The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: News

This is an optional category description

  • Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, mourn death of Somto Maduagwu

    Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, mourn death of Somto Maduagwu

    President Bola Tinubu has condemned the death of a news anchor with Arise News Television, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who lost her life following a robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

    This is also as the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party counterpart, Mr Peter Obi both expressed shock at her passing.

    Tinubu’s condolences were conveyed in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, titled ‘President Tinubu condemns the killing of Arise News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu, urges security agencies to fish out the killers’.

    The statement reads, “The President described the late journalist, fondly known as Sommie, as ‘a promising professional whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.”

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives with deep sorrow the news of the tragic passing of Ms Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu, a brilliant news anchor with Arise News Television, who was killed during an attack by robbers at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

    “Ms Maduagwu was a promising professional journalist whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.

    Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms Maduagwu, the management and staff of Arise News Television, and the entire Nigerian media fraternity over this painful loss.

    Tinubu extended condolences to the Maduagwu family, the management and staff of Arise News, as well as the Nigerian media community, noting that the tragic loss was not only personal to the family but also to the nation.

    The president directed security and law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those behind the killing are brought to justice without delay.

    The statement added, “Security and law enforcement agencies should conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay.”

    Taking to his verified X account, Atiku, on a terse message, wrote:

    “I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family of Ms Somtochukwu Maduagwu, an Arise TV newscaster who was killed in an armed robbery attack in Abuja. My condolences also go to the management and staff of @ARISEtv. It is my prayer that the family, friends and colleagues be comforted by this loss at such a very young age. -AA”

    On his part, Obi, in a condolence message titled ‘Rest in Peace, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu’, and shared on X, wrote:

    “I am deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a brilliant young anchor with Arise News, who was killed in the most painful circumstances during a robbery attack in Abuja.

    “At only 29, Somtochukwu had already distinguished herself as a gifted broadcaster and trained lawyer whose voice engaged, informed, and inspired many. Her loss is not only a personal tragedy to her family and colleagues but also a huge blow to journalism and to our nation, which continues to lose its brightest to insecurity and violence.

    “This heartbreaking incident once again highlights the urgent need for us as a country to prioritise the safety and security of every citizen. No Nigerian should go to bed fearful of what the night may bring, or lose their life in such senseless ways.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with her grieving family, the Arise News family, and all who mourn her. May her soul rest in peace, and may we, as a nation, work harder to build a country where lives are valued and protected. -PO”

  • Mbah Mourns Arise News Staff, Somtochukwu Maduagwu

    Mbah Mourns Arise News Staff, Somtochukwu Maduagwu

    …Condoles with Arise News family

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep grief over the death of Arise News’ anchor, producer, and reporter, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, following an armed robbery attack in her residence in Katampe District, Abuja, describing it as a heavy loss to both her medium and the entire Nigerian media industry.

    The governor, who condemned the incident on Monday, condoled with her immediate family, Arise News and the nation’s media industry as a whole, urging security agencies to do everything within their powers to bring the culprits to book.

    “I received with shock and a deep sense of loss the news of Somtochukwu’s tragic death. This is highly condemnable. It is reprehensible and cowardly. At 29, she had already established herself in the nation’s media space. She was a consummate professional and lit millions of screens with her superb delivery.

    “Indeed, a shining light has been extinguished too soon, a budding superstar has been cut down, and I call on the security agencies to do everything within their powers to track down her killers and bring them to book,” he stated.

    He condoled with Somtochukwu’s immediate family, the Arise News family, and the Nigerian media industry, and also prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul.

  • Nkerefi Opens Doors to Investors, Pledges Support for Gov. Mbah

    Nkerefi Opens Doors to Investors, Pledges Support for Gov. Mbah

    …promises ROI, security as leaders empower youths with scholarships

    In a historic step towards charting a new course for development, the people of Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Sunday rolled out the vast economic opportunities available in their community, assuring investors of high returns on investment while declaring unflinching support for the administration of Governor Peter Mbah.

    The declaration was made at the maiden Nkerefi Economic Summit, which brought together thousands of stakeholders, professionals, political leaders and community members in a rare show of unity.

    Delivering the keynote address titled “Dissecting the Nkerefi of Yesterday, Today and the Future”, Justice Cyprian Ajah of the Enugu State High Court described Nkerefi as a resilient and enterprising people blessed with vast arable lands yet to be fully tapped.

