Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Women of the Lagos Archdeaconry in the Diocese of Lagos gathered at St. Paul’s Church, Breadfruit, for their annual Praise Day, a celebration of thanksgiving, evangelism, and service to the less privileged.

Speaking on the significance of the event, the wife of the Vicar of St. Paul’s Church and leader of the Archdeaconry women, Mrs. Fadeke Oyediran, described Praise Day as a moment to appreciate God’s faithfulness.

‘Praise Day is an annual event we hold to thank God for what He has done and what He is still doing in our lives and in our churches. We would never take Him for granted,’ she said.

She explained that beyond worship, the women also highlight their charitable works, which include caring for orphans, the homeless and vulnerable women.

She cited the story of a blind girl, orphaned at a young age, whom the women have supported since childhood and who is now a 22-year-old student of Queen’s College, Lagos.

‘We are her parents. We also support a homeless woman and others in need within our community. That has been our work,’ Oyediran said.

Encouraging members not to relent despite economic challenges, she added, ‘As things are in Nigeria, some of us are still struggling, but we continue to help people. That is what God has asked us to do-win souls, invest in people’s lives, and do more for Him.’

Chairperson of this year’s celebration, Chief (Mrs.) Funke Arthur-Worrey, praised the women for their resilience and devotion.

‘With today’s economic challenges, you still find time and resources to care for the blind, the impaired, the homeless, and many others. I pray you will never be tired of doing good, and that the Lord will continue to bless you and your families,’ she said.

Lady Abike Ogundeyi, a member of St. Paul’s Church and co-chairperson of the event, emphasised the spiritual importance of thanksgiving.

‘When we praise God, we show gratitude for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will yet do. Praise brings joy, peace of mind, and draws us closer to Him. Even as a nation, things can change when we cultivate the habit of thanksgiving,’ she noted.

The Praise Day featured prayers, hymns, thanksgiving, and renewed commitments to evangelism and community service, with participants from the five churches under the Lagos Archdeaconry in attendance.

Ven. Dr. Julius Oyediran, Vicar and Archdeacon of Lagos, commended the women for their steadfastness. He said Praise Day was a time to reflect on God’s mercy, which has continued to sustain Nigeria despite national challenges.

In his October 1 broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was flush with good tidings. ‘The worst is over, I say,’ he gushed. ‘Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I support your endurance, support and understanding.’

The alluring statistics, which he reeled out, simply walked that cheery talk.

In second quarter 2025, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.25%, well above the 3.4 % the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had projected. Inflation, another critical economic monitor, fell to 20.12% in August. Though still two-digit, which points that it’s not yet checkmate on the inflationary front, it’s the lowest in three years. That shows how far the administration’s economic reforms have gone.

Jarring inflation was the clearest sign of the harsh combination of oil subsidy removal and floating the Naira against foreign currencies. The Naira devalued, jacking up cross-sectoral costs. So, if inflation is moderating, even while these twin-triggers are still on, it logically reflects an economy structurally re-adjusting – and improving. That supports the president’s claim that the worst is over.

Still on cheering statistics. For a near-mono economy that relies on crude oil sales, non-oil exports have virtually torn through the roof. Latest numbers show that non-oil export revenue now accounts for 48% of the total, though oil and gas still dominate at 52%: with Nigeria now exporting refined products: diesel, petrol, aviation fuel, etc.

Despite that, non-oil exports have closed the gap to this almost 50:50 – and that from virtual nowhere! In just more than two years, non-oil revenue is boosting Nigeria’s trade surplus. Indeed, non-oil earnings for September – which was N3.65 trillion – towered above May earnings by 411%, a feat the president called ‘record-breaking’. Export of made-in-Nigeria manufactured goods soared by 173%!

On debt capital – crucial to accessing quality loans: borrowed cash to build critical physical and social infrastructure – the improvements are no less impressive. Debt service-to-revenue ratio has improved from 97% in 2023 to less than 50% now. That ways-and-means advances are now history underscore the booming fiscal health of the economy.

From more secure debt capital, to improved tax revenue. From less than 10% in 2023, tax-to-GDP ratio has crested at 13.5% in 2025. But that is still lower than the African average of 15%. By 2027, the government projects an 18% tax-to-GDP ratio, well past the African average. With the revamped tax laws debuting from January 2026, this target appears very much attainable.

