Category: The Nation – Nigeria

On Friday, last week, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu turned his gaze south-westward to the sprawling city of Ibadan. Over two years since his assumption of office, this would be the president’s first berth in Ibadan, the political and spiritual capital of the Yoruba nation. Just as Kaduna spoke to his national reach the week before, Ibadan speaks to his Southwest base. It is a return not merely to a city, but to a crucible of Yoruba identity, politics, and destiny.

Ibadan is no ordinary city. It is the heartbeat of Yoruba politics and identity, a vast urban sprawl steeped in tradition, intellect, and culture. Here, history drips from every corner – from Mapo Hall, where nationalist firebrands once roused the masses, to Cocoa House, the towering emblem of the Western Region’s prosperity and vision.

Ibadan was the capital of the old Western Region, the epicentre of progressive leadership from where Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his contemporaries presided over the affairs of the region with revolutionary zeal and pioneered free education, agricultural revolutions, and industrial transformation. To the Yoruba, Ibadan is both fortress and fountain – a city where politics is born, nurtured, and projected onto the national stage.

It is into this arena of weighty symbolism that the president arrived to witness the crowning of Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The Olubadan stool is unlike any other in Yorubaland – a uniquely structured succession line that embodies the Yoruba love of order, merit, and patience. That Tinubu stood in solidarity with the people at such a sacred moment is itself a reaffirmation of his bond with tradition and with the Yoruba nation.

In Ibadan, tradition met power. Serving Southwest governors showed up from Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo. Former governors and political heavy weights also showed up. The Sultan of Sokoto and very prominent Yoruba first class monarchs from the Alaafin to the Soun and of course Oba Elegushi of Lagos.

Politics without bitterness: Tinubu and Ladoja

The crowning of Rasheed Ladoja as Olubadan carries a personal resonance for President Tinubu. Two decades ago, when then President Olusegun Obasanjo orchestrated Ladoja’s illegal impeachment in 2003, using only a handful of lawmakers, it was Tinubu – then governor of Lagos – who stood against that brazen assault on democracy.

Ladoja, hounded from his office by Obasanjo and denied justice, found sanctuary in Lagos. President Tinubu not only gave him refuge but also lent him the courage and political cover to resist. Against the odds, with President Tinubu’s backing, Ladoja fought his way back through the courts, and the judiciary eventually restored him to power.

This bond, forged in the fire of political persecution and resilience, now finds symbolic closure in Ibadan. Tinubu did not arrive merely as president; he arrived as an old ally, standing with the Olubadan Ladoja on the day of his ultimate elevation to the Olubadan throne.

At the event on Friday at the historic Mapo hall, President Tinubu made remarkable revelation reminiscent of the Abeokuta ‘Emilokan’ declaration. He described the ascension of Oba Ladoja to the throne of his forebears as another ’emilokan’ moment. The message was not lost. Just as the comparison was obvious. His journey to be Olubadan took him 33 years to climb on the long succession ladder just like the President’s journey to the Presidency: the fight for democracy, the sacrifices, the people he built, the many twists and turns and eventually now, the Presidency.

Ibadan was also significant on the coronation day. From the hills of Mapo, President Tinubu delivered a powerful political message of renewed hope. ‘Today, I am honoured to bring the cheering news that our economy has turned around and there is now light at the end of the tunnel.’ Coming from the Commander-in-Chief, the man who knows and calls the shots, it was an important message. It was a validation of the reforms mantra of this administration and the positive impacts of the reforms.

The political capital of the Yoruba Nation

Ibadan represents more than just politics; it is spirit and identity. It has produced poets, warriors, intellectuals, and statesmen whose reach extended far beyond Yoruba land. In every era, Ibadan has stood as the Yoruba voice in Nigeria’s political orchestra. From the days of Adegoke Adelabu’s fiery ‘penkelemesi’ populism to the statesmanship of Lam Adesina and the reformist zeal of governors like Ladoja himself, Ibadan has set the rhythm of Yoruba political expression.

President Tinubu’s presence at the coronation of Olubadan therefore carried the weight of cultural affirmation. It told a people that their heritage matters at the highest levels of power, and that the leader of the nation stands not above tradition, but within it.

Politics of bridges, not walls

Like Kaduna in the north, Ibadan has been the crucible of alignments and re-alignments in the southwest. It was here that old rivalries found resolution and fresh alliances were born, shaping the destiny of the Yoruba within the federation. The president’s return to this theatre of history is a reminder that politics is not about conquest but connection; not about drawing lines, but building bridges.

For the Yoruba political elite, Tinubu’s presence is validation – proof that the son of Lagos remains attuned to the heartbeat of his cultural kin, even as he governs the entire federation. For ordinary Ibadan people, it is a reassurance that their president, despite the burdens of national office, has not forgotten the city that remains the Yoruba axis of history and destiny.

The city of Ibadan was on lock down. The streets lined with excited Oyo citizens and Nigerians welcoming and cheering on President Tinubu. To Mr. President, Oyo State Resounded Loud and Clear- ‘Ekaabo o’.

