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Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has been barred by the National Industrial Court (NIC) in Abuja from cutting supplies of petroleum products to the $20 billion Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos.

Justice Emmanuel Subilim issued the order yesterday while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the refinery’s management. The motion was argued by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN) George Ibrahim.

Also to be affected by the order are the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd, (NNPCL), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC),which are respondents to the motion.

The Federal Government also yesterday said the strike by PENGASSAN over the sack of 800 workers by Dangote Refinery was a matter of security concern.

The union members yesterday barricaded the entrances to the NNPCL, NMDPRA and NUPRC offices in Abuja, preventing their officials from gaining access till the Dangote Refinery recalled the sacked workers.

Dangote Refinery, in an affidavit supporting its motion at the industrial court, claimed that in recent times, it noted incidents of sabotage by some of the employees in the Lagos-based plant that raised issues of grave health concern and safety of human lives.

The company added that it came to an irresistible conclusion that there should be re-organisation in the plant, which led to 800 of its 3,000 workers losing their jobs last Thursday.

The management stated that it was surprised to see online reports the following day(Friday) that the workers were laid off because they joined PENGASSAN.

The company said it refuted the report via a statement in which it also explained it was not averse to employee unionising.

The management added that by a letter dated last Friday and allegedly circulated online by PENGASSAN through its General Secretary, Lamumba Okugbawa, the union wrote Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo, warning that its members would take action that would force the refinery to its knees if the sacked workers were not reabsorbed.

It added: ‘The first defendant issued a press statement on the 26th day of September, 2025, wherein it erroneously referred to the laying off of the workers by the claimant as anti-labour practices, alleging that the workers were being victimised because they joined the 1st defendant(PENGASSAN) as members of the union, which is not correct.

‘The first defendant is going to make good its threat to shut down operations of the claimant, knowing the strength of its membership across the country, unless the court intervenes.

‘The claimant’s plant was constructed with over $20 billion by its promoters to solve the energy problem of Nigeria that has been lingering for decades and has been sailing with good results to consumer satisfaction and have been making significant contribution to the economy of Nigeria, but the first defendant if allowed to make good its threat will undoubtedly plunge Nigeria into the dark days of energy dearth and crisis and again, jeopardise the livelihood of the Nigerian’s end users and consumers and negatively impact on the economy

‘The first defendant has not engaged the claimant with respect to a dispute, if any, before championing and calling for an industrial action against the claimant contrary to the extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

Ruling after listening to Dangote Refinery’s lawyer, George Ibrahim (SAN, Justice Subilim held that the balance of convenience is in favour of the claimant as the continuation of the strike would irreparably damage its business and cripple the provision of essential services to the Nigerian public.

The judge was of the view that it was in the interest of justice for the court to restrain the respondents to preserve the industrial peace and further aid the continuous provision of essential services to the public pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Justice Subilim, while granting the restraining order, directed that copies of the order be promptly served on the respondents, along with motion on notice.

He subsequently adjourned till October 13 for the hearing of the motion on notice.

PENGASSAN action is security concern to Fed Govt

Labour and Employment Minister Muhammad Dingyadi said yesterday that the strike by the PENGASSAN posed a significant security and economic concern to the Federal Government.

Before the meeting between the oil unions’ leaderships, Dangote Refinery representatives and the Government team went into a closed-door session, Dingyadi promised that the government would ensure that the strike didn’t escalate into a national emergency.

The meeting had Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and top officials from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in attendance.

Dingyadi admitted that the government initially underestimated the scale of the industrial action.

He said: ‘We didn’t know the magnitude of this strike. Initially, we thought it was just about Dangote Refinery, but we have now been informed that it has extended to affect NNPC and other subsidiaries in the oil and gas industry.

‘What is happening today(Monday) is of concern to this country, our economy, and the security of our nation.

‘PENGASSAN has always been very peaceful, and we know for a very long time they have never done this kind of thing.

‘We consider them as friends and as people who wish this country well. Their action must be understood as a reflection of deep concerns that deserve urgent and sincere attention.

