Month: September 2025

“Ghost Refineries”: P’Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna Plants Decay as Workers Stand Idle

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Despite the more than $3 billion contract amount to revive them, the refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri are decaying away, according to a report. Our correspondents in Rivers, Kaduna, and Delta states visited the refineries and confirmed that the massive sum—which is currently being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission—did not provide the expected outcome. It was discovered that because they had nothing to do, refinery workers can start and stop working at any time. The nation’s long-standing battle with state-owned refineries, which have cost billions…

2025 Budget: NASS Calls for End to Controversial Contract Circulars

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The National Assembly  (NASS) has called for the withdrawal of all circulars previously issued for contract awards under the 2025 fiscal year. This action coincides with the impending start of the ₦23.9 trillion capital component of the 2025 budget, which is anticipated to continue throughout 2026. The resolutions were made at a meeting held Thursday at the National Assembly between the President’s economic team and the joint committee on appropriations. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and…

Shoprite not exiting Nigeria, says firm

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The company that runs the Shoprite franchise in Nigeria, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited, has denied rumors that it is about to leave the country. In response to recent allegations of empty shelves and temporary closures at certain stores, the firm released a statement on Friday. It clarified that the present development was a “reset” of its business model meant to stabilize operations and adjust to the current economic reality, rather than an exit strategy. It claimed to be going through a turnaround program supported by fresh investors in order to…

Rivers: Fubara pledges to continue serving people’s interests

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Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has promised the state’s citizens that his administration will always act in their best interests. Shortly after his arrival in the State capital’s Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, Fubara made the assurance. He thanked the people and citizens of the state for their kind reception at the Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa, which is located in the state’s Ilwerre Local Government Area. “I know everyone wants to hear something from me,” Fubara said. Even as he expressed gratitude for the…

Trump Says Putin “Let Me Down” as UK Visit Concludes

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Donald Trump warned that Russia President Vladimir Putin had “really let me down” as he met Prime Minister Keir Starmer for wide-ranging talks on Thursday, the final day of the US president’s historic UK state visit. A day after King Charles III treated Trump to royal pageantry at Windsor Castle, the Republican flew to Starmer’s Chequers country residence for talks on thorny issues including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Starmer has positioned himself as a bridge between Trump and European allies, particularly on the war in Ukraine, in a…

Ibas bows out, hands over to Fubara

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Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), Rivers State’s sole administrator, turned over authority to Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday, announcing the restoration of law and order in the state. Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu six months ago to stabilize Rivers amid political unrest, said in his farewell speech that his tenure brought about “milestones of progress,” such as the holding of local government elections, the reorganization of statutory boards, and the National Assembly’s approval of the state budget. He warned that “the exercise of power without restraint can…

Lookman Rejoins Atalanta Training After Meeting with Coach

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Following an important meeting with coach Ivan Juric on Thursday morning, Ademola Lookman, a forward for Atalanta, has returned to first-team training. The Nigerian international returned to the club on September 18, his first training session since being cut from the squad in August, according to many Italian media, including La Gazzetta dello Sport. After attempting to compel a summer transfer to Serie A rivals Inter Milan, Lookman had been sidelined. But according to insiders, he had a private meeting with Juric prior to Thursday’s session. He then spoke to…

Political Fallout: Briggs Claims Tinubu’s Actions Have Not Benefited Rivers State

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The suspension of the Emergency Rule that President Bola Tinubu placed on Rivers State has not benefited the people of that state, according to prominent environmental and human rights activist Ann-Kio Briggs. Speaking in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Briggs claimed that President Tinubu had wrongfully imposed emergency rule in the state and that the return to democratic governance at the conclusion of the six-month term could not be interpreted as a favor to the state. According to Briggs, Fubara must have the entire support of the state’s citizens, who naturally…

Fire Service to Inspect Public and Private Buildings Following Lagos Infano

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A nationwide fire safety compliance audit has been announced by the Federal Fire Service in response to Tuesday’s fire at Lagos Island’s Afriland Tower. Following the fire at the six-story business building, at least six more fatalities have been officially reported. The victims worked for United Capital, a banking and investment services company that occupied the tower’s third and fourth floors. Hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service said that four of its employees also perished in the tragedy on Wednesday night, the confirmation was made. At approximately 1:30 p.m.…

2027 Governorship: Southern Kaduna Youths Set Their Sights on the Top Seat

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The establishment of a viable regional candidate for governor in the 2027 elections has been deemed a “non-negotiable priority” by the Southern Kaduna Renaissance Front (SKRF). At its 2025 Young Persons Political Conference, which was chaired by Builder Dr. Monday Barau Madaki, FNIOB, in Kaduna on Wednesday, the group made the announcement. Young leaders, community leaders, and political stakeholders came together for the event, which had as its theme “Charting a Path to 2027: Alignment or Opposition to the Center.” Journalist Mr. Luka Binniyat and Dr. Philibus Nwamagyi Audu gave…