All Posts in "Dan Poster"

INEC Confirms Preparedness For FCT Elections, Other By-Elections In Nigeria

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed its readiness to conduct the FCT elections, confirming delivery of non-sensitive materials and are At the moment being batched at each Area Council.

The Commission has also concluded the training of Electoral Officers and their Assistants and the INEC/ICCES collaborative training of Election Security Personnel.

The INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the update at the first regular media consultative meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

“Recruitment of Adhoc Election officials has been concluded and the Training of Trainers took place on Monday 2nd February, 2026 in preparation for the training of Adhoc Personnel commencing on the 6th of February, 2026 in the FCT, Kano and Rivers States.

“Furthermore, BVAS devices are being configured for accreditation and upload of results to the IReV portal, and sensitive materials will be delivered a day before the election.” Amupitan said.

He also announced that there will be a mock accreditation on Saturday, 7th February 2026, in 289 selected Polling Units (PUs) across the six Area Councils.

The selected PUs will be made available on the Commission’s website. While 83 domestic and five (5) foreign observers have been accredited for the FCT council elections, the online accreditation for journalists intending to cover the polls remains ongoing until 8th February 2026. All interested media organisations are hereby enjoined to register before the portal closes.

Also on 21st February, 2026, the Commission will conduct bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.

The vacancies in Ahoada East II and Khana II arose from the resignation and death of the elected members, respectively. In Ahoada East II, voting by 41,085 registered voters will take place in 87 (eighty-seven) polling units (PUs) across six wards, while in Khana II, 71,865 registered voters are expected to vote in 155 polling units across eight wards.

Similarly, the INEC will be conducting bye-elections on the same day for the Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Constituencies of Kano State as a result of the death of the two serving members.

In the Kano Municipal constituency, 330,228 registered voters will vote in 630 polling units (PUs) across 13 wards, while in Ungogo constituency, 205,418 registered voters will vote in 384 polling units (PUs) across 11 wards. Ten political parties are participating in both bye-elections.

Furthermore, in compliance with Section 28(1) and (2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the Commission, on 25th June, 2025, announced that the Ekiti State Governorship Election will be held on 20th June, 2026, across 2,445 polling units in the 16 LGAs of the state.

Of the 13 activities outlined in the election timetable, eight (8) have already been completed. In addition, the Osun State Governorship Election is scheduled for Saturday, 8th August, 2026.

For that election, the third activity in the approved timetable is presently underway.

On upcoming general elections, he said Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 empowers the Commission to issue a notice of election not later than 360 days before the date of the poll.

While the National Assembly is currently working on amendments to the Electoral Act, the Commission has made its submission as required.

“We are mindful of the growing public interest and anticipation surrounding the release of the timetable and wish to assure the media, political parties and the Nigerian public that the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election has been finalised by the commission in full compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the Electoral Act, 2022. Having said that, we seek your support in urging the National Assembly to expedite action on the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act.” he said.

Amupitan, also noted that. credible register of voters remains the bedrock of free, fair and transparent elections, saying, “No electoral process can command public confidence without trust in the integrity of its voters’ register.”

Nigeria’s national register, first compiled ahead of the 2011 General Election, has since been continuously updated and deployed in the General Elections of 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023, as well as in several off-cycle governorship and bye-elections. As of the 2023 General Election, the register stood at 93,469,008 voters. However, persistent challenges —including duplicate registrations, registration by non-citizens, deceased voters and incomplete or inaccurate records— continue to generate legitimate concerns.

“Such anomalies undermine public confidence in the electoral process. In response, the Commission will embark on a thorough clean-up with a view to further sanitising and strengthening the integrity of the register. Accordingly, the Commission will soon embark on a nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise ahead of the 2027 General Election.” Amupitan assured.

Speaking further, he said, “In the first phase of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise conducted from 18th August to 10th December 2025, the Commission registered a total of 2,782,587 eligible voters. The second phase commenced on 5th January 2026 and will run until 17th April 2026.

“The entire CVR exercise is scheduled to span one year and will be concluded on 30th August 2026. We are encouraged by the strong public response to the exercise, which affirms the continuing belief of Nigerians in the democratic process and in the efforts of the Commission to ensure that every eligible citizen is afforded the opportunity to register and vote.

