Category: Daily Trust

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has called for a stakeholders’ consultation on the proposed Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Prevention of Anti-Competitive Practices and Behaviour Regulations.

In a public notice posted on its official X handle yesterday, the Authority invited licensees, permit holders and other stakeholders to submit comments on the proposed regulations within 21 days, in compliance with Section 216(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which requires stakeholder consultation before regulations are finalised.

The notice, signed by the Authority’s Chief Executive, Rabiu A. Umar, stated that stakeholders could review the draft regulations on the Authority’s website and submit observations before the consultation period closes.

It added that a stakeholders’ consultation forum on the proposed regulations would be held on September 22, 2026, at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja.

The notice read in part, ‘In compliance with Section 216(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 requiring consultation with stakeholders before the finalisation of Regulations, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority hereby invites licensees, permit holders and other stakeholders to make submissions within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this publication in respect of the proposed Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Prevention of Anti-Competitive Practices and Behaviour Regulations.’

It added, ‘Stakeholders are enjoined to visit the Authority’s website to review the proposed Regulations. All submissions are to be made using the format accessible on the Authority’s website and must be received not later than 21 days from the date of this notice.’

The proposed Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Prevention of Anti-Competitive Practices and Behaviour Regulations, 2026, seek to dismantle anti-competitive conduct ranging from pump price coordination and artificial scarcity to bid rigging, customer allocation, exclusive supply arrangements and the exchange of commercially sensitive information among competitors.

The move comes amid renewed concerns over pricing practices in the downstream petroleum sector following allegations by independent marketers in July that some major fuel importers were selling imported Premium Motor Spirit at coordinated prices significantly above those of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

A review of the draft regulations showed that the Authority intends to outlaw virtually every form of coordinated conduct capable of weakening competition in the petroleum market.

Under Part IV, titled Collusive Agreements and Anti-Competitive Coordination, the draft regulations prohibit petroleum companies from entering into formal or informal agreements designed to influence prices, allocate markets or manipulate commercial outcomes.

The draft states, ‘No licensee, market participant, or group of undertakings in the midstream or downstream petroleum sector shall enter into any agreement, arrangement, understanding, or concerted practice, whether formal or informal, written or oral, explicit or tacit, that has the object or effect of preventing, restricting, or distorting competition.’

The regulations specifically identify price-fixing or coordinated pricing behaviour as prohibited conduct.

The Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) will host its inaugural Sustainability Conference 2026 on Thursday, August 20, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, regulators and sustainability experts to examine strategies for building resilient organisations in a rapidly changing world.

The hybrid conference, themed ‘The Adaptive Enterprise: Sustainability Strategies for Challenging Times,’ will provide a platform for discussions on integrating sustainability into business strategy, strengthening organisational resilience and driving long-term economic growth.

The event will attract participants from the banking and financial services, manufacturing, energy, telecommunications, consulting and professional services sectors, alongside representatives of government institutions, regulatory agencies, development organisations, academia and civil society.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Aminu Umar Sadiq, will deliver the keynote address, while the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, will present the guest address.

Other speakers include Executive Director, Risk, FirstBank Group, Biyi Olagbami, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement, Ibrahim Shelleng, alongside other industry leaders and sustainability practitioners.

Speaking ahead of the conference, SPIN President, Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, said the event reflects the institute’s commitment to advancing sustainability beyond regulatory compliance and positioning it as a core element of organisational leadership and business competitiveness.

According to him, the conference is designed to equip organisations with practical strategies to navigate economic, environmental and social challenges while creating long-term value for stakeholders.

The conference follows the successful induction of 79 new sustainability professionals into the institute in June 2026, further strengthening SPIN’s position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing professional bodies dedicated to promoting sustainability leadership and professional excellence.

Beyond the technical sessions, participants will have opportunities to network, exchange ideas and foster partnerships aimed at advancing sustainability practices across industries.

Organisers say the gathering is expected to serve as a catalyst for deeper collaboration among businesses, policymakers, development partners and professionals working to build more adaptive organisations and support Nigeria’s transition to a more sustainable and resilient economy.

The Plateau State House of Assembly has introduced a bill seeking the demolition of buildings used for kidnapping, ritual killings, terrorism and other violent crimes.

