Category: 📈Trends

Seven vessels carrying imported Premium Motor Spirit Petrol, popularly called petrol, are expected to berth at seaports along the nation’s borders between Monday, March 17, and Sunday, March 23, Saturday PUNCH reports.

According to a document obtained from the Nigerian Port Authority on Thursday, these vessels carrying 115,000 metric tonnes representing 154.22 million litres of PMS will bring in products through three seaports to improve fuel supply nationwide.

The latest development follows an exclusive report by The PUNCH, which disclosed that the landing cost of imported PMS dropped to N797 per litre.

It also comes amidst the suspension of the sales of petroleum products in naira by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery following a stalled renegotiation of the naira-for-crude deal with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Domestic crude oil refiners argued that the halt in crude supply in naira was the latest ploy to frustrate the Dangote refinery and bring back the full importation of refined petroleum products.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria, Eche Idoko, disclosed that suspending the deal defeats the efforts of all stakeholders to achieve energy security in-country.

He said some persons were aggrieved by the continuous reduction in petrol prices by the Dangote refinery and only used monopolistic talks to bring back importation as an alternative.

True to this fact, the continuous importation of refined products has persisted despite improving local capacity.

Recall that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority recently stated that the country’s three operational refineries contribute less than 50 per cent of the nation’s daily petrol consumption, with the shortfall being filled with imported products.

An analysis of the document from NPA showed that the commodities landed at the Tincan port in Lagos, the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos and the Calabar port in Cross River State.

The document also revealed that the Dangote refinery imported 654,766 metric tonnes of crude oil within the same period.

The first shipment carrying 20,000 metric tonnes of PMS allocated to the West African Port Services berthed at the Dangote terminal on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 4:03 pm.

On the same day, two vessels conveying 20,000 metric tonnes respectively berthed at the Tincan and Calabar seaports.

This was followed by the arrival of a 20,000 metric-tonne Watson vessel on Thursday, March 20, at 3:18 pm. It berthed at the Ecomarine terminal and was handled by a Kach maritime agent.

Similarly, a Binta Saleh ship was scheduled to berth at the Tincan port in Lagos carrying 5,000 metric tonnes of imported petrol on Friday, March 21 at midnight.

On Saturday, March 22, at 11:06 am, another vessel carrying 15,000 metric tonnes of fuel will berth at the Calabar port. It was assigned to Peak Shipping as its agent.

At the same port, a vessel carrying 15,000 metric tonnes of fuel will arrive at the Eco marine terminal on Sunday at 5:10 pm. This means the seven vessels should bring in 115,000 metric tonnes.

Going by the conversion rate of 1,341 litres to one metric tonne, it, therefore, implies that the marketers are bringing in about 154.22 million litres of petrol.

Meanwhile, depot owners have continued to effect an increase in the loading cost of petrol and other refined petroleum products at their depots.

An analysis of data obtained by our correspondent revealing petrol price movements at loading depots on Thursday showed that Rainoil Depot increased its price from N835 to N860 per litre, and MEN depot effected an increase to N860 per litre despite not making sales the previous day.

Pinnacle Depot made a similar price change from N835 to N860 per litre, while Aiteo and Nipco changed their prices to N856 and N860 per litre, respectively, from N835.

 

 

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has accused the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, of plotting his downfall after he (Oluwo) helped him (Ooni) to mount the throne.

In a video seen by Saturday PUNCH, Oluwo said he influenced Oba Ogunwusi’s emergence as the Ooni when he was contesting the stool in 2015.

However, Oba Akanbi said the Ooni had been orchestrating his removal, alleging that Oba Adeyeye was behind his suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas a few years back.

But Ooni dismissed Oluwo’s allegation, even as he said he would not react to it as “it was not the first time Oba Akanbi would be making such a statement.”

Speaking in the video, which his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Alli, confirmed to have emerged from a Ramadan lecture in Iwo on Wednesday, Oluwo claimed that he helped Oba Ogunwusi settled a (court) case that would have impeded his appointment and installation as the Ooni.