Aside the fiscal and monetary plain, the numbers from infrastructure, the hard core economic driver, are no less heart-warming. Rail infrastructure, from the president’s statistics, has grown by 40%; water transportation, by 27%.

The 284-km Kano-Katsina-Maradi standard gauge rail is powering to completion. When it is completed, linking Ibadan to Abuja would complete the Lagos-Ibadan-Kano standard gauge rail. That African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA)-friendly rail, modelled after the old trans-Sahara trade route, should gift Nigeria huge coast freight business, heading into land-locked neighbours.

The Lagos-Ibadan corridor is already adding great value to mass passengers and freight. Work goes on, on the Port-Harcourt-Aba-Maiduguri narrow-gauge eastern rail network too, for which the Federal Executive Council (FEC) just released US$ 3 billion. This rail rebirth will truly rebirth and expand the Nigerian economy.

Expansion and repair of decayed road stock go on apace: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, just to list two legacy road projects.

Indeed, this strong infrastructural push cannot be belittled. Unlike previous reforms under President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan that delivered collapsed infrastructure, despite relatively higher crude oil earnings, the current reforms tick with infrastructural expansion. The Tinubu administration has earned due praise for continuing with the infrastructure reset of the Buhari years.

On infrastructure, the president was insistent: ‘We must build the roads we need, repair the ones that have become decrepit and construct the schools our children will attend, and the hospitals that will care for our people,’ he stressed. Reforms that deliver big on infrastructure, physical and social, should be lauded and encouraged.

Now, with all of these statistical glad tidings, does it mean the country has arrived that comfort zone? Not by a mile! The president himself admitted that much.

The sweet-sour oil subsidy removal may have opened the spigot for far more cash into Nigeria’s three governmental tiers. But it hasn’t quite translated into a welfare boom for most. Indeed, the masses that received ‘little or nothing’ – in the president’s exact words – from oil subsidy have not exactly enjoyed a boom from the new non-subsidy regime.

Therein then lies the gravest challenge for the government – with its foes ever ready to weaponise the pains in the land; and demonise its gains with unending shrieks and anguish. While the opposition must play its politics – the government itself would have acted same in their shoes – President Tinubu must buckle down to further taming inflation, at least on food items and transport costs.

In fairness, food inflation is climbing down. But in many areas, it’s still higher than wages. That means the wage of many – if not most workers – can’t really take them home. Whoever listens to tales – no matter how sweet! – on rumbling tummy!

That grim reality may have prompted a N330 billion safety net conditional cash transfer to eight million poorest Nigerian households – very laudable! But until the cash ease is felt by those at the top of the poverty scale and the vanishing middle class, the government will still stay condemned to serenading its glorious statistics, with not a few looking askance.

Other areas the government can do far better are electricity – and security. But first, this presidential admission: ‘We do not have enough electricity to power our industries and homes today’ – candid!

Yet, it must be admitted: power appears generally more stable but not at that level that should sustainably power an economy to heights never seen. President Tinubu should take power as a personal challenge. The economy can’t hit US$ 1 trillion by 2031 with shambolic electricity.

On security, there have also been significant improvements. But such is the asymmetrical warfare of terror that it takes one terror hit, in one month, to rubbish the security progress of the last three years. The government should therefore keep pressing hard to root out these mindless felons.

Federalising the Police is critical to the new security beginning. The president, to be sure, has shown doughty commitment to state police. But he should use his bully pulpit to push state houses of assembly beyond the finishing line.

Across the board, the fundamentals are changing for the better. So, organised Labour, instead of ‘Aluta’ fixation with wage increases, should closely follow the numbers, galvanise their members to mega-productivity, in concert with the emerging better fundamentals. If, for instance, the economy expands four-fold, no government can dispute doubling wages as of right, citing the bogey of inflation. If they do, Labour can butt them down with clinical numbers. Now, is the time to start tracking and acting. As it is now, sans the political aristocrats, about everyone is underpaid in this economy.

As the president said, Nigeria since 1960 has gone through good and bad times. But for once, from these reform pains, a promising window appears opening to get it right. We – the government and the people – must ensure we don’t clap that window shut.

The Abia State government has debunked the news that the state has sold out slots of the ongoing recruitment of health workers in the state.

Rumours making rounds in the state were that some officials of the government had sold out slots of the recruitment to allies and other cronies outside the state.

This is coming on the heels of the statement by the governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti, during a media chat last week, that even foreigners are interested in working as health personnel in the state.

