All Posts in "Month: September 2025"

Dangote Petroleum Refinery Reorganisation: Commitment to Safety, Integrity and Workers’ Rights

 

 
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery have  clarify on the recent reports concerning the ongoing reorganisation within its facility.
In a press statement from the company said that this exercise is not arbitrary. “It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency”.
“The foregoing decision was taken in the best interest of the Refinery as result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns”.
“We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset. It is imperative to protect the refinery for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it”.
“Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our Petroleum Refinery, at present. Only a very small number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process”.
“We recognise and uphold internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union. Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering”.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery exists to serve Nigerians, to strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and to create decent, sustainable jobs. We will continue to work in partnership with our employees, regulators, and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability, it stated.
Dan Poster by — September 27, 2025 in Business 0
Tax stamp plan will hurt consumers, says MAN

 

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has cautioned the Federal Government against the proposed introduction of a Tax Stamp System for excisable products, warning that the policy would increase production costs, harm consumers, and contravene the Nigeria Tax Act 2025.

In a statement by the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the association appreciated the government’s drive to modernise tax administration, but the proposed measure “risks clawing back the reliefs granted under the 2025 Tax Act.”

Ajayi-Kadir said, “The introduction of a tax stamp system amounts to giving with one hand and taking back with the other. It would impose a hidden tax on industries under the guise of compliance, with small and medium-sized industries bearing disproportionate burdens.”

He stated that the measure would increase compliance costs that producers and importers would ultimately pass on to consumers, thereby worsening inflationary pressures.

Ajayi-Kadir observed that introducing a Tax Stamp System for excisable products could push households toward cheaper illicit products and erode the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

DG noted that international experience had shown that tax stamps deliver limited revenue gains while creating heavy compliance and operational bottlenecks. He pointed to studies in Ghana and Uganda which found that stamp systems imposed significant cost burdens without curbing illicit trade.

Ajayi-Kadir stressed, “Paper-based tax stamps are prone to falsification, making it difficult for consumers and retailers to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit goods. Digital stamps, on the other hand, cut productivity by up to 40 per cent and have not reduced illicit trade.

He also argued that Nigeria already had home-grown digital tools such as the Customs’ B’Odogwu Automated Excise Register System and the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s e-invoicing platform, which provide real-time visibility of excise operations. “These tools already give the government the visibility that tax stamps claim to provide, without adding redundant layers,” he said.

MAN warned that introducing tax stamps would undermine the government’s efforts to promote local manufacturing and job creation. The association listed risks including increased circulation of counterfeit goods, reduced consumer demand, potential job losses, and deterrence of new investment in the sector.

Ajayi-Kadir added, “At a time when operators are grappling with rising excise rates, high energy prices, inadequate power supply, and high inflation, the additional burden of implementing tax stamps is a serious threat to industrial sustainability.”

He urged the government to reject any persuasion to roll out the system “in whatever guise or form” until a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and impact assessment were conducted.

Instead, MAN called on the government to strengthen existing digital fiscal tools and border enforcement, while adopting smarter, cost-effective alternatives such as targeted audits and risk-based compliance checks.

Ajayi-Kadir concluded, “Tax stamps often hinder local industry, erode gains in tax simplification, and yield limited revenue impact. The government should strengthen existing systems rather than impose undue burdens on manufacturers and consumers

Dan Poster by — September 27, 2025 in Business 0
NPA Boss unveils reform agenda for competitive, investor-friendly Ports

 

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has said the authority is working to build a globally competitive port system that will enhance trade facilitation, attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic future.

Dantsoho disclosed this while delivering a paper titled “Optimising Digitalisation and Trade Facilitation for Regional Growth” at a side event of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

He said the NPA was implementing reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a hub for maritime commerce in West and Central Africa, leveraging technology and international best practices.

According to him, ongoing efforts include the deployment of port community systems, expansion of hinterland connectivity through rail and inland dry ports, and the entrenchment of a service culture that prioritises efficiency and competitiveness.

Dantsoho stressed that a robust and digitally driven port ecosystem was critical to unlocking the country’s economic diversification agenda and sustaining regional integration.

He added that the NPA remained committed to strengthening partnerships with global stakeholders to ensure Nigerian ports operate at par with leading maritime gateways around the world.

Picture: NPA MD, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho

DFC Management by — September 26, 2025 in Transport/Maritime 0
DESPERATION Taken Too Far: OBINNA ORIAKU Inciting Ethnic Conflict

By Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA

The busy-body, attention-seeking, and desperate former Commissioner for Finance in Abia State, a PDAPC chieftain and the Commissioner designate representing Abia State in the Federal Character Commission, Mr. Obinna Oriaku has taken his petty and hate-ridden cynicism, falsehood, lies, and misinformation in the guise of opposition politics, beyond the boundaries of sanity and acceptable discourse.

In an incitement-laden false alarm on his social media account yesterday, Mr. Obinna Oriaku demonstrated his reckless readiness to endanger and sacrifice his State, the Igbo Nation, the lives, properties, and businesses of our people across the Country, including the peace of the Country, on the altar of desperate and petty opposition politics.

