BREAKING NEWS


The Federal Government has reaffirmed plans to comprehensively map Nigeria for expanded gas distribution networks while intensifying calls for increased refinery capacity to position the country as a major exporter of petroleum products.

Dangote Signs $350m Deal With Indian Firm EIL to Expand Lagos Refinery

Dangote Group has signed a $350 million agreement with Indian engineering firm Engineers India Ltd (EIL) to expand its flagship refinery and petrochemicals complex in Lagos, a move expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s industrial capacity and reduce Africa’s dependence on imported refined fuels.

The expansion project will increase the refinery’s processing capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it as one of the largest single-location refinery complexes in the world.

Located in the Lekki Free Zone, the Dangote Refinery represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s transition from fuel importation to local production and export of refined petroleum products.

As part of the deal, Dangote Group will also expand its petrochemical operations, with polypropylene production set to rise to 2.4 million tonnes per annum, strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global petrochemical market.

#DangoteRefinery #NigeriaEconomy #IndustrialGrowth #EnergySector

Nigerian Military Dismantles Suspected Suicide Bombing Network in Adamawa, Arrests Eight Suspects, Seizes Explosives and Terrorist Logistics

The Nigerian military has announced the dismantling of a suspected suicide bombing network in Adamawa State, with the arrest of eight individuals linked to the recent Gamboru Market Mosque attack, according to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.

The arrests were made following intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations in the Yan Lemo area of Mubi South LGA. Among the eight suspects, two were identified as key facilitators who supplied materials for the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) used in the attack. Searches of their residences yielded cash, mobile phones, ID documents, ATM cards, jewellery, and other personal items, all undergoing forensic analysis.

In a related operation on January 4, troops intercepted 45 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (about 1,125 litres) in Mayo Nguli, Maiha LGA, suspected to be intended for terrorist activities. The suppliers escaped, and the petroleum products were secured.

All suspects remain in military custody for detailed interrogation to gather further intelligence before being handed over for ongoing investigations. The military emphasized that these operations are part of a broader effort to disrupt terrorist networks, dismantle supply chains, and prevent future attacks.

The military also urged the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies to strengthen security in the North East.

The Nigeria Customs Service, under Operation Whirlwind, has seized petroleum products valued at N181.6m in eight weeks between the Nigeria and Cameroon borders.

Nigeria’s Fuel Demand Hits 56.7 Million Litres Daily, Dangote Refinery Leads Local Supply

Nigeria’s daily fuel consumption surged to 56.74 million litres in October 2025, the highest in a year, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Of this, 27.6 million litres were imported, while local refineries, led by Dangote Refinery, supplied 17.08 million litres. The data highlights Nigeria’s continued reliance on petroleum products, with diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG also showing significant daily usage. NMDPRA noted that verified consumption data is crucial for energy sector transformation, import reduction, and economic stability.
emand #PMSConsumption #DangoteRefinery

"Give President Tinubu Time, He Will Tax the Air We Breathe" —SDP’s Adewole Adebayo.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has condemned the federal government’s decision to impose a 15 per cent import duty on refined petroleum products. 

Adebayo described the move as “an anti-people decision” and accused President Bola Tinubu of pushing excessive taxation policies.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Adebayo argued that the administration is prioritising revenue collection over citizens’ welfare.

According to him, “President Tinubu is a clever tax collector. He wants to collect taxes from you for everything, including the oxygen tax, very soon.
If you’re not careful, yes, the air we breathe. Just give him time; he’s going to get there,” he said.

Adebayo contended that the new import duty contradicts the principles Tinubu once promoted.

“It is an anti-people decision and a trend in the new Tinubu. Tinubu that used to be in SDP, following Abiola everywhere doing Hope 93, has practically changed to the side of the money people.

They see you as a customer, not a citizen. If you have twins and triplets in your house, Tinubu is going to think of twins tax or ‘multiple childbirth tax.’ He’s just thinking of how to collect more money. It’s wrong,” he said.

He warned that the tariff will ultimately fall on ordinary Nigerians, especially given current economic hardships.

“If you put 15 per cent tariffs on imported petrol, who is going to pay for it? It’s going to be paid by the person who buys the petrol at the filling station,” Adebayo added.