The chairman, Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pst Eno Jerry Eze, in a statement described the information as fake, adding that the state as part of its moves to promote transparency, adopted the use of a computer-based Test for applications, adding that interviews were meticulously designed to eliminate biased by ensuring that the best and most qualified candidates were selected for available positions.

The Abia State Civil Service Commission chairman, while assuring the commitment of the commission to openness and transparency in the recruitment of the health workers encouraged anyone with verifiable information about potential infractions or attempts to misrepresent the Commission to report it immediately.

Eno said ‘The Abia State Civil Service Commission is compelled to address a recent publication alleging the sale of slots in the ongoing healthcare workers recruitment process. We wish to assure Abians that these allegations are baseless and unfounded.

‘The Commission has implemented a robust recruitment process that integrates technology and global HR standards, ensuring transparency, fairness, and meritocracy at every stage.

‘The application, Computer-Based Test (CBT) and interview processes have been meticulously designed to eliminate biases and ensure that only the best and most qualified candidates are selected for the available positions.

‘This process has received continuous praise from candidates and stakeholders, who acknowledge that it sets a new precedent in the public sector for its integrity.

‘We want to assure Abians that, just as with the Computer-Based Tests, the final results of the recruitment process, along with candidates’ documentation status, will be publicly published on the official recruitment portal.

‘This commitment to openness leaves absolutely no room for manipulation or alteration.

‘The Abia State Civil Service Commission is resolute in maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency throughout this process.

‘We urge all stakeholders to remain confident in our ability to deliver a fair and merit-based recruitment exercise.

‘We strongly encourage anyone with verifiable information about potential infractions or attempts to misrepresent the Commission to report it immediately through this link: https shorturi at EonF3.

‘We assure all stakeholders that these reports will be thoroughly investigated, and decisive, appropriate actions will be taken against any confirmed breaches.

‘The Abia State Civil Service Commission remains dedicated to ensuring that the recruitment process is conducted with the utmost integrity to build a highly competent and professional healthcare workforce for the state.’

Governor Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, regretted that many women have lost their lives due to uncontrolled complications at the traditional birth attendants, saying that, his administration is intentional about the lives of the people, especially the mother and child, hence his government embarked on the retrofitting of 200 PHCs across all the wards in the state.

He reiterated his resolve to take decisive action against operators of such traditional birth attendants to safeguard the lives of expectant mothers.

He urged community leaders to take ownership of the facility.

The governor disclosed that the state government would also build staff quarters for health workers and encouraged residents to make full use of the centre.

He later conducted a tour of the facility with the State Director of Orientation Agency, Mrs. Ure Abazie, and the traditional ruler of Ohiya, Eze Abel Uhuegbu.

He informed that the centre is equipped with modern facilities including an automatic external defibrillator, radiant warmer, vital signs monitor for pregnant women, ultrasound, parameter machine, weighing scale, general laboratory, and auto analyser among others.

Also speaking, the Mayor of Umuahia South LGA, Engineer Chinedu Enwereuzo, expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for embarking on life-touching projects, describing the projects as a true sign of love for the people.

He urged the Ohiya traditional ruler to ensure the protection of the equipment and called on the community to reciprocate the governor’s gesture at the appropriate time.

He also commended the state for giving health proper attention and encouraged Abians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to strengthen their civic responsibility.

Speaking with journalists, the Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Ure Abazie, lauded Governor Otti and the Ministry of Health for prioritising the well-being of Abians.

Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke has dispatched a top level government delegation to Akinlalu over recent killings involving the Amotekun security outfit.

A statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed confirmed that Adeleke has ordered a full investigation into the matter.

He commiserated with all those who lost loved ones in the tragic incident and prayed to God to comfort them.

His words: After receiving the preliminary report, further briefings were presented to the Deputy Governor by the security team with a State Security council meeting now scheduled for Monday to further deliberate on the issue and other emerging security threats in the state.

‘Adeleke has vowed to dig into the root of the fatal encounter between the people of the town and the Amotekun security service, directing that a high powered delegation of government and service chiefs will visit the affected town after the scheduled state security council meeting on Monday.

‘Those expected on the delegation include the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the state governor, the Commissioner for Information, the Commissioner for political affairs, the Commissioner for Transportation, the Attorney General of the State, the Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the governor and service chiefs of the various security agencies.

