Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Stand-Up South South Security Group has advised the leadership of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to utilise the accrued members check-off dues to build a private Refinery for both unions.

In a statement on Monday by Comrade Endurance Ukutegbere, National Secretary, the group gave the advice in view of the recent dispute between management of Dangote Refinery and leadership of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over unionisation of workers in Dangote Refinery and payment of check-off dues.

According to the group: ‘ Going forward, it has become imperative for PENGASSAN and NUPENG to start planning to build a private Refinery with the check-off dues being paid by members’

‘The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers NUPENG were established the same time in 1977 and 1978 respectively, both unions can pull resources together to build a private Refinery.’

The group also alleged that some members of PENGASSAN were handling operation and maintenance in all the NNPCL Refineries, and yet the NNPCL Refineries are not working, who should be blamed? . The FG and NNPCL must stop those sabotaging the NNPC Refineries ‘

‘ Both PENGASSAN and NUPENG have been collecting these check-off dues from members since inception till now, and the accrued dues if properly harnessed may as well be enough to have built or build a Refinery solely belonging to the two unions. This suggestion to PENGASSAN and NUPENG to consider building their own Refinery, it is because there is almost no hope for when the government owned moribund Refineries would come back to life’

It stated: ‘ Therefore, the PENGASSAN and NUPENG can start thinking in the direction of obtaining a Refinery license from the Federal Government. The check-off dues from all members of PENGASSAN and NUPENG can be adequately channeled to building a private Refinery in any part of the Country, preferably, in the oil rich South South region ( Niger Delta).’

The group expressed appreciation to patriotic Nigerians who have built modular Refineries in the country, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote for building the World’s largest single train Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos State, Nigeria.

‘We strongly believe that PENGASSAN and NUPENG can put resources together from check-off dues to build a private modular Refinery, which will be of help to its members, create employment, and support the economy. The Nigerians who had the courage and taken the risk to invest in building Refineries in Nigeria, actually did so with a singular aim to free Nigeria from importation of refined products’

‘ It is possible that PENGASSAN and NUPENG can also follow this path to build a private Refinery, and we urge the Federal Government and regulatory agencies to consider issuing Refinery license to PENGASSAN and NUPENG’

‘ Instead of having a fight with management of Dangote Refinery, the leadership of PENGASSAN and NUPENG should rather compel the Federal Government to revive PH, Warri and Kaduna Refineries’

‘ Nigeria is the only Country we have, all citizens irrespective of religion, tribes and political affiliations must contribute and join hands together to build a better Nation for ourselves and unborn generations.’

Delta State Government’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Ossai Ovie Success, has expressed outrage over the outcome of Big Brother Naija Season 10, alleging that the show’s organisers manipulated the results to prevent Dede from winning.

According to Ovie Success, the producers unfairly denied Dede the top spot because Kellyrae, another Delta State contestant, won the previous season.

He claimed that Dede truly deserved to win and has threatened to sue the show’s organisers on her behalf, citing rigged voting.

‘Dede was robbed by BBNaija organizers because Delta boy Kellyrae won last year’s season, so they didn’t want another Delta to win this year’s edition. She truly deserved the Big Brother Naija crown, not the second position.

‘She ought to have been the winner, not because she’s from Delta, but because she made everyone who watched the show proud.

‘I’ll be suing Big Brother Naija on behalf of Dede because the voting was rigged. I’m highly disappointed in this season,’ he said.

Imisi was declared the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10, taking home the grand prize of N150m.

However, Ovie Success believes that Dede was robbed of her rightful win, not because she’s from Delta State, but because she made everyone proud with her performance.

In a world overflowing with online information, finding a trustworthy Nigerian news source has become one of the biggest challenges for readers across the country. Every day, millions scroll through endless posts, unsure of what to believe. Some sites focus on gossip, others on unverified claims, and a few recycle the same headlines over and over again. But one platform is standing out for doing things differently, NewsKobo.com.

