Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its strike.

The strike was called to protest the sacking of 800 members of the union by the Dangote Refinery and Petroleum. It commenced on Sunday.

The suspension of the strike was announced after two days of negotiation between the parties, brokered by the Federal Government and a conciliator.

Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi presided over the meeting on the first day before National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu took over, and the meeting was moved to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The decision compelled Dangote Refinery to reabsorb the sacked workers because it is their right to belong to a union of their choice.

However, the recalled staff members would not be reintegrated into Dangote Refinery but posted to other companies in the Dangote group.

A communique issued at the end of the meeting 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, the Minister of Labour and Employment, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, DG DSS, DG NIA, the 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, 2025

‘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 reorganisation 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.’

PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo told reporters that the union was dissatisfied with the terms of the agreement.

He said: ‘We are not happy with the terms of the agreement because it did not capture our main demand of recalling the 800 sacked Nigerians.

But out of respect for government institutions, for the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Chief Reconciliator of the Federation, and the ministers who worked tirelessly into the early hours of the morning to mediate, we decided to suspend the action.

‘However, let me be clear: if Dangote fails to keep its part, we will resume immediately, without any warning.’

The union leader said he doubted the sincerity of the refinery management to follow through on the agreement.

Osifo added: ‘We know that Dangote does not play by the rules or respect agreements. We believe and suspect that some of the promises extracted during the negotiations will not be honoured. But because we respect due process and institutions of government, we will give them the benefit of the doubt.’

The conciliation brokered by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, was attended by high-ranking government officials, security chiefs, labour leaders, and industry regulators.

Among them were the NSA; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Badudu; the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka C. Onyejeocha; the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); as well as the Permanent Secretary in 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 eighth edition of a Career, Business and Skill Acquisition (CABSA) initiative, combining grants, exhibitions, open markets exhibition and career clinics to support entrepreneurs and professionals in the country’s largest local government, Alimosho, kicked off yesterday. The five-day empowerment programme is powered by the Calvary Bible Church.

The Founder and General Overseer of the church, Dr. Olumide Emmanuel said at the event tagged ‘CABSA 8.0: The Alimosho Exhibition and Business Summit’, participants will benefit from free business consultancy, career guidance, wholesale markets, panel sessions and business showcases, while several entrepreneurs will also receive grants worth millions of naira.

He described CABSA as a transformational initiative that has evolved beyond skills training to become a hub for business and career growth.

‘Some of the exhibitors you see today came here eight years ago to learn soap-making or photography. They have now built businesses, employ others and are exhibiting their products. That’s the transformation we want to see,’ Emmanuel said.

CABSA, which began as a skills acquisition project during an Easter programme organized by the church, has grown into a multi-faceted empowerment platform. According to the wealth coach, its uniqueness this year lies in the Alimosho Exhibition, where entrepreneurs and businesses will connect directly with consumers and wholesalers.

Emmanuel explained that CABSA is not just a church project but a ‘strategic effort to put Alimosho on the global map’, noting that the community’s size and electoral influence made it central to Lagos and Nigeria’s socio-economic future.

‘Alimosho is the largest local government in the country. For 30 years I’ve told my people, we are not here by accident. We are here to say, Alimosho must be put on the global map. Together, we will change this,’ he said.

Although he could not quantify CABSA’s overall impact in monetary terms, the life coach however, stressed that the initiative had touched thousands of lives, created hundreds of entrepreneurs and strengthened businesses through grants and training.

He pointed to the church’s wider social projects, including 27 years of scholarship schemes and feeding initiatives through ‘Martha’s Kitchen’ since 2008, as proof of its long-standing commitment to community development.

‘In the business world, we measure by cost-benefit analysis. In the kingdom, it’s different. You can spend N100 million to win one soul because one soul is worth more than a $1trillion. Our focus is on transformed lives,’ Emmanuel added.

Meanwhile, exhibitors at CABSA 8.0 credited the platform with giving them visibility, confidence and direct customer engagement.

Fashion entrepreneur, Favour Ogedengbe, who recently graduated from a tertiary institution and now runs a clothing and skincare brand, said the programme had accelerated her business growth.

‘CABSA has really given me visibility. Unlike social media, here you see customers face-to-face, understand their needs, and grow your business in real terms. It has given me exposure at the right time,’ she said.

For Pertinence Group, the event was an opportunity to introduce its fintech innovation, Genius by Pettisave, designed to build saving cultures among SMEs.

