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In a move that could transform Nigeria’s domestic energy market, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has once again reduced the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas.

The new ex-depot price now stands at ?760 per kilogram, down from ?810 last week.

This marks the refinery’s second major price cut in less than a month, and it continues to position Dangote as the leading driver of affordability in the gas sector.

Industry watchers say the move will bring much-needed relief to millions of households struggling with rising living costs and inflation.

Compared to other major suppliers, Dangote’s price stands far lower. Matrix and Ardova depots currently sell at ?920 per kilogram, while A.Y.M Shafa and NIPCO are at ?910 per kilogram.

Stockgap Depot, one of the biggest players in the market, sells for as high as ?950 per kilogram.

The price gap ranging from ?150 to ?190 per kilogram-highlights Dangote’s strong market influence and its growing role in stabilizing Nigeria’s energy prices.

Experts in the petroleum and energy sector have described the refinery’s strategy as a deliberate attempt to reshape market dynamics and discourage unnecessary price hikes by other depots.

By offering cheaper LPG, Dangote is believed to be setting a new benchmark that could force competitors to reduce their prices and make gas more accessible to Nigerian consumers.

Industry analysts also say that the refinery’s latest move aligns with its broader mission to boost domestic energy supply, reduce dependence on imports, and support the federal government’s agenda for clean energy transition.

Many Nigerians have welcomed the development, expressing hope that the reduction will reflect at the retail level, especially in local markets where consumers often face inflated prices.

If sustained, the Dangote Refinery’s consistent price adjustments could not only stabilize the cooking gas market but also encourage more households to switch from firewood and charcoal to cleaner energy sources helping to protect the environment and improve public health.

Nigeria is rolling out one of the largest integrated vaccination campaigns in its history, aiming to protect around 106 million children against measles, rubella, and poliomyelitis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

According to a statement by WHO on Monday, the nationwide initiative will combine multiple vaccines and child health services in a single drive, ensuring efficient delivery to children across the country.

The campaign targets children aged 0-14 years for measles and rubella, and 0-59 months for polio.

It will be implemented in two phases: Phase One, launching today, covers 20 high-risk northern states and Oyo State in the southwest. Phase Two, beginning in January 2026, will expand to the remaining southern states.

To reach every community, health workers will deliver services through fixed posts, temporary outreach points, and house-to-house ‘sweep teams,’ ensuring that even children in the most remote and underserved areas are reached.

In addition to measles-rubella and polio vaccines, the campaign integrates routine immunisation and other essential child health services, including treatment for neglected tropical diseases and seasonal malaria chemoprevention in high-risk areas.

This holistic approach supports Nigeria’s ‘Primary Health Care Under One Roof’ strategy and advances the Health Campaign Effectiveness agenda towards universal health coverage.

The initiative responds to persistent outbreaks of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) as well as measles and rubella outbreaks in Nigeria and across the Lake Chad Basin.

Nigeria is coordinating with Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Niger through a cross-border action plan to stop active outbreaks by the end of 2025 and eliminate remaining risks by the end of 2026.

‘On behalf of the Government, I want to express our deep respect and gratitude to Nigeria’s frontline health workers for their unwavering dedication.

‘I urge you to approach this campaign with the same resilience and commitment you have shown over the years.

‘As a parent myself, I know that no parent would ever refuse something that protects their child. Vaccines are safe, and they save lives,’ said Dr Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

This campaign builds on the success of two recent ‘In-between Round Activities’ in 11 northern states (August-September 2025), which reached over 3.1 million children with vaccines, provided nutrition supplements to 500,000 malnourished children, and delivered anti-malaria interventions to 150,000 children.

‘Nigeria’s integrated approach sets a strong example for the Region.

‘By uniting efforts against measles, rubella, and polio, and by working hand-in-hand with communities and partners, we are moving closer to the day when no African child suffers or dies from these preventable diseases,’ said Dr Mohammed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

In preparation for this nationwide rollout, Nigeria has also strengthened systems to ensure smooth implementation.

Trainers have been mobilised across states, payment processes for frontline workers have been redesigned for greater efficiency, and campaign systems have been upgraded to integrate data more effectively and safeguard integrity.

These investments will ensure that every health worker is supported and every child vaccinated is recorded accurately, bolstering accountability and trust in the programme.

Nigeria is also introducing a new combined measles-rubella vaccine to replace the measles-only vaccine.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, particularly for malnourished children, while rubella can cause severe birth defects (Congenital Rubella Syndrome) if contracted during pregnancy.