“However, those who engage in double registration will be identified, removed from the voters’ register and barred from participating in future elections. Double registration is against the law, and INEC will no longer condone it. Nobody should register twice because our system will detect it. We will not just detect it; those involved in double registration will be removed from the register.”

On party registration, he said “You will recall that the Commission received a total of 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties. The associations were assessed in line with Section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 79(1), (2) and (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as Clause 2 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022. Several of the Associations were unable to fulfil the constitutional requirements and the requirements of the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties. The successful association(s) will soon be announced by the Commission. “

Dan Poster by — February 5, 2026 in Politics 0
Aradel Holdings Plc Wins Best Full-Field Integrated Operator Award At NIES 2026

Aradel Holdings Plc has been selected as the recipient of the Best Full-Field Integrated Operator Award at the 9th edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2026), hosted by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria.

The award recognises energy companies whose operations span upstream production, midstream infrastructure, and downstream delivery, and reflect a fully integrated approach to value creation across Nigeria’s energy value chain. The award was presented after a rigorous selection process and voting by key stakeholders across the energy industry.

As acknowledged by the Management of NIES, ‘Aradel’s operations demonstrate coordinated asset development, infrastructure integration, and market delivery that support production efficiency, domestic supply, and delivery of long-term value across the sector.’

This award marks the second time Aradel has received this recognition for its integrated operating model at this prestigious industry forum. Previously, at the 7th edition of NIES, as part of the 2024 Energy Industry Awards, Aradel was honoured with the Best Fully Integrated Energy Company of the Year Award, underscoring the consistency and depth of its integrated approach across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.

Speaking on this recognition, Adegbite Falade, MD/CEO, Aradel Holdings Plc commented:

“This recognition reflects Aradel’s commitment to integration, scale, and long-term growth across the energy value chain. We are proud of our contribution to Nigeria’s energy development through operational excellence and strategic infrastructure investment. Building on the strong foundation laid by our founders, and having recently attained 20 years of continuous production, we remain focused on long-term value creation for our stakeholders.”

The Nigeria International Energy Summit is one of Africa’s foremost energy platforms, convening government leaders, regulators, industry operators, investors, and global partners to advance dialogue on policy, investment, and innovation in the energy sector. The award was presented during the Gala Dinner and Award Night at NIES 2026, at the State House Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, Abuja.

Dan Poster by — February 5, 2026 in Business 0
NNPC Discusses Refinery Overhaul With Chinese Company

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has opened talks with a Chinese company over one of the state-owned oil firm’s refineries.

The NNPC, Chief Executive , Bayo Ojulari said the company was seeking experienced operators as equity partners to revive its four refineries after years of losses and underperformance.

He said an internal review carried out shortly after assuming his role last April showed the refineries were running at huge losses, with high operating costs and heavy spending on contractors while processing volumes remained low.

NNPC’s board has approved a strategy to bring in refinery operators with proven expertise rather than contractors, Ojulari said, adding that the company was in advanced talks with several interested parties.

“I’m just coming from a meeting with one of the potential investors,” Ojulari said, without giving a name. “They are going to the refinery tomorrow to inspect. It’s a Chinese company that has one of the biggest petrochemical plants in China.”

Nigeria has struggled for years to rehabilitate its aging refineries, which have operated far below capacity, forcing Africa’s largest crude oil producer to rely heavily on imported fuel. The government hopes new partnerships will help reverse that trend.

Ojulari said the plants have been halted to allow time to assess options for restoring them, coinciding with the launch of Dangote Refinery which offered “breathing space” for domestic fuel supply.

He said NNPC was not selling the refineries but would relinquish a portion of their equity to partners to enable the plants to self-finance their operations.

Dan Poster by — February 5, 2026 in Business 0
Dangote Refinery Producing Euro-Standard Fuels, Refutes Import Allegations

Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) has dismissed reports suggesting that it imports finished petroleum products.

The refinery’s management described the claims as false and rooted in a misunderstanding of standard refinery operations.

 

The DPRP is a modern, large-scale merchant refinery with the capacity to refine crude oil as well as process intermediate feedstocks into high-quality finished petroleum products and petrochemicals, it said.

 

Speaking during a media briefing at the refinery, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of DPRP, David Bird, explained that it is standard industry practice for refineries to process intermediate or semi-processed materials into finished fuels. He stressed that this does not amount to importing finished petroleum products.

