Category: News

Categories
News

Fuel Price: FG, NUPENG, Dangote Meeting Ends in Deadlock

There are indications that the meeting between the federal government, executives of Nigeria Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Dangote Group and other stakeholders ended in a deadlock.
This is according to a report by DailyPost.
Recall that the meeting took place on Monday after FG had announced its plan to resolve the face-off between NUPENG and Dangote Group.
The meeting scheduled originally for 3pm Tuesday did not kick off until after 5:00pm.
No official details of the outcome of the meeting have been made public by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, the leadership of NUPENG led by Williams Akporeha, or the Dangote Group as of the time of filing this report.
Earlier, Dingyadi, speaking on the importance of Monday’s meeting, said, “We are here to try and reconcile our labour unions in the oil industry and the employers in Dangote Group. This is not the first time we are having this kind of dispute.”
However, a source and industry stakeholder told DAILY POST that the details are still sketchy, but it seems no agreement has been reached yet.
“Details are still sketchy. However, it seems there is no agreement yet. I should know from tomorrow (Tuesday),” he told DAILY POST.
The National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, told DAILY POST in an interview on Monday that both parties need to come to a sustainable resolution for the good of all Nigerians.
Meanwhile, NUPENG, in enforcing its strike on Monday, shut down major depots and some filling stations in Lagos and Warri in protest against the Dangote Group.
In Warri, reports have emerged that the cost of transportation has increased due to the strike.
Meanwhile, DAILY POST correspondent observed that fuel prices have remained unchanged in parts of the Federal Capital Territory as of Monday night, between N885 and N910 per litre, except for Empire Filling Station, which stood at N950.
However, with the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) threatening to mobilise members to down tools, petrol scarcity may set in, and prices may go up.
Recall that NUPENG president, Akporeha, accused Dangote Group of anti-labour activities in his plan to roll out 4,000 compressed natural gas trucks for petroleum products distribution nationwide.
He said Dangote’s anti-labour policy is meant to enslave workers, but the oil firm insisted on implementing its policy.
Categories
News

15 Jehovah’s Witnesses Die in Imo Road Accident

At least 15 members of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation have been crushed to d3ath by a trailer.
The sad incident happened at Awomama Bridge in Imo State.
The crash, which occurred around 6:45 p.m. on Monday, happened when a trailer driving against traffic collided with a bus conveying the victims.
The worshippers, from Agwa community in Oguta Local Government Area, were returning from their annual convention in Uli, Anambra State.
All the passengers in the bus reportedly died on the spot, and their bodies have been deposited in a morgue.
Chairman of Oguta Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Nnani, described the incident as a tragic loss for the community.
In a condolence message issued through his aide, Orum Desmond, on Tuesday, he commiserated with the bereaved families and prayed for God’s comfort over the community.
“Oguta Local Government Area has once again witnessed another dark moment, very tragic and sorrowful.
 
“These pathetic incidents have once more reminded the people of Oguta, and Agwa, of the intense sorrow that took away the lives of Agwa people suddenly in the past,” he said.
Categories
News

Osun state launches free public Wi-Fi for residents and students

The Osun State Government has launched Imole Wi-Fi, a free public internet service aimed at expanding digital access for residents, students, businesses, and communities across the state.

The initiative, announced on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information and Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, is designed to increase opportunities across education, health, agriculture, commerce, and other sectors.

Initially, Imole Wi-Fi will be available at key government buildings and public spaces, including the Osun State Library, Alphastart Hub, Osun Mall, Salvation Army Middle School, Osogbo Grammar School, and sites within the Ministry of Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy.

Governor Ademola Adeleke described the service as “a gateway to opportunity,” adding that it will help cut barriers, connect people, and stimulate growth across the state’s economy.

The Special Adviser overseeing the project, Azeez Badmus, said the launch is the first phase of the initiative. He added that as the program expands, more government services and sector-specific digital tools will be made available, ensuring all residents benefit from Osun’s digital future.

