Category: Daily Trust

World Habitat Day reminds us that housing is a basic human right, yet in many Nigerian cities, that right remains out of reach.

From people sleeping outside shops to drivers spending nights in their cars, the struggle for shelter has become part of daily life.

In this episode of Nigeria Daily, we explore the realities of homelessness in Abuja’s outskirts and hear what experts say can be done to change the story.

Barely one week to commence its planned nationwide strike, the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced mobilisation of its members across all the universities in the country.

The union premised the latest development upon the government’s silence after a notice had been served to all relevant authorities including the minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi.

Daily Trust reports that ASUU had last week Monday announced that it would shut down all the public universities in the country in order to press home its demands.

The union specifically explained that the notice, starting from Sunday, September 28, 2025, would first herald a two-week warning strike before embarking on a total and indefinite strike over the federal government’s attitude.

However, in a fresh letter signed by President of the union, Prof. Chris Piwuna and sent to all branches of the union, ASUU said it had no choice but to shut down universities through strike action in response to the government’s conduct.

In the letter dated October 5, 2025, and obtained by Daily Trust on Monday, Piwuna expressed regret that there had been no meaningful progress toward resolving the issue.

He said, ‘The National Executive Council (NEC) of our Union, at its emergency meeting of 29th September, 2025, having evaluated the results of the referendum held across our branches, resolved to give government a fourteen-day ultimatum to resolve the issues contained in the negotiated document which has been transmitted to government since February, 2025.

‘It was further resolved that the union will proceed on a two-week warning strike at the expiration of the ultimatum if government fails to take acceptable and satisfactory steps to address the lingering issues.

‘The resolutions were immediately communicated to the Honourable Minister of Labour, the Honourable Minister of Education and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

‘It is now one week since those resolutions were reached and communicated to the appropriate authorities. I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported.

‘As we enter the second and final week of the ultimatum, | thank you on behalf of NEC for the patience and understanding which you demonstrated since the commencement of this tortuous negotiation that has unjustifiably last over eight years.

‘The goal of our current action remains principally to compel Government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement document, amongst other demands.

‘The days ahead call for mobilization of every member of our union to ensure unity of purpose. No one should be left out of the struggle to our welfare, stem the Jupa syndrome and reposition the Nigeria University System (NUS) for global competitiveness.

‘We are strong when we organise, but weakened when we agonise! Our Union has always acted in solidarity as a collective; this action will not be different.

‘Members are to take instructions only from their Chairpersons. When in doubt, members should consult their Chairpersons, Zonal Coordinators and attend Congress meetings regularly for updates on further developments.’

Journalist, columnist and author Azu Ishiekwene has released a new book entitled ‘A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit’.

The ten-chapter book focuses on how older adults can profitably interact with and expand their frontiers in the evolving new media landscape, particularly in light of the complex and promising developments of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

In a statement, Ishiekwene, fondly called Azu, said, ‘It shares insights with midlifers on the possibilities for rewarding their mental exertions handsomely, whether literary, artistic or acoustic talent, or the sheer capacity to curate and tell a good story from their experiences using new technologies.’

The book, published by Premium Times Books, is a sequel to ‘Writing for Media and Monetising It,’ published in 2024, and is considered a practical and valuable text for young adults in the media and literary fields.

In the Foreword, historian of African Studies and distinguished teaching professor in Humanities Toyin Falola, said, ‘The book is a groundbreaking book that challenges the widespread belief, especially among the older generation (Gen X), that aspirations should diminish after the age of 50.’

The publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, said, ‘It’s another masterpiece from Azu, who is gaining new heights not only in the mastery of new media forms, but also in his capacity to share his insights in meaningful ways.’

As part of his interest in new media, Azu has also published a workbook on content monetisation, given several lectures, and co-authored a scholarly article with Professor Farooq Kperogi, entitled ‘Light in a Digital Black Hole: Exploration of Emergent Artificial Intelligence Journalism in Nigeria,’ published in the Journal of Applied Journalism and Media Studies.

His new book, A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit, can be accessed on www.azu.media and other global distribution platforms.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said Nigeria has recorded a significant rise in Nigeria’s oil rig count, growing from just eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2, 2025.

This figure represents 762.5% increase in four years.

According to a statement by the Commission, the 69 rigs include 40 active rigs, 8 on standby, 5 on warm stack, 4 on cold stack, and 12 on the move.

The NUPRC noted that this surge reflects renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s charge that ‘Nigeria is ready for business’ under a stable and reformed investment climate.