NewsKobo.com has quietly built a reputation as one of the most dependable and refreshing voices in Nigeria’s fast-moving media space. It was created for Nigerians who are tired of fake stories and want real, balanced, and easy-to-understand news. Whether you live in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or abroad, this platform brings the country’s most important stories straight to your screen, written in a way that feels honest and relevant.

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What makes NewsKobo.com special is its dedication to truth and clarity. Every article is verified before publication, ensuring that readers get facts, not rumours. The writing is clean and direct, avoiding unnecessary complexity. The aim is to make news simple and enjoyable for everyone, from students and workers to business owners and Nigerians in the diaspora.

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Visit www.newskobo.com today to stay updated and see how it is redefining the way Nigerians read and discuss the world around them.

Marketing Director at FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Maureen Ifada, has clichéd the coveted ‘Outstanding Marketing Amazon of the Year,’ cementing her place as one of the most influential voices shaping marketing and communications in Nigeria and beyond.

The prestigious event, organised by Marketing Edge Magazine, took place during the week, at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Maureen, who has enjoyed a stellar career spanning over two decades in marketing and sales, added the honour to an already impressive list of recent milestones.

These include her emergence as Marketing Director of the Year at the 2025 Brand Handlers Awards and her appointment as a judge at the upcoming International Content Marketers Award 2025.

Speaking after receiving the award, a visibly elated Maureen said: ‘This recognition is humbling for me. It is a reflection of years of dedication, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

‘I am grateful to Marketing Edge for this honour, and I dedicate it to every woman in marketing who continues to break boundaries and inspire change.’

Publisher and CEO of Marketing Edge, John Ajayi explained why Maureen stood out for the award, stating: ‘Maureen Ifada embodies everything this award represents. From her ground-breaking work in repositioning Three Crowns Milk with the ‘Healthy Mums, Happy Families’ campaign to sustaining Peak’s leadership as Nigeria’s number one dairy brand, her impact is undeniable.

‘Beyond corporate results, her passion for mentorship and societal impact made her the clear choice for the Outstanding Marketing Amazon of the Year.’

Maureen began her career at FrieslandCampina WAMCO in 2003 as a management trainee in the Consumer Marketing Department and rose through the ranks to join the Management Team in February 2024.

Today, she is celebrated not only for her business acumen and leadership but also for her commitment to inspiring the next generation of marketers.

Sir: On a single trip transporting agricultural products from Taraba to Kano, I paid over N170,000 in multiple levies and illegal collections. Nearly 20 revenue collection points stood between my goods and their destination, excluding the routine security checkpoints that also demanded ‘compensation.’ By the time I reached Kano, the cost of simply moving food had become a burden too heavy to ignore.

This is not just my story; it is the story of every trader, farmer, and transporter who struggles to move goods across Nigeria. It is also the hidden story behind every inflated price you see at the market, every household budget stretched to breaking point, and every young Nigerian who wonders if farming or trading is still worth the sacrifice.

For decades, we have spoken of Nigeria’s rising food prices. We often blame oil price fluctuations, poor infrastructure, insecurity, or low productivity. While all these are true, the less visible culprit is the endless chain of local levies, multiple taxes, and roadside extortion that weigh heavily on the journey of food from farm to table.

Think of this: the farmer who harvests in Taraba may sell his produce at a fair price. However, by the time the goods reach Kano, Kaduna, or Lagos, the cost has tripled, not due to greed, but because the road is littered with tolls, each demanding a payment in the name of ‘revenue.’ Nigerians believe merchants exploit farmers, but in reality, these hidden charges are quietly passed down to the final consumer.

It is frustrating to collect receipt after receipt, sometimes with the same charges under different names. In one journey, a transporter could be forced to carry multiple state revenue receipts, each one required just to pass through another state. This does not build trust or accountability; it breeds anger, corruption, and inefficiency.

The tragedy is that this long chain of collectors achieves the opposite of what Nigeria needs. Instead of encouraging agricultural productivity and food distribution, it discourages traders, weakens farmers’ earnings, and makes food less affordable. It is a silent attack on our food security.