Fuel price increase looms as tinubu approves 15% import tariff on petrol,diesel.

Fuel prices in Nigeria are expected to increase as President Bola Tinubu has approved a 15% import tariff on petrol and diesel, to take effect immediately.

According to a government document obtained by THISDAY, the decision aims to protect local refineries, stabilise prices, and strengthen energy security under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. While the tariff could push pump prices up by about ₦150 per litre, the report stated that the real impact may not exceed ₦100 per litre.

The directive, copied to the Attorney General, FIRS Chairman, and NMDPRA Chief Executive, introduces a 15% ad-valorem duty on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of imported fuels. Payments will be made into a designated federal government account, verified by the NMDPRA before any fuel is discharged.

The policy is intended to prevent cheap imports from undercutting local refiners like the Dangote Refinery, and to ensure fair competition in the downstream market. Though the proposal suggested a 30-day transition period, the President reportedly ordered immediate implementation.

Officials insist the move is not revenue-driven, but designed to align import costs with domestic realities while keeping prices lower than those in neighbouring countries.

However, industry stakeholders have raised concerns, warning that the tariff could further strain consumers, as Nigeria still imports over 60% of its refined petroleum products.

NAFDAC Bans Petroleum Tankers From Transporting Cooking Oil.

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered petroleum tankers to stop transport ing edible oil.

At a meeting with the leadership of the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN) and edible oil manufacturers, the agency’s director of Investigations and Enforcement, Dr Martins Iluyomade, expressed worry over the use of the same tankers meant for petroleum products to transport edible Oil.

Iluyomade, also a member of the Federal Task Force on Fake Drugs, issued a seven-day ultimatum to tanker owners to have dedicated trucks for the sole transportation of edible oil.

According to the NAFDAC director, the directive was to protect public health and prevent Nigerians from taking adulterated cooking oil protected public health and prevented

He said over 200 million Nigerians are directly or indirectly using cooking oil, so the agency must take steps before they fall prey to cooking oil mixed with petroleum products.

“Calling for this meeting with members and the executive of the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN) and the manufacturers is based on the plan to halt petroleum product drivers from switching tankers meant for petroleum products for edible oil.

“We are making it mandatory for all manufacturers of Edible oil and the tanker drivers to have dedicated tankers meant purely for conveying cooking oil, as the lives of over 200 million Nigerians could be at risk by using such tankers.

“We are giving them up to the first week in October to have their tankers painted to green tankers, while the body head will carry the stickers of the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN) for early identification.”

Flooding On Edo Dilapidated Highway Causes Chaos As Tanker Falls In Benin.

Another truck, a trailer suspected to be carrying cement, was also seen trapped in the flood.

A section of the federal road passing through Benin City has been rendered impassable due to flooding, leading to a truck carrying petroleum products to fall.

The incident occurred when the truck driver lost control of the vehicle as it navigated the flooded stretch of the highway.

Although the exact product being transported by the truck could not be immediately ascertained, a video footage obtained by SaharaReporters showed the moment the truck caved in and fell into the flood.

Another truck, a trailer suspected to be carrying cement, was also seen trapped in the flood.

Motorists have expressed frustration and disappointment over the state of the road, lamenting the federal government's priority on new projects over the rehabilitation of existing highways.

"This is a section of the federal road passing through Benin City. This road is a multi-network route leading to several parts of Nigeria. Yet, the federal government abandoned it to focus on a white elephant road project - the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway," a motorist exclaimed.

The motorist further emphasised that the government's action "reeks of irresponsibility of the highest order."

EFCC arraigns man over ₦9m fraud in Maiduguri.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned Ali Mohammed before Justice Mohammed Maina of the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri on allegations of a ₦9 million fraud.

The EFCC’s Maiduguri Zonal Directorate filed a two-count charge against Mohammed, accusing him of obtaining money by false pretence and criminal misappropriation. The charges stem from a transaction in September 2022, when Mohammed allegedly collected ₦9 million from Nuhu Alfa. Prosecutors said the funds were paid into a First Bank account in the name of Ali Bako, under the claim that they would be used for the purchase and supply of petroleum products.