‘The church has a significant role to play in society. Supporting businesses is one of the critical pillars of nation-building. This exhibition shows how the church can foster unity and enterprise development,’ the firm’s Assistant General Manager, Tolulope Oduselu said.

Food brand, Eagle Foods, also a first-time participant, said CABSA enabled them to sell healthy food products at wholesale prices, helping families cope with economic challenges.

‘CABSA is an impactful programme that builds confidence and helps businesses project themselves beyond Lagos to the world. It’s about growth, visibility, and encouraging entrepreneurs to aim higher,’ co-founder, Temitope Ayo-Joshua said.

Looking ahead, Emmanuel projected bigger grants and broader reach for future editions of CABSA.

‘When we started, we shared N20,000 grants. Today, we’re giving out millions. By CABSA 10.0, we may be talking about N20 million or N50 million in grants, with hundreds more entrepreneurs empowered and exhibiting their businesses,’ he said.

On government support, Emmanuel argued that effective institutions, not political handouts, were what the country needed. According to him, CABSA thrives on personal responsibility, partnerships, and sustainable structures rather than politics.

‘When government does its job, much of what we are doing won’t be necessary. But as long as there is a need, we will keep doing our part to transform lives,’ he stressed.

Lagos Pacific Lions Club in District 404B2 has distributed school bags and other leaning materials to pupils in public primary schools in Lagos State.

President, Nasir Lateefat, noted that the initiative was to put smiles on pupils and provide them with drive and confidence to learn and progress. She stressed importance of education, urging the pupils to be committed to their studies, and listen to their teachers’ counsel.

Speaking to journalists, Lateefat said: ‘We are to celebrating Literacy Day, and also hold literacy talk with pupils of Ikeja Central School and Ikeja Primary School, motivating and let them know the worth of education. This is one of the core areas in which our club prioritises.

‘We are distributing school bags and water bottles. We distributed over 80 bags and 80 water bottles to pupils, especially those less-privileged. Primary 1-3 pupils were given water bottles, while Primary 4-6 pupils got bags.

‘We will come back to the school for another project. Our next project is to visit the children cancer section at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, the paediatric section.’

Advising the pupils, Lateefat encouraged pupils to take their education seriously to achieve greatness in life.

She said: ‘Please, concentrate and face your studies so you can have good grades, come out in flying colours and have a bright future. Make your parents proud. God will guide you to come out in flying colours.’

Lateefat further implored parents to make educational development of their children a priority, while preparing them for a greater future.

The children appreciated the gesture and expressed lauded the Pacific Lions Club.

Their teachers hailed the club, saying the gesture would ease burden of parents and motivate pupils to perform well in their academics.

Director of Muslim Awareness International, Abdul Atoyebi, has said the genocide in Gaza is unprecedented.

He spoke at Aqsa Day at Da’wah Centre, Lagos.

The ‘Stop Gaza Genocide’ event featured prayers, lectures, and a rally.

Atoyebi said for 22 months since October 7, 2023, Gaza has bled, with over 60,000 killed, mostly women, children, and 125,000 injured.

‘This is not war. This is genocide,’ he said, demanding recognition of Palestine at UN General Assembly, ceasefire and sanctions on Israel, humanitarian aid to Gaza, boycott of Israeli products and severance of diplomatic ties, and stronger internal security in Nigeria.

Lead Consultant at AS and Associates, Abdullahi Shuaib, who delivered a sermon, said the war in Gaza is a genocidal campaign against Palestinians.

He reminded Muslims of Prophet Muhammad’s teaching that they must show concern for the plight of fellow Muslims, warning that indifference to Palestine’s suffering was like abandoning the faith.

The Islamic scholar criticised UN for failing to protect Palestinians, saying the world body is ‘a toothless bulldog’ manipulated by global powers.

A lecturer at Lagos State University (LASU), Ganiyah Tijani-Adenle, said what is happening in Gaza is genocide, calling on all to pressure Israel to end the carnage.

‘There is no war crime that had not been committed in Gaza, and the genocde is happening, yet the perpetrators believe nothing will happen because the impunity has been on since 1948’, she said.

She added that the genocide in Gaza is a war against humanity and not a religious war.

‘Everyone should know that what is happening in Gaza is not a religious war. Muslims, Christians, people of different faiths and backgrounds feel the heat directly. It’s a war against humanity’, she added.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed gratitude to the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State for the warm reception accorded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his visit to the city for the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, last Friday.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu described the warm reception as an honour not only to the President, but also to the country.