‘This shows a renewed investor confidence in Nigeria. The success aligns with the charge of President Tinubu that Nigeria is ready for business and that the right investment climate prevails now in the Nigerian upstream as daily actioned by the NUPRC,’ the statement said.

The Commission added that 306 development wells have been drilled and completed between 2022 and 2025, underscoring the sector’s growing momentum.

On host community development, NUPRC revealed that the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) have so far remitted over N358.67 billion, comprising N122.34 billion in naira and N168.91 million in dollar contributions (converted to naira at the prevailing exchange rate).

‘Still in host communities, the NUPRC is overseeing at least 536 projects at various stages of completion – including schools, health centres, roads, and vocational centres – all funded by the trust fund. The achievement has tremendously curbed crude oil theft,’ the Commission added.

In the area of exploration, NUPRC disclosed that it has issued Nigeria’s first Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) for a large offshore geophysical survey covering 56,000 km² of 3D seismic and gravity data.

Additionally, the Commission said it has reprocessed 17,000 line-kilometres of 2D seismic data and 28,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic data, leading to sharper, higher-resolution images of Nigeria’s petroleum systems and reducing exploration uncertainties.

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has launched an investigation into the alleged diversion of over N4 billion of state funds into the Dala Inland Dry Port project.

The probe focuses on claims that contracts worth billions of naira for infrastructure development at the port were awarded during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, shortly after the state’s 20 percent equity in the project was reportedly transferred to members of his family in 2020.

The transaction allegedly stripped Kano State of its ownership stake and installed Ganduje’s children as directors and shareholders in the multi-billion-naira investment.

By the time the contracts were awarded, the state was said to have had no remaining stake in the project.

Chairman of the PCACC, Saidu Yahya, confirmed the development, saying the investigation followed petitions received from members of the public regarding the alleged diversion.

‘Yes, we received petitions from the public on the alleged diversion of over N4 billion of Kano State funds into the Dala Inland Dry Port by the immediate past administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje,’ Yahya said.

He said several individuals of interest had been invited, with one person arrested and later released on bail after providing useful information.

‘Investigation revealed that one of the parties is currently in Yola, Adamawa State,’ Yahya added.

The PCACC chairman stated that the case would soon be charged to court, noting that a prima facie case had been established against those involved.

Gunmen have attacked Rani Ramat village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing one person and abducting the village head.

The incident, it was gathered, happened around 6:20pm on Sunday during the Maghrib prayer when residents had gathered at the mosque.

Witnesses said the assailants arrived on motorcycles and began shooting sporadically. In the confusion that followed, one person identified as Alhaji Liman was shot dead. The attackers later seized the village head, Alhaji Ndako, and whisked him away to an unknown location.

The raid reportedly caused panic in the community as residents fled to nearby villages for safety.

Local sources said the attack lasted several minutes before the gunmen retreated into the bush.

The chairman of Patigi Local Government, Hon Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident on Sunday night. He said local vigilantes and hunters had immediately mobilised into the bush to rescue the abducted village head.

Rufai said the local council, with support from the state government, had been working with security agents and vigilantes to tackle insecurity in the area.

He, however, called for stronger action to flush the bandits out of the forests.

He expressed optimism that the state government’s ongoing recruitment and planned equipping of forest guards would help change the situation.

Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had met with stakeholders from Edu and Patigi local government areas over the insecurity in some parts of the district.

At the meeting, the stakeholders acknowledged the government’s efforts but urged it to deploy more troops and newly trained National Forest Guards to flush out the bandits from their hideouts.

Responding, the governor explained that he had taken up the security concerns with the Presidency and military authorities, assuring that more troops would soon be deployed to the affected areas.

He also disclosed plans to establish a homegrown community security structure as a first line of defence to complement the National Forest Guards.

As Nigeria’s petroleum sector faces turbulence over recent disputes, a quieter struggle is emerging from the nation’s fuel pumps – one waged by petrol station workers demanding fair pay, respect and dignity.

Operating under the Concerned Petrol Station Workers (CPSWs) banner, attendants, cleaners, security guards, and station managers across the country have decried what they describe as years of ‘neglect and exploitation’ despite being the vital last link in Nigeria’s oil distribution chain.

Some of them spoken with by our reporter described the meager wage received from their various Patrol Stations as ‘grossly inadequate’ in the face of Nigeria’s current economic realities.

One of the fuel attendants along Nnamdi Azikiwe Express way Kaduna who declined to mention his name for fear of being victimised said she was only managing N20,000 monthly because she couldn’t find any other job yet.

