of the impact it is having on the environment,” — Kentebe Ebiarodor
“Energy democracy should ensure communities participated in decisions on how energy resources were managed and distributed,” — Kentebe Ebiarodor
“If people don’t have knowledge of existing laws and policies and advocate and begin to hold government accountable, those policies can be there for years without being implemented,” — Emem Okon
“The community-owned systems could create employment, develop technical skills and provide reliable electricity for small and medium-scale enterprises,” — Tijar Bolton
What’s Next
The stakeholders urged government, communities, labour and other actors to strengthen participation and accountability as Nigeria implements its energy transition, with particular attention to ensuring that Niger Delta communities benefit from emerging renewable energy opportunities.
Bottom Line
The CSOs said Nigeria’s energy transition should go beyond changing energy sources by giving communities a meaningful role in ownership, decision-making and the economic opportunities created by cleaner energy.
REAN says Nigeria’s expanding renewable energy market can accommodate more developers and investors.
Ademilua links the sector’s growth to opportunities created by the Electricity Act 2023.
He urges industry players to specialise, collaborate and target different segments of the market.
Main Story
The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) says the country’s expanding renewable energy market has enough opportunities for developers, investors and other participants across the value chain.
The association’s President, Mr Ayo Ademilua, made the assessment in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday.
Ademilua spoke on the sidelines of the fifth International Investment and Partnership Conference of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance in Lagos.
He urged industry participants to focus on expanding the market rather than treating the sector’s growth as a basis for unhealthy competition.
According to him, the renewable energy industry is expanding rapidly, creating room for businesses with different areas of expertise.
He attributed part of the sector’s development to the Electricity Act 2023, which he said had opened up opportunities in electricity generation and transmission and given states greater authority over their electricity markets.
Ademilua said the changes had widened the opportunities available to renewable energy developers and other private-sector participants.
He encouraged businesses to identify specific areas where they could add value and build operations around those segments rather than competing for the same opportunities.
The REAN president said Nigeria’s 36 states and large population provided a substantial market for renewable energy investment and expansion.
He added that continued participation by private-sector companies would help increase access to clean and affordable energy while supporting the country’s transition towards renewable energy.
The Issues
Nigeria’s renewable energy market is expanding as the country seeks to increase electricity access and diversify its energy sources.
The Electricity Act 2023 has also created a broader framework for private-sector participation and greater state involvement in electricity markets, increasing the potential market for renewable energy businesses.
What’s Being Said
“The industry in Nigeria is growing at a fast pace, and the opportunities are there for everybody,” — Ayo Ademilua
“This devolution of power enables the states to do whatever they want to do to benefit their people and provide affordable access to clean energy,” — Ayo Ademilua
“There are so many corners that we can hone, sit in, trade and operate. We do not need to compete anymore,” — Ayo Ademilua
“For me, it is a big market and the potentials are there now,” — Ayo Ademilua
What’s Next
Ademilua urged renewable energy associations and industry participants to collaborate, specialise in different market segments and take advantage of the opportunities created by the sector’s expansion.
Bottom Line
REAN says Nigeria’s growing renewable energy market can support more private-sector participants, with collaboration and specialisation needed to expand clean energy access and investment.
Asake performed at the 19,800-capacity Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada.
The concert formed part of his In God We Trust World Tour.
South African Amapiano DJ and producer Uncle Waffles also performed at the show.
Main Story
Nigerian Afrobeats artiste Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has performed at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, as part of his ongoing In God We Trust World Tour.
The 19,800-capacity venue hosted the singer over the weekend, where he performed for a large audience as he continues the North American leg of his international tour.
Videos shared on social media showed concertgoers singing along to Asake’s songs and using their mobile phones to record portions of the performance.
South African Amapiano DJ and producer Uncle Waffles also featured at the Toronto concert.
The performance adds to Asake’s growing international touring presence as Nigerian Afrobeats artistes continue to take the genre to audiences outside Africa.
The North American leg of the tour is expected to continue with performances scheduled across Canada and the United States.
The Issues
International tours have become an important avenue for Nigerian artistes to reach audiences outside Africa, while live performances, collaborations and other global engagements have helped increase the visibility of Afrobeats.
Asake’s Toronto performance forms part of this wider expansion of Nigerian contemporary music into international markets.