Imole Wi-Fi is expected to be rolled out to additional locations over time, positioning Osun State as a pioneer in digital inclusion in Nigeria.

Categories
News

Nigerian Nursing Council Abolishes Exam Failure Policy

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, NMCN has announced the abolishment of a controversial long-standing policy in a circular dated September 1, 2025, and signed by the Registrar/CEO, Ndagi Alhassan.

Thge long-standing policy had barred student nurses from continuing their training after three failed attempts at the Council’s professional examinations.

The Council announced that candidates who fail any part of the professional exam will now be allowed to retake only that section until they secure a pass.

The new policy takes effect from September 2025.

The circular, titled ‘Nursing Education Reforms: Elimination of Students After Three Professional Examination Attempts’, was addressed to state commissioners of health, teaching hospital directors, university vice chancellors, heads of nursing schools, and professional associations.

According to the Council, the reform reflects its commitment to align nursing education with global best practices by shifting from an elimination-focused policy to a more supportive, student-centered approach.

“Our mission to promote and maintain excellence in nursing and midwifery education and practice calls for a more inclusive academic environment devoted to building resilience and lifelong learning,” the statement read.

The NMCN urged institutions to implement measures that would support struggling students, while stressing that candidates must maintain at least 80% lecture and clinical attendance to qualify for re-sits. It also directed that each failed attempt at a re-sit would count against the training institution.

The Council said the change was necessary to ensure fairness, enhance professional competence, and address concerns raised about the previous policy.

Categories
News

DSS Summons Sowore Over Post on Tinubu

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly summoned activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore.
According to TheNation, DSS summoned him over what it described as a “false and malicious” social media post directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recall that Sowore took to X to few days ago to slam President Tinubu, describing him as a “criminal.”
The Nation reported that in a letter dated September 7, 2025, signed by Uwem Davies on behalf of the Director-General, the DSS demanded that Sowore retract his statement on X (formerly Twitter) and issue a public apology within one week.
The Service accused Sowore of calling the President a “criminal” in an August 26 post, where he allegedly ridiculed Tinubu’s anti-corruption remarks during his visit to Brazil. According to the DSS, the comment was “repugnant, derogatory and capable of inciting public disturbance.”
The letter outlined conditions for compliance, requiring Sowore to post an unequivocal retraction on X, publish apologies in at least two national newspapers and two television stations, and submit a representation to the DSS headquarters in Abuja or by email. The agency also copied the United States Embassy in Abuja on the matter.
The DSS warned that Sowore’s comments had the potential to diminish the President’s standing domestically and internationally, and could provoke disunity, insurrection, or a breakdown of law and order.
 
“Persons of your status who are campaigning to lead this country must exercise restraint and responsibility in their speech,” the Service stated, adding that failure to comply would invite lawful action.
Categories
News

FG Summons Dangote And NUPENG Officials to Avert Nationwide Strike

The Federal Government has intervened in the ongoing face-off between the Dangote Group and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
FG has now summoned a meeting of both parties in Abuja today.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, called the meeting in a last-minute effort to halt a nationwide strike set to begin today, already endorsed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
NUPENG accuses Dangote of anti-union practices, monopolistic tendencies, and indecent labour conditions, alleging that the refinery pays some of the lowest wages in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The union further condemned a new policy barring drivers from joining oil and gas unions, describing it as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution, the Labour Act, and international labour conventions.
 