Ibadan’s genius has always been its ability to marry tradition with progress, culture with politics, history with modernity. Its monarchy is as revered as its intellectual traditions. Its politics, though fiercely competitive, has often found equilibrium in Yoruba solidarity. President Tinubu’s visit, then, was not just ceremonial. It is a subtle but profound embrace of this heritage – a signal that his politics remains grounded in the values of loyalty, patience, and cultural continuity that the Yoruba hold dear.

The significance of the moment

In Kaduna, Tinubu broke myths and dissolved doubts, receiving resounding political validation. In Ibadan, he affirmed cultural solidarity, paid homage to tradition, and consolidated his role as both President of Nigeria and a proud son of the Yoruba nation. The crowning of Rasheed Ladoja as Olubadan provided the perfect canvas for this: a celebration of continuity, loyalty, and unity.

And just as Kaduna reminded Nigeria of northern political sophistication, Ibadan offered the world a lesson in Yoruba resilience, heritage, and leadership. In Ibadan, loyalty met tradition, politics embraced culture, and history came full circle. And in that convergence, Tinubu’s leadership was reaffirmed once more – not by force of power, but by the enduring power of friendship, loyalty, sacrifice and heritage.

Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sacked all commissioners and other appointees administration affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement.

The Governor announced the decision during a valedictory session he organised for his cabinet to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, confirmed that during the event, which held in Government House, on Wednesday, Fubara relieved all the commissioners and other public officers affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement of their appointments.

The Governor called on all stakeholders to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secured and prosperous country.

He also thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years..

‘He called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,’ the statement said.

The Governor also reiterated commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor and thanked all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

The Supreme Court’s judgement on Rivers crisis among other verdicts, declared the three-man factional House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo as an unlawful Assembly.

The Court, while recognising the 27-member Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the only authentic legislative arm of government, nullified all legislative decisions made in favour of Fubara during the crisis including the passage of budgets; screening and confirmations of commissioners and other public officers holders.

It was gathered that over 19 of Fubara’s commissioners, whose appointments were screened and confirmed by Oko-Jumbo were affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement.

The judgement rendered the appointment of Iboroma Dagogo, SAN, who was screened and confirmed as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice invalid.

Other commissioners affected by the judgement are Charles O. Beke, Collins Onunwo, Solomon Eke, Peter Medee, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, Basoene Joshua Benibo, Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma.

Also, Illamu Arugu, Rowland Obed Whyte, Samuel Anya, Samuel Eyiba, Austin Emeka Nnadozie, Israel Ngbuelu, Evans Bipi, Otamiri Ngubo, Benibo Alabraba and Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, suffered a similar fate.

It was also gathered that the Governor could consider the inclusion of some of them in the list of fresh nominees he was preparing to send to the House of Assembly.

The National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu last night urged Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and other labour unions not to hurt the economy at a the government is making progress to redirect it time.

The NSA made the remark after stepping into the row between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN

The second day of the peace meeting initiated by the government was moved to the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) from the ministry of Labor and government.

‘They have not reached any conclusion yet but the NSA asked PENGASSAN not to hurt the economy,’ a source said last night.

Ribdau held talks with Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote and representatives of oil workers’ union as part of steps to avoid a total shutdown of the oil and gas sector.

At the meeting were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment Mohammed Dingyadi; Minister of State for Labour and Employment Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo; Secretary of the union Lumumba Ighotemu and top government officials.

The meeting, which was still ongoing as of press time at 11.24pm, was holding in the Office of the NSA (ONSA) in Abuja.

The Upstream and the Downstream of the oil sector are now feeling the impact of the lingering feud between the refinery and PENGASSAN.

A source, who spoke with our correspondent, said: ‘There is an ongoing marathon meeting between the NSA and other key stakeholders, especially Dangote and PENGASSAN leaders.

‘Ribadu, who is the chairman of the Energy Security of the government, opted to intervene following the continuous spread of the strike action by PENGASSAN.

Edun warned that the ongoing strike poses a major threat to the nation’s fragile economy. He said government was determined to limit the impact of the industrial action, which followed the dismissal of 800 workers by Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.

Edun spoke after a nine-hour meeting convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, stressing that resolving the dispute was urgent to keep country’s economy on track.

According to him, the strike was threatening critical supply chains in gas and crude oil, which are essential inputs for industrial production.

‘What is utmost in the minds of everybody- the public, the government, investors, and economic actors generally- is that we need to limit the danger of this action to the economy. We need to resolve it and get workers back to work. We need gas flowing, we need crude flowing, which is critical to where the economy is right now,’ Edun said.

He added that government remained optimistic that a resolution would be reached when talks reconvene today, noting that sustaining momentum in economic reforms required urgent restoration of operations at the refinery. ‘We don’t want this momentum broken. That is why we spent nine hours trying to resolve the issue. We are hopeful that later today we can break the deadlock and put this behind us so the Nigerian economy can move forward,’ the minister said.

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has expressed concern over the ongoing action by PENGASSAN, warming that it was tantamount to self-help and economic sabotage.

It warned that coercing those not interested in a strike or disrupting the operations of businesses not party to a dispute is unacceptable and against global labour practices.

