Category: News

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has again increased the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, to N1,175 per litre, marking another upward review in fuel pricing.

The latest adjustment represents the third increase in petrol prices within seven days.

The abducted father of former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe, has been killed by his kidnappers, the police have confirmed.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 65 ambassadors, comprising 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career envoys, to various countries and the United Nations.

The ambassadors-designate, who were confirmed by the Senate in December 2024, will now proceed to their respective missions following the President’s approval.

Non-Career Ambassadors’ Postings

Among the prominent non-career ambassadors are former presidential aides Reno Omokri and Femi Fani-Kayode, as well as former Governor of Abia State, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Full list of non-career postings:

S/N NAME MISSION
1. Senator Grace Bent – Lome, Togo
2. Sen. Ita Enang – South Africa
3. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu – Spain
4. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu – Tel-Aviv, Israel
5. Mahmud Yakubu – Qatar
6. Paul Oga Adikwu – The Vatican City (Holy See)
7. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas – The Philippines
8. Mr. Reno Omokri – Mexico City, Mexico
9. Hon. (Engr.) Abasi Braimah (FMHR) – Budapest, Hungary
10. Mrs. Erelu Angela Adebayo – Portugal
11. Barr. Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa – Tokyo, Japan
12. Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi Ifeanyi Lawrence – Athens, Greece
13. Barr. Chioma Priscilla Ohakim – Warsaw, Poland
14. Aminu Dalhatu – United Kingdom
15. Lt. Gen Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau – Beijing, China
16. Hon. Tasiu Musa Maigari – Gambia
17. Olufemi Pedro – Australia
18. Barr. Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu – Argentina
19. Lateef Kayode Are  – United States of America
20. Amb. Joseph Sola Iji – Russia
21. Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim – UN Permanent Representative
22. Femi Fani-Kayode – Germany
23. Prof. Isaak Folorunso Adewole – Ottawa, Canada
24. Ajimobi Fatima Florence – Austria
25. Mrs. Lola Akande – Sweden
26. Ayodele Oke – France
27. Yakubu N. Gambo – Saudi Arabia
28. Senator Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut – Seoul, South Korea
29. Barr. Onueze Chukwujika Joe Okocha, SAN – Dublin, Ireland
30. Dr. Kulu Haruna Abubakar – Tunis, Tunisia
31. Rt. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe – Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago

Career Ambassadors’ Postings

The 34 career ambassadors have been assigned to missions across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, including key posts in Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, China, and others.

S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED

1. AMB. NWABIOLA EZENWA CHUKWUMEKA COTE D’IVOIRE

2. BESTO MAIMUNA IBRAHIM NIAMEY-NIGER

3. MONICA OKWUCHUKWU ENEBECHI SAO TOME, STP

4. AMB. MOHAMMED MAHMUD LELE ALGIERS-ALGERIA

5. ENDONI SYNDOPH PAEBI OUAGADOUGOU-BURKINA FASO

6. AHMED MOHAMMED MONGUNO CAIRO EGYPT

7. AMB. JANE ADAMS (NEE OKON) MICHAEL (F) KINGSTON-JAMAICA

8. AMB. CLARK-OMERU ALEXANDRA (F) LUSAKA-ZAMBIA

9. CHIMA GEOGGREY LIOMA DAVID BAMAKO-MALI

10. AMB. ODUMAH YVONNE EHINOSEN MALABO – E/GUINEA

11. AMB WASA SEGUN IGE BEIRUT, LEBANON

12. RUBEN ABIMBOLA SAMUEL (F) ROME, ITALY

13. AMB. ONAGA OGECHUKWU KINGSLEY MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

14. AMB. MAGAJI UMAR KINSASHA, DR CONGO

15. AMB. MUHAMMAD SAIDU DAHIRU NEW DELHI-INDIA

16. AMB. ABDUSSALAM HABU ZAYYAD DAKAR-SENEGAL

17. AMB SHEHU ILU BARDE ACCRA GHANA

18. AMB. AMINU NASIR ETHIOPIA

19. ABUBAKAR MUSA MUSA N’DJAMENA, CHAD

20. AMB. HAIDARA MOHAMMED IDRIS THE HAGUE-NETHERLANDS

21. AMB. BAKO ADAMU UMAR RABAT-MOROCCO

22. AMB. SULU GAMBARI OLATUNJI AHMED MALAYSIA

23. AMB. ROMATA MOHAMMED OMOBOLANLE (F) TANZANIA

24. AMB. SHAGA JOHN SHAMAH BOTSWANA

25. SALAU, HAMZA MOHAMMED TEHRAN, IRAN

26. AMB. IBRAHIM DANLAMI KENYA

27. IBRAHIM ADEOLA MOPELOLA (F) COTONOU-BENIN

28. AMB. AYENI ADEBAYO EMMANUEL BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

29. AMB. AKANDE WAHAB ADEKOLA BERNE-SWITZERLAND

30. AMB. AREWA (NEE ADEDOKUN) ESTHER (F) WINDHOEK-NAMIBIA

31. AMB. GERGADI JOSEPH JOHN LIBREVILLE-GABON

32. AMB. LUTHER OGBOMODE AYO-KALATA (F) SIERRA LEONE

33. DANLADI YAKUBU NYAKU KHARTOUM-SUDAN

34. BELLO DOGON-DAJI HALIRU BANGKOK, THAILAND

UK, France Grant Agrément

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, France has granted agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke.