One of the charges read in court stated: “That you, Ali Mohammed, on or about September 2022 in Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of ₦9,000,000.00 from Nuhu Alfa… under the false pretence that same is meant for an investment into the business of purchase and supply of petroleum products, a representation which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”

Mohammed pleaded not guilty to both counts. Prosecution counsel, S.O. Saka, applied for a trial date and requested that the defendant be remanded in custody. Justice Maina granted the application, ordered Mohammed’s remand at the Maiduguri Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until Wednesday, 24 September, for trial.

Over N2trn Lost to Dubious Subsidy Claims Under Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Administration — Businessman Femi Otedola

Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has alleged that more than ₦2 trillion was siphoned through questionable petrol subsidy claims during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement on Monday, Otedola backed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in its ongoing dispute with the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).

DAPPMAN had accused the refinery of destabilizing the market with its fuel price cuts, but Dangote countered, claiming the group demanded an annual subsidy of ₦1.5 trillion to enable members match its depot prices.

Otedola, however, maintained that the subsidy regime was deliberately structured to benefit depot owners, making DAPPMAN members the biggest beneficiaries.

“I warned President Jonathan at the time that he was being misled. The system encouraged rent-seeking and corruption. Over ₦2 trillion was siphoned through dubious claims tied to depot licences,” he said.

He further dismissed the notion that depots significantly create jobs, noting that a typical facility employs only a handful of people, unlike filling stations that hire dozens.

Otedola urged DAPPMAN members to shift their focus to retail operations rather than holding on to depots designed for an import-driven fuel economy, which, according to him, has become redundant with Nigeria now refining locally.

He likened the development to the transformation of Nigeria’s cement industry, where reliance on import terminals gave way to domestic production.

Dangote Refinery dares DAPPMAN to go to court over subsidy dispute.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has said it is fully prepared to defend its position in court against the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), declaring that any party dissatisfied with its recent publication is entitled to pursue redress through the appropriate legal channels rather than resorting to ultimatums.

Dangote Refinery: Change Has Come to the Oil Sector, Nigerian Economy, Otedola Tells DAPPMAN.

Nigeria’s billionaire businessman, Mr Femi Otedola, yesterday waded into the ongoing fuel supply disagreement between the Dangote Refinery and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), advising the association to innovate or perish

The philanthropist stressed that he had followed the debate around the fuel supply issues between both parties recently, noting that he felt compelled to provide some perspective, especially as it relates to the future of the country.

In a statement on recent issues in the oil and gas sector, especially in the downstream, Otedola also congratulated Aliko Dangote on the success achieved so far since his refinery commenced operations, describing it as a historic leap for Nigeria’s energy independence and economic future.
Otedola posited that Nigeria remains threatened by entrenched cabals who still believe they can resist change, but maintained that history has shown time and again that change can only be delayed, but never halted.

Dangote Refinery has accused the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) of seeking an annual subsidy of N1.505 trillion to enable their members to match depot prices with the refinery’s gantry prices.

In a statement, the refinery explained that the figure was based on Nigeria’s daily consumption of 40 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 15 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

According to the management, the marketers requested a discount of N70 per litre on coastal freight, NIMASA, NPA, and related charges, as well as an additional N5 per litre for pumping products into vessels for transportation to depots in Apapa.

Dangote Refinery, however, insisted it would not raise gantry prices or absorb the cost, stressing that it would not reintroduce a subsidy system that previously cost Nigeria trillions of naira. The company urged marketers to instead lift products directly from its gantry to benefit from its logistics-free initiative.

PETROAN Set For Nationwide Shutdown Over Alleged Monopoly

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced a planned three-day nationwide shutdown of fuel lifting and dispensing starting Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

According to PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry, the action is to resist alleged monopolistic practices in the downstream petroleum sector, safeguard workers’ rights, and prevent the dominance of a single player in the industry.

The group warned that aggressive policies linked to Dangote Refinery could push depot owners, modular refineries, and transport operators out of business, leading to job losses and worsening economic hardship.

PETROAN urged President Bola Tinubu and other key stakeholders to intervene, adding that a 120-man compliance team will oversee safety during the shutdown.