In a statement, NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, stressed that while trade unions have the legitimate right to embark on industrial action, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law.

Oyerinde noted that Nigeria has statutory institutions like the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) and the National Industrial Court (NICN) to resolve labour disputes. According to him, resorting to self-help or treating these institutions with disdain would undermine the country’s industrial relations system and threaten economic survival.

He reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to upholding global labour standards in line with ILO Conventions 87 and 98, stressing that protections for union officials do not cover sabotage, coercion, or actions that endanger enterprises and national security.

While acknowledging workers’ rights, he maintained that such rights cannot override employers’ rights to manage investments or jeopardize enterprise sustainability.

The NECA DG urged the Minister of Labour and Employment to act decisively to stop the ‘wanton denigration’ of Nigeria’s industrial relations system. He called for the dispute to be resolved through lawful channels, warning that failure to intervene could damage economic sustainability, job creation, investment attraction, and national development.

Works Minister to PENGASSAN: prioritise national interest

Appealing to PENGASSAN to put national interest above union grievances, Works Minister, David Umahi, warned that the strike action could derail the country’s economic recovery.

Umahi who spoke in Lagos while inspecting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, stressed that stability in the oil and gas sector was crucial to sustaining development.

Petrol scarcity hits Abuja

In Abuja, petrol scarcity has resurfaced as most retail outlets remained shut while black marketers sold the product at inflated prices. Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) President, Abubakar Maigandi, said the disruption of supply from Dangote Refinery was the immediate cause.

PENGASSAN members continued their blockade of key regulatory agencies in Abuja, including the NNPCL, NUPRC and NMDPRA, despite a subsisting court order.

Pockets of long queues were observed at some gas stations in Lagos with private depots reported to have hiked pump prices to N980 per litre. Other oil sector groups, including NOGASA and PETROAN, appealed to government to quickly intervene, warning that the situation could spiral into a nationwide shortage.

CORAN begs govt to avert oil sector collapse

Reacting to the development, the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) urged the Federal Government to urgently intervene to prevent looming collapse of the oil sector if the crises persist.

In a statement, the association stressed that private refineries had invested heavily to reduce dependence on imports, create jobs, and conserve foreign exchange. However, it said recurring disruptions, regulatory delays, and vested interests were threatening their survival.

‘Private refiners cannot survive in a hostile business environment where supply is used as leverage to stifle growth. Government must act impartially and decisively to protect operators and guarantee uninterrupted access to feedstock,’ CORAN said, calling for a binding framework that secures crude supply and restores investor confidence.

NISO blames power generation shortfall on gas disruption

Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) yesterday blamed the dip in electricity generation on the disruption of gas supply.

It allocated 3,656MW to the 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) as at 15:39 hours yesterday.

The NISO said at 15:00 hours, 14 of the 26 generation Companies GenCos produced 3,798.86MW.

But its management, which made the issue of disruption known in a press statement, said it was due to the industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.

In s public notice titled: ‘Generation curtailment due to gas supply disruptions’, it said: ‘The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) wishes to notify the public of recent major generation shortfalls on the National Grid, caused by industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.’

NISO further noted that the disruptions triggered widespread gas shortages, reducing available generation from over 4,300 MW in the early hours of Sunday, 28th September 2025, to about 3,200 MW at the lowest point.

In response, NISO said it has promptly deployed contingency measures to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the National Grid.

According to the statement, key interventions include:

Hydropower Optimization: Strategic ramp-ups from major hydro stations, contributing over 400 MW of additional output to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

In only his first start for Atalanta in the on-going campaign, Ademola Lookman had an impressive performance as La Dea beat Club Brugge , 2-1.

Atalanta had to come from behind through Lazar Samardzic and Mario Pasalic to claim their first Champions League victory of the season over the Belgian side at the New Balance Arena last night.

There was no Isak Hien, Giorgio Scalvini or Sead Kolasinac in defence for La Dea, nor Charles De Ketelaere, Gianluca Scamacca or Nicola Zalewski further up the pitch.

That, however, meant that Ademola Lookman was called into the starting line-up for the first time this season, following his attempts to leave the club over the course of the summer transfer window. There was also a first start of the campaign for Brazilian midfielder, Ederson.

Atalanta threatened early on through Lorenzo Bernasconi, who thundered a fierce volley just wide of the target from 25 yards out after less than four minutes.

Ederson, Lookman and Mario Pasalic all tried their best to get Atalanta ahead, but it was the visitors who would claim the first-half lead.

Atalanta had to wait until the final 20 minutes to find the equaliser. Nordin Jackers did brilliantly to stop Musah while charging into the area, but the Brugge goalkeeper overcommitted and brought down Mario Pasalic on the follow-up.

Samardzic stepped up to convert the penalty just inside the right post to level for Atalanta with what was his first competitive goal this calendar year.

Then, with three minutes of regular time remaining, Pasalic stole the lead with a well-placed header from Samardzic’s corner delivery, sending the New Balance Arena into a frenzy.

Atalanta, who had been eliminated by Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off round last season, are now off the mark with their first victory in Europe this season.