    He outlined enormous investment potentials ranging from large-scale rice milling, cassava and palm oil processing, to fish farming, ranching, poultry, snail farming, fruit juice production, and honey processing among others investors could consider. According to him, Nkerefi’s fertile land and youthful population hold the key to transforming the community into a major agro-industrial hub.

    Also speaking, the President-General of Nkerefi Development Union (NDU), Prince Jim Dubem, highlighted the progress his administration had made since 2017 in strengthening local security, attracting government projects, and mobilizing both organizations and individuals for development.

    He stressed that Nkerefi, made up of four large autonomous communities, had grown in political relevance with a sharp rise in voter registration from about 5,000 to a much higher figure, ascribing the progress to the NDU’s grassroots mobilization.

    On his part, the chairman of the central planning committee, Hon. Monday Diamond, described the summit as a bold move to rescue the community from underdevelopment, adding that while the world is rapidly advancing in technology and industry, Nkerefi must also seize the moment to migrate from an agrarian society to an industrialized one.

    “Nkerefi is blessed with resources and intellectuals making waves across sectors. Our duty is to project Nkerefi to the global map. We’re calling on all the sons and daughters of Nkerefi, as well as investors from different regions to see the huge economic opportunities Nkerefi holds,” he declared.

    In his goodwill message, Prince Ejeh Josh, Special Assistant to Governor Mbah on Research and Publications, commended the turnout at the summit as proof of the people’s yearning for genuine progress. He called on investors worldwide to key into the opportunities offered by Mbah’s administration, which, according to him, had de-risked investment and guaranteed returns.

    “Nkerefi is ready for partnership. This summit rekindles the spirit of Aku ruo ulo. With thousands of untapped fertile hectares, the community is ripe for agro-allied industries. Governor Mbah administration has made it easier through the farm estates, and Nkerefi is among the first electoral wards to donate lands,” he stressed.

    Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, who chaired the occasion, lauded the people’s unity and resilience, describing Nkerefi as one of the most secure communities in the state due to its robust local security architecture. He said the summit was unprecedented in the council’s history and signified a new era of collective development.

    Also lending their voices, former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Gabriel Ajah; Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Chimaobi Okorie; former Enugu APC chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye; and HRH Igwe Pedro Manuwa, commended the initiative, pledging support for Governor Mbah’s developmental strides across the state.

    They urged the people to sustain their unity and remain committed to the governor’s vision of repositioning Enugu as an investment destination, citing new infrastructure springing up in the community made possible by the governor.

    The summit equally featured philanthropic gestures. A former Minister of Mines and Steel Development and President of Master Energy Group, Dr. Uche Ogah, awarded scholarships to eight school children from primary to university level. In a similar vein, HRH Igwe Pedro Manuwa of Ugbawka community announced scholarships for 200 students, stressing the need for continuous human capital development and partnerships to drive growth.

    One of the major highlights of the day was the unveiling of the Nkerefi Ultra-modern Civic Centre, a multipurpose edifice designed to serve as the heartbeat of the community’s socio-cultural and economic activities.

    In their closing communique, stakeholders unanimously declared their unwavering support for Governor Mbah administration, hailing his numerous projects and reforms as consistent with the aspirations of Nkerefi people to become a major economic and industrial hub in the state.

  • Arise TV anchor Somto Maduagwu killed in Abuja home robbery

    The deceased, Somtochukwu Maduagwu

    Arise News Channel has announced the death of its journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja on Monday, September 29.

    The 29-year-old broadcaster, fondly known as Sommie, was a news anchor, reporter, and producer who had become a familiar and trusted face on the network.

    In a statement posted on its X handle, Arise News said: “It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the ARISE News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu. Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, following an armed robbery incident in her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police.

    “Sommie, 29, was not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.

    “Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many.”

    Tributes have since poured in from across the media industry, civil society, and the legal community, alongside members of the public who followed her work. Many have demanded justice and urged security agencies to act swiftly.

    “We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. Sommie’s voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits,” the statement added.

  • FG declares Oct. 1 public holiday

    FG declares Oct. 1 public holiday

    The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st October, 2025 as public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

    Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora on this historic occasion.

    Dr Tunji-Ojo in the statement signed by Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani on Monday, enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960.

    He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity.

    The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development.

    He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration.

  • ‘Shadow Government’ Unconstitutional, Federal High Court Rules

    ‘Shadow Government’ Unconstitutional, Federal High Court Rules

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday declared Professor Pat Utomi’s attempt to form a shadow government illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.

