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The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its strike against Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals following a new agreement brokered by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, said the decision was taken out of respect for the federal government.

He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the terms of the agreement, noting that it did not address the union’s primary demand, the immediate reinstatement of over 800 Nigerian workers allegedly sacked by the refinery.

Osifo warned that the union would not hesitate to resume the strike without notice if the Dangote management fails to honour its commitments under the agreement.

Osifo said, ‘We are not happy with the terms of the agreement because it did not capture our main demand of recalling the 800 sacked Nigerians. But out of respect for government institutions, for the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS); the Chief Reconciliator of the Federation, and ministers who worked tirelessly into the early hours of the morning to mediate, we decided to suspend the action.

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

The union leader expressed deep reservations about the sincerity of the refinery management, saying PENGASSAN has ‘mutual suspicion’ that Dangote will attempt to renege on the deal.

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

Osifo dismissed claims that PENGASSAN was pushing for the reinstatement of the 800 sacked workers to secure check-off dues.

According to him, the salaries of the affected workers are meagre compared to the earnings of PENGASSAN members in other multinational oil companies, making such accusations baseless.

He added, ‘So we clearly ask, is it because of check-off dues that PENGASSAN went on strike? The salaries being paid to these 800 members, if you add them all together, are less than what 20 of our members earn in companies like Chevron, TotalEnergies, or ExxonMobil. Their check-off dues are not even up to the check-off dues of our least-paid members elsewhere. So why should we be chasing this because of dues?

‘It is actually about the freedom of association and the welfare of our members, because when we enter organisations, we improve conditions of service, and that is why workers subscribe to us.’

Osifo noted that PENGASSAN has a long record of defending workers’ rights without stifling the companies where its members operate, citing the example of Shell, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil, which have thrived despite having thousands of PENGASSAN members.

‘At one time, Shell had over 10,000 of our members, and they invested more than $200 billion in Nigeria. Did we kill Shell? Instead, we assisted Shell, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil to grow. We are not out to kill Dangote Refinery, which has barely invested $20 billion. That narrative is false,’ he said.

He stressed that the oil and gas workforce has carried the burden of Nigeria’s economy for decades, providing over 90 percent of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.

‘We know who we are and what we stand for. We are patriots who love this country more than any single individual, and that is why, despite our reservations, we chose to suspend this strike in deference to government efforts,’ Osifo added.

While thanking the government officials and agencies that intervened in the dispute, he reiterated PENGASSAN’s vigilance.

‘We will be monitoring closely. Any slip, any breach, any part of this agreement that is not kept, we will not issue further notice. We will not give any warning. We will resume the suspended industrial action immediately. That is our resolution,’ he warned.

Osifo noted that PENGASSAN’s struggle was not against progress but against injustice, and that the union will remain steadfast in defending the rights and welfare of its members, no matter whose interest is at stake.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday hosted the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance at the State House in Abuja.

She said Nigeria is a fertile ground for global partnerships and a dependable ally of the BRICS bloc.

Welcoming the business alliance’s delegation, led by its Chairperson, Anna Nesterova, Mrs. Tinubu described Nigeria as ‘a very interesting place that you will find rewarding for partnerships’.

The First Lady assured the visitors of her office’s continued advocacy for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.

She stressed the statutory role of government ministries in driving concrete economic engagements, saying: ‘My office will continue to provide advocacy and encouragement, but the ministries have the statutory responsibilities and budgets to support your mission.

‘I do a lot of programmes through my foundation, but when it comes to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, the ministries are the right partners. My role is to complement, advise, and facilitate.’

Mrs. Tinubu highlighted her humanitarian work through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), saying she has personal commitments to education, women, and children.

The First Lady recalled that she dedicated her 65th birthday to raising funds for a national library project and announced plans to distribute sanitary kits to schoolgirls in Gombe State as part of her outreach to rural communities.

Nesterova praised Mrs. Tinubu as ‘an incredible woman who not only changes lives for the better but also paves the way for a prosperous future for the Nigerian people’.

The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance chairperson announced the group’s plans to establish a regional office in Nigeria to serve as a gateway for women entrepreneurs into international markets.

She also announced a donation of 1,000 labour and delivery kits to support maternal health in Nigeria.

