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NMDPRA threatens fuel stations with licence revocation over under-dispensing

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has read the Riot Act to petrol stations involved in under-dispensing of petroleum products, threatening to revoke their licence in line with its regulations.

In a statement by the authority on Tuesday, the regulator said it has observed incidents of under-dispensing of petroleum products at some retail outlets nationwide.

‘The Authority views this as a serious breach of consumer trust that will not be tolerated,’ the statement read.

To safeguard the interest of consumers, NMDPRA directed all retail outlet operators to carry out immediate calibration and verification of all dispensers and totalisers.

According to the statement, this is intended to guarantee accurate measurement and ensure that consumers receive the full value of the product they pay for.

The NMDPRA management said it has intensified inspections and enforcement activities nationwide, warning that outlets found to be under-dispensing, operating with improperly calibrated equipment, or otherwise compromising dispensing accuracy, will be required to take immediate corrective action.

The Authority said persistent or serious violations will be subject to appropriate sanctions, up to and including revocation of the outlet’s licence, in line with NMDPRA’s regulations.

‘Outlets found to be under-dispensing, operating with improperly calibrated equipment, or otherwise compromising dispensing accuracy will be required to take immediate corrective action.

‘Persistent or serious violations will be subject to appropriate sanctions, up to and including revocation of the outlet’s licence, in line with NMDPRA’s regulations,’ the statement read.

All the umbrella bodies of fuel marketers: MEMAN, DAPPMAN, IPMAN and PETROAN were directed to promptly notify their members of the directive and to support full compliance across the industry.

NMDPRA said it remains committed to protecting consumers, promoting transparency. and upholding the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide.

Colombia withdraws intervention in South Africa’s ICJ genocide case against Israel

Colombia has formally withdrawn its intervention in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the court announced Tuesday.

The ICJ said Colombia had informed the court of its decision to withdraw the declaration of intervention it filed under Article 63 of the court’s Statute on April 5, 2024, in the case concerning the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel).

The move ends Colombia’s formal participation as an intervening state in the proceedings. Article 63 allows states party to a convention whose interpretation is at issue in a case to intervene in proceedings. Colombia’s intervention did not make it a party to the main case.

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the withdrawal, stressing that the decision was taken under the president’s constitutional authority to direct the country’s international relations.

The ministry said the withdrawal ‘does not change Colombia’s status as a State Party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, nor does it affect the validity, scope or binding force of the international obligations assumed under that instrument.’

The decision reverses a measure taken under former President Gustavo Petro, whose government filed the intervention in 2024 as Colombia’s relations with Israel deteriorated. Petro’s government subsequently severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office in August, has moved to restore relations with Israel as part of a broader foreign policy shift. His administration had previously announced plans to withdraw Colombia’s intervention in the ICJ case.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed Colombia’s withdrawal, thanking President de la Espriella for what he described as Colombia’s decision to withdraw from ‘South Africa’s false and malicious case against Israel’ at the ICJ.

Sa’ar also referred to the move as a reversal of policies pursued during the Petro administration and said it followed earlier discussions with Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula.

‘The friendship between Israel and Colombia is stronger than ever,’ Sa’ar said.

Israeli Ambassador to Colombia Vivien Aisen also welcomed the decision, saying Colombia had chosen ‘the right side of history’ and describing the move as ‘a brave and responsible decision that we deeply appreciate.’

South Africa filed the case against Israel in December 2023, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention in relation to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Israel has rejected the allegations and denied that its actions in Gaza constitute genocide. The case remains pending before the ICJ.

Migrating abroad soon? Do these 5 financial steps before leaving the Philippines

Whether it’s pursuing better career opportunities, reuniting with family or giving their children a brighter future, permanent migration is one of the biggest life decisions many Filipinos will make.

But aside from visa applications, airfare and moving logistics, relocating permanently also requires careful financial preparation. Unlike overseas workers who intend to return home, permanent migrants often need to manage financial responsibilities across two countries-from maintaining assets and providing for your family in the Philippines to building long-term financial security in their new home.

According to Metrobank, preparing financially starts with understanding your current financial position and creating a plan that supports your long-term goals, wherever life takes you.

Here are five financial priorities every future permanent migrant should consider before leaving the Philippines.

1. Start with a complete financial checkup

Before making any major financial decisions, look at your overall financial situation.

Review your income, savings, investments, outstanding loans, insurance coverage and retirement plans. Having a clear picture of your finances helps you determine which obligations should be settled before you leave and which assets or accounts you will continue managing from overseas.