Mr. Oriaku’s inciting and dangerous dimension is more worrisome because he can pass off as an educated elite who understands the prevailing ethnic volatility and mutual suspicion in Nigeria but chooses to ignite a flame that can set the Country ablaze and consume the lives and sources of livelihood of our people in the name of opposition politics and being critical of his nightmare, Governor Alex Otti.

Oriaku’s false alarm, concoction, lie, misinformation, and incitement about banning Fulanis from entering Abia State are not only irresponsible but also dangerous and wicked.

Why would a mammal that eats food and drinks water accuse a detribalised Nigerian like Governor Alex Otti of banning Fulanis from a State where he has not only abolished the indigene policy but also declared that anybody who lives in Abia is an Abian and has demonstrated it, both in words and actions by appointing non-Igbos into positions of authority in the State and hired workers into the State’s workforce on merit irrespective of State of origin, ethnicity or religion? Under Governor Otti in Abia State, where you are from is no longer a part of interview questions.

Obinna Oriaku’s resort to ethnic incitement, clannishness, lies, and blackmail in the name and guise of opposition has further exposed his desperate thirst for political power even at the risk of sacrificing the blood of his own people.

Under Governor Otti, Abia State is open for business to all Nigerians, Africans, and the globe, irrespective of race, tribe, ethnicity, and religion. Gov. Otti as a private sector person has lived and worked in different parts of the Country, and appreciates the fact that every Nigerian is free to peacefully live and work in any part of the Country without restriction or molestation, and can never conceive the idea of banning or restricting any Nigerian in any part of Abia State.

This madness by Obinna Oriaku, which is capable of endangering the lives and properties of Abians and Igbos living in the Northern part of the Country, must be condemned by all men of good faith and lovers of peace. Nigeria must not be turned into a theatre of war, ignited with propaganda and lies, just to satisfy the desperate power thirst of one man.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA  is Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.

DFC Management by — September 26, 2025 in General News 0

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday night, met with the National Chairman of the coalition African Democratic Congress, ADC, David Mark.

The meeting came shortly after Mark, former vice president Atiku Abubakar and other top members of the ADC held its First National Caucus meeting in Abuja.

Although the agenda for the meeting could not be ascertained immediately, it may not be unconnected to the 2027 presidential election.

DAILY POST reports that some members of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have been wooing Jonathan to pick the party’s ticket and contest the next election against President Bola Tinubu.

Jonathan, who lost the 2015 presidential election to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, is yet to declare his interest in the presidential race.

However, it has been established that the former president is entitled to disputable one more tenure.

On September 11, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, met Jonathan in Abuja, fueling more speculations about his stance on the 2027 election.

Meanwhile, the ADC National Chairman, Mark, was the Senate President during the administration of Jonathan and both leaders shared a great working relationship.

Dan Poster by — September 26, 2025 in Politics 0
2027: Quit other political parties now – ADC warns members

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has warned its members who still have allegiance to other political parties to resign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, gave this charge while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday after a caucus meeting attended by top party leaders and political figures.

“Though a final order has been given to all members to resign membership of other political parties, the caucus was silent on the timeline,” Abdullahi said.

The caucus also announced that all issues concerning the African Democratic Association, ADA, had been concluded.

“The Coalition has rested everything concerning the ADA. That means, they are not interested in the registration or otherwise of the association,” he added.

Speaking on the 2027 race, the party’s spokesman stated that the ADC’s presidential aspirants had agreed to back whoever emerges winner of the primaries.

“All the presidential aspirants have agreed to support whoever wins the primary election,” he stated.

He further revealed that the National Working Committee, NWC, would soon announce dates for primaries in Osun and Ekiti ahead of the off-cycle governorship elections in both states.

Those present at the meeting included National Chairman David Mark; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf; former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; former Sokoto State governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; and former Rivers State governor, Chibuike Amaechi.

National Leader of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, was absent but sent apologies and reaffirmed his commitment to the coalition.

Dan Poster by — September 26, 2025 in Politics 0
Ibadan residents celebrate Ladoja at 81

Oba LadojaThe ancient city of Ibadan was agog on Thursday as former Oyo State Governor and Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, marked his 81st birthday in a jubilant atmosphere that spilled into the streets.

Ladoja, who will on Friday (today) be crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland at the Mapo Hall, received glowing tributes from relatives, friends, community leaders, and well-wishers who thronged his family compound to celebrate the double milestone.

The festivities at his compound, located a stone’s throw from Mapo, drew residents, traders, and supporters who described him as a humble leader with an uncommon love for the people.

The mood was festive as market men and women, neighbours, and family members dined and drank to mark his 81st birthday.

Speaking during the celebration, the Chairman of the Real Born Association Elders’ Forum, Isale-Osi, Toafeek Kayode Agesin, said the occasion was unique for the people of Ibadan.

“We are celebrating two events together. We are celebrating a former senator, a former governor, and now the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who clocks 81 years today.