‘I am a rule of law Governor. This matter is being investigated and any infraction will be dealt with within the context of the law. I have ordered a security council meeting on this incident and others such as fears of spill over from Kwara banditry attacks.’

One of the top contenders, Koyin, has been evicted from Big Brother Naija’s ’10/10′ season.

Koyin became the 2nd runner-up of the season, leaving Imisi and Dede to battle for the ultimate prize of N150m.

The show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced Koyin’s exit, marking a pivotal moment in the competition.

Big Brother Naija premiered on July 26-27, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude today, October 5, 2025.

The eviction sets the stage for an intense finale, with the remaining three housemates vying for the top spot.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a leading voice of Northern Nigeria, has condemned what it described as a ‘thinly disguised attempt to sabotage’ the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company, cautioning that such actions pose a threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and investor confidence.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the forum expressed concern over the persistent challenges facing the refinery since its inception, including regulatory hurdles, crude oil supply constraints, pricing disputes, and labor unrest.

ACF lamented that despite the dedication of the refinery’s founder, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, powerful vested interests continue to undermine the facility in a bid to retain control over Nigeria’s oil sector.

‘The challenges confronting the refinery bear the imprint of entrenched cabals bent on sustaining their asphyxiating grip on the oil industry and the national economy,’ the statement said, describing the refinery as Nigeria’s ‘largest and most modern indigenous crude oil processing facility.’

The forum specifically criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for allegedly defying a court order restraining it from disrupting refinery operations.

‘No law-abiding organisation should disregard a valid court order,’ the ACF added.

While affirming workers’ rights to unionize, ACF stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and supported calls from Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume that the refinery should stabilise before any unionisation activities commence.

‘Workers should focus on helping the refinery become fully operational before introducing union activities,’ the forum stated, adding that the facility should be treated as a strategic national asset deserving of protection from sabotage.

The ACF also warned that any attempt to cripple the refinery would send a negative message to both domestic and international investors. It urged the Federal Government to classify the Dangote Refinery as a strategic national security asset, and take measures to shield it from external and internal threats.

The forum expressed support for ongoing Federal Government-led negotiations with labour unions, but insisted that sanctions must be imposed on any group that violates lawful directives or acts in a manner that endangers national interests.

‘Putting down the Dangote Refinery is a potent disincentive to private investment and a blow to Nigeria’s industrial future,’ ACF warned, urging labour unions to act with patriotism and resist what it called ‘international machinations aimed at sabotaging indigenous industrial development.’

Big Brother Naija housemate, Jason Jae, has been evicted from the ’10/10′ season, leaving five contestants in the race for the grand prize.

The show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced Jason Jae’s exit, marking a major point in the competition as the remaining housemates – Imisi, Dede, Kola, Koyin, and Sultana – battle for the ultimate title.

The hit reality show, which premiered on July 26-27, 2025, is set to conclude today, October 5, 2025.

Jason Jae’s eviction intensifies the suspense, setting the stage for a thrilling finale among the top contenders.

Former Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has remembered his ancestral root in Kumurya village, Bunkure local government area of Kano State, where his grandfather was born.

Babangida’s grandfather, Malam Ibrahim, was born and raised in Kumurya village under Rano emirate before he relocated to Wushishi, Niger State, as a trader.

Upon leaving office as Military Head of State in 1993, Babangida realised he did not bequeath an impressionistic tangible legacy for the Kumurya community.

He however, vowed he must build a project for them before he departs the planet earth.

The last time the issue tugged his heart, Babangida invited Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil -the Chairman, Kano State Council of Ulama, to Minna in August, where he enquired from the Sheikh the kind of project that would serve the people of his origin.

Khalil told IBB that his grandpa’s people now have schools and mosques, so an hospital would be ideal, to stop or reduce to barest minimum maternal and child mortalities and other preventable deaths in the area. Babangida approved.

The village was agog on Sunday as the hospital foundation was laid. Gidan Jefau -the family house of IBB’s late grandfather, also came alive.

At the land where the hospital foundation was laid, General Babangida, represented by General Halliru Akilu, explained that the gesture was fulfilled after 27 years.

IBB said he was proud of his roots in Kumurya, Kano, which had been legendary even before colonialism.

Gen. Akilu said: ‘The former Head of State invited Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil to Minna in August this year and after a discussion, the Sheikh told him that Kumurya lacks a health facility.

‘Babangida, being very generous, therefore supported the idea of building a hospital which he dedicates to his parents and his late wife, Maryam.’

