2025 - Page 23 of 260 - SocietyGazette.com

Marketers blame depots as petrol nears N1,000/litre

Amid worsening supply challenges and rising pump prices, petroleum marketers have begun moves to import petrol independently as the commodity moved close to the N1,000 per litre mark across major cities in the country.

Marketers said supply constraints and production glitches at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery sparked fresh pressure in the downstream oil market.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday.

According to him, members of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria are concluding arrangements to begin petrol importation as part of efforts to stabilise retail prices.

He stated that petrol prices would soon drop as competition returns to the market, if additional competition is brought into the sector.

“Yes, petrol price is still going to come down because I also know that some marketers, especially DAPPMAN members, have applied and they are going to import petrol products.

“Peradventure, their prices are cheaper than Dangote’s, we would have no choice but to patronise them. The essence of this market is that where it is cheaper, we will buy. But prices will come down once there is a struggle for the market,” Ukadike said.

The PUNCH reports that petrol prices rose from about N865 to around N950 per litre on Monday.

Checks by The PUNCH on Tuesday showed that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, now sells between N920 and N955 per litre in many retail outlets, while some stations in Abuja, Sokoto and Lagos charge as high as N1,000 per litre, depending on location and brand.

This comes at a time when Nigerians were expecting petrol prices to drop to N841/litre as recommended by the Dangote refinery.

Our correspondent recalls that when the Dangote refinery launched its logistics-free fuel distribution scheme on September 15, it stated that its partners and filling stations benefitting from the scheme would drop petrol prices to N841 in the South West and N851 in Abuja, Edo, Kwara, Rivers and Delta.

But when this had yet to take effect in filling stations, prices surged above N900 in Lagos, Ogun Abuja and others.

In the Federal Capital Territory, a market survey by one of our correspondents revealed that petrol sold for N955 per litre at NNPC outlets in Gwarinpa and Lugbe, while prices climbed to N928 per litre at NNPC stations in Lagos.

In parts of Edo, Rivers, Oyo and Gombe states, motorists purchased the product at prices ranging from N900 to N1,000 per litre, amid reports of long queues and panic buying.

The latest spike has raised concerns among motorists and consumers already grappling with high transportation and food costs, threatening to further fuel inflationary pressures across the country.

Reacting, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has blamed depot owners for the sudden surge in petrol prices.

IPMAN President, Abubakar Shettima, told The PUNCH that depot owners increased their prices when they discovered that the Dangote refinery had stopped fuel loading for some days.

Our correspondent reports that depots hiked their prices on Monday from an average of N830 to about N890.

According to Petroleumprice.com, depots like Matrix, Fynefield and Liquid Bulk sold petrol at N900 as of Tuesday. Northwest offered N895; Pinnacle, N885; RainOil, N890; NIPCO, N850; Aiteo, N878; and Sigmund, N890.

Following this, filling stations adjusted their pump prices to reflect the new pricing regime.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited retail outlets sold premium motor spirit at N928 in Ogun and Lagos, an increase of about N50 from the previous N870.

The adjustment also marks a reversal of the price reduction introduced in August, when NNPC lowered petrol prices to N865 per litre in Lagos and N890 per litre in Abuja.

Speaking with our correspondent, the NNPC spokesperson, Andy Odeh, said the NNPC adjusted its pump prices like every other retail outlet because the depots increased their gantry rates.

“The ex-depot prices have gone up. You know all the filling stations are retailers. So, when the price goes up ex-depot, there will be an adjustment by the retailers. That’s what has happened and it’s across all the retailers,” the NNPC spokesperson said.

In Ogun and Lagos, filling stations sold petrol at prices ranging from N900 and N950 on Tuesday. Dangote’s partner, MRS, also sold the product at N925 in Ogun.

Our correspondent gathered that the Dangote refinery stopped selling petrol to marketers recently, causing a tightness in supply.

The Dangote refinery has yet to respond to questions seeking further clarification about the development.

However, sources said this might be due to ongoing maintenance or the challenges posed by the mass sacking of engineers at the facility.

In an interview with our correspondent, the President of IPMAN, Shettima said members of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria hiked fuel prices following the no-loading situation at the 650,000-capacity refinery.

“These DAPPMAN people are the only ones who are selling the product now. But, probably, Dangote will start tomorrow (today). So, if Dangote starts selling tomorrow, the price will come down. Dangote has not been selling to marketers since all these days.