He said Oba Ogunwusi’s ally, Akin Daodu, connected the two of them, disclosing that he would have supported the Ooni’s elder brother, Tunji Ogunwusi, but he didn’t because the latter underrated him.“In 2015, I got a call from Akin Daodu, a close ally of the then Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi, now Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi. He told me Prince Adeyeye was on the phone, that he needed to talk and seek my help regarding his aspiration to the throne of Ooni of Ife. I knew him then, but I was closer to his brother, Tunji Ogunwusi, who was my peer. Tunji Ogunwusi, popularly called Dodo, and I were about eight years older than the Ooni.

“As a friend and peer, I had earlier called Tunji Ogunwusi to help him ascend the throne, but he underrated me and refused to take me seriously.

“We discussed, and he (Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi at the time) disclosed that almost all the stakeholders, including Governor Aregbesola, had agreed to his appointment, but there was a court case instituted by a few aggrieved individuals against him. He said his primary concern was the litigation. I asked him if that was all, and he said yes. I told him he was already a king.

“In his presence, I called the person in charge and told them what I wanted. The case was decided on Friday, and Adeyeye became Ooni on Saturday. This was before my own enthronement. I was not selfish. I secured his own before mine. And a few months later, God used the same link for me to become the Oluwo of Iwoland.”

Lamenting the alleged plot against him by Oba Adeyeye, Oluwo said, “To my surprise, the same person I helped ascend the throne has been planning evil against me. He orchestrated my suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas meeting.

“He is using a few kings in Iwoland to destabilise my territory. He attacked me last month in the presence of the governor, saying that I am discouraging idol worship. He was part of those who used my former wife against me.

“He wants me to be removed as Oluwo by all means. Such a dream can never come true. No one can remove me as Oluwo. No one can kill me, and no one can bring me down, except if I didn’t help him become the Ooni.”

However, the Director of Media at the Ooni’s palace, Chief Moses Olafare, said Oluwo’s statement didn’t deserve any reaction.

Olafare said, “This is not the first time Baba Oluwo will make comments like that. We never reacted, and we won’t react. Let him say whatever he wants. That is what he is busy doing. Everybody has something they are busy with.

“That is what Baba Oluwo is busy doing. Ooni is busy with developmental projects, so he is occupied and doesn’t have time to respond to someone looking for attention. We don’t have time for that. Whatever Baba Oluwo likes, let him say. We are not interested.”

 

 

As mixed reactions continue to trail the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has said it will take legal action against the Federal Government.

The PUNCH had reported that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; as well as members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

The President then appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the Sole Administrator of the state.

The PDP governors contended that the President’s actions were unconstitutional and threatened Nigeria’s democratic principles.

Seeking legal intervention, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, criticised the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, adding that the party’s governors’ forum would challenge the matter in court.

Makinde, in his bi-weekly newsletter— The Business of Governance (Issue 110)— noted that the suspension of democracy in the state was an illegal act that all well-meaning Nigerians must condemn.

The governor said, “I am glad that our great party, the PDP, is demonstrating the needed strength and leadership. The PDP Governors’ Forum rose from an emergency meeting where we unanimously decided to challenge the actions of President Tinubu in a court of competent jurisdiction. We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we built for almost three decades be trampled upon.

“I stand today to say that the declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government by the presidency is an illegality that right-thinking members of society must oppose.

“Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with, no matter our personal feelings and loyalties. This is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity and justice.”

Makinde urged Nigerians to speak out whenever anything threatened the nation’s progress.

Showing support for the governors’ forum, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the party, Timothy Osadolor, said the state of emergency would be challenged in court.

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, Osadolor noted that President Tinubu was unmindful of the implications of his pronouncement.

The youth leader added that the court remained the last hope of the common man.

Osadolor said, “The President lacks the locus to suspend two elected arms of government; the legislature and executive in the state. There is no place in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that gives such powers.

“Has the President forgotten that the office is guided by law? Although he has the right to declare a state of emergency, there is nowhere it is stated that he can suspend officials. President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the past, and the governors still held the forte in their states.”

Corroborating Osadolor, a sociopolitical group, Niger Delta Youth Council, expressed full support for the PDP Governors’ Forum in their resolve to challenge the state of emergency in court.