Incidentally before the game, Atalanta coach Ivan Juric said he called on Lookman and Emerson in the starting line-up for the match because they are ‘excellent athletes’.

‘They’re quality players. They’ve been training with us for a while, I think that today is a good opportunity for them to start playing in matches,’ Juric told Sky Sport Italia about the return of Lookman and Ederson to the starting line-up. ‘They’re two excellent athletes, we’ll see how they get on during the game.’

The University of Arkansas, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences’ School of Art hosted internationally acclaimed artist and scholar Prof Peju Layiwola for a two-day workshops culminating in a student fashion show. The show, which was held last Thursday at the School of Art’s Studio and Design Center lobby featured no fewer than 125 students who modeled the clothing made by the participants and from Layiwola’s fashion line. It also featured varieties of Nigerian food.

The fashion show marks the end of a weeklong resist-dyeing workshop series, where students from across disciplines will study àdìr?, a centuries-old Yoruba textile tradition from southwest Nigeria. Their finished creations made debut on the runway alongside designs by Layiwola and by Edward Osei, a University of Arkanasas art education master’s student from Ghana.

Participants learned the entire batik process, from making foam stamps, to producing designs with wax, to dyeing, and dewaxing. Participants also learned about adire eleko and adire oniko.

According to Prof Layiwola, the initiative is to help the students learn about other textile cultural practices, engage with a genre that would illuminate their art practice, and great satisfaction from the university community. The programmes refreshing and some ‘think that this should be annual event. Students were thrilled at the experience, which they thought was unique,’ Layiwola added.

Layiwola, professor of art and art history at the University of Lagos and Mellon Curatorial Fellow at the Stanley Museum of Art at the University of Iowa, is recognised as a leading voice in African art and material culture. Her career includes numerous awards, grants and fellowships, as well as ties to Arkansas through the 2020 Ambassador of Goodwill Award from the state of Arkansas and the 2019 Tyson Scholar Fellowship at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Layiwola’s work is also represented in major collections, including Microsoft Lagos, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum at Pan Atlantic University and with private collectors such as JP and Ebun Clark and Hs Royal Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.

Assistant Professor of art history, Janine Sytsma, noted that these events demonstrate how the school is providing students with unique opportunities to engage with a respected artist and to learn firsthand a resist-dyeing tradition from southwest Nigeria. ‘Through this workshop,’ she explained, ‘students gain knowledge of Yoruba textile design that will enrich their development as artists, scholars, educators and designers.’

Layiwola’s visit is a collaborative effort between the school’s art history and art education programs, demonstrating their shared commitment to interdisciplinary, experiential learning in arts scholarship and practices. Kathy Brown, director of graduate studies in art education and endowed assistant professor of art education, noted, ‘Art education is excited to collaborate with art history to bring Prof. Layiwola’s workshops to our students. We are looking forward to participating in cultural traditions and situate the workshops’ themes and experientiality within the wider arts-based research discourse.’

John Blakinger, art history programme director, explained that the School of Art is a hub where local and worldwide art practices converge, calling the events prime examples of how the school engages in meaningful outreach, ‘Her visit reflects the global reach of our program and demonstrates how we connect local partnerships – such as with Crystal Bridges – with international, cross-disciplinary projects that strengthen the arts in Arkansas.’

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has rewarded Team Edo with the sum of N10 million for their impressive outing at the 9th National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State.

Team Edo secured third place with a total of 79 medals, comprising 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze.

Announcing the reward while receiving the athletes at the Government House in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo commended their resilience, commitment, and dedication, noting that their performance brought pride and honour to the state.

He encouraged the athletes to stay focused and remain determined to achieve even greater success in future competitions.

‘I congratulate our team for putting in their best and securing third position with 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals. This is an impressive achievement, but I challenge you to do more and put in your best to claim first position in the next edition. Edo deserves first place, and with commitment and discipline, we will get there.

‘The state government will continue to support you, but I want to see stronger dedication and more commitment in the coming years. For your efforts, I am pleased to reward you with the sum of ?10 million. I believe with harder training, greater victories await Edo.’

Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, thanked Governor Okpebholo for his support of sports development and stressed that the administration’s prioritization of athletes’ welfare was a decisive factor in the team’s improved performance.

He presented the second runner-up trophy to the Governor and assured that continued government support would enable the athletes to surpass their current achievement and position.

According to him, ‘We thank His Excellency for providing the enabling environment for sports to thrive. For the first time, Team Edo returned with 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals, an unprecedented feat in the history of our participation in the National Youth Games. The motivation came from the Governor’s commitment to the well-being of our athletes.’

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic participation, saying deliberate investment in women is key to inclusive growth and prosperity.

Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Hamzat, spoke at the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA)’s flagship conference, WAPA Connect 2025.

According to him, the recently launched Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Roadmap was designed to dismantle barriers that limit women and girls from contributing fully to the economy.

‘WAPA Connect Conference is our flagship 2025 event, uniting government officials, civil society, private sector partners, and everyday women across Lagos. This year’s theme underscores our strong commitment to making policies practical and impactful, ensuring measurable outcomes for women’s empowerment. We believe that investing in women is not just an act of charity-it is a matter of economics, justice, and prosperity. A society cannot really thrive if it leaves half of its population behind,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the roadmap, developed from real-life experiences of Lagos women across sectors, would expand opportunities in entrepreneurship, agriculture, skill acquisition, the traditional labour market and emerging industries.