‘I’m only managing the N20,000 paid to me monthly because I have no option. But imagine what will N20,000 do for you in this country,’ she said

Another pump attendant in Tudun Wada claimed that life has been difficult for him due to the poor payment, saying, ‘Most of us trek a long distance to work every day, just to survive on the N25,000 per month.’

He explained that he is already considering quitting the job due to the poor pay.

Daily Trust further gathered that there are other filling stations that pay above N50,000 depending on the company.

A staff in one of such patrol stations who simply identified himself as Ustaz said for him his patrol station pays minimum wage but confirmed that there are other patrol stations that pay less in the state.

‘I know of other patrol stations that pay their workers around N30,000 or less but for me my station pays minimum wage,’ he said.

Babangida Muhammad a resident of Tudun Wada said his friend who works in one of the filing stations at Unguwar Rimi area always complained of the poor pay before quitting the job because he cannot continue with the meager pay.

Their coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Zango, who spoke on Sunday on behalf of the workers called on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to urgently address the poor welfare and unsafe working conditions they face daily.

‘We are the ones who stand under the scorching sun and in the rain to serve millions every day, yet we are treated as if our lives don’t matter,’ Zango said.

‘We are dying in silence for fear of being molested or frustrated for raising our voices, even when we are like the engine room of the Nigerian petroleum sector.’

According to the group, most petrol station workers earn between N20, 000 and N30,000 monthly, a wage they described as ‘grossly inadequate’ in the face of Nigeria’s current economic realities.

Beyond poor pay, the CPSWs highlighted other forms of exploitation, including being forced to cover losses caused by faulty fuel pumps or accounting discrepancies.

Many also work long hours without rest, leave benefits, or medical insurance, the group stated.

Zango said the workers are routinely exposed to toxic fumes, fire outbreaks, and robbery attacks, often without any safety equipment or protection from their employers.

‘When there’s a fire outbreak, robbery, or accident, the owners disappear, and the attendants are left to suffer,’ he lamented. ‘We are the unsung heroes of Nigeria’s oil economy,’ Zango said.

The group further accused some petrol station owners of silencing workers who attempt to organise for better conditions, sometimes using threats or physical intimidation to suppress dissent.

The CPSWs demanded that petrol station workers be included in ongoing discussions about petroleum sector reforms, insisting that their contribution to national fuel distribution deserves recognition and fair compensation.

He listed their key demands to include Fair and livable wages reflective of current economic conditions; improved working environments, including rest breaks, safety gear, and regulated shifts.

Other demands are Freedom to unionise without intimidation; Health and safety measures to protect workers from occupational hazards.

Zango urged authorities and industry stakeholders to act swiftly, stressing that the dignity of workers should not be sacrificed for profit.

Former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), has asked stakeholders to sustain democracy in the country, saying it’s work in progress.

Speaking when he played host to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Ndoma-Egba said the fact that Nigeria is still one country despite its complex history, is nothing short of a miracle.

Ndoma-Egba who urged citizens to focus on what unites rather than divides, further cautioned against idealising foreign democracies, reminding Nigerians that even the most advanced countries were facing ‘democratic decline.’

He said, ‘If America can wobble, who are we to think our path will be smooth? Democracy, like development, is always a work in progress.You say to your partner, ‘No matter how hard it gets, I’m not leaving.’ That’s what has kept Nigeria together.’

Reflecting on the nation’s 65 years since independence, Ndoma-Egba acknowledged the country’s failures and frustrations but emphasised that progress is still being made.

‘In nation-building, there is no final destination. Development is not a straight line, and no country ever truly arrives,’ he noted.

Drawing from his personal experience, the Senator spoke of life through colonial rule, independence, civil war, and several coups-all within a single lifetime.

He called this compressed history both rare and mentally taxing, warning that it can test the resilience of any society. ‘Elsewhere, such events would span centuries. We’ve had them all at once,’ he said.

He said Nigeria’s survival as a united entity is proof of an underlying national will. ‘We are still one. That is a major achievement. Forget the noise about secession. No rational Nigerian truly wants to see the country disintegrate,’ he said.

The visit also featured the presentation of an Award of Excellence by the NUJ team, led by the Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey. The award recognised the Senator’s four-decade-long relationship with the union, making him the longest-serving patron in Cross River State.

Matchday 7 of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced high drama and late goals across several centres, with Nasarawa United claiming a stunning 1-0 away victory over Bendel Insurance in Benin City.