The bill, sponsored by Eli Bako Ankala and co-sponsored by Speaker Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, Joseph Gokum, Abel Nimchak and Mathew Kwarpo, aims to deter the use of properties for criminal activities and improve public safety.

It also seeks to hold property owners accountable where they knowingly allow their buildings to be used for crime.

Under the proposed law, where a court of competent jurisdiction establishes that a building was knowingly used for offences such as kidnapping, unlawful detention, ritual killings, human trafficking, terrorism, cult-related killings or other violent crimes, it may order the forfeiture, sealing, demolition or any other appropriate action against the property.

The bill, however, provides safeguards for innocent property owners.

It states that no building should be demolished simply because a crime occurred there unless the court is satisfied that the owner knowingly permitted or participated in the criminal activity, or that the property was deliberately maintained or repeatedly used for criminal purposes.

Where a demolition order is issued, the relevant government authority is required to carry it out within 48 hours.

The proposed legislation also places responsibilities on landlords to verify the identities of prospective tenants, maintain accurate tenancy records, report suspected criminal activities to security agencies and cooperate with lawful investigations.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has admitted crisis within the party following the just concluded primaries that produced the candidates for the 2027 elections.

The party also admitted that time is running out to amicably resolve the issue.

Our correspondent reports that the party on Thursday moved to arrest the growing internal dissent by inaugurating a high-profile National Reconciliation Committee, chaired by renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi.

The committee, tasked with harmonising a fractured party ahead of the January 2026 general elections, was unveiled Wednesday by the NDC National Chairman, Sen. Clopas Moses.

Our correspondent further reports that the party faces mounting pressure to resolve disputes stemming from recent congresses and primary elections.

The National Chairman of the party, Sen. Moses emphasized that the party has a narrow window to unify its ranks before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) opens the campaign floodgates on August 19.

‘Time is short; time is running out,’ Sen. Moses told party faithful in Abuja. ‘We cannot waste our time and energy on individual ambition. We must all bring our best work together if we are to succeed in January.’

The National Chairman acknowledged that the party is currently battling allegations of bias and financial misconduct following the selection of candidates.

He warned that unresolved grievances-often amplified by social media-threaten to undermine the presidential bid of Mr. Peter Gregory Obi and his running mate, Engr. Dr. Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Daily Trust reports that Engr. Buba Galadima is the co-chairman of the committee while Mrs Dudu Manuga, the party’s National Women Leader, will serve as the committee’s secretary.

The committee is expected to submit its preliminary findings by August 20, just one day after the commencement of official campaigns.

Accepting the mandate, Prof. Utomi pledged a transparent and fair process. ‘Parties succeed not because they never experience disagreements,’ he noted, ‘but because they have the wisdom to resolve them.’

Galadima, the committee’s co-chairman, admitted that reconciling aggrieved members would be ‘a very hard nut to crack,’ but insisted the committee would leave no stone unturned in restoring party cohesion.

He reminded aspirants that only one individual can emerge from any contest, stating, ‘Only one person can fly the flag of this party at a time.’

The veteran politician blamed Nigeria’s Electoral Act for fueling conflicts within opposition parties, arguing that the current framework makes peaceful primaries nearly impossible.

‘The process of candidate selection mandated by the Electoral Act makes it difficult for any opposition party to produce a flagbearer without rancor,’ he asserted.

Galadima recounted how disputes arising from CPC primaries once left him with a N150 million court judgment and years of legal battles, citing his personal ordeal as proof of the destructive consequences of unresolved internal party friction.

Turning his attention to the 2027 presidential race, Galadima renewed his criticism of President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the opposition must unite behind a common objective to succeed.

For many young Nigerians, turning 30 has become more than a milestone, it feels like a deadline to achieve financial success, build a career, own a home, and meet society’s expectations.

But who defined this timeline, and does it still reflect today’s economic realities?

Join us in this episode of Nigeria Daily as we explore why so many young Nigerians feel the pressure to ‘make it’ before 30.

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a 26-year-old man, Jeremiah Kwane, for allegedly attempting to recruit members into a kidnapping syndicate.

The suspect was arrested on July 31, 2026, by operatives of the ‘A’ Division in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area, following credible intelligence.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said police received information that Kwane was recruiting people into a kidnapping syndicate with plans to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli.