    Delivering judgment in a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), Justice James Omotosho held that Utomi and his associates cannot use the guise of association rights to justify activities deemed unlawful.

    The court nullified the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government (BTCSG), which Utomi registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, describing it as ultra vires. The judge emphasised that the proper channel for political engagement is through recognised political parties, either by forming one or joining an existing party.

    Addressing concerns over human rights, Justice Omotosho noted that fundamental rights are not absolute and that DSS acted within its mandate to prevent acts capable of threatening national security.

    The DSS had approached the court shortly after Utomi launched the BTCSG in May, describing it as a “national emergency response.” The secret police argued that the shadow government was alien to Nigeria’s Constitution and posed risks of political unrest, intergroup tensions, and potential replication by separatist groups.

    The DSS sought a declaration that any governmental authority or structure outside the 1999 Constitution is unconstitutional, null, and void, and requested a perpetual injunction to prevent Utomi and his associates from pursuing the shadow government.

    Justice Omotosho’s ruling upheld these arguments, effectively halting the shadow government initiative and reinforcing the constitutionally recognised frameworks for political participation in Nigeria.

  • Moghalu Dismisses ADC’s Claims About His Labour Party Candidacy

    The Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Anambra State, Dr. George Moghalu, has dismissed claims made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Ndubuisi Nwobu, who questioned the legitimacy of his candidacy ahead of the upcoming election.

    In a press release issued on Monday, 29th September, 2025 and made available to PACESETTER, Dr. Moghalu’s Special Assistant on Media, Johnson Okoye, described Nwobu’s remarks as “a piece of misinformation” aimed at misleading the public.

    Dr. Okoye stated that the comments were a desperate attempt to tarnish the image of Dr. Moghalu, a candidate whose credibility and popularity, he said, are already well established.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. George Moghalu is the duly recognized governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Anambra State,” he affirmed.

    He further clarified:

    “The names of Dr. George Moghalu and Mrs. Ifeoma Okaro have been officially published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the Labour Party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates, in accordance with the law.

    “INEC, not political jesters like Dr. Nwobu, is the only legally empowered authority to determine the legitimacy of candidates. No amount of falsehood, blackmail, or empty noise can alter that fact.”

    Dr. Okoye also criticized the ADC’s campaign, describing it as lacking substance and direction.

    “They have no ideas, no vision, just blackmail, slander, and cheap propaganda. This is the behavior of political apprentices, not leaders. Ndi Anambra are far too enlightened to be distracted by such antics. They can clearly distinguish between a visionary leader prepared for governance and a desperate politician chasing clout.”

    He emphasized that Dr. Moghalu remains firmly on the ground, actively engaging with communities across all 179 towns in Anambra State.

    “The people are embracing his message of security, good governance, and prosperity.”

    Dr. Okoye concluded by challenging Dr. Nwobu and the ADC to present their own candidate’s development plan for the state, if they have one, rather than continuously attacking the Labour Party’s flagbearer.

  • FG Begins Mandatory NERD Compliance in NYSC Mobilisation

    FG Begins Mandatory NERD Compliance in NYSC Mobilisation

    President Bola Tinubu has invoked provisions of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Act to approve a mandatory compliance with the national policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) as a requirement for mobilisation into or exemption from the scheme.

    The compliance directive, which is in line with Sections 2(4)(4) and 16(1)(C) of the Act, was part of an enforcement circular recently issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

    Akume conveyed the approval for the adjustment of “NYSC mobilisation criteria in accordance with the President’s regulation requiring proof of NERD Policy compliance for all prospective Corps members, regardless of where they were educated.”

    Apart from provisions in the policy meant to check certificate racketeering and honours abuse, one of the new mandatory requirements of Nigerian students in the policy is the deposit of academic outputs, which include thesis or project reports.

    In Section 6.1.23 of the policy, the requirement is designed “as a quality assurance check and as a yearly independent proof of continuous academic enrolment and affiliation” as it is expected to inviolably time-stamp scholarship, academic activities, and footprint regardless of location.

    The SGF’s circular has now clarified a directive earlier issued by the Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, that effective from October 6, no Nigerian graduate – whether from a Nigerian university, polytechnic, college of education, or an overseas institution will henceforth be mobilised for or exempted from NYSC without proof of NERD compliance.

    The step, it was learnt, is a masterstroke in safeguarding the nation’s intellectual assets while restoring credibility to academic processes and qualifications. The directive does not however affect serving corps members or those enrolled before the enforcement date.