“You may see their trucks on the road, but the trucks are not enough; marketers still have to support by going there to load. And immediately these DAPPMAN people saw that Dangote was not loading, they increased their ex-depot prices. That’s just what is happening. But I know these things are temporary, very soon they will wipe away,” Shettima said.

Speaking on the development, the IPMAN National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, attributed the price increase to temporary supply glitches at the Dangote Refinery and sharp practices by some private depot owners.

Ukadike explained that the refinery had recently slowed loading operations due to internal reorganisation and labour-related disruptions, causing limited distribution to private marketers.

“There is a reorganisation going on, and the issue of the NUPENG strike caused a little glitch in terms of supply and refining of petroleum products, because of the workers’ strike.

“And what we are trying to do now is to manage the situation. Now Dangote has also increased its pump price, while NNPCL has increased its price. This just shows that it is a reflective market whereby when the suppliers increase prices, the retailers have no choice but to increase them, just to make a little profit. So that is the current situation. It is only when we tie our importation of crude products or refined products to the price of the dollar that we can have issues, but that is no longer the case. The issue of exchange doesn’t arise. The factors of production are the issues now,” Ukadike said.

He added that depot owners were taking advantage of the limited supply situation to hike ex-depot prices, further worsening the pump price burden on consumers.

Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria further confirmed in its daily bulletin, posted on its official X handle, that the refinery had suspended gantry loading for most private marketers since last Thursday, restricting sales to its own and MRS trucks, thereby creating a shortage at independent outlets.

The Chief Executive Officer of PetroleumPrice.ng, Jeremiah Olatide, has blamed the fresh wave of petrol scarcity and price hikes on operational disruptions at the Dangote Refinery, which he said has suspended gantry sales to private depot owners since last week.

Olatide said the refinery is currently prioritising loading for its own last-mile delivery trucks and those of its affiliate, MRS, while marketers who obtained Product Finance Instruments have been unable to lift fuel for several days.

“No, things haven’t improved. The current situation, as I speak to you, is that the refinery is only loading their own trucks, last-mile delivery trucks, and they have suspended gantry sales since last Thursday,” he said. Those who have PFI are yet to load. I think they have low stock, so they are trying to manage it.”

According to him, the production hiccup was compounded by crude supply shortages and the recent layoff of about 800 refinery workers, which has further strained the facility’s operations.

“Basically, they are having issues with crude, and the 800 staff that were laid off is also a challenge to them. All these have contributed to the supply glitch we’ve experienced in the last week,” Olatide explained.

He likened the unfolding situation to the earlier gas supply crisis, warning that the refinery’s reduced output was already distorting the downstream market. “Clearly, there is a supply problem with PMS distribution, just like the gas problem started,” he added.

Olatide revealed that petrol prices at private depots had surged in response to the supply shortfall, as marketers scramble for limited volumes. “Depot marketers were not allowed to load products today at the refinery. It was only for MRS trucks and their personal trucks. Anyone applying through its trucks will get products now, but not private marketers’ trucks,” he said.

He further disclosed that private depots, previously buying at N820 per litre from the refinery, have halted sales and are considering fresh price increases.

“No doubt, there is a supply glitch. It’s not affecting MRS, but private depot operators have stopped sales and want to raise prices again,” Olatide said.

Meanwhile, residents living in Sokoto State have lamented the recent increase in pump price by petroleum marketers in the state, which has increased the cost of fuel to between 960 naira and arefinery0 naira within the metropolis.

Our correspondent, who monitored the development in the state, gathered that the increase in price covered both independent and major marketers in the state.

Findings by our correspondent in the state gathered that all the NNPC filling stations in the state metropolis have not been open for business for the last week.

A visit to AA Rano on Tuesday discovered that a litre of fuel had been adjusted from the previous 930 naira to 960 naira.

Also, at some of the independent marketers in the state, the fuel, which was sold for between 950 and 960 naira, is now being sold for between 1,000 and 1,050 naira.

A motorist who spoke with our correspondent at AA Rano said he decided to join the queue due to the recent scarcity and increase in the price.

“I have to be here to queue for the fuel, I learnt a litre is now 992 from NNPC in Lagos, only God knows how much NNPC will sell in Sokoto.