Akilu said he would not give further details of why it took this long before Babangida remembered his roots, noting that the village head was aware of previous attempts to build an Islamiyya school and a mosque for the community.

Akilu further said, even as Head of State, IBB lived and worked with illustrious sons of Rano emirate who are known for their patriotism and dedication to duty.

He listed Generals Murtala Muhammed, Sani Abacha and Babangida as former Heads of State from Kano, adding that General Abdulsalami Abubakar is also traced to Kano, even though many may not know.

The Emir of Rano, Muhammad Isa Umar, said the day was special for the emirate where parents of the former head of state hailed from.

He revealed how Kumurya town is so important to the emirate, disclosing that during the war against Ningi emirate, the late emir of Rano, Alhaji Umaru, was camped there to protect the emirate against invaders.

‘The former head of states (IBB) is very proud of Kumurya and when I was district head of Bunkure, I personally knew of his plans to bring development to the village. This hospital, when completed, will certainly cater for women and children and the general people of Kumurya,’ the emir said.

Village head of Kumurya said, in addition to the hospital, Babangida is rebuilding the mud house known as Gidan Jefau belonging to his uncles, expressing gratitude for the gesture.

Gen. Babangida (Rtd), has revealed that ‘Ibrahim’ in his combination of names is his grandfather’s. And that while joining the military, he was being mistaken for a Yoruba, so he added Babangida in the end to prove his northern ancestry.

He narrated that his great grandfather had migrated from Sokoto to Kumurya in Kano where he gave birth to his grandfather, Ibrahim, who moved to Kontagora before settling in Wushishi, Niger State, where his father, Badamasi, was born.

Badamasi then moved from Wushishi to Minna in 1941 where he gave birth to IBB in August that year.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced a significant rise in the country’s rig count to 69, reflecting renewed activity and investor confidence in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its head of media and strategic communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, the Commission said the rig count had grown sharply from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2, 2025 – representing a 762.5 percent increase in just four years.

According to the breakdown, the current figure includes 40 active rigs, eight on standby, five on warm stack, four on cold stack, and 12 in transit. The NUPRC added that the number is expected to rise further in the coming months.

The Commission also revealed that its recent policy review led to the identification of 400 dormant oil fields across the country, a move that has spurred previously inactive operators into taking corrective action.

Describing the development as evidence of growing investor confidence, the statement noted that the achievement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that Nigeria is open for business and that the upstream environment now offers a conducive climate for investment.

The NUPRC further highlighted 16 major post-Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) achievements recorded within its four years of establishment, including surpassing revenue targets despite challenges inherited from the pre-PIA era.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining reforms aimed at maximizing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential and driving the country’s energy sector toward sustainable growth.

In 2022, 2023, and 2024, according to the statement, the Commission surpassed its revenue target by 18.3 per cent, 14.65 per cent, and 84.2 per cent, respectively, despite fluctuations in oil production and prices, thus contributing largely to our nation’s economic growth.

NUPRC said there is a record of Potential Investment of $39.98bn from FDPs

Between 2024 and 2025 and that it has approved 79 Field Development Plans (FDP) (41 in 2024 and 38 YTD 2025 with a potential investment of $39.98bn.

NUPRC added that ‘This comprises $20.55bn in 2024 and $19.43bn in YTD 2025.’

It also said that since the inception of the commission, crude oil production has increased, with the current average daily production of 1.65Mbopd expected to increase further with the Project 1 Mbopd initiative, which is aimed at achieving 2.5 Mbopd in 2027, compared to the NUPRC commencement.

On transparent bid rounds, it recalled that before the establishment of the Commission, the licensing rounds were opaque.

It further noted that they were beclouded by political influence, which made the process lack credibility. According to the statement, however, the NUPRC, with the support of President Bola Tinubu, transformed the process to be fully digital, thereby enhancing transparency and credibility.

NUPRC said in line with the PIA, 2021, and with the support of President Bola Tinubu, is implementing the ‘Drill or Drop’ policy, which prescribes that unexplored acreages are to be relinquished.

It stressed that this is designed to ensure the optimal use of oil assets and prevent dormant fields from tying up potential reserves. This policy successfully identified 400 dormant oil fields and has also propelled complacent oil companies to take quick action.