Metrobank points out that migration changes not only where you live, but also how you manage your finances. A financial review before departure allows you to make the necessary arrangements with your bank and avoid costly surprises once you have settled abroad.

2. Build a relocation fund without sacrificing your emergency savings

Moving overseas permanently comes with significant upfront expenses, from immigration fees and airfare to rental deposits, furniture, and other settlement costs. At the same time, unexpected expenses may arise during your first few months in a new country.

To prepare, Metrobank reminds future migrants to set aside separate funds for your relocation expenses and your emergency savings. Your relocation fund should cover the costs of moving, while your emergency fund should remain untouched and serve as a financial safety net in case of delayed employment, medical emergencies or other unforeseen situations as you establish yourself abroad.

3. Review and organize your financial obligations

Before leaving the Philippines, take time to review your existing financial commitments and make sure you have a clear plan for managing them while abroad.

List any outstanding financial obligations and check their payment schedules, terms, and due dates. If you have payments that will continue after your move, consider setting up convenient payment arrangements or automatic payments to help keep your accounts up to date.

It is also helpful to review recurring expenses and subscriptions, and determine which ones you still need to maintain once you are overseas. Taking care of these details before your departure can help prevent missed payments, unnecessary fees, or financial stress as you adjust to your new life.

Metrobank recommends understanding and making the necessary arrangements for your financial commitments before migrating, so you can make informed decisions about how to allocate your income and resources as you establish yourself in a new country.

4. Start planning for retirement early

Metrobank emphasizes that for Filipinos permanently settling abroad, retirement planning should begin as soon as you become financially stable. While migration may bring better career opportunities and higher income, it also means taking greater responsibility for securing your financial future.

Take advantage of retirement or pension programs in your new country, particularly if your employer offers matching contributions. Depending on your long-term plans, you may also consider maintaining your SSS membership or keeping investments in the Philippines, especially if you intend to retain assets or spend part of your retirement there.

The earlier you begin saving and investing for retirement, the more time your money has to grow. Planning ahead also gives you greater flexibility, whether you eventually retire in your adopted country, return to the Philippines or divide your retirement between both.

5. Prepare to manage your finances across two countries

Permanent migration does not always mean leaving your financial life in the Philippines behind. Many migrants continue to own property, maintain bank accounts and investments, or support family members long after settling overseas.

Before leaving, update your contact information with your financial institutions, enroll in digital banking services and ensure you can securely access your accounts from abroad. If you will continue managing assets in the Philippines, consider assigning a trusted representative through the appropriate legal documents to help handle transactions when your physical presence is required.

For Filipinos who continue to support loved ones in the Philippines, having a reliable way to send money home can also be part of managing finances across borders.

You can partner with banks like Metrobank, which has a remittance app, MetroRemit, available for overseas Filipinos in key markets. The app enables them to send money directly to Metrobank accounts of their beneficiaries or through more than 11,000 cash pickup partners in the Philippines. This makes it easier for Filipinos abroad to support their loved ones while keeping remittances aligned with their broader financial goals.

With its presence in the Philippines and across key international markets, Metrobank supports Filipinos wherever their financial journey takes them. Whether it is sending money home, managing day-to-day finances, building savings, or planning for the future, having the right financial tools and arrangements in place can help make managing finances across borders more seamless.

Preparing for permanent migration involves more than packing your belongings. With thoughtful planning and sound financial decisions, moving abroad can also be the beginning of a stronger and more secure financial future.

Azerbaijan, France discuss regional peace and EU cooperation at UNGA

Azerbaijan and France discussed bilateral and multilateral relations, the Azerbaijan-EU cooperation agenda and the regional situation during a meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The meeting was held between Azerbaijan’s representative and Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

The Azerbaijani side stressed the importance of constructive engagement, referring to guidance provided during high-level exchanges between the two countries’ Heads of State over the past year.

The discussions also covered Azerbaijan’s efforts to consolidate peace and stability in the region.

The Azerbaijani side said the meeting addressed issues related to bilateral and multilateral relations, Azerbaijan-EU cooperation and regional developments.

NGX Invest expands primary market access

Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has expanded access to its NGX Invest platform with the launch of a WhatsApp subscription channel, providing investors with an additional, convenient way to participate in public offers.

Investors can begin the subscription process by sending ‘Invest’ to NGX Invest on WhatsApp at +234 812 731 9521. They can then follow the prompts to view eligible offers and complete the required subscription steps without downloading a separate application. As part of the process, investors will select a stockbroker through whom their application will be processed, ensuring that brokers remain an integral part of the investment journey.