“Even though I don’t have money, I have to borrow money from my wife, I have been here for about 40 minutes trying to get this product, anyway it’s unfortunate”

With the cost of fuel nearing N1,000 per litre, analysts warn of another round of price shocks across transportation, food, and manufacturing sectors, even as Nigerians continue to await the promise of stable supply from the country’s 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery.

Multiple efforts to reach the Dangote refinery spokesperson, Anthony Cheijina, were not successful as the official didn’t pick up his calls and didn’t reply to messages sent to his phone line.

Oyo NUJ Visits Adron Homes, Commends Company’s Contribution to Affordable Housing

As part of activities marking the 2025 Press Week of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Chapter, a delegation of journalists paid a courtesy visit to Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Nigeria’s leading real estate development firm.

The Press Week, slated for October 12th to 17th, 2025, in Ibadan, focuses on strengthening media engagement and celebrating excellence in journalism. The visit aimed to foster collaboration between the NUJ and Adron Homes in promoting public awareness of housing and real estate investment.

Led by the Oyo State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola, the delegation was warmly received by the Managing Director of Adron Group, Mrs. Adenike Ajobo, at the company’s head office in Omole, Lagos. In his address, Comrade Babalola lauded Adron Homes for its steadfast commitment to delivering affordable housing in Nigeria.

He described the company as a model of innovation and social impact, commending its role in improving the lives of Nigerian families through sustainable real estate solutions.

In her response, Mrs. Adenike Ajobo on behalf of the Chairman/CEO, Sir Adetola Emmanuelking, expressed deep appreciation to the Oyo NUJ for the visit and congratulated the council on its upcoming Press Week. She reaffirmed Adron Homes’ commitment to fostering strong relationships with the media and ensuring transparency and trust in the real estate sector.

Mrs. Ajobo emphasized that the media remains a vital partner in the company’s mission to make affordable housing accessible to all Nigerians, pledging continued collaboration on public enlightenment initiatives.

The meeting also featured an interactive session where both parties discussed potential partnerships in public education on real estate investment, land ownership, and property documentary.

The NUJ delegation further commended Adron Homes for its impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, especially in youth empowerment and community development across Nigeria. The visit ended with the exchange of goodwill messages and pleasantries, reinforcing a spirit of partnership between Adron Homes and the Oyo NUJ.

Madagascar president dissolves parliament amid protests, coup fears

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina on Tuesday dissolved the national assembly, pre-empting an opposition-led vote to force him out of office over the island nation’s spiralling political crisis.

Rajoelina has faced over two weeks of deadly street clashes, led largely by young demonstrators furious with the ruling elite, forcing the 51-year-old leader into hiding.

The decree to dissolve the assembly “shall enter into force immediately upon its publication by radio and/or television broadcast”, the presidency said in a statement published on Facebook.

Rajoelina, who has defied mounting calls to resign, defended the move in a separate social media post as necessary to “restore order within our nation and strengthen democracy.”

“The People must be heard again. Make way for the youth,” he said in a post on social media.

Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko said Monday they would vote to impeach Rajoelina for desertion of duty following reports he had fled the country.

Rajoelina, a former mayor of the capital Antananarivo, said late Monday he was sheltering in a “safe space” after attempts on his life, without revealing his location.

The protests began on September 25 and reached a pivotal point at the weekend when mutinous soldiers and security forces joined the demonstrators and called for the president and other government ministers to step down.

Among them was the elite CAPSAT unit, which played a major role in the 2009 coup that first brought Rajoelina to power.

To try to defuse the protests, the president last month sacked his entire government.

Radio France Internationale reported that Rajoelina departed Madagascar aboard a French military plane at the weekend but French officials have yet to respond to AFP’s request for confirmation.

AFP

Police seize 5,000 illicit drugs, arrest 105 suspects in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Police Command, in a major crackdown on drug trafficking, arrested no fewer than 105 suspects during simultaneous raids across the state.

The arrests were confirmed on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, at the Command’s headquarters in Dutse, the state capital.

SP Adam revealed that in recent raids, officers of the Command searched every nook and cranny of Jigawa to root out illegal drug activities. “Our men left no stone unturned,” he said, emphasising the determination to rid the state of the drug menace.

According to him, the raids led to the recovery of over 5,000 illicit drugs and intoxicating substances, including cannabis and various hard drugs.

