Category: Nigerian Tribune

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has released a list of 101 products that have been withdrawn, suspended, or cancelled in Nigeria.

The agency said the affected products are no longer permitted for manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, or use in the country.

Tribune Online reports that the product includes Artemether/Lumefantrine 40mg/240mg Tablets, Amaryl M SR Tablets, Abacavir Sulfate/Lamivudine Dispersible Tablets 60mg/30mg, Aprovasc 150mg/5mg tablets, ASAQ(Artesunate amodiaquine Winthrop) 100mg/270mg Tablets, Betopic Eye drop, Efavirenz 600mg Tablets and Flagyl Suspension.

Others are Iliadin Adult 0.05% Metered Nose Spray, Invanz 1g Injections and Invega (Paliperidone) 3mg extended release tablets.

In a statement on NAFDAC’s X handle, ‘A product’s Certificate of Registration is considered withdrawn when its use is discontinued at the request of the Market Authorisation Holder.

‘A registration certificate may be suspended when the conditions under which it was issued are no longer met, pending a determination by the agency.

‘It is regarded as cancelled when NAFDAC revokes the registration license entirely.’

The agency urged the public and stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and food sectors to take note of the latest decision and comply accordingly.

Former Presidential candidate on the platform of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of destroying the gains and legacies of previous civilian administrations.

Obi made the allegation on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Abuja on the occasion of the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Obi, who noted that the country was on the path to global acclaim in 1960 after it secured independence from colonial rule, acknowledged the ‘confidence, passion, and determination to build a prosperous Nigeria that would stand alongside the world’s most advanced nations.’

Giving a trajectory of its democratic sojourn since 1999, the former presidential candidate declared that the landmark achievements of the erstwhile ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, in 16 years have been destroyed in a decade of the All Progressives Congress administration. These achievements were significant legacies of previous administrations.

Peter Obi, who recalled debt forgiveness granted to the country under the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, lamented that the nation is facing crippling external debt to the tune of N2.5 trillion.

In his speech titled, ‘A great Nigeria is still possible’, Obi equally noted that as at 2014, under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, Nigeria was rated as the largest economy in Africa.

He said: ‘On 1 October 1960, Nigeria gained independence to global acclaim as an emerging African economic and political power. Such was our potential that Time Magazine predicted the rise of a true African superpower that would lead the continent with pride. Our founding fathers fought for independence with confidence, passion, and determination to build a prosperous Nigeria that would stand alongside the world’s most advanced nations.

‘Unfortunately, tragic failures of leadership derailed this vision. Yet despite these setbacks, Nigeria has always shown resilience. In 1999, we overcame military dictatorship and restored democracy, beginning a renewed journey toward prosperity, freedom, and justice. That journey helped us build Africa’s largest economy and strengthen democratic institutions. But over the last decade, under the APC’s incompetent, divisive, and corrupt leadership, Nigeria has been greatly diminished.

‘By the end of 2007, our total debt was about N2.5 trillion, only 10 percent of GDP, after President Obasanjo’s government secured debt forgiveness of over 30 billion dollars. By 2014, Nigeria had become Africa’s largest economy and was primed to achieve middle-income status. In 2015, for the first time, a ruling party was defeated in a presidential election, marking another milestone for our democracy.

‘Today, the picture is bleak. Our total debt stands at about N175 trillion, nearly 50 percent of GDP, without any improvement in productive sectors. Nigeria has fallen to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria. Our democracy is now described as ‘undemocratic.’ In just one year, this administration pushed over 15 million Nigerians into acute poverty. Today, more than 150 million Nigerians lack access to basic healthcare, education, water, and sanitation. This number grows daily under an APC government that pursues brutal, revenue-driven policies while ignoring the welfare of its people. Nigeria now ranks among the lowest in the world on human development indicators. Much of this decline is due to the neglect of the legacies of previous administrations.

‘This government taxes struggling citizens and small businesses heavily, while indulging in extravagance. Billions are spent on new presidential jets, yachts, and luxury cars that cost more than the entire 2024 budget for primary healthcare. The Vice President’s residence was renovated at a cost of N25 billion, more than the combined capital budgets of six major federal university teaching hospitals. Over N10 billion was allocated for car parks and canteens for the National Assembly, more than the capital budget of the Ministry of Science and Technology, at a time when science is crucial to national growth.

