All Posts in "Dan Poster"

Troops arrest five suspected criminals with concealed AK-47 rifles

 

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested five suspected bandits in Kwara State.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the state governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, he said the suspects were nabbed on Thursday at a checkpoint along Share town in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state after six AK-47 rifles were found with them.

He said the arrest of the suspected bandits came a day after six persons suspected to be couriers for the kidnappers were arrested around Babanla town, also in the Ifelodun LGA, with a large consignment of bread and petrol.

“Five suspected kidnappers were arrested today along the Share axis.

“They concealed six AK-47s under the charcoal in a Golf saloon car this afternoon.

“They were intercepted by the Nigerian Army team on patrol. The five suspects are undergoing interrogation,” Ajakaye said.

“They have been transferred to the police headquarters in Ilorin for further investigation,” the CPS added.

He also said that many criminals were eliminated in a coordinated assault by government vigilante forces in Omu Aran-Eruku earlier on Tuesday.

“Six motorcycles, assault rifles, and many loaded magazines were recovered from their hideouts.

“Four women and two young men, all suspected to be abduction victims, were rescued and handed to the police divisional post in Omu Aran,” the statement added.

Dan Poster by — September 27, 2025 in General News 0
Contractor succumbs, agrees to Ogun’s specifications on OGD road project

The contractor handling the 260-meter road project sponsored by Ogun East Senator Gbenga Daniel in Sagamu has accepted the engineering standards set by the Ogun State Government.

In a letter dated September 26, 2025, and addressed to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, the contractor, Minim and Tonye, said it had been directed by the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) to “commence the drainage works with the drainage specifications recommended by the Ogun Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.”

The letter, signed by the contractor’s Director, Abimbola Ayodeji, confirmed that the drainage dimension will be a “600mm x 600mm RC drain with Grade 25 concrete in order to be in uniformity with the existing drainage.”

Earlier this month, the Ogun State Government had ordered the contractor to suspend work until it obtained proper regulatory approval. It said the drawings initially submitted by the company did not meet the Federal Ministry of Works (FMW) standard for road design.

In its September 22, 2025 correspondence, the government listed several observations and asked the contractor to correct them before resubmitting.

The ministry stressed that “concrete binding should be of Grade 20,” while the reinforced concrete base, walks, and deck must use “a minimum of Grade 25, with a high yield tensile strength of not less than 460 N/mm².”

It also instructed the company to use a “220mm thick reinforced concrete pavement of not less than Grade 35 concrete, preferably Grade 40 concrete,” instead of the 150mm, Grade 20 concrete it had proposed. The stone base, it added, should “preferably be 200mm.”

Beyond this, the contractor was directed to submit a full layout with elevations, grades, reinforcement details, a list of engineering materials, material testing for quality assurance, and relevant design codes.

With the contractor now agreeing to these standards, the Ogun State Ministry of Works says the road project can move forward once the revised plans are approved.

Dan Poster by — September 27, 2025 in General News 0
EFCC Chairman Challenges Graduating Cadets On Discipline, Integrity 

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged new cadets of the Commission to be driven by the values of integrity and discipline in the course of their duties as officers of the EFCC.

He gave the charge on Friday, September 26, 2025 at the Passing out Parade of 404 EFCC cadets at Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

The cadets comprise 294 detective superintendents and 110 detective inspectors.

The EFCC’s boss charged the new officers to be anti-graft fighters buoyed by patriotic disposition and accountable conducts.

“Being an operative of the EFCC carries heavy responsibilities of personal discipline, integrity, courage and accountability.  Your training essentially offered you a firm foothold in law enforcement and organisational discipline. The EFCC has zero tolerance for corruption and compromise.  You are coming into an organisation that places a high premium on integrity and rectitude”, he said.