Moreso, SP Adam provided a detailed list of the substances seized, highlighting the scale of the operation.

Among the recovered items were 2,541 units of Exol and 1,146 units of D-5, both commonly abused drugs in the region.

Also confiscated were 270 packets of Tramadol and over a thousand wraps of cannabis, including one block.

Other seized substances included 269 units of Diaxer, 153 Pregabalin capsules, and 82 units of Farin Malam.

The police also nabbed various other illicit drugs such as Diazepam, Vegakris, and Calidon’s.

However, SP Adam disclosed that cash amounting to N92,460 was recovered from the suspects, alongside other substances like rubber solution, suck and die, and dry gin. “This bust sends a strong message to those involved in drug dealing,” he said.

The police spokesman urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities. “Our fight against narcotics is ongoing, and we need everyone on board,” SP Adam added.

JTF dismisses clergyman’s video on ‘Fulani mobilisation’ in Plateau

The Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace has dismissed as “propaganda” a viral video in which a clergyman, identified as Rev. Dachomo, alleged a mass mobilisation of Fulani fighters through Nyerwai village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, and accused security forces of collusion.

PUNCH Online reports that in the video making rounds, a clergyman claimed a herder was killed and 36 cows were rustled, while another 49 animals were allegedly stolen in the area.

He also accused the Nigerian Armed Forces of complicity and accused Christians in positions of authority in the LG of betrayal.

But in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Media Information Officer, Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, JTF OPEP said the video was designed to inflame public sentiment and erode confidence in security agencies.

The statement read, “A viral online video has surfaced in which one Reverend (Rev) Dachomo makes alarming claims about potential Fulani terrorist attacks in the Dorowa area of Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State.

“He alleges an insider source revealed a mass mobilisation through Nyerwai and asserts that recent deaths in the community were linked. Furthermore, he claims that a visit to the headquarters yielded no confirmation of these reports and that troops had been withdrawn, leaving the community vulnerable.

“The Reverend’s accusations extend to claims of a Fulani leader influencing security forces to shield Fulani suspects from arrest. He also criticises Christian authorities for alleged inaction, suggesting a link to ISWAP. Dachomo’s statements culminate in a call to arms for local youths to defend themselves and a plea for prayer, painting a dire picture of the security situation in the region.”

In the video, the task force said the reverend’s “alleging mobilisation of Fulani terrorists through Nyerwai in Barkin Ladi LGA and accusing security agencies of collusion is a clear case of propaganda intended to inflame public sentiment and erode confidence in security agencies.

“The video emerged in the wake of heightened tension following the killing of a herder and 36 cows as well as the rustling of 49 others in the area, creating a volatile environment easily exploited by misinformation and invoking the name of the Fulani leader, referring to a court judgment in Adamawa State and accusing Christians in positions of authority of betrayal, the speaker deliberately employed emotionally charged and divisive narratives to whip up ethno-religious sentiments and curry favour from the local populace.”

The statement described the claims as baseless and warned the propagator to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

“Rev Dachomo’s accusation is baseless and aimed at causing unnecessary tension. The JTF OPEP condemns the misleading narratives and hereby warns the propagator to desist from causing panic and discord among the peace-loving people of the state, to abstain from such acts or face the full wrath of the law,” JTF OPEP noted.

Major Zhakom reiterated the task force’s commitment to protecting civilians and prosecuting those who spread misinformation that could jeopardise public safety.

“Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE deployed within Sector 4 Areas of Responsibility (AOR) will continue to upscale their operational activities around Nyerwai and Dorowa to reassure residents of their safety.

“Also, the command of JTF OPEP condemns the incitement and remains fully committed to its mandate to restore peace and order in the Joint Operations Area (JOA).

“We call on all stakeholders – traditional leaders, religious leaders and civil society to avoid inflammatory rhetoric statements, instead rally around our common goal of a peaceful, united, and secure Plateau,” the statement concluded

117 northern students depart for Algeria on medicine, engineering scholarship

No fewer than 117 beneficiaries from northern Nigeria have departed for Algeria to pursue various academic programmes under a fully funded study scholarship facilitated by the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation.

Speaking during a send-forth and orientation ceremony organised for the beneficiaries in Bauchi, the Chairman of the Foundation, Sayyadi Aliyu, explained that the scholarship was secured through the Darika Tijjaniyya Islamic Sect in collaboration with the Algerian Government.