As a young entrepreneur with less than three decades of life and a decade of business experience, I cannot stay silent. Patriotism is not only about flags, anthems, or election-day promises; it is also about advocating for the ordinary farmer, the driver on the road, and the consumer struggling to afford garri, rice, or beans.

Every Nigerian has felt the pain of rising prices, whether in the market, at the filling station, or on the road. When I speak of 20 checkpoints on one journey, I am speaking of a system that holds us all back. The dream of a prosperous Nigeria cannot exist when hidden levies choke the very lifeline of our economy, food.

We must do better. Nigeria urgently needs a unified revenue system that allows traders to move goods across states with a single receipt, digitally integrated and recognised nationwide. One charge, clearly accounted for, and transparent to both government and citizens.

This reform would not only eliminate duplication and extortion but also make it easier for businesses to plan costs, partner with logistics providers, and stabilise food prices. Most importantly, it would give Nigerians confidence that the government stands with them, not against them, on the road to economic recovery.

We have a long way to go, but every reform, every checkpoint removed, and every levy harmonised brings us closer to a fairer Nigeria. The future of our nation depends not only on oil or infrastructure but on the dignity of labour; on the ability of farmers and traders to move food freely, and for families to afford it without despair.

Twenty checkpoints should not stand between Nigeria and its future. The cost is too heavy, and the burden is one we can no longer ignore.

Nigeria has set September 2027 deadline to begin full implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 9, which requires market-to-market valuation of all assets.

Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, at the weekend the outlined key modalities guiding Nigeria’s transition to the market-to-market (MTM) valuation of assets in the fixed income space of the capital market.

According to him, the transition framework was a result of engagements with market participants.

He noted that the October 2, 2025, deadline for the submission of implementation plans would enable the commission to assess each institution’s preparedness and capacity, while the September 2027 deadline remains the target for full transition to IFRS 9.

He said: ‘Timelines have been carefully considered, you know, especially with the concerns being raised by market participants. For us at the SEC, it is important that while we try to introduce new rules and regulations, we also listen to the market and say, okay, how do we meet, how do we meet at the junction where we can all agree to move forward?

‘Requesting for implementation plans is not a bureaucratic exercise-it’s to gauge capacity, identify challenges, and meet operators at the point where we can all achieve compliance with one purpose and one goal.

‘Equity funds are already reported at fair value. The aspect of the Fund Management that was not aligned with international best practice was in the Fixed Income Funds space and that is what this policy alignment covers.

‘Nigeria has come of age, and we must be seen to be doing things according to global standards. IFRS 9 requires market-to-market valuation of assets, and we cannot be left behind among the comity of nations.’

He added that the reform would ensure that Nigerian assets are comparable globally, allowing investors to assess market performance more accurately.

According to him, the goal is to create a market that is internationally competitive as adoption of IFRS 9 enables ease and compatibility among assets from different nations, clearly positioning Nigeria within the global market space.

Responding to criticisms that the shift to market valuation could expose investors to short-term volatility, Agama said the move is intended to strengthen, not destabilise, the market.

He said: ‘Some have expressed concerns about volatility, but our intention is not to disadvantage Nigerian investors. It is to expose them to global standards and transparency. Over time, as the market adjusts, these concerns will ease off and everyone will benefit from a more transparent and credible system’.

He explained that beyond IFRS 9, the SEC is also leading Africa in adopting the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework.

He noted that Nigeria was among the first countries to accept and begin implementing the ISSB standards, emphasising their importance for climate and sustainability disclosures.

He said: ‘We pride ourselves as performers-first among nations to accept and adopt the ISSB standards. But we are not oblivious of our contextual issues. We are taking a gradual approach so that our companies are not unduly burdened’.

He added that the Commission’s objective is to implement standards that attract rather than restrict capital.

‘We will not implement standards that will shut companies out of capital. Instead, we are implementing those that will help bring in capital and promote sustainable growth,’ Agama said.