He added that the state was prioritising partnerships with women-led organisations and private sectors to ensure measurable results, while improving data collection to guide targeted interventions.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, described the programme as a platform that enables women from all backgrounds to connect, network and explore opportunities.

She said this year’s theme serves as a reminder that empowering women benefits families, businesses and the wider economy.

Highlighting the ministry’s achievements, Mrs Dada said 28,913 students had graduated from the state’s 19 free skills acquisition centres since the inception of the administration, while 17,213 beneficiaries received equipment under the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI).

She added that 18,241 women were trained under the Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP), 5,494 benefitted from agricultural programmes in Badagry, while more than 5,500 widows received cash grants and empowerment packages.

According to her, over 28,000 sanitary pads have been distributed to schoolgirls under the menstrual hygiene programme, while the ministry’s Purple Project provides shelters, psychosocial counselling and legal aid for survivors of gender-based violence across the 57 councils.

She said the initiatives have strengthened food security and created employment opportunities across the state.

The commissioner commended the state government’s continuous support and stressed that WAPA’s achievements reflect Sanwo-Olu’s vision of placing women at the heart of development.

Wife of the governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Funmi Omotoso, also commended the commissioner for sustaining the conference and placing women at the centre of its agenda.

The National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu last night urged Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and other labour unions not to hurt the economy at a the government is making progress to redirect it time.

The NSA made the remark after stepping into the row between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN

The second day of the peace meeting initiated by the government was moved to the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) from the ministry of Labor and government.

‘They have not reached any conclusion yet but the NSA asked PENGASSAN not to hurt the economy,’ a source said last night.

Ribdau held talks with Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote and representatives of oil workers’ union as part of steps to avoid a total shutdown of the oil and gas sector.

At the meeting were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment Mohammed Dingyadi; Minister of State for Labour and Employment Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo; Secretary of the union Lumumba Ighotemu and top government officials.

The meeting, which was still ongoing as of press time at 11.24pm, was holding in the Office of the NSA (ONSA) in Abuja.

The Upstream and the Downstream of the oil sector are now feeling the impact of the lingering feud between the refinery and PENGASSAN.

A source, who spoke with our correspondent, said: ‘There is an ongoing marathon meeting between the NSA and other key stakeholders, especially Dangote and PENGASSAN leaders.

‘Ribadu, who is the chairman of the Energy Security of the government, opted to intervene following the continuous spread of the strike action by PENGASSAN.

Edun warned that the ongoing strike poses a major threat to the nation’s fragile economy. He said government was determined to limit the impact of the industrial action, which followed the dismissal of 800 workers by Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.

Edun spoke after a nine-hour meeting convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, stressing that resolving the dispute was urgent to keep country’s economy on track.

According to him, the strike was threatening critical supply chains in gas and crude oil, which are essential inputs for industrial production.

‘What is utmost in the minds of everybody- the public, the government, investors, and economic actors generally- is that we need to limit the danger of this action to the economy. We need to resolve it and get workers back to work. We need gas flowing, we need crude flowing, which is critical to where the economy is right now,’ Edun said.

He added that government remained optimistic that a resolution would be reached when talks reconvene today, noting that sustaining momentum in economic reforms required urgent restoration of operations at the refinery. ‘We don’t want this momentum broken. That is why we spent nine hours trying to resolve the issue. We are hopeful that later today we can break the deadlock and put this behind us so the Nigerian economy can move forward,’ the minister said.

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has expressed concern over the ongoing action by PENGASSAN, warming that it was tantamount to self-help and economic sabotage.

It warned that coercing those not interested in a strike or disrupting the operations of businesses not party to a dispute is unacceptable and against global labour practices.

In a statement, NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, stressed that while trade unions have the legitimate right to embark on industrial action, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law.

Oyerinde noted that Nigeria has statutory institutions like the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) and the National Industrial Court (NICN) to resolve labour disputes. According to him, resorting to self-help or treating these institutions with disdain would undermine the country’s industrial relations system and threaten economic survival.

He reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to upholding global labour standards in line with ILO Conventions 87 and 98, stressing that protections for union officials do not cover sabotage, coercion, or actions that endanger enterprises and national security.

While acknowledging workers’ rights, he maintained that such rights cannot override employers’ rights to manage investments or jeopardize enterprise sustainability.

The NECA DG urged the Minister of Labour and Employment to act decisively to stop the ‘wanton denigration’ of Nigeria’s industrial relations system. He called for the dispute to be resolved through lawful channels, warning that failure to intervene could damage economic sustainability, job creation, investment attraction, and national development.

Works Minister to PENGASSAN: prioritise national interest

Appealing to PENGASSAN to put national interest above union grievances, Works Minister, David Umahi, warned that the strike action could derail the country’s economic recovery.

Umahi who spoke in Lagos while inspecting the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, stressed that stability in the oil and gas sector was crucial to sustaining development.

