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Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has said that he is committed to the welfare of the people.

He flagged off a series of sweeping reforms with the launch of expanded health insurance coverage, revitalization of primary healthcare centres across the state, and new incentives for medical personnel.

Ododo described the initiatives as ‘a major step towards making quality healthcare accessible, affordable, and sustainable for every Kogite.’ He assured that his administration remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure while prioritizing the welfare of health workers.

In line with this commitment, the governor announced a N300,000 allowance for medical doctors posted to rural areas of the state to encourage service in hard-to-reach communities. He also revealed plans to sponsor the training of 100 medical doctors annually in partnership with the Federal University, Lokoja; Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba; and the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, as part of government’s long-term strategy to address manpower gaps in the health sector.

Ododo further disclosed that doctors’ quarters would be built in strategic parts of the state, while qualified Kogites would continue to benefit from new appointments into the healthcare system.

While assuring support to health professionals, the Governor stressed that security remains critical to the wellbeing of citizens. He raised concerns over the security risks posed by trailer parks at Zariagi and Osara, which, according to intelligence reports, had become hideouts for criminal elements disguised as truck drivers.

The Governor gave operators of the parks a one-month grace period to vacate the locations, after which no trailer will be allowed to park there or in any other unauthorized area of the state, particularly during hours prohibited by law. He directed security agencies to ensure full enforcement of the order, saying the measure is necessary to deny criminals any safe haven and strengthen security operations across Kogi State.

Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, CIHP, AHF, Malaria Consortium, and Marie Stopes International, for their support in improving healthcare delivery in Kogi State.

Reaffirming his administration’s focus on people-centred governance, the governor said: ‘Together, we are building a Kogi State where good health is a right, not a privilege; where security is guaranteed, and where every citizen has a fair chance to live, work, and prosper’.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday kicked off distribution of 370,000 sanitary pads worth N2,550,297,150 for school girls in rural communities in the 36 states and Abuja.

Speaking at the launch under her Renewed Hope Initiative, ‘Flow with Confidence,’ Mrs Remi Tinubu, represented by wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, noted that the programme was a vital health intervention to empower school girls, especially in the rural communities.

It was launched simultaneously in Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, and Lagos. It is expected other states will launch as soon as they get supplies.

She said: ‘In today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products. It is unacceptable that our girls still continue to face challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural areas, who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads.

‘Some who attend, resort to unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, while others stay at home altogether, falling behind in their studies and, in some cases, eventually dropping out of school. This trend must end, and this intervention, under the education framework of Renewed Hope Initiative is aimed at doing just that.

‘We will distribute one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads to 370,000 school girls in rural communities at the end of this programme.

‘All states and Federal Capital Territory will receive 10,000 packs each through governor’s wives and RHI coordinators. This is to support our girls and those to afford sanitary pads.

‘We chose disposable sanitary pads because it offers a simple, hygienic option that offers better health benefits for a woman’s wellbeing.

‘For us at RHI, we believe no girl should choose between her dignity and her education.’

She urged chairmen of local governments to take ownership of the intervention by ensuring the pads get to girls in the rural communities.

‘The pads are not to be sold,’ she warned.

Continuing, she said ‘We spent N2,550,297,150 to procure these customised disposable pads from a local company, Uniglory, Nigeria Limited in Ikorodu, Lagos State.’

She urged corporate organisations, parastatals and agencies, and others to key into the programme so that many more girls can be reached.

The First Lady also asked monarchs, religious and community leaders to monitor the distribution to support the girls to grow into responsible and informed adults.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the programme emphasised the First Lady’s concern for the girls, especially at the grassroots.

Sir: When Bayo Ojulari assumed leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in April, he inherited more than a corporation. He stepped into a storm defined by falling oil production, chronic revenue leakages, dwindling investor confidence, and the mounting global pressures of energy transition and geopolitical competition. Six months later, the story of NNPC and Nigeria’s energy sector has begun to change.

Ojulari’s leadership has been marked by an insistence on transparency, fiscal discipline, and operational accountability. Unlike previous reform attempts that often remained trapped in rhetoric, his approach has been anchored on execution and measurable outcomes. This shift fits squarely within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes energy independence, foreign investment, domestic refining, and Nigeria’s long-term net-zero ambitions. Reform, in Ojulari’s hands, is no longer an aspiration, it is a working reality.