‘Meanwhile, Nigerians pay more for everything and receive less. Passports, permits, electricity, petrol, food, rent, and healthcare all cost more. Yet power supply remains unreliable, food insecurity deepens, and UNICEF and WFP project that 33 million Nigerians will face acute hunger in 2025.

‘This government borrows recklessly, not for investment in productive infrastructure but for wasteful consumption. Insecurity has further crippled our economy. Nigerians now live in fear of travelling by road. Kidnapping has become rampant, with billions paid in ransom. Incompetence in security management has turned our country into one of the most terrorised and unsafe nations in the world. Cronyism, corruption, and disregard for the rule of law have scared away investors, while other African nations overtake us as preferred investment destinations. It is imperative to remember the legacies of previous administrations to guide future developments.

The LP national leader who expressed confidence in the capacity of Nigeria to regain lost grounds, however, maintained that ‘What we need is competent, compassionate, and committed leadership. Our priority must be prudent economic management, investment in human capital, the rule of law, and infrastructure development. We must mobilise our enormous natural resources to drastically reduce poverty and achieve rapid, sustained growth.

‘We should learn from nations like China, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, which have turned around their economies through disciplined leadership and people-centred policies. Nigeria, too, can rebound, but only if we exit the path of incompetence and fiscal irresponsibility.

‘The current administration’s failures must not lead us to despair. They should instead fuel our determination to rebuild. Nigeria has the resources, talent, and resilience to become an industrialised nation in record time. With the right leadership, we can defeat terrorism, restore security, and guarantee Nigerians safe communities where enterprise and social life can thrive. We must end a system where leaders feast while the people starve, where politics enriches a few and impoverishes the many. The old politics must end, and a new politics of prosperity for all must begin by honouring the legacies of previous administrations.

‘Against all odds, we will return Nigeria to the path of prosperity and justice. We will not relent. We will not be discouraged. The mission is clear: Nigeria will rise again.

‘I call on political leaders to reflect on the crises confronting our nation and recognise this as a moment to transcend personal interests. We must reject corruption, bigotry, and division. We must embrace a new Nigeria where leadership is defined by competence, compassion, and commitment.’

A new case study published by Climate Strategies and Salzburg Global has highlighted the urgent challenges and untapped opportunities Nigeria faces as the world accelerates its shift away from fossil fuels.

The report titled ‘Domestic Implications of Existing and Planned Oil and Gas Demand Reduction Strategies for Nigeria,’ authored by Dr Oluwasola Omoju, warned that the country’s heavy dependence on oil and gas revenues makes it especially vulnerable to global energy transition trends.

Despite holding one of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves, Nigeria is already experiencing declining oil revenues, high production costs, and limited refining capacity.

‘As key export markets (including the EU, US, and India) ramp up decarbonisation efforts, demand for Nigerian oil is projected to fall sharply. This poses risks for government budgets, foreign exchange earnings, and employment especially in oil-dependent regions,’ Omoju said.

According to the report, it is not a hopeless situation as the decline in fossil fuel demand could catalyse long-overdue diversification into agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and services with strong potential for job creation and inclusive growth.

‘Nigeria’s natural gas, critical mineral deposits such as lithium, and growing renewable energy sector also offer short- to medium-term pathways for sustainable prosperity,’ the report added.

The publication stresses that seizing these opportunities will require decisive action, such as reallocating investment away from costly oil exploration into high-growth sectors; expanding non-oil exports and tax reforms to reduce dependence on oil revenues; partnering with the private sector to invest in renewable energy and reskill oil workers; and leveraging natural gas and critical minerals as transition strategies while accelerating clean energy deployment.

‘This transition can be an opportunity, not just a threat. Nigeria must act now to diversify its economy and ensure a just, inclusive energy future,’ Omoju added.

The Nigerian Army has sustained its fierce onslaught against terrorists and criminal gangs across the country, recording sweeping operational gains in recent days.

A report made available to Tribune Online in Abuja on Wednesday stated ‘these include the rescue of 16 hostages, arrest of 25 suspects, neutralisation of several terrorists, and the recovery of a cache of weapons, explosives and logistics during the operations.’