This was contained in a statement by the President of the NDYC, Bene Mamamu, on Friday.

He alleged that the state of emergency declared on Rivers by President Tinubu “is an expression of his bias and hatred for the Niger Delta region.”

Reverse emergency rule, Ijaw group tells Tinubu

Meanwhile, an advocacy group, Ijaw People’s Association, decried the state of emergency, describing it as a “desecration of democracy” and “desperation taken too far”.

The IPA called on the President to show that he was a democrat by reversing the decision in the interest of peace and proper development to take place.

The President of the group, Patrick Ebikebuno, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

Ebikebuno noted that the declaration was disturbing for the Ijaw nation, including people of the ethnic group in Ondo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states.

He emphasised the peaceful nature of the Ijaw people, stating, “We are gentle in character and very accommodating.”

The South-South Governors’ Forum had earlier called for the reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State.

This was in a statement signed by the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, in Yenagoa, the state capital.

According to the forum, the political crisis in Rivers State ought to be ideally resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than by executive fiat.

Meanwhile, the Government of Cross River State distanced itself from the position of the South-South Governors’ Forum’s to reject the emergency rule in Rivers.

The acting Governor of the state, Dr Peter Odey, said the government fully aligned itself with President Tinubu’s quest to bring peace and stability to the oil-rich state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Ekpong, Odey said Cross River State was not consulted before the forum came out with its position.

Also rejecting the region’s governors’ stance, the Edo State Government dissociated itself from opposing the emergency rule declared in Rivers State.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, the government stated that the step taken by President Tinubu was based on his understanding of the issue.

Showing support for the President, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State expressed support for the declaration, describing it as a crucial move to ensure national security.

Emergency rule ‘democratic Armageddon’ – Bode George

Meanwhile, speaking on Friday in an interview on Arise TV, a former Deputy National Vice Chairman of the PDP, Bode George, condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by the President, describing it as an unconstitutional move aimed at political control.

George said, “Even if you want to declare a state of emergency, there are conditions. To me, this is a revisit of a democratic Armageddon in Nigeria, and we have to be extremely careful.”

George also took a swipe at Wike over his revocation of the PDP secretariat’s Certificate of Occupancy in Abuja, saying the minister should remember that the party was instrumental to his political rise.

 

Kwankwaso knocks NASS

The NNPP presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Rabiu Kwankwaso, expressed reservations for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Confirming his opposition in a statement shared on Friday via his verified Facebook page, Kwankwaso also reflected on previous political misadventures and warned against repeating history.

Administrator receives withheld LG funds, other salaries

Addressing the heads of local government administrations, the state’s Sole Administrator, Ibas, allayed concerns over unpaid salaries, assuring them of his commitment by confirming the release of the withheld state allocation.

He said, “Let me assure you that the withheld allocations have now been released, and I hereby issue a directive that all the necessary steps be taken to ensure that the salaries are paid without any further delay.”

Earlier, in a separate meeting with monarchs, he warned against encouraging cultism and other vices in their communities.

However, a source within the Presidency revealed that the appointment of a sole administrator in Rivers State was aimed at reconciling the warring factions and stabilising the political landscape, rather than imposing full emergency rule.

According to the source, the move is in line with ongoing efforts by the Senate and South-South governors to mediate between the feuding parties.

“These are suggestions on the table. Customarily, the idea of an emergency rule is to allow the parties involved time to cool off and come to a resolution,” the source stated.

 

IYC drags FG before ECOWAS court

Members of the Ijaw Youth Council have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government at the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States in Abuja, challenging the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

The suit, dated March 20, 2025, lists the applicants as Comrade Ibiso, John Benjamin, Alpheus Ngere, Tamunokuro Tomquin, Benjamin Kemuel, Fabians Abbey, Williams Toby, Dabo Briggs, Precious Otoni, Attah Ebirin, and Tonye Stephen.

The applicants are seeking an order from the ECOWAS Court to set aside the suspension of elected officials and the dissolution of democratic structures in Rivers State.