Daily oil production rebounded from 1.485 million barrels in April to 1.71 million in July, crossing the 1.8 million barrel mark for the first time since late 2024. In the same period, NNPC generated N20.9 trillion while halting costly refinery losses that had drained up to N500 million monthly. Operational efficiency has improved, with 100 percent pipeline availability, natural gas production climbing to 7.72 billion cubic feet per day, and major projects like the AKK and OB3 pipelines now nearing completion. Security reforms have also delivered dramatic results, with coordinated efforts nearly eliminating pipeline theft. Perhaps most notably, Ojulari introduced monthly financial reporting for the first time, signalling unprecedented transparency to investors, regulators, and the Nigerian public.

These gains are not just domestic achievements. By surpassing Angola and Libya in production, Nigeria has reclaimed its position as Africa’s largest oil producer, restoring both its credibility and its leverage in OPEC+ negotiations. In a volatile global energy market where reliability is everything, Nigeria is once again being seen as a dependable player, a factor that has begun to restore investor confidence and strengthen its geopolitical standing.

Yet Ojulari’s strategy is not confined to oil alone. He has placed sustainability and transition at the heart of NNPC’s future. Gas is being positioned as a critical bridge fuel, powering local industries, reducing emissions, and boosting LNG exports. At the same time, the company is advancing renewable energy pilots, reducing gas flaring, and exploring carbon-capture initiatives; all of which signal a shift toward greener operations. These efforts align NNPC with global environmental, social, and governance standards, positioning it to meet the expectations

Technology is another pillar of the transformation. Under Ojulari, the company has deployed AI-driven analytics to optimize production and minimize downtime, blockchain platforms to ensure revenue and supply chain traceability, and automation to enhance safety and efficiency. These moves bring NNPC closer to the practices of global energy giants like Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, and Petrobras, underscoring its ambition to compete at the highest levels.

The reforms are also resonating beyond corporate boardrooms. Inside NNPC, employees are experiencing a new merit-driven culture that rewards performance. Across the wider economy, Nigerian small and medium enterprises are finding expanded opportunities in the energy supply chain. In host communities, improved security and reduced oil theft are strengthening peace and trust. And nationally, stronger revenues are bolstering the budget and foreign reserves at a time when fiscal stability is sorely needed.

Ojulari is quick to acknowledge that the journey has only just begun. Scaling production to two million barrels per day by 2027 will require unwavering discipline, relentless efficiency, and an estimated $60 billion in new investment. Completing critical gas infrastructure remains central to unlocking regional integration and expanding Nigeria’s role in global gas markets. The competition will not stand still either, as Angola and Libya push to reclaim lost ground. But

Ojulari’s vision is clear: NNPC must set a new benchmark for African energy companies and emerge as a global player of repute.

The first six months of his leadership have already marked a decisive break from the past. Production recovery, record revenues, operational discipline, and world-class transparency demonstrate that Nigeria’s energy sector is capable of reform and resilience when leadership is committed to delivery. The challenge now is to institutionalize these gains and ensure that momentum is not lost.

For Nigeria, the choice is stark: to entrench excellence as the new standard, or risk sliding back into inefficiency and missed opportunity.

The opportunity is global. Above all, the momentum must not be lost.

A new faction within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has declared itself the ‘original’ Fusengbuwa Ruling House, as preparations intensify for the selection of Awujale of Ijebuland.

The declaration was made yesterday during a news briefing at the Oba Adesimbo Tunwase Museum and Hall, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The new faction led by Chief Fassy Yusuf, comprises Jadiara Royal House, Bubiade Royal House, Tunwase Royal House and Fusengbuwa Royal House.

Yusuf, who addressed reporters, said the appellation ‘original’ was adopted to distinguish the group without denying membership of other family branches.

He said the purpose of the gathering was to announce the end of the mourning period for the late monarch, Oba Sikiru Adetona, which would formally end on October 11.

With the mourning period ending, he said the family must begin implementing the provisions of the declaration made under Section 4 (2) of the Chiefs Law 1957, Customary Law Regulating the Selection to the Awujale of Ijebuland Chieftaincy.

The declaration, which he read aloud, identifies the four ruling houses as Gbelegbuwa, Anikinlaiya, Fusengbuwa and Fidipote, in that order of rotation.

He said succession might devolve through the female line in the absence of a qualified male, provided the candidate’s mother was a true-born (Abidagba).

Responding to questions on the Folagbade Adenuga group’s claim of Abidagba status, Yusuf maintained that Folagbade was not listed among the four ruling houses in the declaration, and therefore should align with its appropriate branch.