The chairperson highlighted the alliance’s global reach, saying: ‘Our Common Digital Platform currently connects more than 3,000 businesswomen from 60 countries. Last year, the BRICS Women’s Startups Contest attracted 50 applications from Nigeria alone.’

The Russian delegation included senior executives and academics, such as Ms. Liudmila Shcherbakova of VET PHARM Group, Ms. Natalia Vershinina of United Migration Centre, Prof. Liudmila Popova of Orel State University, and Ms. Anna Meshcheryakova of Third Opinion AI.

They expressed readiness to collaborate in the areas of pharmaceuticals and labour mobility to financial literacy and AI-driven healthcare solutions.

The visitors joined Nigerian officials at a technical session, which held at the State House Banquet Hall and focused on the topic: Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Exploring Investment Opportunities between Nigeria and Russia.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the engagement as a new chapter in Nigeria-Russia relations.

‘This gathering must go beyond symbolism. It should deliver actionable frameworks for cooperation, joint ventures, and enduring networks between Nigerian and Russian women entrepreneurs,’ she said.

The minister linked the talks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope foreign policy agenda, stressing that empowering women is ‘not just a moral duty but a strategic investment in national growth and stability’.

Also, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, delved into over six decades of Nigeria-Russia cooperation in education, technology, defence, and energy.

She noted that Nigerian women own over 40 per cent of small and medium enterprises and constitute nearly 39 per cent of registered exporters.

‘With Nigeria’s demographic strength and entrepreneurial dynamism, and Russia’s technological expertise, our two nations can pursue mutually beneficial partnerships in agriculture, food security, mining, energy, the digital economy, and healthcare,’ Oduwole said.

The minister underscored Nigeria’s gateway role under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering investors access to a $3 trillion market of 1.3 billion people.

Other speakers at the event included the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulieman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who stressed the importance of women and youth in driving innovation and inclusive growth.

The Spelling Bee competition organised by Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) brought together brilliant minds from primary and secondary schools across the council.

The event, held at the Council Secretariat Hall, created a vibrant atmosphere as students showcased their spelling skills and intellectual abilities.

The competition was moderated by Mrs. Adetola Pinheiro, a retired principal with decades of experience in the education sector. Contestants displayed remarkable focus, determination, and confidence, spelling even the most intricate words with impressive ease.

In her opening remarks, wife of the council chairman, Mrs. Muibat Ogidan, encouraged the pupils to remain committed to learning.

She noted that success is about effort, not just winning.

Head of Education and Library Services, Mr. Taiwo Adejumo, emphasised the value of participation over competition, stating: ‘Whether you win or not, the real courage lies in your participation.’

In the primary school category, Miss Obiorah Chikaima emerged as the winner, while Masters Orji Philip and Alameen Omokehinde claimed the first and second runner-up positions respectively.

In the secondary school category, Samuel Emmanuel secured the top prize, with Chima Chinecherem and Nwokeocha Favour emerged as first and second runners-up.

Special recognition was also given to outstanding participants for their dedication and commitment to academic excellence.

The event was graced Vice Chairman Mathew Olaleye, management team, teachers, and pupils from participating schools.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has described Nigeria as fortunate to have President Bola Tinubu at the helm of affairs, commending his bold economic reforms and developmental strides.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 65th Independence Day celebration held at the Arcade Ground in Akure, Aiyedatiwa said Nigeria is on the right path under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added, ‘Our country is blessed at a time like this to have a visionary leader like His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

‘We must continue to appreciate Mr. President for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering, and massive infrastructural development.

‘Indications are that Nigeria is certainly making progress and on the path of glory under the Renewed Hope Initiatives,’ he said.

Reflecting on the essence of Independence Day, the governor urged Nigerians to remember the courage of the nation’s founding fathers and to draw lessons from the country’s journey since 1960.

‘This celebration is not just about remembering a date in history. It is about reflecting on our journey as a people. Independence gave us more than self-rule – it gave us the dignity of identity, the right to dream as Nigerians, and the opportunity to chart a course for our future,’ he noted.

Aiyedatiwa said his administration has remained committed to its promises under the ‘OUR EASE’ agenda, highlighting key projects across the state, including the dualisation and rehabilitation of roads, improvements in the health sector, bursaries and scholarships for indigent students, and support for security agencies.

‘None of these projects and programmes would have been possible without your trust, patience, and support. To the good people of Ondo State who believe in this administration, and even to those who watch silently, I say thank you,’ the governor said.