According to him, officers swiftly acted on the intelligence and arrested the suspect at his workplace. Edafe said a search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of a single-barrel gun and two live cartridges.

He added that the suspect is undergoing further investigation and will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation.

He reiterated the command’s determination to rid the state of kidnappers, armed robbers and other violent criminals, urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

Stakeholders have urged Nigeria to harness the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial potential of its youthful population to accelerate economic growth and national development.

They spoke on Thursday at the IDCL Global Conference ’26 in Abuja, where they also called for improvements in electricity supply, reforms in the justice system and greater investment in an environment that enables young Nigerians to create businesses and employment opportunities.

The conference, themed, ‘A New Nigeria,’ brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, development experts, youth advocates and other stakeholders to discuss economic growth, innovation, governance and national development.

Speaking at the event, the Convener of the Made in Abuja Creative and Entertainment Industry Conference and Award, Gabriel Obochi, said Nigeria must create an enabling environment for young people to turn their ideas into viable enterprises.

Obochi said exposure to productive and innovative people could encourage more young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship and creativity.

‘The environment inspires a whole lot of innovation and creativity. When you come into the midst of people who create, who produce, who virtually create anything, it inspires you to start creating or wanting to go into creating as well,’ he said.

He also urged young entrepreneurs not to be discouraged by business failures and other setbacks, saying risk remained an unavoidable part of entrepreneurship.

‘Everything in life is a risk. If you are pulled down by it, you will never get to achieve anything,’ he said.

According to him, successful entrepreneurs are often those who remain focused despite losses and build businesses capable of surviving difficult economic conditions.

Obochi also identified inadequate electricity supply as a major constraint to businesses and called for further liberalisation of the power sector to allow more players to participate in electricity generation.

‘The power sector should be democratised and allow some other smaller companies or ventures to also generate power. That is the only thing that will help us stabilise the power problem and electricity generation in Nigeria,’ he said.

Earlier, the Convener of the IDCL Global Conference ’26, Oluwakemi Olorode, said the gathering was aimed at encouraging Nigerians to play active roles in changing the country’s development trajectory.

‘It’s A New Nigeria. That’s the topic, where Nigerians, as individuals and collectively, are making an impact and changing the narrative,’ she said.

Olorode said the conference provided a platform for business owners, professionals and young people to exchange ideas, establish partnerships and explore solutions to some of the country’s development challenges.

‘So, it’s not a one-person narrative. It’s a narrative for everybody,’ she added.

She also identified electricity supply as an area requiring greater attention, saying businesses and households continued to struggle with inadequate power.

‘We still don’t have 24-hour electricity, even with Band A. We are still pleading with the government to help us make sure that Nigeria is thriving and becomes a success story,’ Olorode said.

Speaking during a panel session, the Executive Director of the Private and Public Development Centre, Mrs Lucy Abagi James, called for greater emphasis on implementing existing policies rather than developing new frameworks.

Abagi, who focused on reforms in the justice sector, said the digitisation of courts would improve efficiency and access to justice.

‘There are already policies. There is no need for another policy framework again. We need to advocate more for judges to be able to digitise their courts,’ she said.

She also urged Nigerians to become more knowledgeable about their legal rights, including the right to legal representation and speedy trial.

According to her, weaknesses within public institutions contribute significantly to corruption and inefficiency in the justice system.

‘One of the problems we are having with corruption is system failure,’ she said.

Abagi said increased digitisation of court processes, alongside stronger public advocacy and awareness, could improve access to justice and strengthen accountability.

Also speaking, development advocate Aisha Sabo said Nigeria’s human capital and the capacity of its people to develop solutions should be regarded as more important to the country’s future than its natural resources.

‘I don’t even believe that minerals are our greatest asset. Our greatest asset and resource is actually our imagination,’ she said.

Sabo urged young Nigerians to think beyond existing limitations and explore innovative solutions to development challenges.

Citing Rwanda’s deployment of drone technology to deliver medical supplies, she said countries could overcome infrastructure and geographical challenges by embracing innovation.

‘The landscape didn’t change, but the way people imagined it did,’ she said.

She said Africa’s youthful population presented a major development opportunity, but stressed that the potential would have to be properly harnessed through skills, innovation and opportunities.

Financial market trader and public speaker, Paschalene Chiemela, similarly urged young Nigerians to develop skills and create opportunities rather than depend solely on government interventions.