On the issue of leadership, he said the ‘original’ group had not yet announced a family head, but is represented by himself as coordinator and Pastor Prince Bola Salami as secretary.

Membership registration forms and expression of interest forms for candidates aspiring to the Awujale stool were also unveiled at the briefing. While the forms are free, a voluntary support contribution of N2,000 was suggested for the family database registration.

Chief Yusuf addressed the rift with Otunba Owoyemi, explaining that the earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed between Dr. Adekunle Hassan’s group and Owoyemi had made the latter head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, with Yusuf as deputy and Salami as secretary. However, he said Owoyemi’s subsequent alignment with the Ajidagba branch violated the spirit of that agreement.

‘The world is dynamic, change is imminent, and the dynamics of change may also change tomorrow,’ Yusuf remarked. ‘But for now, this is the situation we have found ourselves.’

The briefing was attended by Otunba Odedina Emmanuel, Oloriebi of Jadiara; Prince Adewale Jadesinmi, Oloriebi of Bubiade; Prince Bolarinde Salami, Secretary of the group; Chief G.A. Sanni, Balogun of Esugbon; and Oba Prof. Titilayo Hassan, Elesugbon of Esugbon, along with several other members of the four recognised branches-Jadiara, Bubiade, Tunwase and Fusengbuwa.

The newly inaugurated leadership of the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque (LSCCM), Alausa, has pledged to strengthen stakeholders’ engagement, improve religious structures, and expand community-focused programmes to promote harmony and development.

Speaking after he was sworn-in for a second term, LSCCM Chairman, Abdulhafis Toriola, assured worshippers of the leadership’s commitment to sustaining the mosque’s legacy.

Toriola, an engineer, who’s the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, said: ‘We are going to continue to assess the mosque to look at areas of improvement in order to sustain this edifice. With Allah’s guidance, we have been able to carry stakeholders along through our three-tier structure of governance – the executive, board of trustees and mission board.’

According to him, the Imams have also been exposed to regular trainings to improve the quality of their khutbah (sermons).

‘Our message to the Muslim community is to continue to believe in Allah, obey His rules and be good ambassadors of Islam,’ he said.

LSCCM Vice Chairman and Chairman of Shamsideen Adisa Mosque, Dr. Ismail AbdusSalam, stated the need for unity and financial support from the Muslim community.

‘This is a call to serve Allah, and we cannot do it alone. We need cooperation in the form of prayers, financial support, and active participation in our projects. With this, we can harmonise the community and achieve the objectives of the mosque,’ he stated.

He urged Muslims to remain steadfast, contribute to the mosque’s programmes, and continue to pray for the leadership so that ‘Allah accepts our efforts as an act of worship.’

LSCCM Women Affairs Secretary, Hajia Jelilat Abdulhamid, said the mosque runs weekly women’s forum that provides spiritual guidance, vocational training, and counselling services. Hajia Abdulhamid, who is the Deputy Director at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), added that the forum addresses the needs of single sisters by providing platforms for marital connections, educational sponsorship programmes and support young women some of whom are currently in universities.

‘We need upright women to nurture children and strengthen families. Our society can only thrive if women return to their primary roles of building the home and raising responsible children,’ she said.

The recent arrest of notorious armed robbery kingpin, John Samuel, in Epe, Lagos State, underscores the crucial role of surveillance in modern policing. Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footage showed Samuel shooting at victims before robbing them, proving once again how technology can make the difference between impunity and justice.

This is not an isolated case. On January 14, 2021, CCTV cameras in Lekki captured a thief breaking into a home and carting away valuables from electronics to a car. Yet, in many parts of the country, crimes go unrecorded, unreported, and unanswered.

Precisely, on September 23, gunmen riding 50 motorcycles attacked villages in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State. They killed a pregnant woman, abducted six others, and operated freely for four hours without resistance. Such incidents highlight the consequences of ungoverned spaces and delayed responses by security forces.

Across the nation, criminals have become emboldened, ambushing security personnel and inflicting heavy losses. According to Daily Trust, at least 50 security operatives were killed in the last two weeks alone. Citizens cannot continue to live at the mercy of these attacks. Protection must extend to every Nigerian life, not just the elite.

Why CCTV and drones matter

Globally, CCTV installations and surveillance drones have proven vital in combating terrorism and organized crime. These technologies can deter crime by making offenders think twice when they know they are being watched. They identify suspects through recorded evidence and prevent attacks by enabling pre-emptive surveillance and swift response.