The statement reads in part, ‘Billions in divestments

‘The Commission approved divestments running into billions of dollars in 2024. From the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to Oando Energy Resources; Equinor to Chappal Energies; Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energies; and Shell Development Company Nigeria Limited to Renaissance Africa Energy.

‘The divestment is about investor portfolio re-ordering to focus on deep-offshore development.

‘Developed regulations

To give meaning to the intent of the PIA, 2021, the Commission, in consultation with stakeholders, has developed 24 forward-thinking Regulations. So far, 19 have been gazetted while 5 await gazetting. These forward-thinking Regulations serve as tools for transparency and the creation of an enabling investment climate and benchmark best practices

‘Gas flare commercialisation

The NUPRC completed awards of flare sites to successful bidders under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP). The programme is aimed at eliminating gas flaring and attracting at least 2.5 billion dollars in investments.

‘Overall Best Performing Parastatal – SERVICOM

In 2024, the Commission secured the 2024 Overall Best Performing Parastatal SERVICOM Unit (PSU) Award, along with the 2024 Best Performing PSU, Team B Award, a testament to the NUPRC’s commitment to customer service. The NUPRC has again won Best Regulator, 2025 by Nigerian Energy Correspondents, aside over 60 awards from various organisations.

‘HCDTs Remits N358.67bn

Host Community Development Trusts have remitted N122.34bn in naira, while dollar contributions stand at over $168.91m as of October 2025. This translates to a combined remittance of over N358.67bn based on the prevalent exchange rate, in enthroning a conducive host community environment in Nigeria.

Over 536 ongoing community projects

‘Still in the host community, the NUPRC is overseeing at least 536 projects at various stages of completion, including schools, health centres, roads, and vocational centres. These are being funded by the trust fund. The achievement has tremendously curbed crude oil theft.

‘Development Wells Hits 306 between 2022-2025

As part of its mandate to develop the country’s hydrocarbon, the Commission has recorded 306 development wells drilled and completed between 2022 to date.

‘Removing hindrances to exploration with 2D and 3D seismic data

The NUPRC issued Nigeria’s first Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) for a large offshore geophysical survey covering 56,000 km² of 3D seismic and gravity data. Furthermore, the Commission has reprocessed 17,000 line-kilometres of 2D seismic data and 28,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic data, producing sharper, higher-resolution images of our petroleum systems and reducing the uncertainties that once hindered exploration decisions.

Other data acquisition includes: 11,300 Sq.km of newly acquired 3D data, processed to PSDM, and 80,000 Sq.km of Multibeam Echo Sounding and Seafloor Geochemical Coring data.

‘Curbing crude oil theft

In 2021, the average daily crude oil losses stood at 102,900 barrels per day or 37.6 million barrels per year. However, due to the combined efforts of the General Security Forces and Private Security Contractors (TANTITA) as well as the collaborative effort of the commission, this has been reduced by 90% to specifically 9,600bpd in September 2025.

‘Furthermore, two pioneer regulations introduced by the Commission have also contributed to the success, namely: The Upstream Measurement Regulation and the Advanced Cargo Declaration Regulation, respectively, have contributed as pioneer efforts at achieving transparency in hydrocarbon accounting.

‘Leading AFRIPERF

‘Even outside the shores of Nigeria, the Engr. Gbenga Komolafe-led NUPRC has continued to show leadership as it championed the establishment of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF).

‘The last event of the AFRIPERF at the Africa Oil Week (AOW) was attended by sixteen African Countries, namely: Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, Togo, Angola, South Africa, Mozambique, Benin Republic, Kenya, Namibia, Morocco, and Mauritania. AFRIPERF provides regulators with the mechanism to harmonise oil and gas development policies to facilitate cross-border infrastructure development, benchmark fiscals, and present a strong voice for Africa in hydrocarbon advocacy globally.’

Chelsea vs Liverpool takes centre stage in the Premier League on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Stamford Bridge, as both clubs look to return to winning ways following recent setbacks.

The Blues are desperate to rebuild momentum after inconsistent results under Enzo Maresca, while Arne Slot’s Reds, currently top of the table, are eager to avoid a third straight defeat for the first time in the Dutchman’s reign.

Teams’ Form and Recent Performances

Chelsea

Following a promising start to the 2025/26 Premier League season where they won two of their first three games which put them second on the league table, the Blues are currently struggling for form as they have won just two of their last six matches in all competitions. But Chelsea vs Liverpool in a fixture that Stamford Bridge fans want their team to make bold statement and get back to winning ways.