“Baba is a special person; he loves the masses. He is humble, he is a leader, and he knows what the people need. The only thing we can do for him is to keep praying for him,” he said.

A market woman, Morufat Olaonipekun Adeshina, said, “Baba Ladoja is a good man. He is a man of many parts and we love him. My prayer is that his reign shall be successful,” she declared.

Dan Poster by — September 26, 2025 in General News 0
Kano arrests 78 suspected drug peddlers, thugs

Kano State mapThe Kano State Joint Task Force Committee for Peace Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation has announced that it arrested 78 suspected drug peddlers and thugs within four days.

The operation was conducted successfully following a four-day enforcement operation across multiple high-risk areas of the state.

Working in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Police Force, the task force arrested 60 suspects and recovered significant quantities of illicit drugs and other harmful substances.

This is contained in a statement by Sadiq Maigatari, the Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano State Strategic Command, a copy of which was made available to Arewa PUNCH on Wednesday

“The operation targeted Mariri Yan’itace, Fagge, Badawa, Kasuwar Rimi, Masallacin Idi, Yankaba, Hotoro Flyover, Kofar Mata, Rijiyar Zaki and Jakara.

“Additional raids were carried out at Rumfa College, Dan’agundi Graveyard and Kofar Wambai. Several locations were revisited during the operation to ensure thorough enforcement,” the statement further noted.

Maigatari said the seized items included cannabis sativa, Diazepam, Exol-5, Pregabalin, rubber solution, Suck and Die, and several unconventional substances.

“Our commitment to eradicating drug abuse and thuggery in Kano is unwavering. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice. The safety and well‑being of our citizens are at the top of the priority list.”

He disclosed that investigations into the arrested individuals were ongoing, adding that the Joint Task Force has vowed to ensure that all those found culpable are prosecuted to the full extent of the law, while simultaneously advancing rehabilitation and youth‑rehabilitation initiatives to address the root causes of substance abuse.

The commander of the NDLEA Kano State Strategic Command, A.I. Ahmad, commended the dedication of NDLEA personnel and thanked the Nigeria Police Force for their partnership in the operation.

He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Kano State Government in supporting the operations.

The Task Force urged community members to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that public cooperation is critical to sustaining gains and creating a safer, drug‑free environment for Kano’s youth and residents.

Dan Poster by — September 26, 2025 in General News 0
Makinde cuts short annual leave for Ladoja coronation

Oyo State Governor, Seyi -MakindeOyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, cut short his 2025 annual leave to attend the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, today (Friday).

The development followed the approval by the state House of Assembly of his notice of early resumption from leave submitted to the legislature on Thursday.

In the letter, the governor said he deemed it necessary to cut short his vacation and resume duty, due to the historic and culturally-significant event.

The House, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Abiodun Fadeyi, acknowledged and approved the resumption letter of the governor.

The Deputy Speaker read the letter of resumption of duty during the plenary of the House of Assembly, and it was approved by the state legislative body.

The letter of resumption read: “I shall resume duty today, September 26, 2025, and hereby assume the full functions of the Office of Governor of Oyo State.”

Makinde expressed appreciation to his deputy, Bayo Lawal, for serving effectively as the acting governor during his absence and announced that the deputy governor would now return to his substantive role.

Members of the House of Assembly welcomed the decision and expressed support for his commitment to the cultural heritage.

They unanimously adopted the resumption notice and commended Makinde for showing leadership and honouring a momentous occasion in Ibadan’s history.

The House, therefore, reaffirmed its support for traditional institutions and lauded the proactive steps taken by the executive arm of government to ensure a smooth coronation ceremony of the 44th Olubadan.

Dan Poster by — September 26, 2025 in General News 0
Jigawa Assembly approves N58bn supplementary budget

Jigawa State Governor, Umar NamadiThe Jigawa State House of Assembly has passed a N58 billion supplementary estimate for the 2025 fiscal year.

The legislation followed the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Appropriations at the plenary on Thursday.

Chairman of the committee, Ibrahim Hamza-Adamu, said the supplementary budget arose from expected additional revenue accruing to the state from the federation account.

“The 2025 Appropriation Law appropriated the sum of N698,300,000,000 only for the recurrent and capital expenditure programme of the state during the 2025 fiscal year.

“With additional N58,000,000,000 of the supplementary appropriation budget, the total appropriation for the year will now be N756,300,000,000 only,” he said.

Hamza-Ibrahim urged the House to adopt effective oversight to ensure utilisation of the allocated funds in the approved areas.

The deputy speaker, Sani Isiyaku, who presided over the plenary, put the motion to a vote, and it was adopted unanimously by the members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House approved the N689.3 billion Appropriation Bill for 2025 on December 31, 2024.

The budget tagged “Budget of Innovation and Transformation for Greater Jigawa” is made up of N90.7 billion personnel cost, N70 billion recurrent expenditure, and N537 billion in capital expenditure.

The lawmakers also approved N17 billion for the 27 local government areas of the state

Dan Poster by — September 26, 2025 in Cover 0