The campaign is led by the Nigerian government, with support from the WHO, UNICEF, Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance, Rotary International, the Gates Foundation, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, civil society organisations, and traditional and religious leaders.

Robust coordination mechanisms are in place for financing, social mobilisation, training, vaccines, and logistics to ensure success.

The Lagos State Government has honoured 750 public servants, including six permanent secretaries, for their unwavering commitment and decades of meritorious service to the state.

The recognition took place on Tuesday, 7 October, 2025, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, during the Year 2025 Long Service Merit Award Ceremony, one of the major events marking the Public Service Week Celebration.

Delivering his address at the ceremony, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, said the initiative, which has been sustained for over two decades, is designed to recognise and reward diligence, loyalty and commitment among Lagos State public servants.

‘This programme, which has been consistently organised for over twenty years, is aimed at consciously recognising and rewarding diligence, commitment and loyalty amongst public servants in Lagos State.

‘Public servants deserve to be celebrated and appreciated for their long-term dedication to supporting good governance,’ he stated.

He said the long service awards not only honour those who have served for over 30 years but also motivate other officers to remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence and efficient service delivery.

‘While congratulating the proud recipients of today’s awards, I urge you not to rest on your oars. Continue to exhibit the high sense of responsibility, commitment to duty and loyalty that earned you this recognition,’ he said.

Agoro encouraged all public officers to embrace technological advancement and continuous learning in order to meet the evolving demands of governance.

‘The changing nature of public policy and technological innovations require higher levels of skills and competences. As you remain dedicated to your duties, also focus on personal development and take advantage of the latest ICT tools to improve yourselves,’ he advised.

He assured that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to improving staff welfare and providing a conducive environment for optimal performance.

‘Government will continue to prioritise staff welfare and create the right atmosphere for the attainment of public policy objectives,’ he affirmed.

Agoro urged awardees and other officers to continue upholding the values of dedication, integrity, and professionalism that define the Lagos State Public Service.

‘Let us celebrate in moderation and continue to uphold the spirit of excellence that defines the Lagos State Public Service,’ he added.

Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage has made a surprising revelation about one of Mavin Records’ biggest anthems, ‘Dorobucci.’

The award-winning singer disclosed that when she first heard the early version of the track, she thought it sounded terrible and had no idea it would later become a continental hit.

Speaking in an interview with NotJustOk, Tiwa recalled that Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy played the unfinished version of ‘Dorobucci’ while they were in a hotel in Dubai for her wedding.

‘Don’t know if people know this, but Don Jazzy played ‘Dorobucci’ in the hotel when we were in Dubai for my wedding, and honestly, I thought it was such a crap song,’ she confessed.

However, Tiwa said her perception changed completely when she returned to Nigeria and heard the final version of the song in the studio.

‘When I got back to Nigeria, and I got to the studio, and I heard the song that I heard him play in Dubai, I was flabbergasted. I was so angry, like, I don’t know, because this had happened with Eminado too, and I did not like it,’ she said.

The ‘Somebody’s Son’ hitmaker admitted she was reluctant to record her part and was the last among the Mavin stars to lay her verse.

‘I was the last person to record my verse because I was looking at everybody and I was like, ‘Do you guys really like this?” she added.

Despite her initial hesitation, ‘Dorobucci’ went on to become a massive hit across Africa, dominating airwaves and cementing Mavin Records’ legacy in Afrobeats history.

Reflecting on the track’s success, Tiwa credited Don Jazzy for his creative brilliance and foresight.

‘We all know what happened to the record. I don’t know what Don Jazzy does, but yeah, that was. I heard it, and I didn’t want to tell him. I was like, man, who. I was like, is it Reekado he’s doing this song for? Is it Korede or Dija? Not knowing I would be on the song too, and it turned out to be phenomenal. Shoutout to Don Jazzy too,’ she said.

Released in 2014, ‘Dorobucci’ became one of Mavin’s defining records, featuring the label’s all-star lineup, including Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, D’Prince, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, and Di’Ja

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has strongly criticized Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and current lawmaker representing Edo North, for his recent comments about the disagreement between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Refinery, PM News can report.

Recall that last Friday, Oshiomhole appeared on Arise TV and faulted the strike action by PENGASSAN against the Dangote Refinery, which led to a nationwide shutdown of oil facilities.

He described the strike as hasty and unfair, saying that unions should defend workers’ rights without worsening the country’s economic situation.

In response, NUPENG leaders, Comrades Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale, issued a statement expressing disappointment in Oshiomhole’s remarks.

They accused him of betraying the labour movement and defending corporate interests instead of workers’ rights.