The report explained that ‘ in Borno and Adamawa States, troops decimated ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Kolori and Karumi (Konduga Local Government Area, as well as Madagali Local Government Area

According to it, a key logistics supplier was intercepted in Mafa Local Government Area of the state with 23 cans of petrol concealed in a bag, while troops in Mubi North halted the smuggling of petrol and fertilisers.

It added that ‘ In Garkida, a terrorist who admitted to past attacks in Damboa was captured with assorted weapons including one M70AB2 rifle, four magazines and 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.’

The report further added that the Troops of 1 Brigade foiled multiple terrorist attempts in Zamfara’s Maradun, Tsafe and Anka Local Government Areas, rescued six kidnap victims, and seized motorcycles.

It added that in Kaduna State, a notorious kidnap kingpin was arrested in Mayir Village, Sanga Local Government, following precise intelligence.

The statement read, ‘In Benue, Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised a violent extremist in Katsina-Ala LGA and rescued 10 abducted passengers along the Kyado-Wukari road.

‘In Kwara State, three kidnap victims were freed near Eruku Town with a motorcycle recovered. Meanwhile, troops in Nasarawa intercepted a drug-laden vehicle and arrested two suspects, including the consignee.

‘In Imo State, two cultists were arrested in Mgbidi with a pistol, phones and a motorcycle and in Anambra, troops disrupted IPOB/ESN activities in Orumba North, where criminals detonated three IEDs before fleeing. The explosives, wires, cylinders and batteries were safely neutralised.

‘In Delta and Bayelsa States, troops recovered two locally made double-barrel guns, 27 cartridges and in joint operations with the NDLEA, apprehended 19 drug dealers with cannabis, tramadol, pentazocine, diazepam and Canadian lou. In Rivers and Bayelsa, troops seized over 1,200 litres of illegally refined AGO and crude oil in line with Operation DELTA SAFE directives. Four suspected kidnappers were also nabbed in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State.

‘These operations yielded recovery of M70AB2 rifle, four magazines, 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, two double-barrel guns, 27 cartridges, one pistol, several motorcycles, IEDs, large consignments of petrol and fertilisers, mobile phones and assorted illicit drugs.’

The Nigerian Army reiterated its unshakable commitment to hunt down terrorists, kidnappers and criminal elements wherever they operate, warning that ‘those who threaten the peace and security of the nation will face relentless military pressure and devastating consequences.’

It added that the Nigerian Army remains firm in safeguarding communities, enabling farming and supporting national economic recovery in line with the Federal Government’s drive for food security.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has become a net exporter, recording a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters.

In his nationwide broadcast to mark the country’s 65th independence anniversary on Wednesday, Tinubu said the shift reflects a fundamental change in the economy, with Nigeria now selling more to the global market than it imports.

He explained that this development is strengthening the naira, creating jobs locally, and signalling the diversification of the economy away from oil dependence.

According to the president, manufactured goods exported from Nigeria have increased significantly, while non-oil exports now account for nearly half of the country’s total trade earnings.

He described the trend as evidence that the reforms undertaken by his administration are beginning to yield tangible results.

He said, ‘We are now a Net Exporter: Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home.

‘Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to ?7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%.

‘Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent. This signals that we are diversifying our economy and foreign exchange sources outside oil and gas.’

Tinubu also urged Nigerians to embrace locally made products as part of efforts to drive national growth and reduce dependence on foreign goods.

The president explained that while the federal government is implementing policies to stabilise the economy and improve infrastructure, citizens also have a responsibility to support nation-building through choices that favour local production.

He noted that placing Nigeria first in everyday consumption decisions would help accelerate growth and secure a sustainable future.

‘Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes.’

As the nation’s celebrates her 65th anniversary on October 1, this year, stakeholders have warned that such celebrations should be done cautiously, since the state of the nation’s economy still calls for sober reflection.

The stakeholders, comprising the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (AS BON) and Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); have therefore charged the government on the need to intensify efforts at easing the reforms-induced pains individuals and businesses have continued to endure in the past two years.

They argued that, while there seems to be some form of positives in the fact that the non-oil sector of the economy, unlike in the past, now contributes significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), they are however of the opinion that the real sector, such as Manufacturing, which should have been the major driver of the nation’s economic growth has not been able to perform such role, due to a myriad of challenges, ranging from inflation, to high interest rates, huge electricity rates, and diminishing consumer purchasing power, among others, facing the sector.