A surveillance drone retrieves vital information from criminals hibernating in the forest, mountain, and savannah areas, and further analysis would enable seamless arrest.

The Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPV) can fulfil a variety of roles, offering superior safety and blast protection for the occupants against direct and indirect weapons, mines, and improvised explosive devices to protect personnel.

Unfortunately, Nigeria still lags. Only a handful of states-Lagos, Edo, Oyo, and Akwa Ibom-have functional Command and Control centres, and coverage is far from state-wide. Drone deployment remains inadequate, leaving criminals free to exploit unmonitored areas.

In the present digital age, criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in organized crime or cyber threats and rely on false identities to operate undetected. However, identity tracking is one of the most powerful tools at the disposal of the country that can monitor and verify individuals and reduce opportunities for crime.

To be fair, government interventions have strengthened the Nigeria Police Force in recent years. The Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) has provided over 200 Buffalo patrol vehicles, protective vests, helmets, and renovated police stations and barracks. Between 2021 and 2025, the NPF also received 328 operational vehicles, thousands of ballistic vests, 50 Sudanese horses, and advanced training for over 10,000 personnel in counter-terrorism, cybercrime, and hostage negotiation.

The Ministry of Police Affairs has added tactical vehicles, vests, and other equipment. These efforts reflect genuine commitment-but they are not enough to match the scale of Nigeria’s security challenges.

A mere trip through roads from Abuja to Sokoto, Lagos, and Calabar manifests the contribution of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund through the buffalo patrol vehicles on our highways in Nigeria. Also, reflecting is renovation of barracks and new pilot smart divisional police stations in Mpape-Abuja, Akaeze-Ebonyi, Ekinrin-Adde-Kogi, renovation of 57 police stations and 14 barracks across the country.

The way forward for a meaningful change, Nigeria must:

a. Expand CCTV coverage across states and local governments.

b. Deploy surveillance and attack drones mounted on Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPVs), to enable proactive operations in forests, mountains, and highways without resorting to endless roadblocks.

c. Equip Divisional Police Stations with advanced gear for pre-emptive action.

d. Integrate identity technologies such as the Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database Centre (NPCIDB), WAPIS, and Interpol i24/7 for tracking false identities and cyber threats.

e. Promote collective security by partnering with the federal, state, and local governments, the private sector, and citizens to install cameras in public places and areas without governance.

As Nigeria pursues the devolution of powers to local governments, especially financial autonomy, it must accompany this with the empowerment of local government chairmen to take responsibility for security in their domains and the improvement of the capacity of Divisional Police Stations to be accountable in the discharge of their responsibilities.

All criminals in the country must be on the run from the continuous onslaught of the well-kitted security personnel backed up with deployable surveillance and attack drones mounted on Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPVs) simultaneously in the states in the country to curb the migration of criminals.

In conclusion, Nigeria has the manpower and the will, but it lacks the surveillance infrastructure to stay ahead of criminals. Investing in CCTV, drones, and modern command centres is no longer optional-it is urgent. The time has come for all tiers of government to work together, patronize local manufacturers of Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles, and empower our police with the tools they need to deliver Renewed Hope Policing.

Renowned peak performance coach and leadership consultant, Dr. Shogo Oyeniyi, is set to host a Guinness World Record attempt for a vision board gathering.

The event will take place on November 1 at The Podium, Lekki, with participants joining in person and virtually.

Tagged: ‘Dream It, Plan It, Live It,’ the initiative seeks to bring together of dreamers, doers, entrepreneurs, career professionals, creatives, and students, who will simultaneously create vision boards-a powerful act of mapping out goals and aspirations.

‘This is more than a world record attempt; it is the birth of a global movement,’ said Dr. Shogo.

‘We want the world to see that Africa is not only a land of possibilities but also a stage where bold dreams are born and realised.’

With participants travelling from across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond, as well as thousands more connecting online, Lagos is set to become the epicenter of vision, ambition, and action. The event will fuse creativity, empowerment, and transformation, igniting intentional living and purposeful goal-setting.

Organisers emphasised that the gathering is not simply about setting a record, but about inspiring people everywhere to dream bigger, act bolder, and take control of their future.

On November 1, the world will not just witness history-it will watch thousands of visions come alive.

Managing Director of Daylight Microfinance Bank, Princess Adeola Ladigbolu-Ilozobhie, has been conferred with a honorary doctorate in Management by London Bridge Business School, United Kingdom.