According to him, “We were able to secure 140 slots, but only 117 met the complete requirements. The remaining ones will join them later.”

Aliyu noted that Bauchi State, being the host of the foundation, produced the highest number of beneficiaries, while others were drawn from Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, and other northern states.

He disclosed that 50 of the slots were allocated for Medicine, while the remaining were distributed among other disciplines such as Computer Science, Engineering, and Islamic Studies.

The chairman added that the scholarship covers feeding, accommodation, healthcare, and other essential needs, urging the students to remain law-abiding and disciplined throughout their studies.

“You must be good ambassadors of Nigeria and of those who facilitated this opportunity.”

“You have already been introduced to Arabic and French to help you settle in quickly. Islam is a religion of knowledge, and whoever neglects to seek it is going against its teachings, ”Aliyu charged.

He cautioned the students against distractions, urging them to remain united and focused on their purpose of acquiring knowledge for the benefit of Islam and humanity.

In his remarks, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu, advised the beneficiaries to uphold Nigeria’s image abroad and avoid any act capable of tarnishing the country’s reputation.

Expressing concern over negative reports involving Nigerians abroad, the Emir said:

“The Nigerian flag has in many instances been blackened abroad, contrary to its true green-white-green identity. Green, as we know, is the colour associated with the house of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

“You must uphold this symbol with dignity and commit yourselves to the pursuit of knowledge.”

Air France to extend suspension of Madagascar flights

Air France said Tuesday it would extend the suspension of its flights to Madagascar at least until Friday because of unrest in the African country.

“The resumption of operations will remain subject to a daily assessment of the situation on the ground,” the French national airline told AFP, as Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina ruled out resigning in the face of protests that have shaken the country.

Air France initially suspended flights over the weekend for two days.

Air Austral, another French airline that serves Madagascar from its base in the Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, told AFP that it was maintaining services while watching the situation.

Rajoelina on Tuesday dissolved the national assembly, pre-empting a planned opposition-led vote to force him out of office over the island nation’s spiralling political crisis.

NiMet predicts three-day sunshine, cloudiness from Monday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Monday to Wednesday across the nation.

NiMet`s weather outlook released in Abuja envisaged sunny skies on Monday with patches of clouds over the northern region.

It anticipated prospects of isolated thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Taraba and southern Kebbi states during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi and southern Sokoto states.

“For central region, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are expected with prospects of morning thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Niger, Benue, Plateau and Kogi states.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa states,“ it said.

According to NiMet, a cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, Ebonyi and Abia states.

It forecast isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over most parts of the region later in the day.

NiMet predicted sunny skies on Tuesday with patches of clouds over the northern region during the morning period.

It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Kaduna, Taraba, Bauchi, Southern Kano, Southern Jigawa and Adamawa states later in the day.

The agency anticipated sunny skies with patches of clouds over the central region.

NiMet forecast morning thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Benue states.

According to it, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over part of Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Kogi States later in the day.

“For southern region, cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region with prospects of morning rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Ebonyi, Lagos, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states during the morning hours.

“Later during the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states,“ it said.

NiMet predicted sunny skies on Wednesday with patches of clouds over the northern region and thunderstorms with light rain over parts of Taraba State during the morning hours.

The agency envisaged isolated thunderstorms with Light rains over parts of Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba States later in the day.

According to the forecast, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is anticipated over the central region with chances of thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Niger, Kwara and Benue States during the morning period.

The agency predicted isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Kogi, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa and the FCT later in the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region with prospects of thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over most places in the region,“ it said.

NiMet urged the public to drive under the rain with caution, ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision and disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.

It further urged the public to stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

“Farmers should avoid leaching of nutrients by refraining from applying fertiliser and pesticides right before the rains.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” the statement added.

Customs recorded N6.6bn revenue in one month – NOA

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, says the Nigeria Customs Service recorded over six billion Naira in September.

Issa-Onilu made this known at the Monthly National Joint Security Press Briefing on Monday in Abuja.

The briefing organised by NOA is supported by the security agencies, paramilitary, and regulatory organisations in the country.

He noted that September was marked by strategic engagements, operational milestones, and collaborative initiatives that reaffirmed the Service’s central role in advancing Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.