‘It doesn’t always have to revolve around the government or policies. It can start with us,’ she said.

Chiemela said young people should develop valuable skills and build credible personal brands to improve their prospects in an increasingly competitive economy.

‘I know the general saying is, ‘There’s no job.’ But what can you do? Build a brand. What can you offer?’ she asked.

She said creating value, developing relevant skills and looking beyond immediate challenges would help more young Nigerians take advantage of emerging economic opportunities.

The Ummah Zakat Foundation has launched the EasyZakat digital platform to simplify the payment and distribution of Zakat while appointing the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, as chairman of its Board of Trustees (BOT).

The web and mobile platform is designed to connect Zakat payers with eligible beneficiaries, replacing manual processes with a transparent and accountable system.

Launching the platform in Abuja, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, described Zakat as one of the pillars of Islam and a vital tool for social justice, wealth redistribution and community welfare.

He said Islam had provided lasting mechanisms through Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf to reduce poverty, support widows and orphans, care for the sick and preserve the dignity of the needy.

The Sultan said the foundation’s establishment reflects efforts to align Islamic obligations with modern technology.

‘Through the EasyZakat web and mobile platform, Muslims can now fulfil this important obligation with greater ease, transparency and confidence that their Zakat will reach those entitled to receive it,’ he said.

He stressed that technology should strengthen, rather than replace, Islamic values, and urged members of the foundation’s Board of Trustees to discharge their responsibilities with sincerity, fairness and accountability.

Speaking earlier, the BOT chairman, Emir Mera, said the foundation was established to ensure the proper collection, management and distribution of Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf in line with Islamic principles.

He said the EasyZakat platform enables users to calculate their Zakat, make secure payments and track donations from payment to the final beneficiary through a dashboard that also provides downloadable records for documentation and reporting.

The dangerous practice of travelling on top of trailers from the southern part of the country to the North and vice versa is becoming a fast-growing habit among some carefree Nigerians, many of whom are young people. Such persons are frequently seen sitting on trailers fully loaded with cattle or other goods as they travel to either the North or the South. This practice has resulted in the loss of many young lives.

Notably, most of those who engage in this practice are cattle sellers, commercial okada riders, or operators of various petty businesses who travel to the South to carry out their activities. Apparently, the desire to reduce the financial cost of such journeys drives them to recklessly use trailers as a means of transportation.

It is clear that those who, for instance, travel from Sokoto to Port Harcourt and vice versa on top of trailers expose themselves to grave danger. Their continued indulgence in such reckless behaviour demonstrates the extent to which many ordinary Nigerians have, regrettably, continued to undervalue their own lives.

Furthermore, the persistence of this dangerous practice indicates both a tendency among such travellers to violate existing transportation laws and the failure of relevant authorities and operators within the transport sector to enforce those laws. It is the combination of passengers’ recklessness, the greed of trailer drivers, and the complicity of some officials of traffic regulatory agencies that has allowed this hazardous practice to persist.

Daily Trust not only condemns this practice but also calls for the immediate adoption of effective measures to bring it to an end. Public sensitisation and strict enforcement of transportation regulations are undoubtedly necessary steps in this regard.

We, therefore, urge relevant government agencies, as well as transport associations and unions, to consider this unwanted practice as a challenge that requires urgent and sustained attention. Concerted efforts by these agencies and organisations will certainly help to eliminate this ugly trend.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in particular, as the agency mandated to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and ascertain the roadworthiness of vehicles, should regard the widespread use of trailers for passenger journeys as a serious challenge requiring immediate action. Few violations of transportation laws demonstrate as clearly the failure of enforcement as the continued sighting of passengers on top of trailers.

Similarly, organisations such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) must ensure that their members comply with the laws guiding transportation. Restoring sanity to our roads and, by extension, the transport sector, can only be achieved if these bodies play their roles effectively.

Another important way to facilitate the movement of persons, cattle, and goods is the expansion of the rail transport system, which remains too limited to meet the country’s critical economic needs. The absence of an efficient and extensive rail network has made the use of trailers and other heavy vehicles for transporting cattle and goods an attractive option.

This newspaper recognises the immense benefits of a functional railway system to the national economy and, therefore, calls for the rapid transformation of the existing network to meet the demands of a modern Nigeria. Rail transport is arguably the most suitable means for hauling cattle and heavy goods because of its capacity to accommodate large volumes.