Petrol scarcity hits Abuja

In Abuja, petrol scarcity has resurfaced as most retail outlets remained shut while black marketers sold the product at inflated prices. Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) President, Abubakar Maigandi, said the disruption of supply from Dangote Refinery was the immediate cause.

PENGASSAN members continued their blockade of key regulatory agencies in Abuja, including the NNPCL, NUPRC and NMDPRA, despite a subsisting court order.

Pockets of long queues were observed at some gas stations in Lagos with private depots reported to have hiked pump prices to N980 per litre. Other oil sector groups, including NOGASA and PETROAN, appealed to government to quickly intervene, warning that the situation could spiral into a nationwide shortage.

CORAN begs govt to avert oil sector collapse

Reacting to the development, the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) urged the Federal Government to urgently intervene to prevent looming collapse of the oil sector if the crises persist.

In a statement, the association stressed that private refineries had invested heavily to reduce dependence on imports, create jobs, and conserve foreign exchange. However, it said recurring disruptions, regulatory delays, and vested interests were threatening their survival.

‘Private refiners cannot survive in a hostile business environment where supply is used as leverage to stifle growth. Government must act impartially and decisively to protect operators and guarantee uninterrupted access to feedstock,’ CORAN said, calling for a binding framework that secures crude supply and restores investor confidence.

NISO blames power generation shortfall on gas disruption

Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) yesterday blamed the dip in electricity generation on the disruption of gas supply.

It allocated 3,656MW to the 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) as at 15:39 hours yesterday.

The NISO said at 15:00 hours, 14 of the 26 generation Companies GenCos produced 3,798.86MW.

But its management, which made the issue of disruption known in a press statement, said it was due to the industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.

In s public notice titled: ‘Generation curtailment due to gas supply disruptions’, it said: ‘The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) wishes to notify the public of recent major generation shortfalls on the National Grid, caused by industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.’

NISO further noted that the disruptions triggered widespread gas shortages, reducing available generation from over 4,300 MW in the early hours of Sunday, 28th September 2025, to about 3,200 MW at the lowest point.

In response, NISO said it has promptly deployed contingency measures to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the National Grid.

According to the statement, key interventions include:

Hydropower Optimization: Strategic ramp-ups from major hydro stations, contributing over 400 MW of additional output to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

ANNONTMOUS: Good day, I have been complaining of deduction of N9000 from my pension allowance since September last year. Kindly use your office to rescue me from this situation. l have written several times for correction to no avail why.

PTAD: Dear PTAD PENSIONER, please send your verification slip to our email [email protected] to enable us to investigate and respond further. However, note that PTAD obtained a directive for the re-implementation of the CPA based on grade level in line with the clarification from the NSIWC before implementing the new 20 per cent / 28 per cent increment as applicable. The CPA which was as a result of the minimum wage approval in April 2019 was implemented in May 2021 based on pay-band application with subsequent payment of 24 months arrears covering from April 2019 to April 2021. It is therefore instructive to mention that arrears reconciliation arising from the re-implementation of the CPA based on grade level is set aside pending further directive.

The clarification from the NSIWC which revised the implementation of the CPA to Grade level was taken into cognisance and accordingly implemented on the payroll before the application of the new pension increment of 20-28% as applicable which will take effect from September 2024.

Further to the above, the Executive Secretary gave directive to pay the 20%/ 28% pension increment arrears to ONLY the pensioners whose monthly pension have been correctly computed and implemented as per the August payroll.

In line with the directive of the Executive Secretary, the Department reviewed the August 2024 pension payroll to ascertain that only pensioners who are on their correctly computed monthly pension are paid the 20 – 28% pension increment arrears and thereafter identified and excluded the following categories of pensioners:

Pensioners on the payroll with inherited monthly pension and whose monthly pension entitlement is yet to be computed to date;

Pensioners on the payroll with inherited monthly pension but whose monthly pension entitlement have been computed but not yet implemented;

Pensioners on the payroll with monthly pension figure that appears to be higher than the maximum monthly pension for their Grade Level.

Thank you.

OJO: Our Dear Sister, I am one a Heritage bank customer at Ado Ekiti. I am one of those who were not paid their pension since May. I sent a message to you with all my particulars. Please, I am waiting for your help. Ojo from Ado Ekiti.

PTAD: Dear Mr. Ojo we are not in receipt of your new bank statement from UBA as we discussed with you and your daughter on the phone. Thank you.

MABAWONKU: My Name is Mabawonku, a federal/State pensioner. I worked at the Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) from September 14, 1982 to July 6, 1993. Thereafter, I joined the Lagos State government on July 15, 1993 and retired on January 28, 2008 as a Director. Despite several demands in writing, calls and physical presence the gratuity has not been paid. I did physical verification with PTAD at Lagos in 2019. On request, I have sent my verification certificate and bank details from 2008 till date to PTAD. With all the conditions met since 2019, still my gratuity of 11 years and pension arrears of six months (January to July 1993) has not been paid. The Nation newspaper through you (Omobola) should please help me. Thank you.