    A copy of the approved NERD policy showed that the President also approved an academic output monetisation and reward mechanism for students and their lecturers, which was proposed to the federal cabinet by Alausa to ensure students and lecturers can earn lifetime revenues from their academic deposits. The policy encourages each higher institution to set up its local repository.

    Besides, the policy creates an illuminated pathway with a well-structured collaborative framework where the various autonomous institutions had hitherto operated in silos. The federal government’s circular to Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and higher institutions of learning directs full enforcement of the NERD Policy.

    In addition, critical data bodies, including the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), are to provide inter-organisation data exchange support via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to facilitate onboarding and data validation.

    Underscoring the significance of the directive, spokesperson for NERD, Haula Galadima, explained that each item deposited by a student shall feature the full name of the student, and those of his supervisor, co-supervisor, if any, and that of the Head of Department (HoD), as well as the sponsoring institution and department.

    She said: “Apart from the mandate to verify for authenticity as a national flagship, the NERD digitisation programme has a clear objective – to raise the bar in the quality of academic content, output and presentation nationwide.

    “One way NERD intends to accomplish this task, based on its mandate, is to strengthen the supervision processes in the nation’s higher institutions without getting involved in the processes.

    “If our eminent scholars are aware that their names will appear next to those of the students they supervise on a globally available digital platform, there is the likelihood that each lecturer would up his or her standard. Very few lecturers would want their names associated with poorly produced academic works. NERD is therefore poised to help each lecturer earn his ‘earned allowances’ by providing thorough supervision.”

    The NERD Policy, it was learnt, is Nigeria’s answer to decades of intellectual waste. For too long, thousands of theses, dissertations, and research projects, with insights capable of transforming agriculture, medicine, engineering, and governance, have gathered dust in libraries, unorganised and untapped.

    The NYSC will now serve as a quality assurance check to enhance national productivity with a legal mandate to ensure all graduates are contributors to the national pool of knowledge, it stated.

    From March 30 each year, all organisations and higher institutions must now file annual compliance reports to NERD, enhancing monitoring and evaluation to ensure sustainability, continuity, and accountability. Arise News

  • Dangote refinery resumes naira sale of petrol

    Dangote refinery resumes naira sale of petrol

    Dangote Petroleum Refinery has resumed sale of premium motor spirit (PMS) in Naira less than 24 hours after suspending the sale.

    The reversal of the earlier decision followed the intervention of the Chairman of the Naira for Crude Transaction Committee, Dr. Zacch Adedeji who is the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

    The naira for crude arrangement was instituted by the federal government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to provide crude oil for domestic refineries.

    The initiative has been faced with the challenge of inadequate crude oil supply.

    On Friday, Dangote refinery in a notice to customers said it would halt sale of products in naira with effect from Sunday, September 28, 2025.

    It explained that the facility had been selling petroleum products beyond its approved naira crude allocation and could no longer sustain the arrangement.

    However less than 24 hours after the refinery issued a counter notice to its customers, saying the products’ sale in naira would continue.

    The notice to the customer read: “Following the intervention of the Naira for Crude Transaction Committee Chairman, we are pleased to inform you of the resumption of PMS Sales in Naira commencing Immediately.

    “You may kindly proceed to place your orders in Naira for both self collection and free delivery of PMS to the earlier advised locations across the country.
    Thank you for your continued patronage.”

  • Governor Mbah to Address Youths at Enugu Leadership and Business Summit

    Governor Mbah to Address Youths at Enugu Leadership and Business Summit

    The Enugu Innovative Youths (EIY) has unveiled plans for a landmark event, the Enugu Leadership and Business Summit, which will feature an interactive session with the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. The summit, with the theme “Building a New Generation of Leaders,” is billed to take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the International Conference Center (ICC), Enugu, starting at 8:00 a.m.

    Organizers describe the summit as a unique platform where young people across Enugu will have the opportunity to engage directly with Governor Mbah in an open, interactive setting. The event aims to create dialogue between the government and the youth, focusing on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategies for building a prosperous future for the state.

    Expected to draw an audience of more than three thousand youths, the summit will bring together aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and professionals from diverse backgrounds. According to the organizers, this is not just a formal event but an opportunity for young people to ask questions, share ideas, and learn directly from the Governor about his vision for Enugu State.