 

He noted that unlike conventional Nigerian refineries, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery operates on a European and Asian merchant refinery model, featuring a state-of-the-art refining, blending, and trading configuration designed to meet modern quality standards.

 

“DPRP produces high-quality fuels aligned with international environmental and health standards. Our gasoline is lead-free and MMT-free, with 50 parts per million sulphur, while our diesel meets ultra-low sulphur standards. These specifications help reduce emissions, protect engines, and safeguard public health,” Bird said.

 

According to him, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery produces only fully refined, market-ready fuels. “Dangote Petroleum Refinery offers high-quality finished products. We will never supply semi-finished products to the market. Semi-finished products should not be used in vehicles,” Bird said, while displaying samples of intermediate feedstocks and finished products to journalists.

 

He noted that while Nigerians had historically been exposed to substandard fuel, the refinery was established to reverse that trend and deliver fuels that meet the highest international standards. Bird added that the refinery’s products are now supplied to markets across the world, reflecting their quality and competitiveness.

 

Intermediate products, he explained, are semi-processed materials derived from crude oil and used as feedstock for further refining into finished fuels such as petrol and diesel, as well as petrochemicals. These include naphtha, straight-run gas oils, vacuum gas oil (VGO), reformate, alkylate and isomerate.

 

Bird emphasised that the refinery has remained transparent in its operations and engagements with regulators and urged the media to help educate the public on the distinction between intermediate and finished products.

 

“It is regrettable that some individuals are deliberately spreading false narratives about a refinery that has transformed Nigeria and the wider West African region from a dumping ground for substandard fuel into a refining hub with access to high-quality products,” he said.

 

He further noted that the refinery’s design flexibility allows it to process a wide range of crude oils and intermediate feedstocks into premium finished products.

 

Assuring of product availability to meet domestic demand, Bird said the refinery has played a significant role in easing fuel scarcity, stabilising the naira, and reducing pressure on foreign exchange.

 

Group Chief Brand and Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, also urged journalists to exercise caution in their choice of words, warning that inaccurate terminology could misinform the public and create unnecessary panic.

Dan Poster by — February 5, 2026 in Business 0
NGX Group, SEC, Police To Promote Capital Market Integrity

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) and the Police have agreed to achieve Capital Market integrity, affirming collaboration to ensure sustainable operations.

The NGX Group, on Wednesday took a decisive steps on this when it hosted a Closing Gong Ceremony in honour of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, signaling a strengthened partnership between capital market regulators and law enforcement agencies.

 

The ceremony highlighted a shared commitment to investor protection, the prevention of financial crime, and the reinforcement of trust and confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.

 

Welcoming the IGP, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in supporting market integrity. He said: “Market integrity is a shared responsibility. By honouring the Inspector-General of Police, we are reinforcing the importance of institutional alignment in protecting investors and preserving trust in our financial system. Strong collaboration between regulators, enforcement agencies, and market infrastructure institutions is essential to building a resilient and credible market that supports economic growth.”

 

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, emphasized the importance of coordinated enforcement, noting: “Investor protection is at the core of market regulation, and today’s engagement highlights how critical collaboration with law enforcement is to achieving that mandate. This partnership strengthens our enforcement capacity, enhances deterrence against illegal investment activities, and reinforces confidence in the Nigerian capital market.”

 

In his response, IGP Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, stating: “A transparent and well-regulated capital market is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to working with regulators and market operators to prevent financial crime, protect investors, and uphold the integrity of our financial system.”

 

Also speaking, Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Ahonsi Unuigbe, highlighted the role of the Exchange in promoting market discipline: “A transparent and orderly market can only thrive where rules are respected and misconduct is addressed decisively. The presence of the Nigeria Police Force in this collective effort sends a strong signal that safeguarding the market is a national priority.”

 

Similarly, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, stressed the importance of aligning innovation with oversight: “Technology and market growth must be supported by strong enforcement and investor protection frameworks. Our collaboration with the SEC and the Nigeria Police Force reflects a unified approach to preserving the credibility of Nigeria’s capital market.”

 

The event brought together key stakeholders across the capital market ecosystem, all reaffirming their commitment to accountability, transparency, and investor confidence. The ceremonial Closing Gong marked a collective resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s financial system through sustained collaboration.