The conferment took place in Accra, Ghana, where she was also inducted as a Distinguished Fellow of Africa Institute of Public Administration.

The degree was presented on behalf of Vice President, Middle East and Africa at London Bridge Business School, Prof. Mahesh Pillai, by Dr. Deodaté Adenutsi, programme coordinator for Ghana.

Organisers said Mrs Ladigbolu-Ilozobhie was deserving of the dual honours because of her ‘impactful contribution to management despite her strong roots in banking.’

They praised her ‘efforts in mentoring young people in banking and management,’ which, they noted, have continued to inspire a new generation of professionals.

The honouree, one of the children of Emeritus Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, leads Lagos-based Daylight Microfinance Bank, a subsidiary of NNPC Staff Cooperative.

Her citation highlighted her career journey, starting from United Bank for Africa in 1990, to her leadership roles in Blue Ridge Microfinance Bank, Personal Trust Microfinance Bank, and now Daylight. It also underscored her reputation as a result-oriented and decisive leader with success in market identification, strategic repositioning, and operational efficiency for billion-naira portfolios.

Beyond her professional record, she was also recognised for her contributions to industry associations.

She was a one time Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Microfinance Banks, Lagos chapter, immediate past Treasurer of the South-West Zone, a member of the Association of Professional Women Bankers, and an alumna of the School of Africa Microfinance in Kenya.

Mattresses, pillows, and other sleep products manufacturer Mouka Limited has unveiled the Mouka Comfort Garden, the first structure of its kind in Nigeria, thus spotlighting the link between quality sleep and wellness.

Located on Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, the Comfort Garden features a striking glass-enclosed bedroom setup, designed to captivate motorists and passersby while reimagining the meaning of rest, comfort, and healthy living.

The Comfort Garden marks another milestone in Mouka’s six-decade legacy of innovation, blending artistry, lifestyle, and health advocacy into a visually arresting public installation.

Whether stuck in traffic or strolling by, Lagosians are offered a daily reminder to slow down, recharge, and value sleep as a necessity rather than a luxury.

At the centre of the Comfort Garden is Mouka’s flagship Royal Luxury Pillow Top Mattress, an opulent, multi-layered innovation designed with memory foam, high-performance springs, and premium fibre to deliver a five-star sleep experience.

Unveiling the structure in Lagos, over the weekend, Mouka’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Dimeji Osingunwa, underscored the brand’s mission to elevate the quality of life of Nigerians through better sleep.

He said: ‘In a country where the average adult sleeps fewer hours than recommended, this structure is our way of reminding Nigerians to prioritise sleep for good health, better productivity, and improved quality of life

‘We want Lagosians and Nigerians at large, to pause, reflect, and remember that no matter how fast life moves, everyone deserves to rest, and to rest well on a Mouka.’

Also present at the launch was Mouka’s brand ambassador and legendary actress, Sola Sobowale, popularly known as the ‘King of Boys.’

She hailed the initiative as ‘a bold and beautiful reminder that true luxury begins with how well we rest.’

Taking a tour of the installation, Sobowale affirmed her personal belief in the power of good rest: ‘As someone whose career demands both mental and physical energy, I understand how vital sleep is.

‘Mouka has always stood for quality, and this Comfort Garden is a bold and creative statement that says: your body deserves good rest, and rest deserves the luxury of Mouka. I’m proud to be part of this journey.’

In his closing remarks, Osingunwa noted: ‘As you drive past Oregun and catch a glimpse of this installation, we hope it makes you smile, reflect, and, most importantly. go home inspired to take your sleep health seriously.’

Founded in 1959, Mouka is now part of the Dolidol International Group, and the brand continues to push boundaries in delivering comfort, innovation, and value across Africa and beyond.

Stakeholders have expressed grave concern over the crisis between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical, warning that the effect could cripple the nation.

According to stakeholders, the trade dispute has put Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s refining hub to test.

They warned that a prolonged dispute could push up fuel prices, strain households and businesses, and discourage local and foreign investors.

They, however, called for a final resolution to avoid such industrial disputes from escalating into a national emergency.

Also, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) expressed grave concern over the action by PENGASSAN, warning that the action amounts to self-help and tantamount to sabotage capable of derailing the country’s fragile economic recovery.

In a statement in Lagos, the Director-General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, emphasised that a conflict is an inevitable feature of the labour ecosystem, and Nigeria has statutory and institutional frameworks to address any, including the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) and National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).