For instance, in his review of the performance of the sector in 2024, the President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Francis Meshioye, believed the sector was not able to contribute maximally to the nation’s GDP, due to different macro-economic and infrastructural challenges facing it, during the period under review.

For instance, manufacturing’s share of the economy dropped significantly from 16.04 per cent in Q4 2023 to 12.68 per cent in Q2 2024, indicating a contraction in economic activity within the sector.

‘In 2024, Nigeria’s manufacturing encountered a myriad of macroeconomic and infrastructural challenges that severely impacted its performance. The sector faced mounting pressure from high inflation, a depreciating Naira, rising interest rates, escalating electricity tariffs, record low sales, multiplicity of taxes and levies and militating security concerns, which affected profitability and hindered the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP,’ he stated.

On inflation, the MAN boss described as alarming, the 34.6 per cent inflation figure recorded in November 2024, a development, he argued, diminished consumers’ purchasing power and caused a decline in demand for manufactured goods.

According to him, another of the consequences of all these, was the huge unsold inventory of N1.4 trillion, recorded across companies in the sector, during the period.

Meshioye also identified the steep decline in the value of the Naira, from N666/$ in mid 2023 to over N1700/$ by mid-2024, due to the floating of the exchange rate, as another major factor for the sector’s non-performance in 2024.

He noted that the interest rate figure at 27.7 percent, recorded by November 2024, also made it difficult for operators in the sector to access financing for expansion, since it raised borrowing cost for expansion and modernisation; thereby limiting, severely, the potential for investment in the sector, impeding long-term growth prospects.

Interestingly, one challenge that seems intractable in the sector remains the issue of high electricity tariff. A drastic rise in electricity tariffs by over 250 per cent, manufacturers complained, have made energy costs become one of the highest operating expenses for businesses in the sector in 2024.

In a bid to remain in business, they argued, manufacturers now seek alternative energy sources, a development that has further strained their financial resources and complicate their ability to remain competitive.

Speaking in this same vein, the President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, Dr. Femi Egbesola, noted that the impact of the reforms on small businesses, in the past two years, had been very negative, since over 2 million businesses had shut down over the period due to the reforms.

He added that small businesses had also continued to groan under the heavy burden of multiplicity of taxes. Egbesola, however expressed the optimism that the new tax reforms, expected to kickoff in January next year, would serve as a form of relief to small businesses.

‘A lot of things will change for good. And if nano, micro and small businesses which form about 96 percent of businesses that we have in Nigeria, are positively impacted by these tax reforms, it would also impact the economy, positively,’ he stated.

He said part of the survival strategies adopted by operators in the sector, has been the decision to leverage the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to enhance their fortunes.

‘We are beginning to look at how we can be innovative in the way we run our business. That is why you see some of us involved in exports, especially non-oil export. We are also leveraging AfCFTA, ECOWAS and technology to be able to survive at this time,’ he stated.

While expressing the optimism that, with time, businesses would begin to reap the fruits of the reform, he however charged government on the need to begin to think of how to give soft landing to small businesses by cushioning the effects of those reforms.on their operations.

In its review, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI expressed the delight that key indicators are showing some positive trends, with GDP growth accelerating to 4.23 percent in Q2, of this year; and headline inflation gradually easing, to 2012 percent as of August.

The Chamber, however , called for sober reflection on the state of the nation’s economy, and the business environment , since sustained reforms still remained imperative to unlocking the country’s full potential.

‘At 65, Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture. We need to deepen structural reforms that ease the cost of doing business. With the benchmark rate still as high as 27%, weak power supply, high energy costs, and an expensive exchange rate for critical imports, businesses are operating in a harsh business environment.

‘We must prioritise infrastructure investments, particularly in power, logistics, and broadband. We need critical infrastructure upgrades to support innovation, digital transformation, and industrialization,’ it added.

The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has dismissed reports circulating about the existence of an interim leadership within the association, insisting that its current National President, Dr Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, remains the duly elected and recognised leader.

In a statement issued by the association, NCAN described the claims made at a recent press briefing by an unnamed group as misleading, stressing that the purported interim executives do not represent the cashew industry.

According to the association, its national election was held on 23 November 2024 at the FACAN Headquarters in Abuja, where Dr Ajanaku was elected and sworn in by the Board of Trustees.