Continuing,  Olukoyede stressed that,  “you must fit adequately into the mould of officers that are well-rewarded and morally upright. Integrity, for us, is not a slogan, it is a rule of engagement and an article of faith in the work we do.   It is often said that he that comes to equity must come with clean hands.  Nothing can be truer than this.  You cannot offer the nation what you don’t have.  Anti-corruption officers must be above board at all times”

“For the umpteenth time, prepare your minds to be professional and diligent. Sanctions and punitive measures against corrupt practices by officers of the Commission are stiff.  I wouldn’t want such for any of you”.

He further stated that, the sustenance of the Commission’s culture of exemplary law enforcement, anchored on global best practices is at the heart of its huge investment in the training of its cadets.

“The Commission has invested heavily in your training. This is because we believe in turning out officers that are moulded and grounded in sound intellect, physical agility, courageous comportment and accountable conduct.  Our officers are trained to square with and even tower above their global counterparts. This is owing to the scope of our mandate which is broad and global.  So, in your individual capacities, you are equipped as an international law enforcement officer and you must see yourselves as such”

Talking about the issue of corruption, the anti-graft czar stated that to tackle it,  concerted efforts, energy, passion and drive of every patriotic Nigerian are needed.   He scored the EFCC high in its adherence to its mandate because  “the Commission has shown that it is capable of tackling any economic and financial crime and this is not just self-adulation or aggrandisement. It is owing to its development of effective manpower that can weather the storms of investigations and prosecution of cases.  We will continue on this trajectory. Fresh officers coming into the fold of the EFCC should seek to surpass existing records of progress in their various sections and units.  We are eager to break the siege of graft in our land and by our individual and corporate determination, we will surely sail through”.

The Reviewing  Officer of the Parade and governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, congratulated the cadets for demonstrating resilience and determination. “I congratulate all of you for going through this and demonstrating exactly that you are indeed ready for Nigeria. After witnessing what you have just demonstrated today, we believe that the future of Nigeria is very bright,” he said.

While applauding the EFCC for its successes in the anti-corruption fight, he urged members of the National Assembly to further strengthen the Commission in the pursuit of its mandate with a recommendation of the creation of a special anti-corruption court. “I also want to thank the members of the National Assembly for the support that they have continued to give you, the EFCC,  for what you are achieving. But as we are going through a constitutional review, I want to use the opportunity to ask the National Assembly to consider a special court that will be given these kind of cases to be managed,” he said.

Congratulatory messages  and admonition to the young cadets were made  by the Senate Committee Chairman on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Emmanuel Udende and his House of Representatives counterpart,  Honourable Ginger Onwusibe .

Some of the cadets earned special recognition for their exemplary performance during the course of the training.  Amagiya Efe Princewill emerged Overall Best cadet in the superintendent category and Sanni Ayoola Blessing emerged Overall Best cadet in the Inspector cadre.

Dan Poster by — September 27, 2025 in General News 0
FAAN To Flag-Off Digital Payment Systems At Nigerian Airports 

FAAN commence cashless payment system at Lagos, Abuja airports - Businessday NG

 

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would soon roll out” Operations Go Cashless “, a contactless payment solution at airports nationwide.

The pilot phase of the new arrangement, the Authority said, will be flagged off with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to a statement by the airport Authority, the new payment architecture is part of its broader strategy to automate and digitise its operations.

FAAN said the new system will be driven in partnership with Paystack, a financial technology platform

The statement reads:” Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges, will go cashless, which means we will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points.

Travellers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.

This initiative responds to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends.

” By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports.

“To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.

 

“In addition, passengers can obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja. After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately.”

 

Dan Poster by — September 27, 2025 in Transport/Maritime 0
NNPCL Excited Over Ogoni Re-Entry For Oil Production 

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has said the Ogoni re-entry plan is a bold step towards justice, healing, and national prosperity.

The re-entry into Ogoniland marks a historic turning point for Nigeria — not just in terms of oil production, but more broadly, the milestone reflects the spirit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which commits to building a stronger country, attracting responsible investment, and ensuring that community development is at the heart of national progress.

Speaking during the presentation of the Ogoni Consultations Report at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, President Tinubu acknowledged that the Ogoni people have endured long years of pain, and that this re-entry reflects the government’s recognition of their sacrifices.

