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Just as well, some breakthrough: in the crunch between the gutsy suicidal and the ruthless executioner, as the Yoruba would call it.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), plucky union, just faced down Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, biggest single-tranche crude oil refinery in the world and employers that take no prisoners! It wasn’t pretty!

Who blinked first? At what cost to the delicate economy? Even with the truce, what impact on inflation, which trend-down, for months now, has signified a cool-off of the economy, pending a healthier re-take-off, following very painful reforms?

Will soaring energy costs return the economy to higher inflation, since petrol and diesel remain core to fuelling and powering the economy?

Has the shock been arrested before real harm was done? Kudos to the Federal Government for moving in fast, appealing to the good sense of both combatants!

Still, the fundamentals are awry. Local refining couldn’t have drawn a stormier re-entry. The old is giving way to the new. But the new not yet able to kick out stock, old practices! That’s the ugly lacuna playing out.

PENGASSAN and NUPENG, beyond their unionist do-gooding, stand accused of strong-arm tactics. That suggests many of their screeches are fired more by illicit cream-offs, than by members’ protection and welfare.

That intera-union cabal, PENGASSAN foes love to allege, is so powerful that even their members are unsure which is worse: the parasitic union or the overarching employer. It’s the classic choice between the red devil and the blue sea!

On Dangote. Lovers of its refinery, touting it a nationalistic downstream rescue, fend off the budding monopolist charge, which its foes hang on its neck. Fair enough.

Still, like Microsoft’s Bill Gates, not even the most fanatical of Dangote’s fans would deny it rather loves to compete – and win! Without robust anti-trust checks – the same tools the US government used to checkmate Microsoft – petroleum downstream monopoly might just blight the market. That’s hardly desirable.

In other words, aside tackling this immediate clash, the Federal Government must put in place doughty anti-trust regulations, for the strategic wellness of that oil sub-sector. But robust anti-trust checks begin with diversifying the local supply of refined products. So, as many refineries as possible should be aided to fight for market share against Dangote Refinery.

But back to the present huff. Both PENGASSAN and Dangote should learn to always tow the middle line. Inasmuch as PENGASSAN blockage of crude oil and gas supply to Dangote Refinery was extreme – indeed, near-anarchic – the refinery’s sack of 800 workers, under the guise of ‘reorganization’, is both suspect and the height of corporate sophistry.

While PENGASSAN should resist the urge to always go for broke, Dangote should be wary of throwing around its weight as the dominant – nay, near-sole – local crude refiner.

The Federal Government should commit all local crude oil refining players to healthy compromises. Otherwise, energy security, a critical gain of its painful reforms, would go up in smoke!

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

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

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

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

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

He identified TSA as a fundamental tool for boosting revenue.

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

‘So going forward, we want to encourage that all revenue streams be remitted into the state IGR account with proper digital records and accountability.

‘Remember that revenue is not an end in itself. It’s just a means and means to better roads, stronger health systems, vibrant education, safer communities and dignity for the citizens of our state.’

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

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

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

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

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

Osagie said: ‘There is the need for revenue court and revenue courts law, the whole idea is to ensure the entire gamut of our tax system is put together in a way that enforcement and prosecution of tax offenders are easy.

‘As I speak, we are proposing a draft, using our neighbouring Delta State as a model to have revenue courts law of Edo State so that all tax offenders will be sent to those courts and make trials fast and easy.’

Here and Hereafter Foundation has given widows and orphans N10.8 million.

At the event in Alausa Secretariat Mosque, Ikeja, Lagos, Coordinator, Abdurrazaq Asaju, said the foundation has funded 30 scholars and empowered over 10 widows with more than N40 million since 2010.

He noted that the foundation also give mental and psychological aid that facilitate their integration into the society.

‘The foundation goes beyond financial aid to give care and support spiritually, materially, socially, psychologically and re-integrate them into society. This is done for ummah,’ he said.

He said we cater for families who usually go into disarray after death of breadwinners.

‘The foundation was set up out of our observation of, and concern for the plight of Muslim wives and children who lost breadwinners,’ he said.

He said families and acquaintances usually leave widows and orphans without help. ‘The fortune of families mostly turns due to loss of breadwinners and departure of closest friends and relations. Hence, widows may be virtual pariahs while children are desolate’

He urged parents to ensure children perform well to justify the support, adding donors must see value of their giving.

‘With support from H and H, you have no excuses for poor performance. Learners below average will not enjoy sponsorship. We are holding the funding in trust for donors and we owe them value delivery. Similarly, parents should ensure their wards do not disappoint the foundation and its donors.