He further urged the people to remain optimistic, resilient, and united in the face of challenges, stressing the need for peace, love, and hard work in building a prosperous nation.

‘Let me assure you, in the coming months, you will see more progress. As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us remember that freedom comes with responsibility. We must remain united as a people, committed to peace, and focused on building a better future.

‘Ondo State is moving forward, Nigeria is moving forward; the sun of a new dawn is rising over our state. Let us walk together into that dawn with love, diligence, courage, and faith,’ he concluded.

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports suggesting that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun obstructed justice in a rape case involving an American citizen and an Indian national, describing the claims as untrue.

The allegations were reportedly contained in a letter addressed to the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, by a former senior police officer.

However, a senior police source who spoke on Monday said there was no truth to the claims, stressing that the IGP remains committed to upholding justice and the rule of law.

The source added that the police leadership would not be distracted by attempts to discredit the IGP, assuring that the Force remains focused on strengthening accountability, discipline, and transparency in its operations.

The Nigeria Police further reiterated its resolve to work with local and international partners to ensure justice is served in all cases, while calling on the public to disregard unfounded allegations capable of undermining the integrity of the institution.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to building a stronger and more united nation, noting that the country’s economy has improved tremendously.

Oborevwori, in his Independence message signed by his chief press secretary, Festus Ahon, urged Nigerians to continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and his administration’s ‘MORE Agenda’, which, he said, were designed to improve the people’s living standards.

He noted that his government is investing heavily in massive infrastructure upgrades across Delta State, advancing a power revolution through a renewable energy mix, and creating an enabling environment to attract foreign direct investments.

He explained that the efforts were aimed at making life more meaningful for Deltans and residents and significantly boosting the state’s economy.

The governor also used the occasion to appeal to all ethnic groups in the state to embrace peace and remain united, stressing that peace was a prerequisite for sustainable development.

Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and pledged to continue working for the progress and prosperity of all Deltans.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the release of 36 inmates convicted for various offences in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

The governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, disclosed on Wednesday that the beneficiaries, serving sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife, were freed under the constitutional powers vested in the governor by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, based on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

In a proclamation dated September 24, 2025, and issued under his hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Governor Adeleke formally granted amnesty to the listed convicts under the state’s jurisdiction.

‘I, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Paragraph (a) Subsection (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and acting in accordance with the Advisory Council of State designated under Subsection (2) of the said Section, am graciously pleased to extend my mercy to the said thirty-six (36) convicts.

‘By this act, I remit and release unto them all pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever that may have accrued from their convictions, and I hereby require all to whom it may concern to take due notice thereof.

‘This shall be a sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Nigeria, this 24th day of September, 2025.’

He noted that beneficiaries of this Independence Day amnesty include men and women convicted mostly of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, many of whom had served substantial portions of their sentences.

Rasheed noted that Adeleke emphasized that the decision reflects the spirit of compassion, justice, and renewal, which Nigeria’s Independence Day represents:

‘As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens. This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals,’ the governor said.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the full enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit (TGP) across the country beginning Thursday, October 2, 2025.

According to the police, the move is in line with the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, a key security regulation aimed at curbing criminal activities and safeguarding public safety.

The IGP noted that the grace period earlier given to motorists to obtain or renew their permits has expired, stressing that all vehicles with tinted glasses must now present valid and verifiable permit documents upon demand by enforcement officers.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Halima, on behalf of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja said, ‘The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, wishes to inform the general public, particularly residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger States, that the full enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit (TGP) will commence nationwide on Thursday, 2nd October, 2025.

‘Implications for Motorists: Operating a vehicle with tinted glass without an approved permit is now an offence.

‘Routine checks will be conducted across FCT and Niger State by designated enforcement teams.

‘Defaulters risk vehicle impoundment and possible legal prosecution.

‘To avoid sanctions, motorists are strongly advised to apply for or revalidate their Tinted Glass Permit (TGP) via the official police portal: www.possap.gov.ng

‘Compliance with this directive is not only a legal duty but a collective effort toward ensuring public safety and national security. We therefore call on all residents to show patriotism by supporting law enforcement personnel during this exercise.

‘For verified information and updates regarding permit application procedures and other police services, follow our official social media platforms via the link below: https://linktr.ee/npfzoneviiabuja?utm_source=linktree_admin_share’.