What’s Next
Asake is expected to continue the North American leg of the In God We Trust World Tour with further performances in Canada and the United States.
Bottom Line
Asake’s performance at Scotiabank Arena extends his international touring run and highlights the continued reach of Nigerian Afrobeats among audiences outside Africa.
The singer has not announced the title or release date.
The project will follow his 2024 album, Morayo.
Main Story
Nigerian Afrobeats artiste Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has hinted that he is working on a new album.
The Grammy Award-winning singer disclosed this in a post on his X handle while sharing an update about the project with his fans.
Wizkid said he was enjoying the process of making the album and indicated that he was looking forward to releasing it.
He also responded to fans discussing the anticipated project, assuring them that the album would eventually be released.
The singer did not provide a title or release date for the forthcoming project.
The album is expected to follow Morayo, Wizkid’s sixth studio album, which was released in November 2024 and dedicated to his late mother, Jane Balogun.
Morayo featured collaborations with artistes including Brent Faiyaz, Asake, Jazmine Sullivan, Tiakola and Anaïs Cardot.
Wizkid has also released other major projects, including Made in Lagos, More Love, Less Ego and Sounds From the Other Side.
The Issues
Wizkid’s latest update comes as fans continue to anticipate his next full-length project following the release of Morayo in 2024.
The singer has yet to provide details about the album’s title, tracklist or release date.
What’s Next
Wizkid is expected to announce further details about the album as work on the project progresses.
No release date has been announced.
Bottom Line
Wizkid has confirmed that he is working on a new album and says he is enjoying the creative process, but details of the project remain undisclosed.
The US Department of Justice has reached a $400 million settlement with TikTok, ByteDance and affiliated entities over alleged violations of federal children’s privacy laws.
TikTok will pay $300 million immediately, with an additional $100 million tied to the vacation of a previous consent decree involving Musical.ly.
The settlement resolves a 2024 lawsuit over TikTok’s compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
The Justice Department said TikTok has since strengthened its privacy practices, age-related controls and parental oversight measures.
Main Story
The United States Department of Justice has reached a $400 million settlement with TikTok, ByteDance and affiliated entities, resolving litigation over alleged violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and its implementing regulations.
Under the agreement, TikTok will pay $300 million immediately, while an additional $100 million will be paid upon the entry of an order vacating a prior consent decree entered against TikTok’s predecessor, Musical.ly.
The Justice Department said the settlement represents one of the largest recoveries ever obtained in a COPPA case, as US authorities intensify efforts to ensure technology companies comply with laws designed to protect children’s personal information online.
The settlement follows a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department in 2024 in the US District Court for the Central District of California over TikTok’s compliance with federal children’s privacy requirements.
Since the filing, the department said TikTok has undergone significant changes involving its ownership, management, compliance functions and privacy practices.
It added that the company has implemented measures aimed at strengthening safeguards for younger users, improving age-related controls and enhancing parental oversight.
The Issues
COPPA establishes requirements for operators of websites and online services directed to children, as well as operators that have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information from children.
Among other provisions, the law is intended to give parents greater control over the information collected from their children online.
The Justice Department said the changes implemented by TikTok since the lawsuit was filed had materially advanced the public interests behind the litigation and strengthened protections for millions of American families using the platform.
The case also comes amid increased scrutiny of social media platforms over how they collect, process and use children’s personal information.
What’s Being Said
“Companies that collect children’s personal information must comply with the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
“This resolution secures a significant monetary recovery and reflects the Department’s commitment to ensuring children receive the full protections that Congress mandated,” he further stressed.
What’s Next
The $400 million agreement resolves the litigation while requiring TikTok to make the agreed financial payments and continue reinforcing privacy protections for younger users and their families.
The additional $100 million payment will follow the entry of an order vacating the previous consent decree involving Musical.ly.
The litigation was handled by the Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch following a referral from the Federal Trade Commission.
Bottom Line
The settlement closes the Justice Department’s litigation against TikTok and ByteDance over alleged children’s privacy violations while delivering a substantial financial recovery to the US government.
More broadly, the agreement underscores the increasing legal and regulatory pressure on technology companies to strengthen safeguards around children’s personal information and comply with federal privacy requirements