“We are not, as a government, taking lightly the years of pain endured in Ogoniland. We recognise that, otherwise we would not be here today…We declare with conviction that hope is here and is back with us,” the President said.

Ojulari, emphasized that the re-entry demonstrates that Nigeria can confront its past, honour the sacrifices of its communities, and forge a new path with a vision of prosperity and justice for all.

“The re-entry into Ogoniland is not just about oil and gas. It is about justice, healing, and charting a new future for our nation,” Ojulari said.

Ogoni re-entry can be seen as both a test and an opportunity for the country. It demonstrates that equity can exist in national development, and oil can co-exist with environmental stewardship and inclusive nation-building. This milestone is a practical example of how President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda translates into reality by strengthening our country, creating conditions for responsible investment, while prioritising the prosperity of host communities.

Ojulari acknowledged the pivotal leadership of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in convening a committee that brought diverse stakeholders together, creating the platform for dialogue and consensus that made this breakthrough possible. He also praised the work of Professor Don Baridam and members of the Presidential Committee, who engaged tirelessly and transparently with all relevant parties to produce a report that tells a story of fairness and inclusivity that will ultimately bring closure and renew hope for the Ogoni people and all Nigerians.

“The lesson is that this journey cannot be driven solely by production volumes. It must be anchored on justice, equity, sustainability, and most importantly, collaboration with the very people whose land bears this wealth,” he stated.

To that end, Ojulari was categorical that in resuming operations in Ogoni, NNPC Ltd will continue to build trust by prioritising community engagements with key stakeholders, investing in infrastructure, and empowering local enterprise.

He confirmed that NNPC has already began initiatives in road construction, infrastructure upgrades, and economic empowerment programs designed to rebuild trust and demonstrate accountability in an inclusive manner. “NNPC Ltd is determined to transform Ogoniland from a symbol of conflict into a beacon of reconciliation, renewal, and sustainable progress,” he concluded.

In his remarks, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, echoed the general sentiments that sustainable progress is possible and proven through collaboration with all parties concerned. He said the report was the outcome of an intensive, methodical, and transparent engagement, while Professor Baridam, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the President for his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the Ogoni people, stressing that through diplomacy and relentless insistence on dialogue, host community trust was earned, and hope restored.

This restored hope is also a message for the international community— Ogoni re-entry is more than a Nigerian milestone. It is a classic example of how a resource-rich nation like Nigeria can reconcile environmental protection with energy security. By placing community benefit at the centre, Nigeria is rewriting the global playbook on how oil and gas operations can co-exist with local aspirations, sharing a global example of how energy development can be reconciled with environmental protection and community inclusion.

For Nigeria, it signals progress is being redefined as a partnership between government, industry, and the people.

Dan Poster by — September 27, 2025 in Business 0
50,000 Benefits As NNPCL/TotalEnergies JV Delivers Infrastructure Projects 

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and TotalEnergies Joint Venture (JV) have commissioned seven development projects spanning health care, infrastructure, agriculture, economic empowerment, and human capacity development.

The projects under the Obagi Oilfield Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) in OML58, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State aimed at building capacity of community people to further improve economic development in the area.

The projects, executed under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, were drawn from the Community Development Plan (CDP) in which 539 projects were identified across 64 host communities.

The Managing Director, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited and Country Chair of TotalEnergies in Nigeria, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, while speaking at the event, said: “The projects with impacts on health, agriculture, livelihood support, human capacity development, economic empowerment, among others, are part of the early fruits of the establishment of the HCDTs under the Petroleum Industry Act, (PIA) 2021.

The establishment of the HCDTs under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 marked a new era in community engagement; one that places host communities at the centre of development planning and execution.”

He noted further that, “The commissioning of these projects reflects TotalEnergies’ identity as a responsible multi-energy company committed to enhancing the well-being of its host communities, in alignment with our ‘Sustainable Lever 4: Our Communities’. Through our five levers for sustainable change, we continue to give tangible expression to our broader development strategy as an energy company in transition and committed to the implementation of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals as it relates to our host communities.”