The 2025 campaign carries the slogan ‘Strive for Five’, urging communities to mobilize at least 5 percent of their populations. Research indicates that this percentage marks the tipping point necessary to drive systemic societal and environmental change.

This year’s focus highlights one of the most pressing yet under-discussed waste issues: the pollution caused by the fashion and textile industry. Globally, an estimated 92 million tonnes of textiles are discarded annually, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothes being dumped every second. Addressing textile waste is closely tied to promoting sustainable consumption and transitioning toward circular economies.

World Cleanup Day directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land

Over the years, many national, regional, local governments and communities have been undertaking clean-up activities. Globally World Cleanup Day represents the reflection on their achievements. The clean-ups serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share in preserving and maintaining a clean and healthy environment as well as sustainable waste and resources management.

Solid waste management affects every single person in the world, whether individuals are managing their own waste or governments are providing waste management services to their citizens. As nations and cities urbanize, develop economically, and grow in terms of population, the World Bank estimates that waste generation will increase from 2.01 billion tonnes in 2016 to 3.40 billion tonnes in 2050. At least 33 percent of this waste is mismanaged globally today through open dumping or burning.

This year’s World Cleanup Day in Nigeria paraded NGO’s, Students, Banks, Agencies of government and Corporate Organisations and others.

For instance in a bid to mark this year’s World Cleanup Day, the National Association of Nigerian Students, Lagos State Chapter, mobilised students to lead what it described as the ‘largest environmental cleanup in Lagos State.’

The event took place at Iyana-Iba Market in Ojo Local Government Area, with hundreds of student volunteers, community members, and partner organisations removing solid waste, promoting recycling, and educating traders and residents on sustainable environmental practices.

The exercise featured collaboration between development partners, student bodies, and local NGOs.

The large-scale activation, hosted at Iyana-Iba Market, Ojo Local Government Area, brought together hundreds of student volunteers, student leaders, community members, and partner organisations, including GenImpact Africa, Lima Adejoke Foundation, and the Rotaract Club of Lagos State University (LASU). Participants worked collectively to remove solid waste, promote proper recycling practices, and sensitise traders and residents on sustainable environmental management.’

The Lagos Waste Management Authority helped to evacuate the collected waste.

The organisers said, ‘The initiative formed part of an ongoing collaboration between UNICEF and NANS Lagos aimed at advancing youth engagement on climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals.’ They also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the activity.

‘The organisers expressed profound appreciation to all volunteers, market stakeholders, and partner agencies whose contributions made the World Cleanup Day event a benchmark for coordinated environmental action in Lagos,’

Among the corporate organisations that participated actively in this year’s clean-up was Wema Bank where volunteers took on the vital work of cleaning and restoring their communities. 133 staff members of the Bank spread across Lagos, Abia, Nasarawa, and Ogun State showed up with gloves on and bags in hand to contribute to the initiative.

At the end of the exercise, the numbers spoke volumes: These volunteers had cleared 3,962 kilograms of waste from streets, drains, beaches and markets. 89.5 kilograms of the waste were recyclable materials that will now be re-channeled into the circular economy.

For Wema Bank, this was no one-off show of goodwill. The Bank has been an active participant in the global World Cleanup Day movement, evacuating over 13,000kg of waste and recyclables over the last 7 years. In previous years, the bank has proudly joined this cause by actively partnering with community groups and organizations to commemorate the day each year. From restoring the Kids Beach Garden in Lekki (2018) to collaborating with Ibadan Catholic Youth Organization (IBCYON) and the state government to revitalize communities in Ibadan (2019), the Bank has expanded its impact.

In the following years, the Bank joined forces with prominent cleanup initiatives like theAfrican Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) to restore vital coastal and urban areas such as Eleko-Idado Beach and Ojuelegba, Navy Beach and Makoko (2020-2025) respectively.

So far, statistics say over 63,730 beneficiaries have been impacted with this initiative.

Since its launch, the World Cleanup Day has stood as a global movement dedicated to uniting millions in the fight against environmental pollution. The event mobilizes millions across continents for a single 24-hour wave of action. Let’s Do It World NGO’s data notes that more than 20 million volunteers across 191 countries took part in the 2024 edition, just one year after the UN officially proclaimed September 20 as the annual observance day. The participants were all united by a simple but powerful mission: rid the planet of waste and mismanaged trash, one community at a time. If left unchecked the consequences are stark experts say suggesting increased greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing waste, microplastics in oceans, and the growing economic costs of cleaning and managing refuse.

The bank has worked on building a culture of environmental consciousness that is as consistent as it is impactful. This custom is embedded in staff and recreated across the bank where waste management and recycling is a big part of how its amenities are managed. What began as a single day of volunteer action in 2018 has become a daily and by extension, yearly tradition that reflects the bank’s broader commitment to sustainability and community stewardship.

‘Our job as a financial institution doesn’t end at providing banking solutions. We are deeply invested in the communities we serve, and part of that responsibility is making sure those communities are healthy, safe, and sustainable. World Cleanup Day gives us a chance to put our values into practice,’ says Managing Director and CEO of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni,. ‘It allows us to roll up our sleeves and show that we care, not just about today’s business but about tomorrow’s environment. Over the years, our involvement in World Cleanup Day has allowed us to bring staff, partners and local stakeholders together to leave a meaningful footprint on our localities.’