A draw with Brentford at the G-tech Community Stadium was followed with back-to-back defeats to Bayern Munich and Manchester United before they claimed a win against League One side, Lincoln City, in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Enzo Maresca’s side suffered another defeat, this time in the league against Brighton and Hove Albion before securing a 1-0 victory over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Club World Cup winners are presently placed 8th in the league standings.

Liverpool

Though currently top of the log, the Reds are without troubles of their own.

After winning all of their first seven matches across all competitions, Arne Slot’s side are winless in their last two after suffering a defeat to league flyers Crystal Palace before Galatasaray, inspired by Nigeria international Victor Osimhen condemned them to yet another loss in the Champions League.

This is the first time Liverpool will suffer two consecutive defeats since Slot succeeded the charismatic Jurgen Klopp as the Reds boss.

With Chelsea vs Liverpool up next, the Dutchman will be looking to avoid another defeat which won’t only dent his impressive record so far, but could also dislodge them as the league leaders.

Chelsea vs Liverpool: Head-To-Head Record

Chelsea and Liverpool have met 197 times across all competitions with the Reds winning the most with 86 victories to the Blues’ 65 while 46 matches have ended in draws.

The defending Premier League champions also hold an impressive record against the west Londoners as they have suffered just three defeats in their last 19 meetings. Liverpool defeated Chelsea in each of the four finals they met within that period.

The last game between these two sides saw Maresca’s team record a 3-1 win at the Bridge which boosted their chances of making the top four at the end of season. The Reds had almost nothing to play for in the encounter as they already had the league title sewn up just before the clash.

Key Players To Watch In Chelsea vs Liverpool

Chelsea

Joao Pedro

Pedro is a player Liverpool need to watch out for ahead of this Chelsea vs Liverpool matchup. The Brazilian is a prolific goal scorer who can operate from a central role or drift wider, utilizing his quick movement and dribbling ability.

Although, the 24-year-old is yet to score or provide an assist in the games he has played against the Reds, his five goal contributions this season is the highest among his teammates.

Enzo Fernandez

In the absence of Cole Palmer, Enzo has assumed the role of a playmaker from a deeper position. The midfielder has been able to influence play with his excellent passing range and ability to resist press while also disrupting opposition attacks and protecting space ahead of the defence.

The Argentina international also has eyes for goals as he already netted three and provided an assist so far.

Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike is arguably Liverpool’s best performer since his high-profile move from Eintracht Frankfurt. The France international has netted five goals in all competitions which is the highest for the Reds.

Ekitike’s off the ball movement, link-up play and ability to drop deep have also been instrumental for Liverpool this season.

Ryan Gravenberch

Gravenberch is a deep-lying playmaker, who is known for his technicality and agility to drift past opponents with smooth dribbling, deft passing and the willingness to progress the ball up the pitch.

The Dutchman has shown his ability to create from deep as he has two goals and as many assists to his name this campaign.

Team News: Chelsea vs Liverpool

Chelsea

Cole Palmer is out of this massively anticipated Chelsea Vs Liverpool due to a lingering groin issue which has effectively ruled him out of Chelsea’s last three matches.

Andre Santos and Tosin Adarabioyo are expected to miss this game as Maresca previously stated the duo won’t be back until after the international break.

Wesley Fofana is not available to play against Liverpool as he is recovering from concussion he sustained in the Carabao Cup win over Lincoln City.

The Blues will be without Trevoh Chalobah following his dismissal against Brighton.

Romeo Lavia is back in contention after fully recovering from a muscle injury.

Liam Delap, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo are long-term absentees and therefore won’t feature in this mouthwatering Chelsea vs Liverpool.

Liverpool

Alisson Becker is not expected to be in goal Chelsea vs Liverpool following an injury in their loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Ekitike is a doubt after also being forced off on Tuesday night. Slot is expected to provide an update on the Frenchman in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Following his inability to travel with the team to Turkey, Federico Chiesa is also a doubt for this clash after suffering a knock in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Summer signing, Giovanni Leoni is effectively out of the trip to London following an ACL rupture. The young Italian has successfully undergone surgery and will start his road to recovery.

Chelsea vs Liverpool: Possible Starting Line-ups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1):

Sanchez; James, Badiashile, Acheampong, Cucurella; Caicedo Enzo; Estevao, Buonanotte, Neto; Pedro

Liverpool (4-2-3-1):

Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Isak