”The Service continued its steady march toward reform, innovation, and stakeholder trust, as each activity during the period reflected its enduring commitment to transparency, efficiency, and institutional renewal under the visionary leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi.

“In the month of September, the NCS recorded a total revenue collection of ₦658,605,400,392. This figure demonstrates the Service’s sustained fiscal performance amid ongoing reforms and heightened enforcement efforts.

“It reflects the cumulative contributions of various commands and operations aligning with the broader strategy to strengthen revenue mobilisation and minimise leakages across the system,” Issa-Onilu said.

The NOA boss also noted that, within the period under review, a high-level strategic engagement between the NCS and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria was held.

He explained that the engagement provided a platform to strengthen trade relations, promote policy harmony, and chart a sustainable course for industrial growth.

Issa-Onilu added that it reinforced the service reform agenda, anchored on collaboration, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility for economic development.

“The engagement also reflected the service recognition of the manufacturing sector as a key partner in national productivity and a driver of Nigeria’s non-oil revenue diversification efforts.

“On the operational front, the Service took another major step toward enhancing trade efficiency through the introduction of a One-Stop-Shop platform, an innovation designed to minimise cargo clearance time, reduce procedural bottlenecks, and ensure seamless coordination among stakeholders within the trade ecosystem.

“In enforcement and border security, officers of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ recorded a major success through the interception of firearms, industrial drones, and other prohibited items within the Southwest Region.

“This operation exemplifies the service’s vigilance, operational intelligence, and unwavering resolve to safeguard national borders against illicit trade and transnational threats.

“The interception further reinforces the service’s dual mandate of trade facilitation and security enforcement, ensuring that legitimate trade thrives while threats to national safety are neutralised,” Issa-Onilu said.

He stressed that the Service demonstrated its continued commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by supporting sister agencies and contributing to community development initiatives across various formations.

According to him, these efforts reflect the service’s understanding that security and trade are strengthened when institutions collaborate and communities are empowered.

He added that commendation on the service by the Board of Trustees of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) served as an external validation of ongoing efforts to build an institution anchored on professionalism, accountability, and mutual trust.

“The feat recorded in September stands as evidence that the Service is not merely evolving; it is setting new standards in institutional excellence, reform communication, and national service delivery,” he further said.

Last month, the service announced that between January and June 2025, it collected a total of N3.6 trillion as revenue. https://punchng.com/customs-revenue-hits-n3-6tn-in-six-months/#google_vignette

The National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, explained that the figure represents a remarkable performance above expectations.

In June, PUNCH Online reported that the Senate Committee on Customs raised the Nigeria Customs Service’s 2025 revenue target from N6.584tn to N10tn, following a commendable performance in surpassing its 2024 revenue expectations.

(NAN)

Fans mark third anniversary of BBNaija Rico’s tragic death

Three years after the tragic passing of Big Brother Naija star and singer, Patrick Fakoya, popularly known as Rico Swavey, his management and fans have paid emotional tributes to his memory.

In a heartfelt post shared on Monday on X, the management described Rico as a beacon of love and creativity, saying his memory “blooms like a garden of everlasting flowers.”

“On this 3rd anniversary, we remember not just your departure, but the life you lived and the love you gave. Keep resting, Rico,” the post read.

Rico Swavey, who featured in the 2018 Double Wahala edition of BBNaija, died on October 13, 2022, from injuries sustained in a car accident in Lagos.

The incident, which occurred along a poorly lit section of the Lekki-Ajah Expressway, drew widespread grief across the country.

His mother in an interview with Journalist Chude Jideonwo emotionally recounted watching her son die in her arms at a Lekki hospital, pleading for him to “come back to her.”

Amid public speculation at the time, an eyewitness, Sunday Michael, the Uber driver who was with Rico in his final moments clarified that the late reality star was not intoxicated before the crash.

Doren Specialist Hospital, where the deceased was initially treated, also denied allegations of negligence and dismissed claims that its staff filmed him on his sickbed.

Earlier this year, Big Brother Naija Season 10 honoured three late former housemates , Francisca Owumi, Joseph Ada, and Rico Swavey, with a tribute segment and a minute of silence.

Rico Swavey, remembered for his calm demeanour and artistic flair, remains one of the show’s most loved alumni, with his legacy still celebrated across the entertainment industry.