‘We want to make sure that this face-off is not extended to the ordinary citizens of the country.

‘That is why we are taking urgent steps to act as conciliators, to resolve this issue amicably for the good of our workers, our economy, and the spirit of our nation.’

As at few minutes to midnight, the meeting was still ongoing.

Dangote Refinery assures consumers of steady supply

Also yesterday, the refinery authorities assured Nigerians of uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene and cooking gas.

The assurance came amid alleged planned attack on the refinery by some PENGASSAN members and hired thugs.

According to intelligence sources, the plotters intend to disrupt critical units of the facility, particularly those responsible for petrol production.

Sources said that the management has requested heightened protection and surveillance.

One of the sources alleged that the planned disruption was part of a broader strategy to undermine Nigeria’s progress in domestic refining and push the country back into dependence on imported fuel.

‘Despite the sabotaging acts of PENGASSAN and its allies, Dangote Refinery is determined to continue with uninterrupted production and supply of petroleum products to the Nigerian people and businesses,’ he said.

Dangote should apologise, says TUC

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) demanded an apology from the Dangote Refinery management over the dismissal of the workers.

‘We demand the reversal of the arbitrary dismissal of over 800 workers by Dangote. If that is done, the next thing that we demand is a public apology from the Dangote Refinery Management, with an assurance that such won’t be used against the union in the future,” the union said in a statement by its Secretary General, Nuhu Toro.

Toro accused the refinery management of giving the TUC a bad name for calling for the reinstatement of the dismissed workers

‘What Dangote simply did was to give us a bad name. The first thing he did was to violate the agreement we both signed, arising from the previous intervention, that no worker was going to be victimised,” he said.

He also dismissed the claim by the management that the affected workers were plotting to sabotage the firm’s operations

‘For Dangote to react, he has to hide under the guise of sabotage, which is debatable in my opinion, because by the time you say sabotage, you must be able to substantiate and provide evidence of who is sabotaging,’ Toro said.

NLC mobilises affiliates

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday directed its affiliates and members nationwide to immediately mobilise for what it described as a ‘full-scale, decisive engagement’ against the refinery for its alleged anti-worker practices.

The NLC directive is contained in an internal memo by its President, Joe Ajaero.

The NLC stated that the matter has moved beyond the individual struggles of PENGASSAN and NUPENG, becoming a broader fight for workers’ rights across the country.

The memo reads in part: ‘This letter serves as a formal and urgent request in response to the protracted and deliberate anti-worker crusade being waged by the Dangote Group against the Nigerian working class.

‘The ongoing battle with PENGASSAN and NUPENG is merely a symptom of a deeper sickness – a capitalist pathology of union-busting, worker enslavement, and gross impunity that defines the Group’s industrial relations strategy.’ The congress further accused Dangote Refinery of behaving like ‘a state within a state,’ and repeatedly violating Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, flouted International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, and treated national labour laws with ‘utter disdain.’

It described the company’s operations as ”plantations of exploitation, where the dignity of the worker is systematically crushed to maximise profit for the few.’

The Congress added: ‘The time for pleading and endless, fruitless dialogue is over. The moment for decisive, collective action is now.

‘The impunity of the Dangote Group must be met with the resistance of organised labour.’

Head coach of Nasarawa United, Mangut Mbwas has played down suggestions that his side are favourites for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, insisting it is too early to celebrate despite their current lead on the log.

The Solid Miners climbed to the summit of the table on Sunday after a convincing 2-0 win over Katsina United at the Lafia City Stadium on Matchday Six.

The result marked their third straight home victory, taking their tally to 13 points from six matches with four wins, one draw, and one loss.

Speaking after the game, Mangut praised his players’ response but warned against complacency.

‘It’s a thing of joy to win today. Our response was great because we have been working so hard, and gradually we are achieving our goals,’ he said.

‘But it is not time for celebration yet. The league is a marathon and still very much in its infancy.’

On the match itself, Mangut acknowledged that his side could have scored more than the two goals they managed.