“This marks a dangerous road to fascism in industrial relations, where workers are treated as slaves without voice or dignity,” the union warned.
Despite the minister’s intervention, NUPENG leaders have directed members nationwide to commence the strike pending resolution of all grievances.
An official said: “Though we will attend the meeting to show readiness for dialogue, the strike goes on until all the issues are resolved.”
The crisis deepened over the creation of the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), which NUPENG dismissed as a “management-inspired fraud” designed to weaken and divide workers. The union insists that Dangote and his associates are behind the association, linking its operations to MRS Energy Limited.
Amid mounting tension, the NLC has rallied its 54 affiliates and 36 state councils to prepare for solidarity action. President Joe Ajaero warned that Dangote’s actions represent a direct attack on the entire Nigerian labour movement.
“An attack on one union is an attack on all. If we allow the Dangote Group to succeed, no industry or worker in Nigeria will be safe. It will set a perilous precedent that capital is above the law,” Ajaero said.
The NLC has ordered immediate mobilisation and sensitisation of workers nationwide, cautioning that the strike will first hit fuel supply chains, with filling stations already experiencing queues and rising black-market prices. Economists warn that prolonged disruption could cripple transport, power, and manufacturing, worsening inflation and economic hardship.
In Edo State, the NLC has declared full support for the strike, urging residents to stock up on fuel ahead of the action.
 
“The Edo council will mobilise all affiliates in solidarity. We advise workers and the public to get petroleum products that will last the duration of this industrial action, as filling stations will be closed,” the statement read.
The outcome of today’s Abuja meeting will determine whether the strike is called off or escalates into a nationwide shutdown.
Categories
News

Femi Otedola Becomes Amazon No.1 Best Selling Author in the Business Best-Seller Category

Nigerian billionaire and philanthropist, Femi Otedola has achieved a new milestone after becoming Amazon’s No. 1 best-selling author in the Business category.
This followed the release of his memoir, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business.
The book, released on August 18, 2025, has surged to the top of Amazon’s “Starting a Business” category and is also ranked among the leading titles in “Business Biographies & Memoirs.”
Making It Big has overtaken works by global entrepreneurs, including Steven Bartlett’s The Diary of a CEO, Simon Squibb’s What’s Your Dream?, and Blake Masters’ Zero to One. It also shares the charts with other influential titles like Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity, Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog, and Alex Hormozi’s $100M Offers.
Otedola’s early success reflects a growing appetite for stories from African business leaders that blend personal experience with practical insights. His memoir details lessons learned from decades of building ventures across energy, finance, and infrastructure, while offering guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Just 48 hours after release, the book had already climbed to No. 3 on Amazon’s business memoir rankings, according to Nairametrics, signaling strong early sales momentum.
Available in paperback for £14.99 and in digital formats, Making It Big underscores the rising global demand for African entrepreneurial stories. Otedola’s achievement places him alongside some of the world’s most influential business authors and highlights the increasing prominence of African voices in global business literature.
Categories
News

Dangote Refinery: Nigerian Govt Working to Stop Strike – PETROAN

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN has assured that the Federal Government is working to avert the looming nationwide strike.
This is according to PETROAN National President of the Association, Billy Gillis-Harry in a statement on Monday while responding to questions on ‘The Morning Brief’, a programme on Channels Television.
Gilly-Harris listed the issues that led to the strike declaration as primarily the alleged monopoly on the part of the Dangote Refinery.
He however stated that stakeholders in the downstream sector were being engaged by the government to resolve the lingering issues.
“The issue at hand is that we want the industry to operate in a way that all players are efficiently serving Nigerians.
 
“We have advocated that there be a clearly defined role for all the players. Over 50 years ago, industry players set up retail outlets, so you have several stakeholders in the industry. We have the major markets, we have the depot, the independent marketers, PETROAN, NUPENG, and NARTO.
 
“We have had a situation in the last few months. From June, we started getting fillers of the Dangote Refinery wanting to involve itself in all the tiers of the business- from refining, to storage, to logistics, and then possibly finally the retail outlets,” Gillis-Harry said.
Categories
News

US Visa Policy Now Requires Interviews In Country Of Residence

The US Department of State has introduced a major policy change for non-immigrant visa applicants.

The new policy now requires them to schedule their interviews “at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.”

The new guidance, effective immediately, was published on September 6, 2025, on the State Department’s official visa portal.