Wema Bank’s actions on World Cleanup Day are not just about filling trash bags; they are about reducing disease vectors, protecting waterways, restoring civic pride, and demonstrating that collective action works. This year’s cleanup was a logistical feat. In Lagos, where urban density makes waste management a perennial challenge, Wema Bank partnered with Ocean Conservancy Nigeria to mark the 40th International Coastal Cleanup under the theme Seathechange.

At Alpha Beach in Lekki, 70 volunteers joined other stakeholders to tackle marine pollution head-on, preventing 285kg of debris from reaching the ocean. In Ogun State, the team turned its attention to Kuto Market in Abeokuta, partnering with Orange Strategy Waste Value Ltd for a cleanup that drew 75 volunteers. The volunteers split into two teams, one focusing on plastics and community advocacy, the other on general waste. In just ninety minutes, they cleared 720kilo gramme of refuse, including 68kilo gramme of plastic to be recycled.

Children came out to watch, some even joining in, turning the day into a spontaneous community learning moment about environmental hygiene. The effort earned praise from the Baba Oloja of Kuto Market.

In Abia, where market districts are often overwhelmed with post-trading waste, Wema Bank partnered with Sosocare for a cleanup at the bustling Shopping Clothing Center in Aba. Volunteers from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) and National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) joined the effort.

By the end of the exercise, 121kilo gramme of waste had been cleared and properly disposed of, leaving the market cleaner and more accessible. The recyclables were sorted and transported for proper reprocessing, making a small but significant contribution to Nigeria’s growing recycling value chain.

The market cleanup continued in Mararaba Market, Nasarawa State, where it partnered with SproutBud , a community-driven social enterprise dedicated to waste recovery and recycling. Twenty Wema Bank volunteers, joined by representatives from Nasarawa State Waste and Sanitation Agency (NASWASA), Karu Youth Group, and PathShaker, began the day with a talk on responsible waste management and community participation.

By the end of the exercise, an impressive 2,800kg of waste had been cleared from the market and surrounding areas, making it one of the most impactful cleanups of the year and a powerful example of what corporate and community collaboration can achieve.

For volunteers like Victor Olajumoke, the experience went beyond corporate responsibility; it was deeply personal. ‘Walking through a beach littered with plastic, wrappers, bottles and even food waste, you see how ugly nature can look like when littered and how much of a difference a few hands can make. As I joined in the cleanup at Alpha Beach, I felt an immense sense of purpose,’ she says. ‘This is my community where I live and being able to take action to keep it clean means so much. It was also inspiring to see strangers join us along the way, asking for bags so they could help too. It reminded me that sometimes, people just need to see someone else take the first step.’

Her words capture the heart of World Cleanup Day as a movement built on the quiet power of example and community.

In the same vein, Wema Bank’s cleanup campaign is never done in isolation. The bank works with state and local government authorities, sanitation agencies, community leaders, and private waste operators to ensure that the cleanup is not just symbolic but part of a sustainable waste management chain. Trucks, waste bags, disposal points, and other logistical support are coordinated ahead of time so that what is collected is disposed of responsibly.

This year, the Lagos cleanup was supported by partners like Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Plastic Evolution, and the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research.

In Ogun State the support came from the Ogun State Waste Management Authority officials. Such partnerships are crucial as Nigeria generates an estimated 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, of which only about 30 percent is collected. By collaborating with public institutions, Wema Bank ensures that its efforts plug into formal systems, amplifying impact and avoiding duplication.

Head of Corporate Sustainability, Wema Bank, Abimbola Agbejule, sees these collaborations as essential to the bank’s long-term strategy.

She shared, ‘World Cleanup Day is our opportunity to bring people together, to inspire action, and to demonstrate what corporate social investment looks like. But it’s also a launchpad for the relationships we build with government agencies, local waste managers, and community groups that allow us to keep the conversation going all year long. Our long-term goal is to see cleaner cities, healthier citizens, and stronger recycling habits in the communities where we operate. That can only happen when we all work together.’

The impact of cleanup actions like Wema Bank’s extends far beyond what can be measured on the scale.

Removing nearly four tonnes of waste means fewer clogged drains and reduced risk of flooding, which is a real benefit for public health in urban areas. Diverting 89.5 kilograms of recyclables means lower demand for virgin raw materials and a small but measurable reduction in carbon footprint.

Each volunteer hour contributes to a shift in culture, signaling that waste management is everyone’s business.

The work also maps neatly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, showing that cleaner environments reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, making progress toward good health and well-being more attainable. Also, cleaner streets and well-managed waste make cities more livable and resilient; recycling and waste sorting encourage responsible consumption and production; and reduced landfill waste means lower methane emissions and climate action.

Going further, the effects of a well-organized cleanup day means there would be less plastic entering waterways and that protects marine life and supports life below water. Healthy terrestrial ecosystems also benefit when litter and hazardous waste are removed from soil, and the collaboration between private sector, government, and civil society demonstrates that partnerships are key to driving lasting change.