‘We are deeply disappointed to see a former labour leader now defending the same corporate oppression he once fought against,’ the statement read. ‘His comments misrepresent both Nigerian labour laws and international labour standards.’

NUPENG argued that PENGASSAN’s action was legal, citing Section 31 of the Trade Unions Act, which allows workers to go on strike in solidarity with others.

‘The principle that an injury to one is an injury to all is the foundation of trade unionism,’ they added.

This reaction followed Dangote Refinery’s public appreciation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others for helping to end the strike.

The refinery described itself as Nigeria’s biggest private employer and largest taxpayer.

PENGASSAN had gone on strike to protest the mass dismissal of Nigerian workers at Dangote Refinery.

The strike, which lasted two days, ended after the Federal Government intervened and both sides reached an agreement.

Borno governor, Babagana Zulum, on Tuesday inaugurated a 72-unit housing complex for teachers in Mafa Local Government Area of the state as part of efforts to improve welfare and revitalize the education sector.

The houses, in eight blocks of three-storey buildings, are equipped with basic amenities.

The housing project, comprising two- and three-bedroom apartments, is to address the shortage of accommodation for teachers, particularly in rural communities affected by insurgency.

Zulum said the welfare of teachers remained central to his administration’s drive to ensuring quality education across the state.

He added that ‘the provision of decent and secure housing is one of our key priorities, as we believe that teachers must be well-motivated and comfortable to deliver quality education.’

The governor then presented keys to selected beneficiaries and urged them to take proper care of the facilities provided.

Earlier, Alhaji Lawan Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, said the beneficiaries were drawn from primary and secondary schools within the local government area.

He commended Zulum ‘for his continued commitment to improving teachers’ welfare and upgrading learning conditions in the state.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have declared a nationwide protest for Thursday, October 9, over the Federal Government’s failure to meet their long-standing demands.

In a joint statement issued under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), both unions directed their branches across the country to mobilize members for a one-day protest, which will include campus marches, placard displays, and press briefings.

According to the memo signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, NASU General Secretary, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU National President, the decision followed a meeting held on Monday, October 6, after a review of the government’s poor response to previous ultimatums.

Among the unresolved issues are the alleged unjust disbursement of ?50 billion earned allowances, delay in renegotiating the 2009 FGN/NASU-SSANU Agreement, non-payment of two months’ outstanding salaries, and arrears of 25% and 35% salary increases. The unions are also demanding payment of third-party deductions for May and June 2022.

The JAC recalled that it had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on September 15, later extended by 14 days, which expired on October 6 without meaningful progress.

‘Despite meetings held on September 19 and October 6 with the Minister of Education’s Joint Consultative Committee, little progress was made. Our demands remain unresolved despite extensions and engagements,’ the circular stated.

The unions therefore directed all branches in federal and state universities to hold joint congresses on Wednesday, October 8, in preparation for the protest the following day.

‘All members of NASU and SSANU in both Federal and State-owned Universities are expected to strictly comply with this directive. Your cooperation and active participation are essential for success,’ the JAC warned.

The protest marks the latest in a series of confrontations between the university non-academic unions and the Federal Government over welfare and implementation of past agreements.

Governor of Anambra, Prof. Charles Soludo, has stressed the need to hold Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials accountable for their actions.

He said those who violate electoral laws should be prosecuted and jailed to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.

Soludo, former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, stated this in a virtual message at the Athena Centre’s Review of INEC’s Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015-2025.

The event was organised by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership with the theme, ‘A Balanced Assessment of Progress, Gaps and Opportunity’.

According to him, some collation officers had declared results in breach of INEC guidelines, making it wrong to protect such officials from prosecution.

‘My idea is simple. During elections, you should not need to know any security agents or election officers.

‘The political parties themselves must be eternally vigilant. We’ve made progress, but we can achieve much more and faster,’ Soludo said.

He commended INEC’s innovations but criticised a proposal to limit its power to review election results.

The proposal seeks to restrict INEC’s review powers to only cases where results were declared under duress.

‘I think that is where the problem lies. Why would INEC seek an amendment limiting its capacity to review results declared unlawfully?’ he questioned.

Soludo highlighted the need for transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process.

He stressed the importance of gradual improvement and constant vigilance to ensure credible elections.

Also speaking, Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), called for a new direction in Nigeria’s politics.

He said a fresh approach was vital for building a democratic and prosperous nation.

According to him, the present political system is flawed and must be reformed to guarantee free and fair elections.

‘We need an environment that allows visionary and honest individuals to contest and win elections,’ he said.