Same goes to the empowered widows,’ he said.

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, yesterday went on a familiarisation tour of his official palace, ahead of moving into the edifice, located at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

The inspection was the first official function the new monarch carried out since his coronation as the 44th Olubadan last Friday at an historic event at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

The monarch, before the inspection tour, had met with members of the Olubadan-in-Council, with whom he was conducted round the palace by aides.

It was gathered that the inspection was carried out to ascertain the state of infrastructure at the palace and get acquainted with the place.

One of the palace aides, who pleaded anonymity, said the inspection by the monarch was in order.

According to him, ‘Baba embarked on the familiarisation tour of departments in the palace shortly after the Council meeting this morning. Baba expressed satisfaction about the state of infrastructure at the palace.’

On the Council meeting, he said it was the normal routine meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council, although it was the first of its kind since Oba Ladoja ascended the throne of his forebears as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan land.

‘I am not sure of the time Kabiyesi will move to the palace, but I can assure you that everything is set,’ the source added.

It is believed that Oba Ladoja is awaiting the final conclusion of activities of his coronation before moving into the official palace as the Olubadan.

He will be the second Olubadan to use the palace, as his predecessor, the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was the first to live in the palace, breaking away from the usual traditional practice of Olubadans ruling from their private palaces.

A special Jumat service, as part of the activities marking the coronation of Oba Ladoja, will hold at Oja’ba Central Mosque tomorrow, while the activities will be rounded off with Isese tradition on Saturday.

Sir: The Afriland Tower fire of September 12, will be remembered not only for its immediate destruction but for the debate it has reignited about fire safety in Nigerian high-rises. In a city racing to build taller and faster, the question is no longer whether growth will continue, but whether that growth will be safe, sustainable, and resilient against preventable hazards.

As a Nigerian civil engineer practicing construction management in the United States, I have seen how fire hazards in tall buildings often stem from preventable lapses. The absence of sprinkler systems, reliance on combustible cladding, poor smoke compartmentalization, and neglected alarm or evacuation systems all magnify the danger. In too many cases, blocked or poorly marked exits leave occupants with little chance of survival when seconds can mean the difference between escape and tragedy.

The scale of the challenge is undeniable. Lagos, home to Africa’s fastest-growing skyline, is also one of its most vulnerable urban centers for fire risk. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service records hundreds of outbreaks annually, many in commercial or multi-story buildings. A 2024 safety audit revealed that over 30 percent of inspected structures lacked adequate detection or suppression systems. In one reporting year, at least 82 lives were lost and property worth more than N25.37 billion was destroyed; in another, losses exceeded N19.5 billion. These figures demonstrate that fire is not just a safety concern but also an economic burden that undermines livelihoods and public confidence.

Global best practices point to clear solutions. Data from the U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shows that buildings with automatic sprinklers experience 89 percent fewer civilian deaths from fire than those without. More than 90 percent of fires in such buildings are contained within the room of origin, significantly limiting casualties and property loss. These statistics highlight a reality Nigeria cannot ignore: prevention saves lives and protects economies.

Unfortunately, research within Nigeria underscores significant shortcomings. A 2023 study of Abuja shopping malls, published in F1000Research, found that many lacked active fire protection devices such as smoke detectors and sprinklers, or had systems in poor condition. Passive protections, including fire-rated doors and compartmentalization, were often inadequate. Another study from Covenant University, published in the International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering, showed that many students did not know the location of fire exits or safety signage, underscoring the need for education, drills, and preparedness alongside better infrastructure.

Strengthening Nigeria’s fire safety framework requires collaboration. The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), tasked with enforcing construction standards, plays a pivotal role, but its efforts must be reinforced by technical expertise and advocacy from professional bodies. Organizations such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Nigeria Chapter, and the World Safety Organization (WSO) Nigeria can work in tandem with LASBCA to push for stricter enforcement, standardized certifications, regular audits, and ongoing professional training. Together, regulators and practitioners can embed fire safety into the DNA of Nigeria’s built environment.

Some stakeholders argue that advanced fire systems and fire-tested materials increase construction costs. Yet the cost of inaction is far higher: billions lost in property damage, delayed investments, and most devastatingly, human lives cut short. Safe buildings are not optional add-ons; they are the foundation of sustainable, resilient growth.