He expressed optimism about the Nigerian capital market’s performance in the final quarter of the year, citing the government’s macroeconomic reforms and the enactment of key laws such as the NIIRA 2025 and ISA 2025 as catalysts for stability and investor confidence.

He said: ‘Markets do not operate in a vacuum, they thrive on stability. With the micro- and macro-economic stability being championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the market is positioned for significant growth.

The NIIRA 2025 is a game changer that provides the framework for sustainable expansion.

‘We are on a path of progress and growth. The President’s reform agenda is already taking shape, ensuring that Nigeria’s capital market becomes a global reference point for transparency, regulation, and investor confidence’.

He enthused that t SEC’s ongoing reforms, particularly the IFRS 9 transition and the adoption of sustainability standards, are part of a broader agenda to globalize Nigeria’s capital market, enhance transparency, and ensure wealth redistribution through a more resilient financial system.

Founder, AWIPA Women’s Foundation, Heavens Olawumi, has called for support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349) before the National Assembly.

Heavens, who also leads the African Women in Politics Arise (AWIPA) Platform, made the appeal following a symbolic march to the National Assembly on September 22, which coincided with the public hearing on the bill.

She described the Bill as the outcome of months of grassroots mobilisation, stakeholder engagement and sustained advocacy, saying it represented the demand of women for greater political inclusion.

‘The Reserved Seats Bill is not just another proposal; it is the result of deliberate strategy, stakeholder dialogue and grassroots mobilization across states. This bill is a generational dream, and the moment has come for Nigeria to act,’ she said.

Olawumi said Nigeria, as Africa’s ‘big brother,’ must lead the way in promoting inclusive democracy. Citing Rwanda and Senegal, she noted that both countries have achieved significant social and economic progress through gender-balanced governance.

‘The passage of HB 1349 would not only strengthen Nigeria’s democracy but also unlock vast economic and social potential. This is a chance for Nigeria to lead by example,’ she added.

Journalist, columnist and author, azu ishiekwene, has released a new book, titled: A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit.

The 10-chapter book focuses on how older adults can profitably interact with and expand their frontiers in the evolving new media landscape, particularly in light of the complex and promising developments of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

In a statement, Ishiekwene, fondly called Azu, said: ‘The book shares insights with midlifers on the possibilities for rewarding their mental exertions handsomely, whether literary, artistic or acoustic talent, or the sheer capacity to curate and tell a good story from their experiences using new technologies.’

The book, published by Premium Times Books, is a sequel to ‘Writing for Media and Monetising It,’ published in 2024, and is considered a practical and valuable text for young adults in the media and literary fields.

In the Foreword, historian of African Studies and distinguished teaching professor in Humanities, Toyin Falola, said: ‘The book is a groundbreaking work that challenges the widespread belief, especially among the older generation (Gen X), that aspirations should diminish after the age of 50.’

The Publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, said: ‘It’s another masterpiece from Azu, who is gaining new heights not only in the mastery of new media forms but also in his capacity to share his insights in meaningful ways.’

As part of his interest in new media, Azu has also published a workbook on content monetisation, given several lectures, and co-authored a scholarly article with Professor Farooq Kperogi, titled: Light in A Digital Black Hole: Exploration of Emergent Artificial Intelligence Journalism in Nigeria, published in the Journal of Applied Journalism and Media Studies.

His new book, A Midlfer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit, can be accessed on www.azu.media and other global distribution platforms.

Efforts to reconcile factions within the Rivers State political family gained momentum at the weekend as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and members of the Rivers Elders Council met in Port Harcourt.

The meeting, which also had the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, in attendance, was convened at the instance of the Elders Council led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba.

It was described as a major step toward full unification of Wike’s political family in the state.

Sources said discussions centred on consolidating peace and resolving grey areas in earlier reconciliation efforts.

Governor Fubara was reportedly advised to hold consultations with the elders, lawmakers, and the PDP leadership before an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the resolution concerning Edison Ehie’s position as Chief of Staff to the governor, whose return to the position, a source said, was foreclosed.