Aregbesola warned against corrupt party structures and political godfathers that discourage credible candidates.

‘Nigeria is the hope of the black race. If this country fails, God forbid, it will be a huge setback for Africa,’ he added.

He urged the judiciary to respect the will of the people and uphold merit, integrity, and transparency.

The Chancellor of the Athena Centre, Mr Osita Chidoka, said the judiciary remains the greatest obstacle to Nigeria’s electoral progress.

Chidoka lamented that in spite of technological advancements, court rulings often undermine electoral reforms.

‘The greatest challenge is the judiciary. They keep reversing the progress we have made through technology.

‘Their job is to ensure compliance. Where there is none, the election should simply be redone,’ he said.

Chidoka called for judicial education on the electoral process and said the Athena Centre would host a forum to address this.

Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to credible elections in Nigeria.

Yakubu, represented by Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, INEC National Commissioner, said the commission was dedicated to continuous reform.

‘INEC is committed to using technology to improve elections and ensure integrity in the process,’ he said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced in past elections and assured that INEC was addressing them.

Yakubu added that INEC values contributions from civil society, political parties, and the public in its reform efforts.

‘By engaging with stakeholders and tackling these challenges, INEC aims to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent,’ he said.

Nigerian singer Oludipe David, popularly known as Spyro, has opened up about his difficult upbringing and the emotional battles he faced on his way to fame.

In an emotional interview with veteran media personality Frank Edoho, the Who Is Your Guy crooner revealed that he once believed he would ‘die broke,’ blaming the fear of failure on his father’s constant negative remarks during his childhood.

‘I thought I was going to die broke. I always had this fear of failure. And my dad contributed to that. He took every opportunity he got to always tell me that I am a failure,’ Spyro said.

The singer recalled how his father’s harsh words affected his confidence, leading to poor academic performance in secondary school and self-doubt when he got into university.

He noted that the experience left him battling atychiphobia, the fear of failure, for years.

Spyro explained that his turning point came when he developed a personal relationship with God, which helped him rebuild his self-belief.

He also shared that he nearly gave up on music and had already started a business in interior design before his breakthrough song, Who Is Your Guy, went viral in 2022.

The hit track, followed by its remix with Tiwa Savage in 2023, cemented Spyro’s place in the Nigerian music industry.

Later that year, the collaboration won Best Collaboration at the 16th Headies Awards.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday declared that the state has set a new benchmark in workplace safety and public protection with the inauguration of the Safety First Campaign and the Occupational Safety Cadre, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking at the third Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Conference (LASOSH), the governor described the initiative as a ‘bold declaration’ that safety in Lagos will no longer be treated as an afterthought but as a structured and professional discipline within the public service.

‘This groundbreaking cadre is not just a bureaucratic innovation; it means safety will now be a recognised career path with structure, expertise, and continuity,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

‘Generations of Lagosians will benefit from a professional corps dedicated solely to occupational safety and health,’ he added.

Sanwo-Olu also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to strengthen safety initiatives across the state.

Highlighting Lagos’ technological advances in safety management, the governor disclosed that the state has deployed a safety application that allows citizens to report hazards in real time, drones for aerial surveillance of high-risk zones, and body cameras with thermal sensors for monitoring compliance and emergency response.

‘These tools are deliberate investments in predictive governance,’ he said, adding that ‘They help us identify safety issues as they emerge and act proactively rather than reactively.’

While stressing that safety remains a collective responsibility, Sanwo-Olu called on all stakeholders, from private businesses to civil society, to embrace a culture of compliance.

‘Safety should not be seen as a cost, but as an investment in sustainability and human dignity,’ he said.

He also urged safety officers to balance enforcement with fairness, saying, ‘If a facility doesn’t deserve to be shut down, don’t shut it down. But when the law must take its course, don’t hesitate to act.’

Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), Lanre Mojola, revealed that compliance levels have significantly improved, leading to fewer enforcement actions.

He added that the commission continues to strengthen regulations in areas such as swimming pool control, construction safety, and the handling of dangerous goods transported through Lagos ports.

Mojola announced the induction of 28 new Occupational Safety Officers, noting that over 20,000 facilities in the state are now registered on the Government Safety Information System (GPIS) with verified pictorial evidence.

He also disclosed that the commission is leveraging Artificial Intelligence to predict and prevent safety risks before they escalate.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting every resident, saying: ‘Every Lagosian deserves to live, work, and move freely without fear.’

He added that the annual LASOSH conference remains a vital platform for thought leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange ideas and chart pathways for safer workplaces and communities in Lagos.