Mr, Bouyer reassured the Obagi people and Nigerians that,” We will continue to work with industry stakeholders for effective implementation of the PIA to ensure the sustainable socio-economic development of our host communities and the country at large.”

In his remarks, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Host Communities, Senator Ben Agadaga described the projects as quite significant, attributing the relative peace in the Niger Delta and the oil industry to the achievements of the PIA such as the Obagi HCDT.

River State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, who is from the area recalled the challenges faced by the people especially poor infrastructures before the implementations of the projects.

She applauded Total Energies and its partners for implementing the PIA. She also thanked President Bola Tinubu and members of the National Assembly for creating the enabling environment to achieving such milestones.

Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Host Communities, Dumnamene Dekor, represented by a member of the Committee, Cyril Hart, expressed delight on the quality of the projects delivered, stating that it is joyful to see communities enjoying social economic benefits from oil and gas revenue which according to him, brings peace.

On his part, the Executive Commissioner, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, Capt. John Tonlagha, who represented the Commission Chief Executive, described the projects as a true representation of wisdom, accountability and diligence.

He said, ” This milestone translates to impacts, touching lives and strengthening sustainability. It shows that prioritizing dialogue over conflict is what has made this achievement possible. Sustainable development cannot thrive without support and ownership. Today, you have proven to Nigeria and the world that true progress is best built on foundation of unity and peace”.

Community leaders expressed delight at the initiative which directly or indirectly impacts more than 50,000 community residents, and called on people, especially the youth, to take ownership of the projects to ensure sustainability for generations to come.

 

Dan Poster by — September 27, 2025 in Business 0
Unity Bank Shareholders Approve Merger With Providus Bank

Shareholders of Unity Bank Plc have approved the proposed merger with Providus Bank Limited, marking a major milestone in the business combination of the two financial institutions.

At the Court-Ordered Meeting held on September 26, 2025, at the OOPL Hotel in Abeokuta, Ogun State, 295 shareholders participated and deliberated on all items in the Scheme of Merger. Of these, 293 shareholders representing 99.32% of total shareholding (₦4.4 billion in value) voted in favour of the resolutions, while 2 shareholders representing 0.68% voted against.

As part of the Scheme Consideration, Unity Bank shareholders will receive ₦3.18 per share or be allotted 18 ordinary shares of ₦0.50 each in Providus Bank Limited (credited as fully paid) for every 17 ordinary shares of Unity Bank Plc held. Upon completion, Unity Bank’s entire share capital will be cancelled, and the Bank dissolved without winding up, while Providus Bank Limited will retain its certificate of incorporation as the enlarged bank.

Speaking on the development, Chairman of Unity Bank Plc, Hafiz Mohammed Bashir, said: “This approval by our shareholders is a strong vote of confidence in the merger and what it represents for the future. By joining forces with Providus Bank, we are creating a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient institution that will deliver long-term value to our customers, shareholders, and the Nigerian economy.”

He stated that the new name of the enlarged entity shall be Providus-Unity Bank (PUB) to reflect the core loyalty present in the vast northern market.

The Chairman clarified to the shareholders during the Court-ordered meeting that the NGX lifted the suspension of trading of Unity Bank shares on the floor of The Exchange on 25th September 2025, with a remarkable crossing of 4.004Billion units of AMCON shares (representing 34% of issued shares of Unity Bank Plc) to an existing shareholder of Unity Bank and not to Providus Bank.

Shareholders also authorised the Bank’s Directors and Solicitors/Transaction Advisers to seek the necessary Court orders and take all required actions to give full effect to the Scheme.

Analysts commend the shareholders for endorsing the merger to pave the way for the emergence of a financial powerhouse anchored on strong market positioning with the capacity to take on the competition on the strength of both traditional and modern digital Banking.

Dan Poster by — September 27, 2025 in Business 0
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

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