‘Katsina United are a tricky side; they don’t allow you to play freely. The first-half goal gave us the advantage, and we added the second, though we wasted a lot of chances,’ he admitted. ‘My players were a bit anxious in front of goal, but we’re working on correcting that.’

Looking ahead, the coach maintained confidence in his squad’s growing momentum.

‘Our next game won’t be easy, but the team is growing in confidence, game after game. I believe we can win anywhere,’ he added.

Operatives of the Lagos Police Command have arrested a guard, Amos Kini, for allegedly abducting a two-year-old child in Elemoro, Lagos.

Kini, according to a report filed by the toddler’s mother, allegedly absconded with him on September 21.

The woman, who reported the incident around 11:50pm on the same day at Elomoro Division, said the guard also fled with their mobile phone.

He allegedly contacted the child’s father through the stolen phone and demanded N5 million for his release.

The Lagos Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Abimbola Adebisi, said operatives started investigation as soon as they received the complaint, leading to the suspect’s arrest two days later.

The police said they arrested Aruna Dauda, the guarantor for the suspect.

They said while the suspect had released the child, the operatives continued their manhunt for him.

‘On 23rd September 23, about 1400hrs, operatives of the Tactical Squad (Hyena), acting on credible intelligence, successfully tracked and arrested Amos Kini at his hideout within the Elemoro area. The suspect has since confessed to the crime and remains in police custody. He will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

‘The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, condemned the abduction, reaffirming the command’s commitment to combating violent and capital crimes in the state.

‘He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and advised members of the public to report any suspicious activities to the police through any of our emergency numbers,” Adebisi added.

Governors Alex Otti (Abia State), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) are among the distinguished leaders and organisations set to receive the 2025 Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards.

The Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), has become a landmark event that brings together participants from across Nigeria and the international community.

This year’s edition will be held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on October 9 and 10.

In a statement on the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, emphasised the significance of the theme: ‘Redefining Possibilities: Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Public Service Delivery and Socio-Economic Development.’

He noted that the theme is not just a call to innovation but a strategic response to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at leveraging technology to transform governance, enhance service delivery, and stimulate sustainable socio-economic development.

The conference will bring together senior government officials, technology innovators, development partners, civil society groups, and academia.

Participants will deliberate on how emerging technologies can be applied to strengthen governance, modernise public administration, and expand Nigeria’s socio-economic opportunities.

Giving an overview on the award, the Director-General of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr. Dasuki I. Arabi, explained that the GovTech Public Service Awards recognise individuals and organisations who have championed innovation and transformation in Nigeria’s public sector over the past year.

He said this year’s awardees were carefully selected through nationwide nominations and voting across multiple media platforms.

‘The awards are designed to celebrate excellence and to encourage leaders who have pioneered reforms that strengthen institutions and enhance service delivery to Nigerians,’ Arabi added.

Now in its third edition, the Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards has become the foremost platform for recognising and promoting technology-driven governance in Nigeria.

Lecturers at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), owned by Ondo State Government, have threatened to disrupt the planned resumption of students and the forthcoming convocation, if their outstanding salaries are not paid.

The lecturers, under the umbrella of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), embarked on strike last month over the non-payment of their salaries and arrears, a development that has since paralysed academic and social activities on campus.

The Chairman of AAUA ASUU, Dr Boluwaji Oshodi, said the lecturers had exercised enough patience over the alleged refusal by the government to address their plight.

‘We have been patient and tolerant for long, but this time, we won’t be again. Our people have been pushed to the wall. We are not seeing any effort that can signal that the state government is ready to do the right thing,’ Oshodi said.

He said efforts to meet with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had been unsuccessful.

According to him, lecturers had endured harsh conditions, including conducting examinations ‘on an empty stomach.’

Reacting, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, dismissed claims that the government had abandoned the institution.

He said the state government had been engaging with the striking lecturers to resolve the dispute and assured people that the issues would soon be addressed.

He said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration had continued to release monthly subventions to state-owned tertiary institutions, including AAUA, without delay.