It noted that any insinuation of a leadership crisis was an attempt to misinform stakeholders and distract from ongoing efforts to develop the cashew subsector.

On allegations that NCAN had stalled the cashew industry road map, the association clarified that the document in question was produced by an international development partner and was being reviewed in consultation with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS). NCAN explained that the review was necessary to ensure the policy framework aligns with national interests.

‘The association remains united and focused on promoting Nigeria’s cashew industry. We assure Nigerians and international partners that NCAN, under the leadership of Dr Ajanaku, is open for business and committed to supporting the sector’s growth,’ a statement from NCAN read.

While urging stakeholders to disregard the claims of the self-acclaimed interim executives, NCAN reiterated its commitment to working with government and private sector players to strengthen cashew production, processing and export in Nigeria.

Stakeholders in Edo State have laminated what they described as the continuous loss of revenue to neighbouring Delta State through taxes.

The people made the claim at a stakeholders meeting, organised by the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), on Wednesday in Benin

The interactive session of the one day programme had in attendance top government functionaries, heads and representatives of ministries, departments and agencies

Engr Stainless Ijeghede, Managing Director of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency, said he had made reports on the payment of taxes of oil company workers in Edo State to Delta, noting that the Edo State government was yet to take any action.

He said, ‘When I was working at that place, at the end of the month, I saw in my pay slip that the tax was paid to Delta.

‘What that means is that those people who work in Oben pay tax to the Delta State Government.’

While agreeing with Ijeghede, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon Samson Osagie, said many of Deltans came into Edo State as settlers but because the people of the state were fond of migrating to the city, the settlers claim ownership of those places and that led to lose of revenue for the state.

He, however, said that several meetings on the boundary issues have been held and adjustments made, noting that he expects the National Boundary Commission to visit the areas and ratify the boundaries to stop the revenue loss.

Osagie also said his ministry is proposing a revenue court Law that would create specific courts to try tax offenders.

‘There is the need for Revenue Court Law that will see to the setting up of a specific court to try offenders.

‘The whole idea is to ensure that the entire gamut of our tax system is put together in a way that enforcement and prosecution of tax offenders are easy.

‘As I speak, we are proposing a draft using our neighbouring Delta State as a model to have revenue courts law of Edo State so that all tax offenders will be sent to those courts and make trials fast and easy.’

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of EIRS, Barr. Oladele Bankole-Balogun, said though, the EIRS was making progress in terms of revenue collection, there was the need for all the stakeholders to work together and increase the state’s revenue base.

He said that a fundamental tool for achieving this is the Single Treasury Account which the state have begun to institutionalise.

He noted that this would ensure a transparent flow of resources into a centralised account thus eliminating cash handling, reducing leakages, and, most importantly, improving accountability.

Bankole-Balogun added, ‘So going forward, we want to encourage that all revenue streams be remitted into the state IGR account with proper digital records and accountability.

‘Remember that revenue is not an end in itself. It’s just a means to enable the state to provide better roads, stronger health systems, vibrant education and safer communities.

He said the state was waiting for the commencement of the new national tax law which the state would key into.

The dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Group has escalated as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed all its affiliates and members nationwide to immediately mobilise for what it described as a ‘full-scale, decisive engagement’ against the conglomerate’s alleged anti-worker practices.

NLC’s directive, contained in an internal memo signed by its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, follows months of industrial unrest led by PENGASSAN and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

The two unions have accused the Dangote Group of union-busting, unfair labour practices, and victimisation of workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other subsidiaries.

According to the NLC, the conflict has now moved beyond the individual struggles of PENGASSAN and NUPENG, and has become a broader fight for workers’ rights across the country.

‘This letter serves as a formal and urgent request in response to the protracted and deliberate anti-worker crusade being waged by the Dangote Group against the Nigerian working class,’ Ajaero wrote in the memo.

‘The ongoing battle with PENGASSAN and NUPENG is merely a symptom of a deeper sickness, a capitalist pathology of union-busting, worker enslavement, and gross impunity that defines the Group’s industrial relations strategy.’

The NLC further accused the Dangote Group of behaving like ‘a state within a state,’ alleging that the company had repeatedly violated Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, flouted International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, and treated national labour laws with ‘utter disdain.’