The safety and convenience provided by rail transport make it highly suitable for the movement of cattle. Significant financial costs, security challenges, and other risks associated with long journeys can be reduced if trains become the preferred means of transporting animals and heavy goods.

Meanwhile, even before the rail system is adequately upgraded, travelling on top of trailers must be completely banned. The FRSC should collaborate with all relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure that this dangerous practice comes to an immediate end.

Expectedly, I received a variety of feedback from our compatriots who had a chance to read the first part of this essay last week. ‘What do you expect from the children of Pa Yusuf?’, a sister queried. ‘These are kids who had long ago severed their connections with their fatherland. Nigeria probably ‘happened’ to them long before the death of their father. Nigeria failed to invest in them. Nigeria failed to instil hope in them. They eventually found no value in being Nigerians. They eventually found a new home far away from the shores of this land. Keeping that house would have meant keeping the past alive; the past that those kids earnestly contemplate with amnesia, not nostalgia.’

The second feedback came in the form of a text message. Our reader simply wanted to know whether I was advocating for a life of ascetism, self-abnegation, a life that thrives on hermitism or Sufism, a life of total and complete disavowal of earthly pleasures and plenitude. ‘Are you saying acquisition of wealth is unlawful?’, our fellow believer wanted to know.

No! Never!! It is settled in Islam that a life of penury and deprivation is not normative. If that were to be the case, Abubakr Al-Siddiq, Uthman bn Affan, Abdulrahman bn Awf, among other companions of Prophet Muhammad (Upon him be peace) would probably not have enjoyed the iconic status that they occupy in Islamic annals if not for their strong faith in the Almighty, the wealth that they possessed and their constant preparedness to spend the latter in the path of the Almighty.

Besides, Anas bn Malik reported that the most frequent invocation or supplication of the Prophet reads thus- ‘O Allah, our Lord, grant unto us the best of this world as well as the best of the Hereafter and shield us from the torment of the Fire. (Quran 3: 148). In other words, the classic posture of Islam regarding wealth acquisition is neither that of covetousness nor arrant abandonment. Rather, our religion prescribes the pursuit of a balance between the acquisition of earthly wealth and the attainment of eternal bliss.

To achieve the above, Islam places great emphasis on earning wealth through lawful means and avoiding the unlawful. Allah commands humans not to acquire wealth through wrongful means, such as interest (riba), fraud, or deceit.

‘And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly…'(0uran 2: 188). Here, the believer is reminded not to consume the wealth of others through unjust means, such as through false oaths, theft, bribery, or interest. The earnings obtained from unlawful sources will not bring blessings, and it is a Muslim’s moral responsibility to ensure that all wealth is earned through legitimate channels.

Islam equally teaches that wealth is not solely for personal gain but must also be used for social welfare. It is for this purpose that the institutions of Zakat and Sadaqah find reference. The latter obliges Muslims with surplus wealth to share with those in need. It is a concrete expression of social responsibility toward others. ‘And in their wealth, there is a right for those who ask and for those who are deprived.'(Quran 51: 19).

Charity not only purifies one’s wealth but also fosters a sense of solidarity and compassion among people. Furthermore, giving in charity teaches the heart to avoid excessive attachment to wealth, encouraging a more balanced and simple life.

Further, Islam teaches that the believer should constantly make an effort to strike a balance between earthly pursuits and the attainment of eternal bliss in the hereafter. Allah reminds us thus in the Qur’an:

‘But seek, with what Allah has given you, the home of the hereafter; and [yet] do not forget your share of the world.'(Quran29: 77).

Brethren, let us equally keep this in mind that in Islam, wealth is viewed as a test and a trust from Allah. Many people may be tempted by riches and fall into consumerism, materialism, or even the misuse of wealth for prohibited ventures. We should never forget that everyone shall be held accountable for how they acquired and utilised their wealth while on earth. The Prophet said: ‘The feet of a servant will not move on the day of judgment until he is asked about five things: about his life, how he spent it; his knowledge, how he acted upon it; his wealth, how he earned it and how he spent it; and about his body, how he used it.’ Our world is like a big examination hall; the Almighty is both the Invigilator and the Examiner!