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has said that former President Goodluck Jonathan will not enjoy a ‘free ride’ to the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.

Reacting to remarks credited to Professor Jerry Gana suggesting Jonathan’s possible comeback on the PDP platform, the GHSM National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, stressed that the PDP flagbearer would only emerge through an open and transparent process in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

‘With due respect, Professor Jerry Gana is entitled to his enthusiasm about the return of former President Jonathan. However, only PDP delegates to the national convention can pick the party’s flagbearer, and ultimately, God Almighty will determine the outcome, not a few party stalwarts,’ Hamzat said in a statement.

Hamzat argued that Nigerians are yearning for progress, not a return to the past, warning that Jonathan represents an ‘old order’ many citizens are ready to consign to history.

‘The Jonathan era cannot be painted as a perfect time. It was a period when the diversity of our nation began to be deeply mismanaged, rekindling ethnic tensions and religious bigotry, a legacy that has unfortunately worsened under subsequent governments,’ he added.

He also revisited Jonathan’s foreign policy record, faulting Nigeria’s decision in 2011 to break ranks with the African Union and support NATO’s intervention in Libya. He described the move as a ‘strategic blunder’ that destabilized the Sahel and aggravated insecurity across Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other West African countries.

On domestic governance, the GHSM leader insisted that Jonathan still has questions to answer on corruption allegations that trailed his administration, particularly the infamous Dasukigate arms procurement scandal.

Hamzat, however, affirmed that the PDP remains a democratic platform where no aspirant, including former presidents, should expect automatic endorsement.

‘If President Jonathan desires a return to Aso Rock, he must be ready to square up with nationally unifying aspirants such as Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in an open and transparent primary,’ Hamzat declared.

He maintained that Nigerians deserve fresh leadership and a new vision to tackle the nation’s challenges, insisting that ‘the only way forward is forward, not backward.’

Civil society organisation, Save the Republic, has expressed concern over reports that more than 800 Nigerian engineers and workers were dismissed by Dangote Refinery for attempting to join a trade union.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the group yesterday, Rights Lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, said the matter raises serious questions about labour rights, fair employment, and Nigeria’s regulatory environment.

The group noted that Nigerian Constitution and the Trade Unions Act recognise the right of workers to freely associate and join unions, and any attempt to restrict such rights is inconsistent with the law.

‘The right to organise is a constitutional guarantee under Section 40 of 1999 Constitution, as amended,’ Adeyanju said. ‘It is important Nigerian workers are able to exercise this right without fear of dismissal or intimidation.’

Save the Republic also noted the broader implications of the refinery’s reported actions, noting the Dangote Group has benefited from government interventions and licences. Adeyanju stressed given the scale of public support, transparency and fairness in employment practice were essential.

He said Nigeria’s competition and consumer protection laws discourage any practice that could entrench monopoly or undermine rights of stakeholders, including employees.

‘This is a matter of public accountability,’ he noted. ‘When a project of this scale receives state support, Nigerians have a right to demand fair treatment and full transparency in employment practice.’

It appealed for calm and dialogue, urging parties to dialogue, stressing rights of workers must be respected while ensuring the refinery thrives.

‘The way forward is dialogue. Nobody wants to kill Dangote Refinery. We want it to work, but we also want the rights of workers respected,’ he said.

Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris has urged Nigerians to have faith in their country.

He said the gains of the last two and a half years should be consolidated.

Idris said the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to balanced and inclusive development since assuming office.

He said: ‘This administration is working for you, listening to you, and committed to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind. Let us continue to believe in Nigeria, because together, we can make our country greater than ever before.

‘As we celebrate 65 years of independence, let us steadfastly hold on to hope, unity, and patriotism. Let us never lose sight of the fact that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan – it is a reality that is already touching lives and will continue to do so in the years ahead.

‘Once again, this is our message to you: we need all hands on deck to consolidate on the gains of the last two and a half years, even as we march boldly towards the Nigeria of our dreams.’