The Afriland Tower fire must not be remembered only for its destruction. It should mark a turning point in how Nigeria approaches building safety. By embedding fire prevention measures into design, construction, and maintenance, the nation can protect lives, safeguard investments, and ensure its skylines stand as symbols of progress rather than peril.

Tickets to next year’s FIFA World Cup officially went on sale yesterday despite the fact that not even half of the spots in the 48-team 2026 World Cup field have been claimed.

What’s more, the schedule of matches won’t be finalized until December. And other than host nations U.S., Canada and Mexico, nobody has any idea where or when they’ll be playing.

But millions of fans worldwide evidently don’t seem to mind any of those points.

The buyers will be those who were selected, out of 4.5 million applicants in a lottery that took place last month, to have the first formal chance to purchase tickets over the next few days. FIFA said lottery winners have been, or will soon be, informed by email.

There are unique questions for consumers heading into the tournament, particularly about how they’ll get visas, if necessary, to visit the U.S. as the country cracks down on immigration. There are also more traditional concerns such as who, when and where – and none of those will be answered until the draw on Dec. 5. FIFA knows many fans won’t fret about those answers; they’ll just want tickets now and will figure out the rest later.

‘These are not only outstanding figures, but also a strong statement,’ FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on social media, reacting to the 4.5 million applicants for a spot in the purchase window that opened Wednesday.

‘The whole world wants to be part of the FIFA World Cup 26, the biggest, most inclusive and most exciting event ever. From Canada, Mexico and the United States, to countries big and small across every continent, fans are proving once again passion for football truly unites.’

Morocco’s OCP Group, a major global player in phosphate rock and plant nutrition solutions, recorded consolidated revenue of 52.16 billion dirhams ($5.7 billion) for the first half this year.

The financial results reflected a 21 per cent increase from the 43.24 billion dirhams ($4.7 billion) generated during the same period last year.

According to the company’s results , the strong performance was primarily driven by robust fertilizer demand in the Indian market and sustained export growth to Europe.

Additionally, rising fertilizer export prices contributed significantly, propelled by an increase in sulfur costs and global demand that exceeded available supply, pushing prices higher throughout 2025.

‘The price of fertilizers on the international market rose from $520/T in the first half of 2024 to $589/T in the first half of 2025,’ the document noted.

By region, South America was the top destination for OCP’s fertilizer shipments, accounting for 26 percent of revenue, followed by Europe (21 percent), India (19 percent), and Africa (18 percent). The remaining sales were realized in other Asian countries, Oceania, and North America.

OCP is confident in promising prospects for the remainder of the fiscal year, having continued to expand its fertilizer production capabilities.

In July, OCP subsidiary Nutricrops commissioned a new triple superphosphate (TSP) production line at the Jorf Lasfar industrial platform with an annual capacity of 500,000 tons. A month earlier, in March 2025, the company commissioned a new phosphoric acid treatment unit with a capacity of 1,500 tons of phosphorous pentoxide (P2O5) per day.

These initiatives are expected to increase fertilizer production in the second half of the fiscal year and further boost the company’s sales. For the full year 2024, OCP had reported total revenues of 96.9 billion dirhams ($9.8 billion).

A lawyer, Emmanuel Chinyere Orji, has sued the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for declaring him wanted without a court order.

Orji is asking for N1 billion in exemplary and general damages.

In a fundamental rights suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the lawyer is praying for a declaration that the publication and hasty declaration of him as a wanted person with his name and photo published in The Nation Newspaper on August 20, 2025, Special Police Gazette Bulletin and official website of the police without any prior order or leave of a court of competent jurisdiction is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

He is urging the court to hold that the publication amounted to a gross violation of his fundamental rights to personal liberty, private and family life, freedom of movement and rights not to be subjected to inhuman treatment as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 37, 41(1) and 46 of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights as ratified and domesticated by the National Assembly.

Orji is praying the court to declare that the IG lacks the statutory power to declare him a wanted person without first obtaining an order from a court of competent jurisdiction.

Through his legal team, led by Edwin Anikwem (SAN), Orji sought an order quashing the publications.

The applicant also sought an order directing the IG to publish an apology to him for the illegal, unconstitutional and gross violation of his fundamental rights in the publication and hasty declaration of him as a wanted person.

He sought an order awarding him N500 million only as exemplary damages for the flagrant violation of his rights, and another N500 million only as general damages.

Orji sought an order of injunction restraining the respondent or his agents from further infringing or violating his constitutionally guaranteed rights with respect to the subject matter of the suit.