The Ministry has conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all countries concerned, with requests for agréments in line with standard diplomatic practice.

President Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately commence the induction programme for all ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners, preparing them for their diplomatic responsibilities.

The postings mark a significant step in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, as the envoys are expected to take up their duties in the coming weeks after completing necessary formalities

President Bola Tinubu has announced the successful resolution of the long-standing dispute over Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, following a historic settlement agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria, ENI, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAEL).

The announcement came on Thursday after a meeting in the President’s office attended by top executives of ENI, including Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi, Chief Operating Officer Guido Brusco, Head of Sub-Saharan Region Mario Bello, and Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Exploration Fabrizio Bolondi. Also present was the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen.

The agreement, signed in Abuja, brings to a close a dispute that has lingered for over 15 years over one of Nigeria’s most commercially promising deepwater blocks. It restores clarity and stability to the asset, paving the way for its development.

With the resolution now concluded, the pathway is clear for the Final Investment Decision on the Zabazaba–Etan development project, which is expected to add approximately 150,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s production capacity.

President Tinubu described the agreement as a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to resolving legacy disputes and restoring investor confidence.

“This resolution sends a clear signal to global investors that Nigeria is prepared to address legacy issues transparently, uphold the rule of law, and create a stable environment for long-term capital,” the President said.

Improved Terms Under PIA Framework

Presidential Adviser on Energy, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, noted that the settlement represents a significant improvement on the 2011 Resolution Agreement, reflecting the policy framework established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the administration’s broader fiscal and governance reforms in the energy sector.

“The revised terms strike a balanced outcome providing investors with the clarity and predictability required to proceed with major deepwater investments, while ensuring stronger value accretion and safeguards for the Federation,” Arowolo-Verheijen stated.

The agreement is part of a wider programme of reforms undertaken since 2023 to restore Nigeria’s competitiveness in global energy markets. These reforms, anchored in the PIA and supported by targeted executive actions, have already contributed to renewed investor interest and significant capital inflows into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“By resolving the OPL 245 dispute, the Federal Government has removed one of the most prominent legacy risks in Nigeria’s upstream sector and reinforced its commitment to predictable regulation, transparent governance, and commercially viable investment frameworks,” Arowolo-Verheijen added.

President Tinubu commended all institutions and stakeholders who contributed to achieving the settlement, including the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC Limited, and the leadership of ENI.

The successful resolution underscores the Tinubu Administration’s determination to unlock Nigeria’s strategic energy assets, attract responsible investment, and ensure that the nation’s resources translate into growth, jobs, and long-term prosperity for Nigerians.

The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has unveiled a strategic national initiative to transform Nigeria’s scientific research outputs into commercially viable products, industries, and jobs, as part of efforts to drive innovation-led economic growth.

Speaking at a strategic meeting in Abuja on Wednesday with Honourable Commissioners of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) from across the states, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between research discoveries and market applications.

According to the Minister, Nigeria has made significant investments in research and development across universities, polytechnics, and research institutes, but has yet to fully harness the economic value of these investments.

“Too many valuable research outputs remain on laboratory shelves, in technical reports or academic journals without translating into products, services or enterprises that can transform lives,” the Minister said.

Knowledge Economy Critical for National Prosperity

Dr. Udeh noted that in today’s global economy, national prosperity is increasingly determined by a country’s ability to convert knowledge into economic value. He observed that Nigerian scientists and innovators are producing solutions in critical sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, biotechnology, digital technology, health sciences, manufacturing, and climate resilience, yet many of these innovations remain underutilized.

To address this challenge, the Minister announced the constitution of a committee to develop a National Policy on the Commercialization of Research and Development (R&D) Results and Inventions in Nigeria. The policy, he explained, will serve as a national blueprint to harmonize federal and state efforts, eliminate fragmentation, and provide a clear framework for researchers, investors, industry players, and development partners.

State Governments Critical to Success

Dr. Udeh stressed that state governments play a critical role in building vibrant innovation ecosystems. He called on Commissioners to:

· Align their STI policies with commercialization objectives
· Strengthen collaboration between tertiary institutions and industries
· Support innovation hubs and incubation centres
· Promote demand-driven research tailored to state economic priorities

The Minister highlighted the need for innovative financing mechanisms to support commercialization, including public–private partnerships, venture capital investments, industry-sponsored research programmes, and state-level innovation funds.

He further emphasized the importance of inclusiveness in the innovation ecosystem, noting that Nigeria’s youthful population represents a powerful engine for technological advancement. He called for structured support for youth-led start-ups, women in science and innovation, and balanced development of innovation infrastructure across the country.