Ref: Channels TV
#PETROAN #Petrol #Nigeria #NNPCL #FuelCrisis #BreakingNews

EFCC Recovers Billions in Refinery Fraud, Moves Against Ex-NNPCL Officials.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered over ₦5 billion and $10 million linked to massive fraud in the turnaround maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri.

Investigations revealed that contractors and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) siphoned billions through inflated contracts, over-invoicing, and questionable payments. The anti-graft agency is now preparing charges against some former and serving NNPCL executives.

According to EFCC insiders, the commission is also pursuing the recovery of an additional ₦10 billion and $13 million traced to fraudulent contractors engaged in refinery projects.

It is understood that the chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, is personally overseeing the probe. He is said to have expressed frustration that Nigeria’s refineries remain comatose despite huge public funds committed to their rehabilitation.

Documents reviewed by investigators show that over $1.5 billion was allocated to the Port Harcourt refinery, $740 million to Kaduna, and $656 million to Warri. Yet, none of the facilities has operated optimally for decades, leaving the country dependent on imported petroleum products.

A senior EFCC official confirmed that former management teams of the refineries have been interrogated several times. “A total sum of $10 million and ₦5 billion has so far been recovered from contractors and government officials indicted in the fraud. More recoveries are underway,” the source disclosed.

The commission is also examining fresh allegations of contract inflation amounting to $40 million, allegedly involving NNPCL officials and contractors tasked with procuring equipment for rehabilitation projects.

With investigations concluded on several suspects, the EFCC is set to file charges against ex-officials of the NNPCL and refinery managers implicated in the multi-billion-naira fraud.

JUST IN: The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria has accused the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, of neglecting the revival of the Port Harcourt refinery.

NEWS BRIEF:

Reps Launch Probe Into Refinery Maintenance, Dangote Market Dominance,

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has opened a comprehensive investigation into major concerns in Nigeria’s oil sector, including the controversial turnaround maintenance of refineries and the dominance of the Dangote Refinery.

Committee Chairman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, disclosed on Wednesday that the probe would cover the failed restart of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, crude supply bottlenecks for modular refineries, and the acquisition of OVH Energy by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

He said stakeholders have raised alarm over anti-competitive practices and policy threats affecting investments in the sector, including fears of a monopolised petroleum products market.

The committee also plans to review the Petroleum Industry Act for necessary amendments to address gaps in regulation and ensure fair market practices.

PETROAN Warns: Dangote's Distribution Strategy Could Harm the Industry

“We Are Being Sidelined Already” - PETROAN

As Dangote Refinery gets ready to expand its fuel distribution across the nation, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has added its voice to the increasing number of industry stakeholders cautioning about the risks associated with a market dominated by a single player.

Speaking on behalf of independent station owners nationwide, PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry cautioned that numerous members are already experiencing pressure.

He said, “We’re not against Dangote’s success. But no single company should control refining, supply, distribution, and retail all at once.

“It’s a monopoly in the making, and it puts thousands of independent operators at risk.”

PETROAN cautions that more than 10,000 authorized retail outlets rely on accessing fuel from the open market. This system risks falling apart if Dangote assumes complete control as the exclusive gatekeeper.

PETROAN and other stakeholders are now calling for:

- Open access to loading depots and marine terminals.

- Enforcement of anti-monopoly laws under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)

- Fair pricing structures that allow independent marketers to compete

- Support for third-party logistics, not just refinery-owned transport fleets.

They claim that these measures will safeguard the diversity of Nigeria's fuel supply and prevent replacing a flawed subsidy system with a monopoly controlled by the private sector.

“This isn’t about envy, It’s about making sure the downstream sector remains inclusive, competitive, and sustainable for everyone, not just the biggest,” Gillis-Harry added.

~Imran Muhammad

"In a major crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism, the Nigerian Army has arrested 43 suspects and uncovered 27 illegal bunkering sites in the Niger Delta region. Between May 26 and June 8, 2025, troops recovered over 161,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in coordinated raids across four states. This operation highlights the Army's commitment to tackling oil theft and protecting Nigeria's resources

#NigerDelta #OilTheft #PipelineVandalism #NigerianArmy #EnergySecurity #NationalSecurity"