It is on the ground that he has never been tried or convicted of any criminal offence in any court of law, nor has he ever jumped bail for any offence in Nigeria; therefore, he cannot be declared wanted by administrative fiat without any prior order or leave of court.

ýIn a supporting affidavit, Stephen Adekpe, a litigation officer in the applicant’s counsel’s law firm, stated that Orji is a legal practitioner of over 20 years’ standing.

ýýHe stated that the applicant is presently outside the country to treat a spinal cord issue.

The deponent stated that Orji, as a lawyer, has represented companies and individuals and has always discharged his obligations diligently and dutifully.

He stated that declaring the applicant a wanted person makes him a fugitive from the law.

Adekpe added: ‘Any person who knows about the fact of the applicant being declared wanted has a right to arrest him.

‘Arresting the applicant will lead to his liberty being constrained.

‘The applicant is not aware of any order against him from a court of competent jurisdiction that would warrant the respondent to publish Exhibit A (wanted declaration) against him.

‘The respondent has not followed the provisions of the law with regard to declaring persons wanted.

‘If the respondent is not restrained by an order of this honourable court, the respondent shall continue to circulate the unlawful and illegal publication.

‘The applicant is entitled to be indemnified in both exemplary and general damages, and most importantly, an apology from the respondent.

‘No amount of damages can compensate for the damage the Respondent has done to the Applicant’s reputation personally and in the practice of his profession.’

The Federal Government has unveiled a Communications Strategy and Framework (2025-2027) to strengthen information sharing, public trust and accountability nationwide in the education sector.

The Framework was developed with the support of Partnership for Learning for All in Nigerian Education (PLANE) and UK International Development.

Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, described the framework as a turning point in how it ‘will communicate reforms, achievements and challenges in education.’

The minister also said learners are expected to benefit from clearer information on free and inclusive education opportunities, as well as improved access to STEMM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes that directly connect to jobs.

He said it would provide journalists and other stakeholders with clear, fact-based information while countering misinformation and ensuring wider public engagement.

The strategy, which runs from 2025 to 2027, sets out a roadmap for how the ministry and its agencies will deliver unified messaging, foster transparency, and highlight reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said: ‘The Communication Strategy we are launching today is not a document to be shelved. It is our blueprint for telling Nigeria’s education story with clarity, credibility and consistency.

‘It unites all our departments and agencies under one framework, establishes standards for transparency and stakeholder engagement, and serves as a social contract with the Nigerian people: that every reform, policy, innovation and success story will be shared, understood, and celebrated.’

He added: ‘For parents and caregivers, the new communication system promises safer schools through anti-bullying campaigns and girl-child initiatives. It also offers simplified updates on school enrolment policies, feeding programmes, and re-entry schemes, alongside digital tools to track children’s progress.

‘The media will also gain timely access to press briefings, fact sheets, and media kits, making it easier to track reforms and communicate them to the public while Teachers and school leaders will gain more opportunitie0s for professional development and regular updates on quality assurance standards, supported by digital teaching resources to improve classroom delivery, amongst others.’

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, explained that the new strategy is designed to present its policies and programmes in clear, accessible language and strengthen two-way communication and feedback channels, and build trust and collective ownership around critical initiatives.

She urged stakeholders to take ownership of the framework and use it actively as it moves forward.

The minister added that ‘together we can create a culture of open, timely and effective communication that accelerates results and improves learning outcomes for every Nigerian child.’

An early morning fire yesterday destroyed no fewer than 26 shops at Bariga Market in Lagos, leaving traders counting their losses.

The inferno, which broke out about 4:05 a.m., reportedly started from one of the keeklamps shops before spreading rapidly to others due to the wooden partitions supporting the structures.

Eyewitnesses said the fire spread quickly as most of the shops were closely built, with flammable materials aiding the intensity of the blaze.

Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire Service, LRU paramedics and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) were said to have responded swiftly to the distress call, preventing the flames from engulfing other sections of the market.

In a preliminary report, LASEMA confirmed that though goods worth millions of naira were destroyed, no lives were lost and no injuries recorded.

The statement read: ‘Upon arrival, it was observed that some kee klamps shops were engulfed by fire. The cause of the outbreak could not be ascertained. However, the collaborative efforts of all emergency responders ensured that the fire was contained and prevented from spreading further. Twenty-six shops were affected.’

Market leaders expressed relief that no casualties were recorded but appealed to the government for assistance in cushioning the heavy losses suffered by traders.

As at press time, emergency officials had completed dampening operations, and the scene had been secured to avoid secondary incidents.