    In a statement jointly signed by Hon. Edeani M. Edeani JP (President of EIY) and Hon. Barr. Emmanuel Nyia (Secretary of EIY), the group emphasized that the summit would be a “fruitful engagement with our dear Governor, a forum where your questions will be directly answered.”

    The statement further noted: “This gathering will not only be a chance for youths to interact with Governor Mbah but also to gain inspiration and practical knowledge on leadership and business. It reflects our commitment to empowering young people to take active roles in shaping the future of Enugu State.”

    Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, since assuming office, has championed policies centered on youth empowerment, technological innovation, and business development. His administration has repeatedly highlighted the role of young people as key drivers of growth in the state. The upcoming summit is seen as an extension of this vision, reinforcing his pledge to build structures that prepare Enugu youths for leadership and entrepreneurial opportunities both within and beyond the state.

    The International Conference Center (ICC), Enugu, is expected to be filled with vibrancy as the gathering brings together some of the brightest young minds in the state. Organizers believe the event will serve as a catalyst for mobilizing the energy, creativity, and innovative potential of Enugu youths toward building a stronger and more inclusive society.

    Participants at the summit will not only hear from the Governor but will also be part of an interactive session where concerns can be raised, solutions proposed, and collaborations fostered. The emphasis on interactivity highlights the event’s objective of ensuring that youths do not merely listen but also contribute meaningfully to the discourse on leadership and development.

    The Enugu Innovative Youths, known for their dedication to fostering growth among young people, have reassured the public that this summit is open to all youths across Enugu, regardless of background. With its inclusive theme—“Building a New Generation of Leaders”—the event signals a collective effort to prepare Enugu’s younger population for future responsibilities.

    Signed:
    Hon. Edeani M. Edeani JP
    (President, Enugu Innovative Youths)

    Hon. Barr. Emmanuel Nyia
    (Secretary, Enugu Innovative Youths)

  • Gov Fubara dissolves pensions board set up by Ibas

    Gov Fubara dissolves pensions board set up by Ibas

    The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has dissolved the Management of the State’s Pension Board set up by the immediate psst Sole Administrator of the State, Vice Admiral Ikot Ibas, rtd.

    Fubara disclosed this decision in a public announcement, Friday evening, signed by The State’s Head of Sevice, Dr. Mrs Inyingi S.I. Brown.

    Ibas had on September 12, six days to his leaving office inaugurated the state’s Pensions Board and charged them with the responsibility to reform the board for efficiency.

    But, Fubara on Friday approved the sacking of the team, inaugurated by Ibas, tasking the Office of the Accountant General of Rivers State to henceforth handle the functions of the Board.

    Brown noted that the governor would later constitute the Pensions board.

    The notice read: “The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS has approved the immediate dissolution of the Rivers State Pensions Board. Consequently, the Office of the Accountant General of Rivers State henceforth, will handle the functions of the Board.

    Members of the defunct board are by this notice advised to hand over all properties and assets of the board in their possession to the Director of Administration of the Board.

    “His Excellency, the Executive Governor will in due course constitute a new board to manage the affairs of Pensions.”

  • JUST-IN: Dangote Refinery halts petrol sales in Naira

    JUST-IN: Dangote Refinery halts petrol sales in Naira

    The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has suspended the sale of petrol in naira, a move that has unsettled fuel marketers and heightened concerns over possible pressure on pump prices and the foreign exchange market.

    In an email sent to customers at 6:42 pm on Friday, the refinery announced that the suspension will take effect from Sunday, September 28, 2025. The decision, it explained, was triggered by the depletion of its crude-for-naira allocation.

    The statement, by the Group Commercial Operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and titled “Suspension of DPRP PMS Naira Sales – Effective 28th September 2025”, advised customers with pending naira-based transactions to request refunds.

    It reads in part: “We write to inform you that Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has been selling petroleum products in excess of our Naira-Crude allocations and, consequently, we are unable to sustain PMS sales in Naira going forward.

    “Kindly note that this suspension of Naira sales for PMS will be effective from Sunday, 28th of September, 2025. We will provide further updates regarding the resumption of supply once the situation has been resolved.

    “All customers with PMS transactions in Naira who would like a refund of their current payments should formally request the processing of their refund.”

    This is not the first time the refinery has halted naira transactions. In March 2025, it briefly suspended sales of refined products in the local currency, also citing inadequate crude-for-naira allocations. That earlier decision triggered concerns about the dollarisation of fuel sales and pushed petrol pump prices to nearly ₦1,000 per liter. Nation