Fubara was also advised to hold further consultations with the Elders Council, members of the State House of Assembly, and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

He was also said to have apologised to anyone he might have offended.

The Media Aide to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, who shared photos from the meeting, said it signified that ‘the political family is fully united.’

It was learnt that the parley paved the way for the governor to send a new list of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly.

Also present were members of the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly and several prominent politicians, including APC South-South Chairman Victor Giadom, who reportedly described the gathering as a ‘rainbow coalition’ led by Wike ahead of the 2027 elections.

Others at the meeting included Senators Magnus Abe, Barry Mpigi, George Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu; Deputy Speaker of the Rivers Assembly, Dumle Maol; and Chief Sergeant Awuse.

Former Attorneys-General of the state – Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, Worgu Boms, and Prof. Zacchaeus Adango (SAN) – were also in attendance, alongside PDP Chairman Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron, former Minister of Environment Udi Odum, and former Speaker Ikuinyi Ibani.

Federal appointees from Rivers State, such as Emma Deeyah (HYPREP), Dr. Chinyere Igwe (Ignatius Ajuru University), Chief Boma Iyaye (NDDC), Chief Chukwuemeka Woke (NOSDRA), and Dr. Fred Kpakol (HYPREP), also attended.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting aimed at curbing border-related crimes, removing trade barriers, and promoting legitimate commerce along the Seme border corridor.

The meeting brought together representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), traditional rulers, trade associations, clearing agents, and community leaders.

Speaking at the forum, the Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, expressed concern over the continued existence of unwholesome practices and multiple checkpoints along the border route.

He urged security agencies and border communities to collaborate in addressing challenges that could tarnish the country’s image and impede regional trade.

According to Adenuga, ‘The checkpoints we have on the roads are too much, it is disgraceful. The CGC has directed that the checkpoints be reduced, and on no account should anyone delay a legitimate business.

‘After this meeting, it will not be business as usual. We will create an implementation committee for all that we have discussed.

‘The Comptroller General of Customs is now the number one Customs officer in the world, and Nigeria cannot be different from what is obtainable in other parts of the world.

He added, ‘Will facilitate legitimate trade, the better for our country. When trade thrives, crime reduces. That is the vision our Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, has consistently championed – building a legacy of trade facilitation and a conducive environment for economic growth.’

Speaking on the plight of residents, one of the community leaders, Joseph Agoro, argued that the majority of the fights and conflicts on the border corridor are caused by camp boys recruited by security agencies along the border route.

He labelled the practice an embarrassment, describing how commuters and residents are often harassed and questioned by individuals who are not legitimate officers.

‘Multiple checkpoints are already problematic. It is more embarrassing to be stopped by Customs and other security agencies, especially the Police, and someone who isn’t an officer would begin questioning passengers. We don’t know who is attending to us. There is no way the residents and villagers wouldn’t complain about such unfair treatment from the camp boys. Why should we be harassed just for living along the border corridor?’ Agoro said.

On his part, the Oba of Kweme Kingdom in Badagry, Oba Sejiro Ogungbe, expressed appreciation to the Customs for reducing frequent clashes between Customs and smugglers in communities, which he said often lead to avoidable deaths.

Responding, Controller Adenuga assured that the multiple checkpoints would be reduced in no distant time. He said the Comptroller General of Customs is working closely with the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser to address the issue.

Adenuga also issued a note of warning to other security agencies, saying, ‘If you don’t have any business to do on that road, don’t come there. If you refuse to comply, you will be arrested because I have the backing of the Comptroller General. ‘

On the use of camp boys, Adenuga warned that any officer who makes use of camp boys will be dealt with appropriately, as the Service has since abolished the use of camp boys.

Representative of the Nigerian Air Force, Badagry, Capt. H.I Medugu thanked Comptroller Adenuga for initiating the stakeholders meeting due to several complaints along the border route.

The Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Ambassador Olukayode Olugbenga Aluko, who was represented by the Defence Attache, Colonel S. Yahaya, assured that all the takeaways at the meeting would be fully implemented by the appropriate authority.