Additionally, they are requesting a court order nullifying all decisions made by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator appointed by the President.

The suit also demands $10m in punitive and exemplary damages for the alleged violations and hardships caused by the Federal Government’s actions.

The Chairman of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, Dr Michael Emuh, urged the Federal Government to utilise trained youths for pipeline surveillance in the region.

Emuh, in a statement on Friday made available to Saturday PUNCH, called for caution and strategic action to protect the nation’s economic interests.

APC, opposition lawmakers clash

In another development, the ruling APC chided aggrieved opposition lawmakers and critics of the state of emergency, saying the action was in the best interest of the people.

The reaction came in the wake of renewed agitation by the senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson; and his counterpart in the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Ireti Kingibe.

The National Assembly, on Thursday, endorsed the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Tinubu.

The resolution was taken at separate plenary sessions of the two chambers, where they deliberated on the suspension of the state governor, his deputy, and the state assembly members.

The parliament backed Tinubu’s proclamation through a voice vote amidst calls from opposition leaders to reject it.

On Friday, Kingibe condemned the use of a voice vote in approving the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

The FCT senator said the required two-thirds majority consensus could not be accurately determined by a mere voice vote.

Dickson, another high-ranking senator, opposed the emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional.

In a statement released on Friday, the former Bayelsa State governor voiced his objections.

The lawmaker had, during Thursday’s plenary session at the Senate, argued that the declaration fell short of constitutional requirements.

“As I have stated repeatedly, I raised my objections during the closed session on how the declaration fell short of constitutional prescription, based on my views as a democrat sworn to uphold the Nigerian Constitution,” Dickson stated.

Dickson particularly commended Senator Aminu Tambuwal for challenging the legality of suspending elected officials in Rivers State.

He criticised the Senate President, accusing him of attempting to silence him and misrepresent his statements.

The former governor further argued that senators did not need the permission of the Senate President to express their views on national issues.

Reacting, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, dismissed their protests.

Basiru told Saturday PUNCH that there was no need to stir up the emotions of Nigerians, as the aggrieved lawmakers were doing, insisting that the President made the right decision.

His sentiment was shared by the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, who stated that it was obvious the opposing lawmakers were playing to the gallery.

Fubara alive, well – Kinsmen

Controversy surrounding the whereabouts of the suspended governor was laid to rest on Friday as a close family source said he was alive and well.

Though the source, who pleaded anonymity, said she would not disclose the governor’s whereabouts, she confirmed that he was doing fine.

“I have spoken to the governor, and there is no cause for alarm,” the source added.

This comes as some members of the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council had raised the alarm over the whereabouts of the suspended governor, saying that they had yet to hear from him since he was suspended.

A village has been thrown into turmoil after a shocking revelation that a brother impregnated his younger sister.

The incident, which surfaced on TikTok, has sparked outrage, with a group of people seen holding flowers in protest.

The video’s caption, “Brother got his sister pregnant,” further explained the disturbing situation, drawing widespread attention.

As the clip gained traction online, concerned individuals flooded the comment section to express their thoughts and reactions.

See some reactions below: 

ATURA finest 🫡💯: “No blame the guy ooo. Some sister jus fin anyhow.”

DeroyAgu: “there’s mistake somewhere that can’t be his real sister cos if na the same mama and papa born them they won’t feel anything for each other.”

Bekee 🧿✌️: “e happen for my village 😭😭😭omo l don’t know what all this brothers sees in there sisters body.”

divinenation: “in football it is called own goal 😂…….. what is it called in sporty bet.”

Hun Ray✝️: “Nothing is new, anything happening now has happened before.”

Mu🧿NA🧿CHIM✈️SO🥰: “they fit b husband and wife for their past life 😅but alu.”

diogo: “hmmm things dey happen ooo so he no see another girl to date.”

@sunday93935

Brother got her sister pregnant😳😳🙏🙏👹👹👺👺

♬ original sound – popesworld

 

 

 

Nigeria Lady breaks down in tears as she laments over protracted singleness at 27.

The young lady took to her social media page to lament over her relationship status.