Nigeria’s leading neobank, PalmPay, has shared N2million to the first set of winners in its Hustle Grant campaign. The campaign is a bold initiative designed to fuel the ambitions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the country.

Launched on August 28, and running until September 29th, the Hustle Grant is more than just funding; it is PalmPay’s promise to stand beside everyday Nigerians as they transform their hustle into thriving enterprises that create real impact in their communities.

In this first round, four outstanding entrepreneurs emerged from thousands of entries, each receiving N500,000 to scale their dreams. The winners, a prolific community builder in Kebbi State, two budding fashion designers in Lagos and Jos, and a farmer, embody the spirit of resilience and innovation that drives Nigeria’s economy. With this support, they can now take their ideas from the ground up, creating impact that ripples beyond their personal success.

Entrepreneurs across the country continue to submit their entries on social media with the hashtag #PalmPayHustleGrant. From these, the top entries will be shortlisted, with four more winners set to be announced in the final round.

For PalmPay, this initiative is a reflection of its core mission: building tools that don’t just make financial services smarter but make ambitions possible. The Hustle Grant is a platform for turning bold ideas into impact stories, ensuring that Nigerians chasing their dreams have the resources to reach the next level.

As the company celebrates its 6th anniversary, the Hustle Grant reinforces PalmPay’s role as a brand that doesn’t just process transactions but empowers transformation.

For every Nigerian who chooses PalmPay, the brand proves it is more than a digital banking platform, it’s a trusted financial partner committed to their growth.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a comprehensive strategy and roadmap for the regulation of Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) in Nigeria. The event, which was held last Friday in Lagos, had in attendance officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, industry stakeholders, civil society organisations and development partners.

Director-General NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said the initiative was aimed at protecting Nigerians from the harmful effects of trans-fats, which are widely recognised as a major contributor to heart disease and other non-communicable diseases.

Prof. Adeyeye said that the agency must protect Nigerians from invisible dangers in their diets, adding that the strategy is not about penalizing industry, but about transitioning to healthier food systems. ‘We will support industries in reformulation, but compliance is non-negotiable,’ she noted.

On why NAFDAC decided to prioritise TFA regulation at this time, she said the roadmap was rooted in the gazetted regulation on fats and oils published in 2022.

‘Many of us in Nigeria think the more oil in the food, the better it is – no. We must reduce the oils we use in our foods and ensure they do not contain trans-fatty acids or saturated fats, which cause cardiovascular diseases. WHO has shown that almost 300,000 deaths every year are linked to trans-fatty acids. We cannot ignore this,’ she stated.

She disclosed that manufacturers have been given an 18-month moratorium since 2023 to exhaust old labels and packaging stocks, after which new labels will indicate the presence or absence of TFAs. She also stressed that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would be carried along through capacity-building and awareness programmes.

Trans fatty acids are a type of artificial fat produced through industrial processes such as partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. They are commonly found in baked goods, margarine, fried foods and processed snacks. According to the World Health Organization, TFAs raise ‘bad’ cholesterol, lower ‘good’ cholesterol and are linked to thousands of premature deaths globally each year.

Studies suggest that reducing TFA exposure in populations can avert thousands of premature deaths. For example, research indicates that enforcing stricter TFA limits in Nigeria could prevent about 10,000 heart disease deaths over a decade and save significant healthcare costs.

It was gathered that the roadmap provides for a phased implementation, including an 18-month moratorium granted to manufacturers to exhaust old labels before full enforcement begins on February 1, 2026. The policy also mandates clearer nutrition labelling and sets a limit of not more than two grams of TFAs per 100 grams of oils and fats, in line with international best practices. Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission pledged their support for the implementation. Development partners such as the World Health Organization and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) also commended the move as a step towards safer food environments.

Industry stakeholders present expressed readiness to cooperate but called for clarity on technical standards and support for small and medium enterprises.

The roadmap, developed with input from a technical working group and validated at a stakeholders’ workshop in 2024, will guide enforcement, capacity building and public awareness campaigns. The overview of this road map was presented by Deputy Director (Food R and R)- Dr Tinuola Akinnubi

By this move, Nigeria joins countries implementing best-practice policies to eliminate industrially produced trans fats from national food supplies, in line with the World Health Organization’s global target.