Category: Daily Trust

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.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely intervention in averting what it described as ‘the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN’ against the company.

The company in a statement said the president’s leadership, through his ministers and senior government officials, ensured the restoration of order and stability to the energy sector at a critical moment.

‘Dangote Refinery is grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, HE Bola Tinubu, GCFR for his intervention, through his Ministers and senior officials, which resulted in the abatement of the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN against the Refinery.’

According to the company, among the key government officials who worked ‘tirelessly’ to restore normalcy were Nigeria’s Security Chiefs, led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Toyin Ajayi; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Mohammed Mohammed.

The company also commended the efforts of other senior government officials who worked ‘untiringly and determinedly into the wee hours of several nights to avert the declared disruption of Nigeria’s energy sector by anarchists and agents of darkness.’ These, it said, included the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Dingyadi; the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; and the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

‘We remain very grateful to these officials for their patriotism and national service,’ it added.

Dangote Refinery extended heartfelt gratitude to Nigerians for their overwhelming public support during the crisis.

‘To Nigerians of all walks of life, we owe you more than a debt of gratitude. Your support for our righteous cause was both humbling and overwhelming. We heard your supportive voices and words of encouragement literally in all the street corners and media channels of Nigeria and were energized and strengthened thereby. You gave us hope and reinforced our belief in the Nigerian nation and people as the backbone of our enterprise. Be assured that we would continue to work for and in your interest and persist in always protecting that interest against rent seekers, economic saboteurs and economic squatters,’ the company stated.

The Refinery also lauded its workforce for their loyalty and commitment during the industrial tension.

‘To our loyal workers, who ensured that our operations were not disrupted even for a second, we thank and appreciate you. The strength of Dangote Group lies in our people and their unalloyed dedication and allegiance to our cause, mission and vision. You proved your allegiance to our cause these several days even in the face of the provocative and inciting comments of and directives from detractors and naysayers who do not wish us and indeed Nigeria well. Be assured that you are treasured and will continue to be handsomely rewarded and remunerated notwithstanding the hypocritical directives and pronouncements of the enemies of Nigeria’s progress and derailers of our economy’.

Reaffirming its position as one of Nigeria’s foremost employers, the refinery noted that the Dangote Group is a model private sector player committed to fair employment practices and national economic development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja following a ten-day working visit to Lagos.

The President arrived in Lagos on Friday, September 26, after attending the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan.

While in Lagos, President Tinubu engaged with key investors, including Bayo Ogunlesi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners, and Hakeem Bello-Osagie, former Chairman of United Bank for Africa and Etisalat, and now Chairman of Metis Capital Partners.

President Tinubu also received the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr Arsenio Dominguez, in the company of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and other heads of agencies in the sector.

During their meeting, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s maritime industry as a viable alternative to fossil energy.

On the eve of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, President Tinubu visited Imo State to commission projects undertaken by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The President also unveiled a book authored by the governor, chronicling 10 years of the APC governance in Nigeria.

He delivered the national broadcast from the State House, Dodan Barracks, on Independence Day and later commissioned the renovated National Theatre – now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts – where he called on Nigerians to speak positively about their country.

On Saturday, October 4, President Tinubu visited Jos, Plateau State, to attend the burial of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, the chairman of the APC.

At the funeral, the President paid tribute to Mama Yilwatda and assured Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his administration’s unwavering commitment to fairness and equity among all religious groups in the country.

Barcelona’s hopes of returning to the top of La Liga were dashed in stunning fashion as they suffered a humiliating defeat to Sevilla – their worst against the Andalusian side since a 4-0 loss in 1951.

Needing a win to reclaim first place from Real Madrid, Hansi Flick’s men were outplayed for long spells and slumped to their first league defeat of the season against a Sevilla team that had not beaten them in over a decade.

Former Barcelona winger Alexis Sánchez put Sevilla ahead from the penalty spot after Ronald Araújo clumsily brought down Isaac Romero. Romero doubled the hosts’ advantage soon after, finishing off a swift counterattack to send the home crowd into raptures.

Barcelona briefly threatened a comeback when Marcus Rashford volleyed home Pedri’s cross in first-half stoppage time. But the Catalans failed to build on that momentum, and their frustration deepened when Robert Lewandowski missed a crucial second-half penalty after Adnan Januzaj fouled Alejandro Balde.

Sevilla sealed the emphatic victory late on through José Ángel Carmona and Akor Adams, condemning Barça to a second straight defeat following their midweek Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

The result leaves Barcelona two points behind leaders Real Madrid, while Sevilla climb to fifth, with Atlético Madrid still to play Celta Vigo in Sunday’s late fixture.

The Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy (FOCPEN) has stated that 23 states have already passed enabling laws to establish their electricity markets, with more States joining soon.

A statement by the Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy, Cross River State and Chairman FOCPEN, Prince Eka Williams, and Commissioner of Rural and Energy Development, Kogi State and, Ag. Secretary, FOCPEN, Engr. Mohammed Ihiezue Abdulmutalib, stated that states now have formal NERC transfers of regulatory oversight.

The statement which denied claims that 24 States have backpedaled on power market reforms over tariff, debt risks, noted that more states are joining the reform journey each month with formal transfer processes for Bayelsa and Nasarawa.

‘Also in its just concluded Energy Summit, Akwa Ibom State unveiled its state market blueprint, signaling strong intent to develop its state electricity market. Other States are similarly planning or hosting stakeholder engagements, workshops, and policy dialogues that will accelerate the localization of electricity governance.’