The Solid Miners continued their impressive run of form, snatching all three points at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium courtesy of substitute Garba Mohammed, who came off the bench in the 60th minute and netted the winner in the 94th minute, silencing the home crowd.

It was Mohammed’s second goal of the season and secured Nasarawa United’s second consecutive away win, following their triumph over Bayelsa United in Yenagoa two weeks earlier.

Speaking after the game, Coach Mangut Mbwas credited motivation and team spirit for the victory.

‘It’s a thing of joy to get the maximum points, either home or away. After drawing their last home game, Bendel Insurance were all out, aggressively searching for the maximum points,’ he said.

‘But we kept on resisting and pushing toward the last minutes of extra-time, and we got the goal. I am so happy with the performance of my boys – all credits to them. We started slowly in the game, but we adjusted as the game progressed, and the changes we effected in the second-half made a lot of difference.’

Mbwas further highlighted the collective motivation driving the team this season:

‘We are highly motivated from all rounds, starting with self-motivation, the push from our sports-loving Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, and the Club’s Management led by Solomon Babanjah, not forgetting our wonderful supporters, the local Football Association and fans.’

Elsewhere, Shooting Stars continued their formidable home form, edging Plateau United 1-0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, thanks to a 90+6-minute strike from Ismail Ayodele.

In Minna, Niger Tornadoes were held to a 1-1 draw by Kun Khalifat, with Abba Khalid giving the hosts the lead in the 42nd minute before Ugochukwu Akuta equalized in the 82nd.

The highly anticipated clash between Enyimba and Rivers United in Aba ended in a tense 0-0 stalemate, as both unbeaten sides canceled each other out.

Warri Wolves claimed a crucial away win, defeating Barau FC 1-0 in Bauchi through Justus Ohanu’s 29th-minute strike, while Abia Warriors secured a 1-0 victory over Kwara United in Ilorin, courtesy of Emeka Obioma’s 48th-minute penalty.

In Enugu, Rangers’ home match against Katsina United was abandoned in the 70th minute due to heavy rainfall and is set to resume Monday morning with the score at 0-0.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa United and Ikorodu City shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, after Tosin converted a late penalty rebound to cancel out Emo James’ 26th-minute opener.

Matchday 7 Results

Bendel Insurance 0-1 Nasarawa United

Elkanemi Warriors 2-1 Kano Pillars

3SC 1-0 Plateau Utd

Tornadoes 1-1 Kun Khalifat

Enyimba 0-0 Rivers Utd

Barau 0-1 Wolves

Kwara Utd 0-1 Abia Warriors

Bayelsa United 1-1 Ikorodu City

*Rangers 0-0 Katsina Utd

*The game will continue 8am today from the 70th minute

Monday

Remo Stars vs Wikki Tourists

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has met with Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule and some elders of the state on how to strengthen governance after the six-month emergency rule in Rivers.

Impeccable sources told Daily Trust that the closed-door meeting held at the Port Harcourt residence of elder statesman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, on Saturday night, ended in the early hours of yesterday.

Though details were sketchy at press time, sources confirmed that the meeting was aimed at aligning efforts to uphold the peace accord brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the six-month emergency rule in the state.

It was also gathered that the meeting was held to deliberate and pave the way for the formation of a new cabinet that would make inputs to drive governance in the state.

Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the meeting on social media, but didn’t disclose details.

The meeting came a few days after Governor Fubara’s visit to President Tinubu, where he reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and sought presidential counsel on avoiding a relapse into a political crisis.

Daily Trust reports that Wike had also, during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, restated his commitment to the peace process.

Fubara had sacked his commissioners and other public officers affected by the Supreme Court judgement that nullified some of the governor’s decisions.

The governor’s Spokesman, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed in a statement last Wednesday that Fubara made the decision during a valedictory session with his cabinet held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, which coincided with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Appointing new commissioners is said to be one of the agreements reached at the peace meeting President Tinubu held with Wike and Fubara during the emergency rule.

Speaking during the valedictory session with his cabinet, Fubara had said the decision to disengage his loyalists had to do with the Supreme Court judgement which affected their appointments.

Recall that President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

The President in a nationwide broadcast on March 18, said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that had been enmeshed in political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.

The President had appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, as the state’s administrator to oversee the state, but at the expiration of the six-month emergency rule last month, the president reinstated Fubara and all the officials that were suspended including members of the state House of Assembly.

At its inaugural sitting, the state lawmakers had asked Fubara to send a list of commissioner-nominees for screening. The governor is expected to form a new cabinet any time soon.