She stated that she’s already in her late 20s and has still not found herself in a relationship.

According to her, men do not usually ask her out as they do with most girls and she wonders whether it has something to do with her looks.

The video she shared showed her looking teary after crying over her singleness.

She wrote …

“I recently turned 27 years old. But I’m still single. Men don’t ask me out on dates. Do I look bad.”

Check out reactions below …

@janicedavis664 said: “Comb your hair, put on earrings and feel good about loving yourself. Excuses weigh you down!”

@user75483685227817 remarked: “They don’t ask any of us on a date anymore”

@johnnierogers05 said: “you are beautiful. The right man will come into your life and you will know it. So, don’t cry. Your time is coming.”

@Yasmaire marie wrote: “Queen you are absolutely beautiful, it’s your protection”

@Perps Nzuki said: “you are beautiful kamummy stop crying your turn is coming”

Nigerian man’s persistence pays off as he gets his first job in the UK after 7 years during which he applied for 750 different jobs, 7 years after arriving the country with no employment.

The man revealed that he had arrived in the United Kingdom 7 years ago but couldn’t secure a job.

However, he had persisted in applying for job at different companies.

He stated that he had sent out a total of 750 applications until one was finally accepted.

The UK-based Nigerian man shared a photo of him in corporate already at his place of work ready to commence his tasks.

Reactions have followed …

@Olamma🦋🦋🦋 said: “Wait!! U mean to say there are no jobs in the uk anymore, or maybe it’s because of the type of visa u came in with??”

@user9915935503570 wrote: “After one a year and two months in the UK I got a a job yesterday guys I cried”

@ify ofeeey said: “I won’t lie … na God run am for me… once and once only”

@Sylvia 💕 🇳🇬🇬🇧 said: “Congratulations dear everyone have different grace I came in 3weeks after I got agency work and support worker job which I was doing the two I later drop the agency got a care home job 1week later.”

@ezekielonitiju wrote: “Indeed experience should be a movie😂😂😂”

 

See post below …

 

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association has strongly condemned the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria over the imposition of what NECA described as “outrageous” annual dues on private and non-quoted companies.

According to a statement, NECA warned that the move could cripple businesses and stifle economic growth.

“This outcry follows the implementation of the Financial Reporting Council Amendment Act 2023 (FRC Act), which expanded the scope of companies under the FRC’s regulatory oversight,” the statement said.

It mentioned that the new policy significantly increased the annual dues of private firms from N1m to hundreds of millions of naira, depending on their turnover.

Meanwhile, publicly listed companies’ dues remain capped at N25m. NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, denounced the move as unjust and contradictory to the federal government’s efforts to enhance Nigeria’s business environment, attract investment, and create jobs.

He warned that the increased financial burden on private firms, already struggling with multiple taxation, regulatory bottlenecks, and rising operational costs, could force many to shut down or downsize.

“This policy is a direct contradiction to the Ease of Doing Business agenda and sends a negative signal to investors,” Oyerinde stated.

“Many companies, especially in manufacturing, trading, and essential services, operate on thin margins. Adding such arbitrary financial demands increases the risk of layoffs, business closures, and an economic downturn,” he added.

Oyeinde further noted that regulatory unpredictability discourages both local and foreign investments, weakening Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

“If regulatory agencies can impose arbitrary levies without due consultation, it erodes investor confidence and pushes businesses to the brink,” he added.

NECA urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to immediately suspend the enforcement of the new levies and revert to the previous N1m fee structure pending a comprehensive review.

Oyerinde also called for an urgent legislative amendment to the FRC Act to eliminate ambiguities and ensure fair and transparent oversight.

He called for dialogue between the Federal Government, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and key stakeholders, including NECA, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, to establish a more sustainable and justifiable compliance framework.

“The private sector is the backbone of our economy, and policies that hinder its growth will ultimately harm national development. The government must prioritize economic sustainability over excessive regulation.

“With growing discontent from businesses over multiple taxation and excessive levies, pressure is mounting on the federal government to reconsider the FRC’s new financial demands to avoid worsening Nigeria’s already fragile economic climate,”  Oyerinde stressed.