Ajaero described the company’s operations as sites of exploitation rather than legitimate workplaces.

‘Their facilities are not workplaces but plantations of exploitation, where the dignity of the worker is systematically crushed to maximise profit for the few,’ he declared.

‘The time for pleading and endless, fruitless dialogue is over. The moment for decisive, collective action is now,’ he said.

Declaring the start of a new phase of confrontation, the NLC placed all its affiliates on immediate and full alert. Ajaero instructed unions to launch a comprehensive unionisation drive targeting every Dangote facility in the country, calling it a ‘strategic priority.’

‘You are requested to commence, with immediate effect, preparation for a vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within every Dangote Group facility falling under your jurisdiction,’ the memo read.

The congress further ordered the establishment of Action Mobilisation Committees in every affiliate union. These committees are to engage directly with the NLC National Secretariat within 72 hours to harmonise strategy, logistics, and communications.

Ajaero emphasised that the ultimate goal of the campaign is to force the conglomerate to respect workers’ fundamental rights.

‘This action aims to compel the Dangote Group to unconditionally respect the right of every worker to freely join a union of their choice, cease all forms of intimidation and union-busting activities, and submit to the authority of our nation’s labour laws and institutions,’ he said.

NLC also accused the Dangote Group of leveraging its economic power to escape regulatory oversight and accountability, alleging that key government agencies have been compromised.

‘The impunity of the Dangote Group must be met with the resistance of organised labour,’ Ajaero asserted.

‘No amount of media propaganda or paid hirelings will stop us from fighting for our liberty in the face of apparent regulatory capture, where the state seems to have abdicated its responsibility to hold this behemoth accountable.’

Court stops PENGASSAN, others from cutting gas supply to Dangote Refinery

This was just as Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim of the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja on Monday restrained PENGASSAN from embarking on its planned industrial action against Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

Justice Subilim, in a ruling on an ex-parte application filed by Dangote Refinery on Monday, specifically restrained the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum, and the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, who are defendants in the suit, from cutting crude and gas supply to Dangote Refinery.

George Ibrahim, SAN, from Ogwu James Onoja law firm in Abuja, argued the application on behalf of the plaintiff and secured the order against the defendants.

The senior lawyer in the ex-parte motion applied for an order of interim injunction restraining the 1st defendant, its members, agents, servants, privies, representatives, assigns or whatsoever and howsoever called from calling or directing the halt of crude and gas supply to the claimant under any guise and/or embarking on any industrial action against the claimant with a view to crippling, blocking roads, or obstructing the flow of vehicular movement, shutting down operations of the claimant or licensees of the 2nd to 4th defendants named in the 1st defendant directives dated September 26, 2025, or by any means frustrating the businesses/activities of the claimant/applicant pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

He applied for ‘an order of interim injunction restraining the 2nd-4th defendants, their employees, members, agents, servants, privies, representatives, licensees, assigns or whatsoever and howsoever called from giving effect to the directives of the 1st defendant to halt the supply of crude and gas to the claimant or joining, continuing, embarking on, or in any manner participating in the planned industrial action of the 1st defendant and its affiliates and cronies or any other strike whatsoever against the claimant/applicant with a view to frustrating her businesses and operations pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.’

Ibrahim argued that the applicant is a petroleum production and/or distribution company licensed to own, operate and produce petroleum and petrochemical products for the general consumption of the Nigerian public, and whose business provides essential services to the Nigerian economy and the general public.

He said, in recent times, there have been incidents of sabotage by some employees of the claimant at the claimant’s plant which sprang up issues of grave health concern and safety of human lives.

According to him, the management of the claimant came to an irresistible conclusion that there should be reorganisation in the plant which led to relieving some of its staff of their employment, and same was communicated to all staff by a memo or circular dated 25th September, 2025.

The senior lawyer said, in the early hours of Friday, the 26th day of September 2025, the claimant received online reports that Nigerian workers were laid off by the claimant because they joined the 1st defendant’s union.

According to him, the management of the claimant by a press statement refuted the said report and explained in clear terms that the claimant was not averse to its members unionising as that is their constitutional right. However, he clarified that the claimant has over 3,000 Nigerians in its workforce and that only a negligible number of staff were affected by the reorganisation of the plant as a result of sabotage and safety concerns.