Dan Poster by — February 5, 2026 in Business 0
NCAA Cracks Down on Ticket Charge Defaults, Gives Airlines 90-Day Window on Payment Guarantees

NCAA gives airlines 90-day grace period on advance payment guarantees - Vanguard News
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has begun formal consultations with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on the introduction of Advance Payment Guarantees (APGs) to strengthen enforcement of the statutory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) remittance by airlines.
The high-level engagement, held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja, followed a request by AON for clarification on the requirement for operators to provide bank-backed guarantees. The move forms part of the NCAA’s renewed drive to safeguard funds collected from passengers on behalf of Nigeria’s aviation system.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Captain Chris Najomo, said the NCAA’s mandate to collect the five per cent TSC is backed by the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) 2022 (as amended). He explained that the charge is paid by passengers and held in trust by airlines before being remitted to the Authority for equitable distribution to aviation agencies responsible for safety, security and regulatory oversight.
Najomo expressed concern over persistent delays by some operators in remitting the charges, noting that such lapses weaken the financial base required for effective regulation of the sector.
According to him, the proposed APG framework is not designed to stifle airline operations, but to strengthen compliance, improve remittance timelines and guarantee predictable funding for the NCAA to carry out its statutory responsibilities.
After extensive deliberations with airline representatives, the DGCA approved a 90-day deferment of the APG requirement. The grace period is intended to give operators time to regularise outstanding remittances and align with the new compliance structure.
He urged airlines to take advantage of the window to settle their obligations, reiterating the Authority’s commitment to industry stability and ease of doing business, without compromising its legal mandate to protect public funds and regulate the sector effectively.
Responding on behalf of the AON, the Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, Captain Edward Boyo, commended the NCAA for the open and constructive dialogue. He assured that all Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders would utilise the deferment period to meet their financial obligations and achieve full compliance with the remittance requirements.
The meeting was attended by senior NCAA officials, including the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Captain Donald Spiff; Director of Air Transport Regulation, Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe; Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Olufemi Odukoya; and the Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Barrister Mary Tufano-Eche.
Dan Poster by — February 5, 2026 in Cover 0
Tincan Island Customs Smashes Revenue Target, Rakes in ₦1.6trn, Honours Top Officers

Tincan Island Customs Celebrates Distinguished Officers, Exceeds ₦1.6trn Revenue Target The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at it's headquarters in Lagos, recognised outstanding officers
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has recorded a historic revenue performance, announcing a collection of ₦1.6 trillion, surpassing its 2025 target of ₦1.524 trillion.
The milestone was unveiled during an awards and recognition ceremony held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Command’s headquarters in Lagos, where outstanding officers were honoured for exceptional service.
Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, described the feat as a major operational breakthrough driven by teamwork, efficiency and transparency.
“This achievement is the product of collective effort. A tree can never make a forest. I could not have done it alone. Our officers deserve appreciation for their tireless commitment to duty”, Onyeka said.
He explained that the ceremony reflects a growing culture within the Service to reward diligence, professionalism and shared responsibility across all units.
Onyeka also highlighted reforms introduced to strengthen trade facilitation, including directives to eliminate unnecessary delays in cargo and file processing.
“When I assumed office, I made it clear that files must not be held without reason. If there are issues, they should be identified and resolved promptly. And if you are unsure, ask questions”, he stated.
The CAC added that the recently launched Time Release Study by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has further reinforced the Command’s resolve to fast-track legitimate trade while sustaining strict regulatory compliance.
He commended his predecessor, Deputy Comptroller General Dera Nnadi, describing his leadership as instrumental in laying the foundation for the Command’s recent successes.
Onyeka also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, stakeholders, partners and officers for their continued confidence and cooperation despite prevailing economic and operational challenges.
The Tincan Island Port Command’s ₦1.6 trillion haul now stands as one of the strongest revenue performances in the history of the NCS, underscoring its strategic role in Nigeria’s maritime trade and revenue generation.
Dan Poster by — February 5, 2026 in General News 0
₦80.2bn Fraud: Court Insists on Receipts  Before Admitting CTCs

 

The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello continued on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, with the cross-examination of Prosecution Witness Seven (PW7).

 

Bello is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of ₦80,246,470,088.88.

 

At the resumed proceedings on Wednesday,  prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for the cross-examination of PW7, adding that the prosecution had three witnesses available.