The new channel extends NGX Invest’s growing distribution ecosystem, which connects issuers to investors through more than 100 distribution channels, including stockbrokers, banks, fintechs, mobile operators and other financial institutions via API connectivity.

By integrating WhatsApp into NGX Invest, NGX Group is reducing friction in the investment process and bringing primary-market opportunities closer to investors through a platform they already use every day. For issuers, the integration provides an additional route to reach a broader pool of potential investors and support more efficient capital raising.

The development forms part of NGX Group’s broader strategy to use technology, partnerships and open distribution infrastructure to widen participation in Nigeria’s capital market.

Security remains central to the design of the investor journey. While WhatsApp provides the interface through which investors can access the service, subscriptions are processed through NGX Invest’s secure, regulated infrastructure. Investors are encouraged to interact only with the official NGX Invest WhatsApp number and should never share passwords, PINs, OTPs or other sensitive credentials with third parties.

As digital participation in Nigeria’s capital market grows, NGX Group remains focused on ensuring that increased access is supported by secure, transparent and regulated market infrastructure. The addition of WhatsApp combines the convenience of a familiar consumer channel with the safeguards required for participation in regulated public offers.

With WhatsApp now part of its distribution ecosystem, NGX Invest is further expanding the infrastructure through which investors can discover and participate in primary-market opportunities, while enabling issuers to reach a wider investing public.

NGX Invest is NGX Group’s SEC-approved e-offering platform for accessing Public Offers, Rights Issues and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).

Since its launch in 2024, the platform has facilitated more than 23 primary-market transactions and supported over N3 trillion in capital raising.

Through API connectivity, NGX Invest is connected to more than 100 distribution channels spanning stockbrokers, banks, fintech platforms, mobile operators and other financial institutions. This open distribution network connects issuers with a broader pool of investors, simplifies participation in public offers and supports more efficient capital formation in Nigeria’s capital market.

APC leaders urged to close ranks ahead of elections

Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere Federal Constituency II have been urged to close ranks and strengthen grassroots engagement ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

Member of the House of Representatives representing the constituency, Lanre Okunola, made the call at the party’s monthly strategic meeting held at the Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Secretariat.

Okunola, who chaired the meeting, urged ward chairmen and party members to remain united and focused on the party’s ideals of progressive governance and grassroots development.

He said the party must deepen engagement at the ward level and prevent internal disagreements from affecting its preparations for the elections.

‘What we have in Surulere Constituency 2 is a united, formidable and disciplined party. As we move towards the forthcoming elections, we must close ranks, deepen our engagement at the ward level and continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. No internal division should be allowed to affect us. Our victory must be total,’ he said.

The meeting also reviewed the party’s activities at the grassroots and discussed ways of improving coordination across the wards.

The Chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA, Oluwafemi Daniel Odunayo, who hosted the meeting, commended Okunola for what he described as purposeful leadership and effective representation.

Odunayo said Okunola’s facilitation of projects across Coker-Aguda and Itire-Ikate LCDAs was strengthening the party’s credibility among residents.

Weak peso

A weak peso is a doubled-edged sword. It encourages exporters to produce more because of higher potential earnings from a ‘favorable’ exchange rate.

It is also a boon to business process outsourcing companies with overseas contracts denominated in foreign currencies.

But a weak local currency has its ugly side. It translates into higher cost of imports, especially of oil, fuels inflation and increases government pressure to raise transportation fares and wages.

The Philippine information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) industry, for one, is gaining short-term competitiveness from the peso’s depreciation. At the same time, however, it fears rising inflation and blanket wage hikes could erode the sector’s long-term advantage.

Proposed wage increases, while favorable or neutral to salaried employees, would create uncertainty and could affect investor projections and decisions.

Renewed Middle East tensions last week drove the immediate drop in the value of the peso. Brent crude rose 2.77 percent to $107.51 a barrel while West Texas Intermediate climbed 2.27 percent to $102.32 after Houthi forces attacked targets in Saudi Arabia and Iranian forces assaulted commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf, per a foreign wire report.

The Philippines imports nearly all of its oil requirements. Higher crude prices directly widen the country’s trade deficit and increase the demand for dollars among local importers.

The US dollar itself is strengthening, lowering the value of the peso and other foreign currencies. It is gathering strength as investors weighed the prospect of interest rate decisions from both the US Fed and the Bank of Japan.