It added that regulatory commissions have been constituted in pioneering states, with others at advanced stages of setting up theirs.

‘This shows that the state markets are operational, not theoretical and states across all regions are actively exploring frameworks for independent regulation, tariff orders, and market design. The Spirit of reform remains strong and the Electricity Act is a landmark piece of legislation that has opened the door for subnational participation. States are approaching this transition with seriousness and caution, ensuring that their frameworks are credible, bankable, and sustainable.’

‘Far from ‘backpedaling,’ the momentum is growing as more states recognise the benefits of energy independence, regulatory autonomy, and consumer-focused power market reforms. FOCPEN assures Nigerians that states are not retreating; they are advancing with structured, deliberate reforms with the Federal Government and development partners ongoing to build capacity and ensure smooth implementation, financial sustainability, and consumer protection.’

The Lagos State government and legal experts have called for stronger regulation and compliance in Nigeria’s real estate sector to curb quackery, fraudulent practices, and consumer exploitation.

Speaking at a seminar of the Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria (AEAN), Lagos State Chapter, Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Housing represented by Akinbola Temitope Director (lands) Monitoring and Compliance Department said the state is committed to enforcing existing laws and strengthening the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) to ensure professionalism in the sector.

Odunuga-Bakare noted ‘While over 1,000 practitioners have registered with LASRERA, the number of unregistered operators is far higher. These quacks are behind fraudulent transactions ranging from multiple sales of the same property to rent collection for non-existent apartments,’ she said.

According to her, real estate-related complaints are among the top five consumer grievances in the state, with tenants facing unfair rent hikes and hidden charges, while buyers contend with title fraud and delayed property delivery.

She identified affordability as a major challenge, stressing that nearly 70 per cent of Lagosians live in rented accommodation. ‘Access to housing finance remains difficult, with mortgage rates often beyond the reach of average citizens. This pushes many toward informal arrangements with unregulated agents,’ she said.

In a separate presentation, legal practitioner Akinboyo Ayorinde provided a broader legal perspective, noting that real estate contributed 15.9 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP in 2025, making it the third-largest contributor to the economy. He stressed that property ownership and transactions are governed by a web of federal and state laws, with the Land Use Act of 1978 central to Nigeria’s land tenure system.

‘The Land Use Act vests all land in a state in the governor, who grants occupancy rights and must give consent before any transfer or mortgage. Without such consent, land transactions are invalid,’ Ayorinde explained, citing Supreme Court precedent.

He also highlighted Lagos-specific regulations such as the Land Registration Law 2015, the Land Use Charge Law 2018, and the Tenancy Law 2011, which, among other provisions, prohibits landlords from demanding more than one year’s rent in advance from yearly tenants.

He also referenced the pending Real Estate Regulatory Council Bill, which, if passed, would establish a national framework for licensing practitioners and standardising practices across Nigeria.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been named among the distinguished leaders to be honoured at the Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards 2025, scheduled to hold on October 9-10, 2025, at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He will receive the Federal Government’s GovTech Public Service Award in recognition of his administration’s bold reforms that are entrenching digital governance, modernising service delivery, and creating new opportunities for Plateau citizens through technology.

One of Governor Mutfwang administration’s landmark initiatives is the Digital Performance Scorecard Dashboard, a citizen-focused platform that enables the public to monitor, in real time, the performance of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

This innovation fulfils the governor’s campaign pledge to promote transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.

In addition, the government has commenced full digitization of civil service operations, including biometric attendance systems, digital personnel records, and an integrated e-governance structure.

The move is aimed at eliminating manual bottlenecks, promoting transparency, and enhancing professionalism within the service.

In the education sector, Plateau State has launched the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), a transformative e-learning platform providing more than two million children with access to quality education both online and offline. Complementary systems, such as the Education Management System, are streamlining school operations, while inter-ministerial connectivity through a government-wide network, supported by Voice Over IP (VoIP) solutions, has enhanced collaboration and efficiency across MDAs.

At the fiscal level, the Plateau Government Financial Information Management System (PGFIMS) now provides real-time visibility into financial transactions across ministries and agencies, promoting accountability and eliminating leakages.

This reform is further reinforced by new asset management, budget control, and staff verification tools designed to reduce waste and eliminate ghost workers from the payroll.

In the transport sector, the Mutfwang administration is introducing automation to improve safety, efficiency, and passenger convenience.

The new state-operated buses are equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) and secure card payment systems, ushering in a new era of cashless, technology-driven travel. They also feature integrated video monitoring systems for enhanced passenger safety and operational oversight.

Looking ahead, the administration has established the Plateau Innovation Centre, envisioned as a hub for startups, digital skills training, and youth-driven enterprises, a key pillar for building a thriving knowledge economy in the state.

The recognition comes as part of the third edition of the Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) under the theme: ‘Redefining Possibilities: Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Public Service Delivery and Socio-Economic Development.’

The awards celebrate visionary leaders driving technology-led reforms and digital inclusion across Nigeria.

Governor Mutfwang will be honoured alongside Governors Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), as well as several federal ministers and heads of key government agencies.

For Plateau State, the award represents a national endorsement of Governor Mutfwang’s digital transformation agenda, one that is leveraging technology as a catalyst for transparent governance, innovation, and inclusive socio-economic growth.