The update supersedes all previous instructions on designated visa processing locations.

The Department noted: “Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.”

The list of designated locations covers nationals from conflict-affected or diplomatically restricted states such as Afghanistan (Islamabad), Belarus (Vilnius, Warsaw), Cuba (Georgetown), Iran (Dubai), Russia (Astana, Warsaw), Venezuela (Bogota), and Yemen (Riyadh).

Applicants are also warned of three critical changes:

Residence Requirement: “Applicants must be able to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying, if the place of application is based on their residency.”

Fees: “Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa. Fees paid for such applications will not be refunded and cannot be transferred.”

Appointment Availability: “Applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment.” 

Existing appointments, however, “will generally not be cancelled,” and the Department emphasised that the new rules do not apply to diplomatic, NATO, or UN-related visas.

According to the Saturday release, exceptions may still be granted for “humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons.”

The Department urged applicants to check their local embassy or consulate websites for details on requirements and wait times.

This sweeping adjustment, officials noted, is part of efforts to streamline nonimmigrant visa adjudications while managing global backlogs and security considerations.

626BLAZE reports that the US State Department’s new directive extends explicitly to non-immigrant visas, ending a long-standing practice among nationals of travelling to neighbouring countries to secure interview appointments.

In Nigeria, for example, for years, when slots in Abuja or Lagos were unavailable, applicants often turned to consulates in Cameroon, Namibia, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Canada, or even the Dominican Republic to fast-track their chances.

Under the updated policy, Nigerians—and all other nationals—must apply strictly in their country of residence or nationality.

This shift will significantly alter how applicants navigate the already challenging process, especially given long wait times in Nigeria.

Categories
News

NDLEA Smashes International Drug Cartel, Nabs 3 Kingpins

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have busted an international organized criminal group (IOCG) with networks across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates, arresting three kingpins and seizing a cocaine consignment valued at ₦5.3 billion.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the operation, conducted over two weeks across Lagos, began on August 26, 2025, when officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, intercepted 76 cartons of textile materials bound for Sydney, Australia.

A search revealed 17.9kg of cocaine concealed in lace fabrics alongside local charms, allegedly meant to provide “spiritual cover” against detection.

A freight agent, Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, was the first to be arrested. Further investigations led to the arrest of Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, described as the group’s Nigerian coordinator, and Shola Adegoke, another leader.

Ogunbiyi was picked up at an Ikeja GRA hotel, where a search of his Lekki residence uncovered 21 parcels of Canadian Loud (10.9kg) and a pump-action rifle. Adegoke was arrested during a raid on the syndicate’s packaging house at Ikeja GRA, where 9.6kg of Loud was seized from a Range Rover SUV.

Babafemi disclosed that the cartel’s ringleader, identified as Adebisi Ademola Omoyele (alias Mr. Bee), currently resides in Dubai. Investigations revealed that Adegoke had previously served a UK jail term for methamphetamine trafficking, while Ogunbiyi had served 14 years in Britain for murder before returning to Nigeria.

In related operations, NDLEA seized 160,200 bottles of codeine syrup worth ₦1.1bn from a 40ft container at Onne Port, Rivers State, and recovered 653kg of cannabis derivatives during raids in Lagos, Abuja, Kogi, Edo, Anambra, Niger, Kaduna, and Taraba.

Highlights include:

Arrest of a Milan-based Nigerian, Gabriel Michael, at Lagos Airport with 24,480 tramadol pills.

Interception of a dispatch rider in Abuja with 3.1kg of Colorado.

Recovery of 625kg of Loud and Colorado from a distribution hub in Surulere, Lagos.

Arrest of a couple in Ajegunle, Lagos, with 24.4kg of skunk.

Destruction of 18.7 tonnes of cannabis farms in Taraba State.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), commended the officers involved, urging them to intensify the agency’s “balanced approach” combining enforcement with advocacy under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters