Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Federal Government has successfully brokered an agreement between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following two days of intense conciliation meetings in Abuja.

The talks, which were convened by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, held on Monday, 29th and Tuesday, 30th September 2025, came on the heels of PENGASSAN’s directive to halt gas supply to the Dangote Refinery and withdraw the services of its members.

The union had justified its action as a direct response to what it described as the unlawful termination of over 800 of its members by the refinery’s management. But the Dangote Group, in its defense, told the meeting that the disengagement was purely a product of an ongoing reorganization exercise within the company.

The conciliation was attended by high-ranking officials of government, security chiefs, labour leaders and industry regulators.

Among them were the National Security Adviser; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of State for Labour and Employment; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS); Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); as well as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Also present were the Chief Executives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), alongside representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the President and Secretary-General of PENGASSAN.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, at the meeting reaffirmed that ‘unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and this right should be respected.’ He stressed that no employer has the authority to deny or undermine this constitutional guarantee.

After hours of back-and-forth negotiations, a breakthrough was reached. It was agreed that the Dangote Group would immediately commence the process of redeploying the disengaged workers to other companies within the conglomerate without any loss of pay.

The government further assured that no worker would suffer victimisation for their role in the dispute, while PENGASSAN committed to initiating the process of calling off the strike.

The communique in full reads; ‘Sequel to the Notice to stop gas supply to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and withdrawal of services by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria [PENGASSAN], The National Security Adviser, Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, DG DSS, DG NIA, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources [Gas] represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Chief Executives of NMDPRA and NUPRC, representatives of NNPCL held conciliation meetings with management of Dangote Group and the President and Secretary General TUC and leadership of PENGASSAN on Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th September, 202

‘Whereas the leadership of PENGASSAN said that the directives given to stop the supply of gas to Dangote Petroleum and withdrawal of services was in response to the termination of appointment of over Eight Hundred members of PENGASSAN by the management of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical on the other hand, explained the reason for disengagement of the workers was as a result of the ongoing reorganization in the company.

‘After a lengthy discussion, the matter was resolved as follows: The Honourable Minister of Labour informed the meeting that unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and that this right should be respected.

‘After examining the procedure used in the disengagement of workers, the meeting agreed that the management of Dangote Group shall immediately start the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay.

‘No worker will be victimised arising from their role in the impasse between Dangote and PENGASSAN.

‘PENGASSAN agreed to start the process of calling off the strike. Both parties agreed to this understanding in good faith.’

Diaspora investors in WINHOMES Estate have accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of inappropriately dragging President Bola Tinubu’s name into the controversy surrounding the demolition of properties to pave way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

The investors, in a press statement on Wednesday, faulted Umahi’s repeated references to the President in what they described as a ‘purely legal conflict’ that should be determined by the courts.

‘Repeatedly invoking the President’s name in this dispute is both inappropriate and damaging. Presenting a legal conflict as though it bears presidential endorsement erodes investor confidence, paints Nigeria as a country where executive interference trumps judicial independence, and sends the wrong signal to the international community,’ the group said.

The statement, signed by Engr. Stella Okengwu, CEO of WINHOMES Global Services, accused the Minister of misleading Nigerians and the global community on the scale of demolition, the status of court proceedings, and the level of diaspora engagement.

Umahi had claimed that only four hectares of WINHOMES land were affected, but the investors insist the estate represents over $250 million in diaspora investment covering a much larger area.

‘Families, professionals, and businesses who invested in good faith have lost properties and assets valued at far more than what the Ministry admits,’ the group stated.

They also debunked Umahi’s claim that the Federal Government had secured judgment in its favour, stressing that Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1063/25, filed before Justice Akintayo Aluko at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, remains pending.

‘No trial has commenced, no judgment has been delivered, and any suggestion otherwise is a reckless distortion,’ the statement read.

The investors further alleged that the Minister personally invited diaspora representatives to discuss the issue and promised to escalate it to the President, contrary to his public denials.

They said video evidence of the invitation exists and could be made public if necessary.

Beyond the demolition dispute, the group raised concerns over reports of a ?200 million cash payment linked to the Ministry, calling on the EFCC and DSS to launch a probe in the interest of transparency.

They also cited MTN Africa’s televised warning against diverting the coastal highway through the estate, accusing the Ministry of ignoring expert advice and due process.

WINHOMES investors announced plans to convene a world press conference to present video evidence, financial records, and expert testimony.

‘Our goal is not only to defend our investments but also to expose the wider risks of arbitrary governance to any investor considering Nigeria as a viable destination,’ Okengwu said, vowing to pursue the matter until justice is served.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Independence Day speech, said profound social, economic, and political challenges have tested Nigeria’s independence for decades, but the country has survived with tremendous progress across sectors, especially the country’s economy, which he said ‘has experienced significant growth since 1960.’

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five facts that reveal where the giant of Africa stands at 65.

1. Resilient economy

Despite storms of inflation and subsidy cuts, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 3.13% year-on-year in Q1 2025, proving its ability to bounce back.

2. Lagos shines as Africa’s second-largest city economy

With a GDP of US$259.75 billion in 2023, Lagos is only behind Cairo, cementing its role as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.

3. Nigeria remains Africa’s most populous nation

With over 226 million people, Nigeria holds immense human capital – a young, energetic population that is both its strength and its future.

4. Poverty in rural Nigeria: 75.5%

According to the World Bank’s April 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief, 75.5% of rural Nigerians now live below the poverty line, compared to 41.3 % in urban areas

5. Security threats affect everyday life

Over 150 million Nigerians live under the shadow of insecurity – from farmers who cannot till their land to families displaced by violence.

Oyo State government on Tuesday joined the rest of the country in commemorating Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, with a call for national unity and renewed hope.

Speaking at the event held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, described the theme of the celebration, ‘Unity and Rebuilding’, as timely and necessary.

Lawal emphasised the need for Nigerians to remain united despite current economic and social challenges, stating that national cohesion is critical to progress.

‘We rarely come together these days to celebrate Independence. We must emphasise unity among ourselves across ethnic nationalities. United we stand, divided we fall. We must remain united to move forward,’ he said.

He also urged citizens not to lose hope in the country’s future.

‘We must keep hope alive. We must not be despondent,’ he added.

The event featured a quiz and debate competition among pupils and students from different educational zones across the state.

In the primary school category, Lawal Anjola (Ibadan Zone 2) came first, followed by Oladokun Christianah (Kajola Zone), and Joseph Tijesunimi (Ibarapa Zone) in second and third place, respectively.

At the secondary school level, Morenikeji Oluwadarasimi (Zone 3) emerged the winner, with Akinsola Teniola (Zone 1) and Raheem Mercy (Oyo Zone) taking second and third positions.

The celebration also featured a march past competition. In the primary school individual performance, Ayodele Samuel secured first place with 98 per cent. Saint James, Iyana Church, came second with 64 per cent, while Saint Anthony, Ejioku, took third place with 62 per cent.

Among secondary schools, Ibadan Boys’ High School came first with 86 per cent, Government College Ibadan placed second with 84 per cent, while Saint Anne’s School, Molete, and Queen’s School followed with 80 and 70 per cent, respectively.

Dignitaries at the event included top government officials, traditional rulers, education stakeholders, and members of the public.

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, is having an inaugural meeting with the members of Olubadan-in-Council at the Olubadan palac,e Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

The meeting is the first official outing of the Kabiyesi since his enthronement as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland last Friday

At the time of filing the report, the meeting is ongoing.

He attended Ibadan Boys High School (1958-1963) and Olivet Baptist High School (1964-1965). He studied at the University of Liège, Belgium (1966-1972) where he earned a degree in chemical engineering.

He is a Nigerian monarch. He is the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan. Before ascending the throne, Ladoja was a chief and politician who served as the governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2006 on the PDP platform; and from 2006 to 2007.

He was elected to the Senate of Nigeria in 1993 during the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic, he was a member of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) during the Abacha Political Transition. By 2000, Ladoja had become a director of Standard Trust Bank Limited.

He attended Ibadan Boys High School (1958-1963) and Olivet Baptist High School (1964-1965). He studied at the University of Liège, Belgium (1966-1972) where he earned a degree in chemical engineering.

He is a Nigerian monarch. He is the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan. Before ascending the throne, Ladoja was a chief and politician who served as the governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2006 on the PDP platform; and from 2006 to 2007.

He was elected to the Senate of Nigeria in 1993 during the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic, he was a member of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) during the Abacha Political Transition. By 2000, Ladoja had become a director of Standard Trust Bank Limited.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, assuring that the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu Administration and citizens’ huge sacrifices would ultimately pay off if the nation stayed the course.

Mbah said that while the anniversary may understandably be low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s giant strides as an independent nation.

These were contained in his message to Nigerians in the early hours of Wednesday to mark the nation’s 65th independence anniversary. In the message, which he personally signed, the governor congratulated the citizens for ‘the proud milestone.’

‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today.

‘The commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

‘Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.

‘As we raise our flags today, let us renew our covenant to Nigeria; let us embrace the spirit of unity, and let us uphold the optimism that has carried us this far,’ he stated.

Mbah, while also recommitting to his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, maintained that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of turnaround and exponential economic growth.

‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course. And no one will be left behind.

‘From moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, our children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via our modern transport system and infrastructure, Enugu State is no doubt on the pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth,’ he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a heartfelt appeal to Nigerians (both home and abroad) to renew their confidence in the country, urging them to ‘Bet on Nigeria’ despite current challenges.

Speaking in a recent national address posted on his verified X handle, the President emphasised that the nation’s journey, though difficult, is far from over – and its success is still within reach.

His words; ‘Nigeria will succeed. Lift Nigeria. Believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria First. Bet on Nigeria’.

Nigeria will succeed.

Lift Nigeria.

Believe in Nigeria.

Put Nigeria First.

Bet on Nigeria.https://t.co/DGFWsrw1sY

– Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) October 1, 2025

In related development, Tinubu also proposed that Nigeria should be a nation of producers rather than just being consumers.

He stated this in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Wednesday, saying that it was time for the country to shift from being a consuming nation to a producing one.

‘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,’ Tinubu declared.

The president explained that reforms like removing fuel subsidies and unifying foreign exchange rates were tough but necessary to reset the economy.

The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s tax reforms which culminated in the new tax laws, describing them as necessary for economic growth and development.

The recently-inaugurated Executive Secretary of the continental body, Ms Mary Baine, made the support known during a visit to the chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman said ATAF stands by Nigeria in reforming its fiscal landscape and pledged the readiness of the body to give technical support in areas that would help in realising the gains of the reforms.

She referenced how the organization had helped Zambia to build capacity in the area of raising revenue from mining, promising to offer support to Nigeria in the same area.

According to her, ATAF is willing to leverage Nigeria’s continental and global influence to mobilise member-countries to strengthen the organisation.

‘When you look at the strategic vision of FIRS, we see the things you are doing and the way you’re changing the tax system, the kind of reforms and the time that it has taken and of course the movement forward.

‘So, we applaud you, and I wanted to say that ATAF is here to say that we stand with you, we applaud you, and we’re ready to provide whatever support that could lead to its success.

‘In terms of your strategic vision- people, technology and data, we find that this is something that is really critical for the rest of the continent and that it is an area where ATAF will be happy to support as well,’ she said.

The FIRS chairman, while welcoming the visitors, expressed confidence in the capacity of the Executive Secretary to lead ATAF to glory.

He charged Africans to look inwards for homegrown solutions to challenges, stressing that salvation cannot come from the Western world.

‘My belief has always been that solutions to Africa’s challenges can only come from Africa. There is no free lunch anywhere. I have said that I don’t believe in aids; I believe in cooperation.