One foreign exchange trader noted that the peso reached new lows after August’s US inflation data solidified views of a Fed rate hike. Against these hawkish expectations, the peso currency will likely remain weak.

The peso depreciation, to reiterate, has a significant impact on the economy because it will fuel inflation and slow down economic growth. It may boost our exporters but the weak currency creates a challenging environment characterized by higher costs and reduced production.

The Philippines can check the peso depreciation through more exports but that is easier said than done. We need to boost the economy and expand our export base-that means raising investments to generate more jobs and increase the purchasing power of our workers.

The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has committed to speed up investments, strengthen skills training and help businesses expand, and hire more Filipinos after the July labor data showed mixed results.

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s July 2026 Labor Force Survey showed 49.2 million Filipinos were employed, an increase of about 3.2 million from last year. Private establishments added 582,000 wage and salary workers, and middle- and high-skilled occupations rose by a combined 2.6 million workers.

Unemployment, however, rose to 6 percent, with 3.14 million Filipinos out of work, an increase of 551,000 from a year earlier. More Filipinos are finding work but more are also entering the labor force as new graduates join the labor force.

Against this backdrop, the Marcos administration approved 46 special economic zones that are expected to draw P141.2 billion in investments and generate close to 189,000 jobs. Of these zones, 43 are outside Metro Manila, 29 in Luzon, 12 in the Visayas and five in Mindanao.

The government is also accelerating the Luzon Economic Corridor, which will link Subic, Clark, Manila and Batangas into a logistics, manufacturing and innovation hub. The mammoth railway project is projected to generate up to one million jobs.

A planned 1,600-hectare technology hub in New Clark City within the corridor is also expected to support semiconductor, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence industries, and create 130,000 high-quality jobs.

The training of more Filipinos for the new job positions should match the new investments. An expanded economic base and increased employment, hopefully, will add value to our currency and cancel out the effects of a stronger US dollar.

Dates set for Queen Mother’s cremation

An official schedule for the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother was issued on Tuesday by the Government Public Relations Department (PRD).

The five-day ceremony will be held from Dec 15-19, according to the PRD’s Phra Lan Facebook page.

The ceremony will begin with a royal merit-making ceremony at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace at 5pm on Dec 15.

The following day, the royal urn of Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother will be taken in procession to the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang at 7am. The cremation is scheduled for 4.30pm.

On Dec 17, a ceremony to collect the Queen Mother’s relics and ashes will be held at 8am, followed by their transfer to Phra Si Rattana Chedi, the main pagoda of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha within the Grand Palace.

Merit-making at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall will be held on Dec 18.

The ceremony will conclude on Dec 19 with the final procession of the late queen’s cremated ashes to Wat Rajabophit Sathit Maha Simaram and Wat Bowonniwet Vihara.

The PRD said the public can watch live broadcasts of the five-day ceremony.

On Monday, PM’s Office Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi, chairwoman of the public relations committee for the ceremony, held a meeting on media preparations for the event.

Ms Supamas said preparations would begin in October for a media centre and related facilities, as well as live broadcasts and the television broadcasting centre of the Television Pool Association (Thailand).

The preparations aim to ensure that coverage of the royal ceremony is accurate, complete and respectful, she said.

“This royal ceremony is very important for the Thai people. We request all sectors to cooperate closely in gratitude for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother,” Ms Supamas said.

“We also have to make sure that Thai culture and high arts according to ancient Thai royal traditions are narrated correctly and completely to people both in and outside of Thailand.”

Beyond Racing: What Formula 1 fans can expect at 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will bring a variety of entertainment to Baku alongside the action on the track, as Formula 1 celebrates its 10th anniversary in the Azerbaijani capital.

According to information provided to AzerNEWS by Baku City Circuit, the main Entertainment Zone will be set up along Baku Boulevard, where fans and families will have access to a wide selection of activities and experiences throughout the race weekend.

Formula 1 enthusiasts will be able to take part in several interactive attractions. A racing simulator will give visitors the opportunity to virtually drive an F1 car and compete to record the fastest lap. The Pit Stop Challenge will test participants’ teamwork and speed, with groups of two or three competing to change the tyres of an F1 car as quickly as possible. The leading teams will qualify for a final, with prizes such as signed memorabilia and paddock tours on offer to the winners.

The Fan Zone will also feature several attractions dedicated to the Formula 1 experience. Visitors will be able to view an F1 show car and the FIA championship trophy. Through an augmented-reality selfie experience, fans can also take virtual photographs with F1 drivers and team principals. An F1 DJ podium will recreate the atmosphere of a Grand Prix podium celebration.