He also extended appreciation to the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), party members, the state executive, Governor Seyi Makinde, fellow governors and members of the National Assembly from Oyo State for their support.

‘My dear people of Ibadanland, the state leadership and members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, other governors in attendance, and distinguished legislators, I express my deepest appreciation, not just as the Minister of Power, but first and foremost as a proud son of this historic city. The coronation of our revered monarch, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, was a moment of pride, culture and unity. Yet, one moment stood out-the extraordinary welcome you gave to our President, which has since captured national attention,’ Adelabu said.

He noted that the warm and enthusiastic reception demonstrated the unity and spirit of the people of Ibadan.

‘From the moment the President’s convoy entered the heart of the city, the atmosphere was electrifying. The cheers, the celebrations, and the sheer turnout of people were not mere formalities, but a genuine expression of support. As many have observed, it was the warmest and most organic reception President Tinubu has received since his inauguration. This was the authentic voice of Ibadan-speaking with unity, courage and conviction in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda.’

Adelabu said President Tinubu was visibly touched by the reception and conveyed his deep gratitude to the Olubadan-in-Council and the people of Ibadan.

‘Your actions reaffirmed Ibadan’s strategic and symbolic role in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic life. You have strengthened the bond between the Federal Government and the people of Oyo State, sending a strong message of unity, solidarity and hope to the nation,’ he said.

The minister pledged renewed commitment to national development, particularly in the power sector.

‘As your son, I am immensely proud. As a minister in an administration you have embraced with such warmth, I am re-energised to work harder. Your support motivates us to intensify reforms and investments in power generation, transmission and distribution so that the dividends of democracy reach Ibadan, Oyo State and the entire country.’

He concluded by offering prayers for the new Olubadan’s reign. ‘On behalf of Mr. President and the Federal Government, I once again say thank you. May the reign of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I, be long, peaceful and prosperous. Long live Ibadanland, long live Oyo State and long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

A flotilla carrying aid to Gaza said Israeli forces yesterday intercepted its latest bid to break a blockade of the war-battered Palestinian territory.

The Global Sumud Flotilla – around 45 vessels carrying activists and politicians including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg – left Spain last month aiming to break Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian territory, where the UN says famine has set in.

‘The warships are moving in to intercept the flotilla – only 81 nautical miles remain to Gaza,’ said the Maghreb contingent of the Global Sumud Flotilla in a statement.

French politician Marie Mesmeur and Franco-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan also reported that their boats were being intercepted.

The French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot posted on X that Israeli authorities were ‘currently boarding’ the flotilla.

Earlier, the Israeli navy warned the flotilla against entering waters under its blockade.

‘The Israeli Navy has reached out to the. flotilla and asked them to change course,’ the foreign ministry said in a statement.

‘Israel has informed the flotilla that it is approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade.’

Spain and Italy, which both sent naval escorts, had urged the ships to halt before entering Israel’s declared exclusion zone off Gaza.

After a 10-day stop in Tunisia, where organisers reported two drone attacks, the flotilla resumed its journey on September 15.

One of its main ships, the Alma, was ‘aggressively circled by an Israeli warship’, the group said, before another vessel, the Sirius, was subjected to ‘similar harassing manoeuvres’.

The flotilla had earlier vowed to press on with its bid to deliver aid to the devastated coastal territory despite what it called ‘intimidation’ tactics by the Israeli military.

It said on X it remained ‘vigilant as we enter the area where the previous flotillas were intercepted and/or attacked’.

Israel blocked similar attempts in June and July.

At around 1500 GMT yesterday, the flotilla said it was less than 90 nautical miles (about 170 kilometres) from the Gaza Strip.

‘We sail on undeterred by Israeli threats and tactics of intimidation,’ said the flotilla, which is also carrying Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela and Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian European Parliament member.

Spain’s digital transformation minister, Oscar Lopez, had urged the flotilla not to cross into Israel’s declared exclusion zone, extending 150 nautical miles off Gaza.

‘Our message to the flotilla has been clear: do not enter that zone,’ he told Spanish public television, adding that Spain’s naval escort would not cross into the exclusion area.

Italy, too, urged the activists to ‘stop now’ after its frigate also halted at the 150-nautical-mile limit, broadcasting radio messages to the activists’ vessels asking them to abandon their mission.

The activists said Spain and Italy’s decision was an attempt to ‘sabotage’ their endeavours.

Executive Chairman of Edo Inland Revenue Services (EIRS), Mr. Oladele Bankole-Balogun, yesterday lamented continued loss of revenue to neighbouring Delta State.

He said investigation showed many workers in Edo State paid their taxes to Delta State.

The EIRS boss spoke at a stakeholders meeting on revenue collection challenges.

He told ministries, departments and agencies that the agency had adopted a Treasury Single Account (TSA) to reduce leakages in tax collection in the state.

Bankole-Balogun said EIRS had made progressive revenue collection and stressed the need for stakeholders to worker together for increased revenue base.

He identified TSA as a fundamental tool for boosting revenue.

According to him, ‘it ensures government agency receipts, or all government receipts, flow through a transparent, centralised account for eliminating cash handling, reducing leakages, and, most importantly, improving accountability.

‘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 and means to better roads, stronger health systems, vibrant education, safer communities and dignity for the citizens of our state.’

Bankole-Balogun said the state would key into the new national tax law.

Managing Director of Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), Stainless Ijeghede, wondered why the state was yet to take action on taxes paid to Delta State.

‘When I work in oil companies, at the end of the month, I still see in my pay slip, tax Delta. All my years there, I didn’t see tax Edo. What this means is that those people who work in Oben they pay tax to Delta State Government.’

Edo Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, said he expected the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to visit the areas and stop the revenue loss.

He said his ministry was proposing a Revenue Court Law that would create specific courts to try tax offenders.

Osagie said: ‘There is the need for revenue court and revenue courts law, the whole idea is to ensure 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.’

A Professor of Educational Management at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Ebenezer Adu, has urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory agencies to intensify efforts in curbing overcrowding in universities.

Prof. Adu, who delivered the institution’s second inaugural lecture in Ikere-Ekiti, titled: ‘Fixing the Engine, Not Just the Destination: Aligning Internal Efficiency with the Goals of Effective Schools’, said universities have continued to sacrifice quality for revenue by admitting students far beyond their capacity.

He described the trend as dangerous, stressing that overstretched facilities, high teacher-student ratios and poor instructional delivery have led to the production of ill-equipped graduates.

‘Some institutions admit large numbers of students to boost revenue. This leads to high teacher-pupil ratios and low quality of output,’ Adu said.

He called on the Ministry of Education (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NABTEC) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to strengthen monitoring and ensure universities and other tertiary institutions comply with approved admission quotas.

He said: ‘Regular inspection and supervision of instruction by the regulatory body should always be undertaken to improve the quality of instruction and reduce wastage.

‘Some of the high institutions look for the means of increasing internally generated revenue; they admit large number of students, which lead to high teacher-pupil ratio. At the end, there is low quality of output.

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Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over alleged unpaid salaries, arrears, and other unmet demands.

The association vowed to join their counterpart, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has already withdrawn services since August over similar grievances.

ASUU had earlier warned that the planned resumption of students and the forthcoming convocation ceremony could be disrupted if outstanding payments were not made.

Speaking on Thursday, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in AAUA, Comrade Olutayo Ogungbeni, accused the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration of reneging on promises made in June 2025 to settle arrears and increase subventions to tertiary institutions.

According to him, SSANU members are owed more than two months’ salaries, with the last payment received in July.

He explained that the current subvention accruable to the institution is insufficient, making it difficult to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage for university workers.

‘The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), AAUA, may commence industrial action if all outstanding salaries are not paid. The last salary collected was in July, and now we are in October,’ Ogungbeni said.

He lamented that staff had exercised patience for too long, stressing that they are now poised for a showdown.

Ogungbeni further accused the state government of neglecting the university by failing to provide adequate funding over the years.

While noting that the ASUU strike has already halted academic activities, Ogungbeni warned that the looming SSANU strike would paralyze all administrative and support services at the institution if the government fails to intervene.

He listed some of SSANU’s demands to include, ‘Payment of 54 months’ arrears of 2019, payment of 18 months’ arrears of the 25%/35% salary increment, payment of two months’ arrears of the 2024 minimum wage, payment of promotion arrears for 2022, 2023, and 2024, and immediate payment of August and September 2025 salaries.

The Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, was not available for comments when contacted on Thursday by our reporter.

Prof. Ajibefun neither picked up calls nor replied to his messages as of the time of publishing this report.

Recall that the state government had said it was making frantic efforts at forestalling an industrial action in the state-owned institution as the organised unions threatened to disrupt the resumption and planned convocation ceremony.