The lawyer asserted that by a letter dated September 26, 2025 and circulated online, the 1st defendant, through its General Secretary, Comrade Lamumbalghotemu Okugbawa, wrote to the Hon. Minister of Petroleum, Gas and warned that the 1st defendant and its members were going to take action that would force the claimant to its knees if the claimant failed to recall the affected staff, which was described in the said letter as over 800.

‘The 1st defendant issued a press statement on the 26th day of September, 2025 wherein it erroneously referred to the laying off of the workers by the claimant as anti-labour practices, alleging that the workers were being victimised because they joined the 1st defendant as members of the union, which is not correct.

‘Irrespective of the explanation offered by the claimant in Exhibit DR3, the 1st defendant became more provoked and directed its Executives and Members in the licensees of the 2nd-4th defendants through whom the claimant accesses crude and gas for its plant to stop supplying gas to the claimant.

‘The 2nd-4th defendants are on standby to carry out the directives of the 1st defendant through their agents and licensees as mentioned in Exhibit DR6 with a view to stopping the supply of gas and crude oil to the claimant in order to halt its business and operation as threatened unless the Honourable Court intervenes.’

‘The 1st Defendant is going to make good its threat to shut down operations of the Claimant knowing the strength of its membership across the country unless the Honourable Court intervenes.

‘The 1st Defendant, its members and protegees in the services of the 2nd to 4th Defendants have perfected plans to embark on an industrial action which will cripple the operations and services of the Claimant to the Nigerian public as well as the economy.

‘The 1st Defendant has not engaged the Claimant with respect to a dispute, if any, before championing and calling for an industrial action against the Claimant contrary to the extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

In his brief ruling on the ex-parte application, Justice Subilim held that the balance of convenience is in favour of the Applicants as the continuation of the strike would irreparably damage its business and cripple the provision of essential services to the Nigerian public.

The judge held that it was in the interest of justice for the Court to restrain the Respondents to preserve industrial peace and further aid the continuous provision of essential services to the Nigerian public pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Justice Subilim, while granting the restraining order, directed that same be served on the defendants immediately along with motion on notice, adding that the restraining order shall last for seven days only and subsequently fixed October 13 for hearing of the motion on notice.

Meanwhile, the conciliation meeting at the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, to resolve the faceoff was still ongoing as at the time of filing this report.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Labour and Employment conference room in Abuja, was chaired by the minister.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Dr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; top officials from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Engineering Matters; and senior representatives of key oil and gas regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Speaking at the opening of the talks, Dingyadi underscored the gravity of the situation, describing the strike by PENGASSAN as one of significant national concern.

He admitted that the government initially underestimated the scale of the industrial action until it became clear that the strike had spread beyond Dangote Refinery to affect other critical oil and gas operations, including those of the NNPC.

‘What is happening today is very dear to this country, very dear to our economy, and very dear to the security of our nation,’ Dingyadi said. ‘We didn’t know the magnitude of this strike. Initially, we thought it was just about Dangote Refinery, but we have now been informed that it has extended to affect NNPC and other subsidiaries in the oil and gas industry.’

The minister commended PENGASSAN for its longstanding record as a constructive and peaceful union, emphasizing that the group has historically demonstrated deep commitment to the growth and stability of Nigeria’s economy.

‘PENGASSAN has always been very peaceful, and we know for a very long time they have never done this kind of thing,’ he stated. ‘We consider them as friends and as people who wish this country well. Their action must be understood as a reflection of deep concerns that deserve urgent and sincere attention.’

Dingyadi assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is closely monitoring the situation and is deeply concerned about its potential impact on citizens.

He stressed that the government’s intervention is focused on preventing the crisis from escalating into a national emergency, particularly in ways that would negatively affect ordinary people.

‘We want to make sure that this face-off is not extended to the ordinary citizens of the country,’ Dingyadi added. ‘That is why we are taking urgent steps to act as conciliators, to resolve this issue amicably for the good of our workers, our economy, and the spirit of our nation.’

Built environment professionals under the auspices of Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) Iru – Victoria Island Cell have raised the alarm over what they described as ‘imperfect’ sub-soil investigations in the coastal region of Lagos State.