The programme will include activities for those looking for entertainment beyond motorsport. The Ninja Challenge will offer an obstacle course featuring climbing walls, balance sections and rope elements, while a zipline will provide visitors with a high-speed attraction across the Fan Zone.

Young fans will also have dedicated entertainment options. At the Kids’ Grand Prix, children will be able to drive miniature electric cars on a specially designed track. The children’s area will additionally offer themed face painting, creative workshops and a selection of trampolines, including a helmet-shaped inflatable attraction.

Driver appearances will form another part of the programme. During Fan Forums, Formula 1 drivers and team representatives will appear on the main stage to answer fan questions and discuss their championship experiences away from the racing circuit.

A series of roaming performances will add to the atmosphere throughout the day. The entertainment line-up will include traditional national dances, Amarok’s drum performance, Mirror Dancers, Mirror Racing Show, Flying People and Drum Girls.

The Fan Zone stage will also host a series of musical performances. DJs Pancho, Maya Aziz, Nicolas Mun, Nazreen, Tim and Vugarixx will perform, alongside Excellent Band and Mardan Band.

The entertainment programme will continue into the evening at Baku Crystal Hall. International stars Calvin Harris and Katy Perry are scheduled to perform on Thursday and Friday respectively, adding live music to the Grand Prix weekend.

Running from September 24 to 26, the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will combine Formula 1 racing with live performances, concerts, interactive attractions, and fan activities across Baku, offering visitors a programme that extends well beyond the circuit.

New private-sector led initiative seeks to connect Tanzania’s housing sector with investment

A new private-sector-led initiative aims to connect Tanzania’s housing and construction sector with investors, financiers, professionals and consumers as the industry seeks to translate the country’s long-term housing ambitions into practical opportunities.

Known as Makazi 2050, the initiative will begin with a leadership forum on October 27, 2026, bringing together selected stakeholders to discuss housing finance, construction, urban development, technology and investment.

The forum will be followed by Makazi Expo 2026, scheduled for November 26-28 at Viwanja vya Posta, Kijitonyama, Dar es Salaam, with a government official expected to officiate. The official’s name will be announced later. Organisers say the two-stage initiative is designed to connect Tanzania’s long-term development aspirations with activity in the housing market, particularly in financing, investment, construction and technology.

The initiative is aligned with the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which identifies affordable, safe and decent housing and settlements, alongside sustainable, smart and green cities and urban centres, among the country’s long-term aspirations.

Managing Director of Mizizi Greenworks Limited, Elias Patrick. PHOTO I COURTESY

Managing Director of Mizizi Greenworks Limited, Elias Patrick, said the forum would provide an opportunity for Tanzanian housing-sector leaders to consider how people will live in the future and how the sector can respond to emerging challenges, including climate change.

He said discussions would also look at how sustainable housing can be developed and what policies may be needed to address challenges such as changing weather patterns and events associated with El Niño.

‘Vision 2050 sets the national direction. Makazi 2050 asks the housing-sector question: what must we finance, build, manufacture, regulate and innovate between now and 2050 to deliver better homes and communities for Tanzanians?’ he said.

The Makazi 2050 Forum will provide a platform for leaders and industry stakeholders to discuss priorities affecting the sector, while the expo will give businesses an opportunity to showcase products and services, engage consumers and facilitate access to financing and investment opportunities.

The organisers expect the expo to attract more than 150 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors.

The three-day event will feature six areas covering property and investment; construction and building materials; interiors and furnishing; smart, green and utility solutions; finance, technology and professional services; and locally produced lifestyle brands.

A key feature of the expo will be the Makazi Clinic, a public education and engagement programme aimed at helping consumers make more informed housing and property decisions.

The clinic will focus on three areas: Jenga Sahihi, (Build Right), which will provide guidance on proper construction; Malizia Sahihi, (Finish and Live Better), which will focus on home finishing and living; and Fanya Property Ifanye Kazi, (Make Property Work for You), which will focus on financing, owning, investing in and generating value from property.

The expo will also provide an opportunity for businesses and innovators to showcase solutions, both locally developed and internationally sourced, that can support better and more sustainable living.

Through the clinic and exhibition, consumers will be connected with professionals, products, services and financing options available through participating exhibitors.

The organisers says its wider 2026 programme will combine strategic dialogue through the Makazi 2050 Forum, market engagement through the expo and continued industry engagement under Makazi 365.

They describes the initiative as private-sector-led and says it is intended to complement national development priorities rather than form part of a government programme.