‘There is a saying that when you are not on the table, you are definitely on the menu. So, Africa must be on the table and that is it. We should stop being on the menu. That is my charge to you.

‘So, the expectation from us as a continent is also to bring what we can contribute to the work, most especially in tax matters. For us, we have to evolve our own fiscal policies which is what Nigeria has done with the new tax laws.

‘Before now, we had tax laws that were colonial relics. We had the Stamp Duties Act of 1939 which was enacted when there was no internet,’ he said.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and leader of opposition in Nigeria has responded to a glowing speech delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of the country’s 65th anniversary, saying ‘pot is not only empty but cracked – and the people remain hungry.’

Tinubu had earlier in the day spoke of ‘turning the corner,’ of laying foundations ‘in concrete and not on quicksand,’ and of supposed victories in education, healthcare, the economy, and national security.

Responding to the Independence Day presidential speech, Atiku, through a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications, Phrank Shuaibu, said: ‘The yam may be plentiful, but if the pot is empty, the stomach still rumbles.’

According to Shuaibu, the president cited the multiplication of schools since 1960, but in many places, pupils still sit on bare floors and write in dust, while teachers abandon classrooms because their salaries cannot buy food.

‘He boasted of more hospitals, but our mothers and fathers still carry candles, syringes, and drugs into wards before treatment can begin. ‘A man who builds many huts without roofs has only built shade for goats.’

On the economy, the statement said: ‘we were told of bold reforms. But Nigerians know the pain in their pockets. Food prices are higher than the rooftops, transport has swallowed incomes, and many families now eat less than one meal a day. If these are the ‘seeds’ of reform, then the fruit is still bitter. ‘When the roof is on fire, it is folly to declare the rain has quenched it.’

On security, Atiku’s statement remarked that Tinubu saluted the courage of armed forces and declared victories over terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, but ‘Nigerians still sleep with one eye open, and families still pay ransom as if it were the daily price of garri.

‘Villages continue to bury their dead. Most tragically, just this week, we lost Somtochukwu, a young female news anchor with Arise TV, killed in a robbery attack in the early hours of Monday. Her death is a painful reminder that no one – not even the voices that bring us the news – is safe in today’s Nigeria. ‘A farmer cannot boast the bush is cleared while weeds still choke his yam.’

Continuing, the statement said: ‘We were told that billions have been disbursed to poor households. Nigerians ask simply: where? ‘If the yam was truly cooked, neighbours would perceive the aroma.’ Across the land, poverty still walks naked, and hunger knocks daily, yet the government sings of generosity that citizens cannot see or feel.

‘Our young people, the supposed ‘future,’ are promised wings to fly. But many graduates hawk sachet water or ride okada to survive. ‘You cannot tell a child to dream big while you steal the mat he sleeps on.’ Nigerian youth need real opportunities, not more applause lines.

‘Yes, 65 years is a long time. We have endured civil war, dictatorships, and crises. Nigerians are resilient – that much is true. But resilience must not be mistaken for endorsement. Our founding fathers dreamed of a land flowing with justice and opportunity. Today, the riverbed is dry for many, and only a privileged few fetch from the little water left.

‘A masquerade does not clap for itself; it is the crowd that cheers when the steps are sweet. Nigerians are not clapping, because the music they hear is hunger, insecurity, and despair. Statistics do not fill cooking pots, and PowerPoint slides do not light up homes.’

The former Vice President believed that as the country marks 65 years of independence, ‘the true measure of progress is not in the number of universities or the percentage of coal mined. It is in whether Nigerians have food on their tables, whether our children are truly learning, whether our hospitals heal the sick, and whether people can sleep safely in their homes.

‘Independence anniversaries are moments of sober reflection, not self-praise. If truly this administration is laying foundations, then let those foundations be seen and felt in working schools, in affordable food, in reliable power, and in secured communities. Let mothers in the market and fathers on the farm testify – not just politicians at the podium.

‘Nigeria is 65 years old. But our leaders still serve promises as though they were meals. The yam is there, but the pot remains empty.’