“If we succeed in commercializing our research outputs, Nigeria will reduce import dependency, stimulate local manufacturing, strengthen SMEs and create sustainable jobs. This is how we position our country competitively in the global knowledge economy,” the Minister stated.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Philip Ndiomu Ebiogeh, described the meeting as a critical step towards transforming Nigeria’s research excellence into tangible economic outcomes.

He noted that while research institutions across the country continue to generate patents, prototypes, and technological solutions, the real challenge lies in converting these innovations into scalable enterprises and market-ready products.

“The challenge before us is not the generation of knowledge but the conversion of knowledge into marketable products, enterprises, jobs and national wealth,” he said.

The strategic engagement brought together Honourable Commissioners of Science, Technology and Innovation from across the federation, alongside key stakeholders in Nigeria’s science, research, and innovation ecosystem.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted suspended DCP Abba Kyari – former head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) – and his two brothers – Mohammed and Ali – on charges bordering on non-disclosure of assets.

The Enugu State Government has warned individuals and organisations engaging in the marketing or purchase of the vast plots of land designated for the Enugu Mechanic Village at Akegbe Ugwu to steer clear of the property, describing their activities as clear illegalities and acts of trespass.

The government also threatened to prosecute trespassers and anyone involved in any form of development or transaction involving the land to the fullest extent of the law.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr. Sam-Ogbu Nwobodo.

The statement reads, “The Enugu State Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Industry hereby issues this warning to the public regarding the parcel of land at Umuetugbuoma community in Akegbe Ugwu, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, designated for the proposed Enugu Mechanic Village.

“The Government has become aware of certain individuals and organisations presenting themselves as estate developers and engaging in the marketing and sale of land within the site to the public. This is a clear trespass and an illegal activity.

“For emphasis, the Enugu State Government hereby declares that any attempt to trespass, interfere, or engage in any form of development or transaction involving land within the proposed Mechanic Village site is illegal and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“The site is government-designated land earmarked for a strategic project aimed at enhancing the state’s infrastructure and providing essential services.

“The public is advised to desist from dealing with any persons or entities claiming to have authority to sell or allocate land within the site. They should verify all land transactions through official channels.”

Nigeria will launch the highly anticipated National Single Window (NSW) platform on March 27, a move described by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as a “monumental” step in transforming the country’s trade ecosystem.

Gbajabiamila disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting at the State House, Abuja, attended by ministers, agency heads, and key officials.

He said the initiative, first launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nearly two years ago, is a far-reaching fiscal reform that will streamline trade procedures, improve efficiency, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness.

“We are about to launch yet another reform, fiscal reform by this administration, which in its nature will be very transformational.

“As the name suggests, it is a single national window as opposed to multiple single windows.

“This meeting is to review the progress we have made and get your commitment that we will manage this transition smoothly.

The Chief of Staff commended the dedication and professionalism of the Central Bank, the Nigeria Revenue Service, the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies involved.

Earlier in his presentation, the NSW Coordinator, Mr Tola Fakolade, urged agencies to intensify support in the final 23 days before the “go-live” as scheduled.

According to him, the first phase will enable online processing of import permits, electronic submission of cargo manifests, and the introduction of a centralised risk management system.

He added that nationwide user training is ongoing, and pilot testing will soon be conducted to ensure a smooth rollout.

Fakolade added that cargo manifests would be submitted electronically and transmitted automatically to relevant agencies without human intervention.

“The support that we need from each of the agencies is even more critical now. Documents will be submitted once and shared with all relevant agencies without duplication,” he said.

Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the project.

“This is a growth-enhancing and growth-enabling project. What is required of the Ministry of Finance, we will definitely do,” he said.

Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, reiterated the ministry’s full support, calling the project a critical pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She stressed that the initiative is long overdue and promised active collaboration with relevant agencies over the next three weeks to sensitise traders, importers, and exporters.

The Governor of the Central Bank, Olayemi Cardoso, also pledged the Bank’s full support, highlighting the importance of closing Nigeria’s trade facilitation gap with other countries.

Similarly, Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, called for stronger coordination and political will, proposing that the Minister of Trade lead the 23-day implementation phase to ensure seamless delivery.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, described the NSW project as a historic milestone, emphasising direct engagement with stakeholders and full collaboration to guarantee success.

At the end of the meeting, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment was mandated to lead the implementation phase to ensure a smooth and successful launch on March 27.

Agencies represented, apart from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), were the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Others were the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NQS), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency. (NESREA)

President Bola Tinubu has set up plans to establish a Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO) to address persistent electricity challenges in Nigeria, focusing on the transmission segment of the power sector.

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has explained why he declined to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), describing his silence as a constitutional right rather than an act of defiance.

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has issued interim suspension orders against three doctors following the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-month-old son of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

The affected doctors are Tosin Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital; Titus Ogundare, an anaesthesiologist at Euracare; and Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.

The council said the decision followed the establishment of a prima facie case of medical negligence and professional misconduct.

According to the MDCN, the suspensions will remain in effect pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal.

The council said the action reflects its commitment to maintaining professional standards and accountability in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated an eight-member committee to oversee the implementation of state police and the rollout of his policing vision, following his confirmation as the 23rd indigenous IGP.