‘Any action capable of discouraging investment, undermining enterprises sustainability, or harming the workers that the unions claim to protect will be counter-productive. While trade unions have the legitimate right to embark on industrial action, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law.

‘It is unacceptable for any union to conscript or coerce those not interested in its action or disrupt the operations of legitimate businesses not party to the dispute. Treating institutions of labour administration with disdain and resorting to self-help is not only absurd but also against all known Conventions and Recommendations. When employers or workers are aggrieved, there are institutions created to adjudicate or arbitrate in such matters. Nigeria’s recovering economy cannot be sacrificed on the altar of actions and pronouncements that are alien to global and local industrial relations practice,’ he said.

He noted that uninformed and disruptive actions that could jeopardise the nation’s economic survival are neither envisaged nor acceptable in global labour practice.

He said: ‘NECA will not be a passive onlooker as the foundation of Nigeria’s labour ecosystem is trampled upon. While we acknowledge the right to strike, such rights cannot infringe on the rights of others or threaten the survival of enterprises.’

Citing international labour instruments, including ILO Conventions 87 and 98, Oyerinde reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to upholding global labour standards, decent work and responsible business conduct, while not negotiating employers’ rights to manage their enterprises and investments within the ambit of the law.

He stressed that the protection afforded to union officials under international conventions does not extend to sabotage, coercion, or actions that undermine legitimate businesses or threaten national security.

Oyerinde called on the Minister of Labour and Employment to stop the wanton and wilful denigration of the industrial relations system.

He said: ‘With Nigeria sending one of the highest delegations to the ILO conference annually, it is curious that basic industrial relations principles, Conventions, and Recommendations remain poorly applied.’

He called for a resolution through lawful and constructive channels, warning that failure to act decisively could have far-reaching consequences for economic sustainability, job creation and preservation, investment attraction and promotion and national development.

Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, said shutting down the oil and gas sector could cripple the nation, describing it as ‘the lifeblood of the economy’ in terms of energy, foreign exchange, and revenue.

He warned against risking national stability for the interests of a few workers, calling PENGASSAN’s action unjustifiable.

‘What about those who have invested? What about consumers and other investors in the value chain? Their interests matter too. The union should not be this selfish, inflicting such pain and disruption on the economy,’ he said.

Yusuf estimated the economic losses at billions of naira.

‘You shut down and disrupt the entire process. By the time you resume, you must start over. The same goes for power stations, which depend on gas. This kind of impunity must not continue just because some people have power over strategic sectors,’ he said.

Prof. Chiwuike Uba, a Development econo­mist as well as Governance, and Public Financial Manage­ment (PFM) expert, said the dispute is not merely an industrial rela­tions issue; it poses significant risks to economic stability, energy security, governance credibility, and the well-being of millions of Ni­gerians.

He said: ‘This crisis is a litmus test of Nigeria’s gover­nance capacity. It examines whether legitimate worker rights and corporate governance can be reconciled with the public interest in essential services.

‘Fiscal authority and social policy must be de­ployed quickly, transparently, and effectively to protect the most vulnerable.

‘At the same time, public institutions must up­hold the rule of law while preventing a narrow industrial dispute from escalating into a national emergency.

‘How Nigeria responds will signal its ability to govern strategic sectors responsibly, protect cit­izens, and maintain credibility in domestic and international markets.’

He said globally, countries with large-scale refining infrastructure, such as India and the U.S., treat disruptions in national refineries as strategic emergencies, often mobilising contingency im­ports, stock releases, and immediate negotiations with unions.

He said the government’s handling of the Dangote crisis would thus be watched not only domestically but by investors and development partners assess­ing institutional reliability.

Also, a lawyer and expert on labour matters, Paul Omoijiade, said Dangote could not prevent his employees from joining the unions.

Noting that the capitalists could not do anything without labour, which is one of the four factors of production, he warned against the implications of trampling on the right of workers to unionise.

Also, a development economist at Governance Professional, Prof. Chiwuike Uba, called for immediate action, noting that industrial disputes should not escalate into a national emergency.

He urged that a neutral tripartite framework, including the Ministry of Labour, NNPCL, Dangote management, PENGASSAN, and an independent arbiter, should negotiate a suspension of supply disruptions while contested dismissals are reviewed.

According to him, contingency supply measures must avert scarcity, including transparent releases of strategic stocks and emergency imports.