PW7, Olomotane Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank Plc, was led to the witness dock and affirmed that he remained under oath.

 

During cross-examination by defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, the witness confirmed that he testified pursuant to a subpoena and tendered Exhibits 32, 33(1–11), and 34. He also confirmed that he had previously testified before another Federal High Court in relation to the same exhibits but could not recall the specific defendants or whether he testified as PW2.

 

While the defence sought to tender Certified True Copies (CTCs) of documents from the other court, Pinheiro,  noted that the prosecution had no objection to the documents but raised a procedural issue regarding the absence of receipts evidencing payment for the CTCs. He also maintained that the witness had been consistent in his testimony.

 

Meanwhile, Justice Nwite held that the documents could only be admitted upon the presentation of the required receipts, agreeing with the prosecution. The defence subsequently informed the court that efforts were ongoing to retrieve the receipts.

 

Further cross-examination centred on bank transactions involving Keyless Nature Limited, Fazab Oil, and Abba Adaudu. The witness confirmed a counter cheque payment at the Otukpo Branch of Access Bank and transfers, including ₦200,000 and ₦8 million, made in favour of Abba Adaudu.

 

 

 

On local government inflows, the witness testified that payments were made for specific purposes, including: ₦7,500,144.61 from Okehi Local Government for the supply of medical items; ₦10,863,247.50 from Omala Local Government on June 3, 2022, for the supply of sporting materials; and ₦12,228,400.10 from Yagba East Local Government on June 6, 2022, for the procurement of medical consumables.

 

He also stated that entries in Exhibit 33(11) were consistent with normal banking transactions and that the account opening package of Fazab Oil was not immediately available but could be retrieved.

 

Justice Nwite thereafter adjourned the matter to Thursday, February 5, 2026, for the continuation of the cross-examination of PW7.

Dan Poster by — February 5, 2026 in General News 0
NRC Alleges Oyo LG Chairman Led Destruction of Rail Assets Worth Millions in Ibadan

NRC accuses Oyo LG chairman of destroying rail assets worth millions in Ibadan - Businessday NG
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised the alarm over the alleged destruction and removal of railway assets worth several millions of naira along its right-of-way in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Corporation said it received a disturbing report on the vandalisation of its fixed infrastructure within the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
According to the NRC, the incident occurred on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Mile One-Ten axis, where the Chairman of Ibadan South-West Local Government Council, Hon. Kehinde Amanda, allegedly led a group of thugs, persons dressed in Nigerian Army uniforms and operatives of Amotekun to demolish and cart away NRC property.
The Council Chairman was said to have claimed he was acting on the directive of the Oyo State Governor.
NRC stated that assets destroyed and removed during the operation included rail tracks, sleepers, signal poles, billboards and fences belonging to NRC tenants along the corridor. The Corporation stressed that the affected area is a clearly defined and statutorily protected railway right-of-way.
It added that officers of the NRC Police Command attempted to stop the action but were resisted and forced to withdraw from the scene.
Describing the incident as a grave violation of federal railway assets, the Corporation said it is fully documenting the matter and would pursue appropriate security, administrative and legal measures to safeguard its property and prevent further encroachment on railway corridors nationwide.
The Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, appealed to the Oyo State Governor to urgently intervene by calling the Ibadan South-West Local Government Chairman to order in order to avert a breakdown of law and order and the continued abuse of the rights of railway workers.
He also reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to maintaining law and order despite what it described as provocation.
The statement was signed by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the NRC, Callistus Unyimadu, on behalf of the management.
Dan Poster by — February 5, 2026 in Cover 0
Rivers crisis: Tinubu will always place Wike at advantage – Lawyer, Ogwuche

A legal practitioner, Festus Ogwuche, has said that President Bola Tinubu will always place the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, at an advantage in the ongoing political tension in Rivers state.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Tuesday, Ogwuche, stated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara should have been more calculative when he was defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

He said that Fubara lacks understanding of the level of the relationship between president Tinubu and the FCT Minister.

“Wike and Tinubu’s relationship goes beyond a godfather-godson relationship.

“It is deeper into certain undercurrents that we cannot fathom, and the president will always place Wike at an advantage in this crisis,” he said.

Dan Poster by — February 4, 2026 in Politics 0