The professionals pointed out that investigations have shown that substandard sub-soil test was fuelling building collapse in Lagos State, expressing worry that lack of effective regulatory monitoring of geotechnical practice in the metropolis portends future incidents in Iru – Victoria Island LCDA.

They emphasised that Iru – Victoria Island Local Council Development Area is surrounded by the Five Cowrie Creek and Atlantic Ocean, arguing that conducting comprehensive sub-soil investigations in order to determine the mechanical properties and the shear strength of the soil that could bear the loading exerted by the building foundation is inevitable.

They reiterated that ensuring the integrity of sub-soil investigations is critical to safeguarding lives, properties, and investments in the coastal region of Lagos State.

The professionals called for collaborative engagement between government agencies, professional bodies, and industry stakeholders to build capacity, enforce standards, and foster transparency in soil testing operations.

In a statement signed by the Coordinator, BCPG Iru – Victoria Island Cell, Adefemi Afolabi, an architect; General Secretary,Taiwo Ayanboade, a quantity surveyor; and Public Relations Officer, Wale Oyetayo, a civil/ geotechnical engineer, the trio said that soil test remained an important exercise for building development, especially in the coastal region, in order to prevent building collapse due to foundation failure.

‘Geotechnical sub-soil investigation report, if correctly done, enables the civil/structural engineer to determine and design the most suitable foundation type for the proposed building development,’ the group said in the statement.

However, the group said that investigations have revealed that the underlying factor of execution’s cost being at variance with contract sum/budget has paved way for most of the substandard soil tests that are being conducted around.

The group also raised doubt about the integrity of the sub-soil investigation report being attached as part of building plan approval requirements.

It said that through investigations, it has identified paucity of competent drillers,strenuous process of soil text, insufficient drilling accessories, and high drilling accessories’ cost, among others as challenges being faced in the sub-soil soil text segment.

‘On the submission of application for planning permit or building plan approval, Section 4, Sub-section 3 (V) of the revised Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority Regulations, 2019 specifies that, ‘Sub-soil investigation report in the case of structures in excess of two (2) floors and all developments in areas with low bearing capacity soil where required. ‘

‘This regulation has created exponential demand for sub-soil investigations, thereby exposing the unpreparedness and limitations of geotechnical firms. Although the challenges are being endured silently by practitioners in order to protect the business from low patronage, the need to avert future disastrous consequence of downplaying the challenges necessitates bringing into the open constraints in the geotechnical field.

‘Doubts being exhibited by piling contractors, who nowadays demand for confirmatory sub-soil investigations, making clients spend double for the same exercise, are the indication that all is not well in the geotechnical sector. There is a limit to pretentiousness,’ the statement by BCPG read.

To enhance credibility of sub- soil investigations, BCPG urged that the building plan approval system should incorporate procedures capable of verifying soil test reports and minimizing the risk of copied or falsified submissions.

It stressed the establishment of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory by law in 2006 was considered a solution to inferior geotechnical practices, but that the agency that was supposed to play the role of the disciplinarian umpire, entered into the business of soil testing, thereby competing with the firms it was established to regulate.

‘The revenue generation drive of the agency is counter-productive as standards became compromised.

‘It is high time LSMTL stopped playing the dual role of soil test monitoring and revenue generating agency through soil testing business.

‘LSMTL should now wield the big stick to sanitise the geotechnical sector. Any firm that wants to practise geotechnical investigations in the state must undergo scrutiny for possessing appropriate plants, equipment, accessories, experienced drillers, and analytical competent supervisors,’ the group said.

As way out of the woods, the BCPG Iru-Victoria Island Cell is making a case for the establishment of training school for drillers by the Lagos State Government, in conjunction with the Nigerian Institution of Geotechnical Engineers; Nigerian Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment; and other relevant bodies.

‘For a result oriented approach, field work monitoring with enforcement teams is inevitable in the aspirations for the satisfactory sub-soil investigations,’ it said.

The group reiterated that ensuring the integrity of sub-soil investigations is critical to safeguarding lives, properties, and investments in the coastal region of Lagos State.

While commendable efforts have been made in strengthening building control processes, the group said that more work remains to be done in the area of geotechnical practice.

‘By addressing the identified challenges and prioritizing professionalism above expediency, Lagos State can significantly reduce the risks of building collapse and set a sustainable example for other coastal cities in Nigeria and beyond,’ BCPG said.