He added: ‘Contrary to the perception being pushed in some quarters, this administration has demonstrated uncommon commitment to balanced and inclusive development since assuming office. The distribution of capital projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is equitable. No region is taking a back seat.’

The minister said the government was fully aware of the sacrifices the people had been making in the last two years.

Idris said: ‘We fully acknowledge your sacrifices and your understanding in the last 28 months, as President Tinubu has worked tirelessly to steady the ship. It is now time for the entire country to reap the fruit of the seeds of reform that have been painstakingly planted.’

He added: ‘Local Government Areas are being fiscally reintegrated as catalysts for growth and development, with the financial autonomy that the President is determined to fully operationalise.

‘Today, all state governments now receive, from the Federation Account, multiples of the revenue they used to get, thanks to the increased headroom from the oil subsidy removal. Subnational governments are now able to do a lot more, and with less debt.’

The minister pointed out that with the reforms in place, no state should be owing workers salaries, stressing that any state that does ‘is doing so by choice’.

He added: ‘This is the more reason why the ‘All Hands-on Deck’ message is apt and timely-henceforth no tier of government has any excuse not to fully pull its weight in this collective task of comprehensive economic growth and development.’

He also unveiled plans by the Federal Government to support state and local government infrastructural development.

Idris said: ‘Beyond these, the Federal Government is actively going further to support various subnational infrastructure projects, like the light rail projects in Kano and Kaduna States, for which funding to the tune of ?150 billion and ?100 billion has been secured.’

Highlighting other achievements of the administration, Idris said: ‘The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is meant to harness our underutilised potential and transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a sustainable and globally competitive industry.

‘In addition, to spur agricultural production, the Bank of Agriculture has been recapitalised to the tune of N1.5 trillion and is regarded as the most significant boost to agricultural financing in Nigeria.

‘Under President Tinubu, our nation is gradually recapturing the spirit of people-centred, grassroots development, through the establishment of five new regional development commissions and a supervising federal ministry for regional development.

‘We are in the middle of a road and transport infrastructure revolution, of which the flagship initiative is the one comprising the Presidential legacy highways, designed to connect Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, enhance national integration and unlock new economic corridors.

‘Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and its Eight (8) Priority Areas, President Tinubu is laying the building blocks for a national renewal anchored on prosperity, peace and unity. At this point, our collective participation in nation-building is critical to the sustenance of the progress being made.

‘That is why the theme of this 65th Anniversary is ‘All Hands On Deck’ – a direct and heartfelt call to all Nigerians and our friends and partners around the world to show understanding and to commit to supporting these landmark reforms.

‘Our trade surplus continues to grow, with an increasing share of contributions from the non-oil sector. Declining inflation, a strengthening currency, falling food prices, growing external reserves-all of these are more eloquent testament that we are on the right track.

‘From January 2026, we will commence implementation of the Tax Acts quartet, which will expand our nation’s revenue base while simultaneously simplifying tax collection and lessening the burden on our people. These new tax laws represent a huge leap forward for the Nigerian economy and for business, entrepreneurship and investment.

‘With more revenue at its disposal, on account of the reforms, the Tinubu administration is investing heavily in the key components that will catalyse our collective growth and development: health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, energy security, regional and grassroot development, small business, youth, and national security.

‘As we speak, more than 500,000 students of tertiary institutions – universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, are already benefitting from the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), in which tuition and upkeep fees are paid for by the Federal Government. This is unprecedented in our history.

‘Under President Tinubu, our nation is gradually recapturing the spirit of people-centered, grassroots development, through the establishment of five new regional development commissions and a supervising federal ministry for regional development.

‘We are in the middle of a road and transport infrastructure revolution, of which the flagship initiative is the one comprising the Presidential legacy highways, designed to connect Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, enhance national integration and unlock new economic corridors.

‘These landmark road projects are the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway; the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway; the 477-kilometre Trans-Saharan Highway traversing Cross River, Ebonyi, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa states, and the FCT; and the 422-kilometre Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Expressway.’

Also, there will be no anniversary parade to mark the 65th Independence celebration tomorrow in Abuja, the Federal Government said yesterday.

However, other programmes already slated for the anniversary will take place, according to a statement by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Senator George Akume .

The Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, who signed the statement, explained that the decision does not in any way diminish the significance of the milestone celebration, stressing that other programmes lined up for the anniversary will proceed as planned.

He said: ‘The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary, and the government remains committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm’.

He said government regrets any inconvenience caused by the cancellation and assured that activities marking the anniversary would reflect the spirit of national pride.

Imohiosen added that the Federal Government appreciates the understanding, support, and cooperation of Nigerians, the diplomatic community, and invited guests.

He urged Nigerians to always support the reform initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing them as essential to the collective goal of building a greater Nigeria.

Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA in Lagos, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, has reaffirmed the council’s commitment to positioning Onigbongbo as the gateway of tourism and hospitality in Lagos.

Speaking at the Tourism and Hospitality Symposium, the Chairman highlighted Onigbongbo’s unique role as the first point of contact for many visitors arriving in Lagos, with its thriving hospitality sector along Allen, Opebi, Toyin, Kudirat Abiola, and Ikeja GRA.

He emphasised that tourism is not just leisure but a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, aligning with his administration’s F.I.N.E Agenda – Foster economic growth, Invest in people, Nurture enterprise, and Ensure wellbeing.

Adebanjo announced the upcoming Onigbongbo Spark Fest 2025, a landmark yuletide festival designed to light up our cityscape, attract visitors, and transform Onigbongbo into a yuletide destination to rival Victoria Island and Lekki.

He also unveiled plans for a digital hospitality directory powered by QR codes, which will be placed at airports and strategic locations across Lagos, offering visitors access to local hotels, restaurants, and nightlife operators with a 10% discount incentive.

The Chairman assured tourism and hospitality stakeholders of the government’s readiness to collaborate with the private sector in driving visibility, investment, and growth, stating: ‘Together, we will make tourism the heartbeat of development in Onigbongbo LCDA.’

LeBron James said Monday he had not decided when to retire from basketball as he prepares to become the first player in NBA history to play a 23rd season in the league.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar told reporters at a media day that he is ‘excited’ by the prospect of another season in the league alongside Luka Doncic and a bolstered roster.

James will turn 41 in December and plans to savour every minute of the tail-end of a glittering career that has straddled three different decades.

But the four-time NBA champion and all-time points scorer says he has no idea of when he will retire.

‘I’m excited about today, I’m excited about the opportunity to be able to play the game that I love for another season,’ James told reporters. ‘Whatever the journey lays out this year, I’m super-invested because I don’t know when the end is. It’s a lot sooner than later.

‘I’m just super-appreciative of the fact that I come up here to do another media day and talk to you guys.’

James, who averaged 24.4 points per game last season, said his love for basketball – and hunger to keep improving – remained undimmed.

‘The thing still pushing me is the fact that my love for the game is still high, and the love of the process is even higher,’ he said.

‘It’s that simple – me training and working my body and trying to get my body as close to 100% as possible every year, it’s a beautiful thing for me.The NBA season is a roller coaster. But no matter the good, the bad, ugly, I still love that process.

‘For me personally, I love to play the game, I love to play at a high level. Age is kind of just a number. Not many guys at my age, especially going to year 23, is able to play a level like that. I try not to take it for granted.’

Last season, the Lakers sent shockwaves around the NBA after signing Luka Doncic in a stunning trade with the Dallas Mavericks.

James said the prospect of playing with the Slovenian star after a full training camp – instead of learning on the fly last year – was another motivating force for his 23rd season.

‘The motivation to play alongside him every night, that’s super motivating,’ James said. ‘That’s gonna train my body for every night I go out there and try to be the best player I can for him. We gonna bounce that off one another.’

In addition to a full training camp alongside Doncic, James is also relishing the prospect of starting the new season with a squad that has been bolstered by the arrival of veteran guard Marcus Smart and centre Deandre Ayton.

‘I’m excited about getting to work, and I’m excited to see what we can do,’ James said.