cover Archives - Page 31 of 631 - SocietyGazette.com

FG moves to avert fuel supply crisis, promises stability

The Federal Government on Sunday assured Nigerians that there would be no disruption in the supply of refined petroleum products, following concerns over the Naira-for-crude oil arrangement and disputes involving the Dangote Refinery.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance after a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Domestic Crude Oil and Refined Products Sales in Local Currency Initiative, the government stressed that energy security and stability in the downstream oil sector remained a top priority.

The committee, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said the recent reports of a suspension of the Naira-for-crude oil deal by the Dangote Refinery had been “amicably resolved.”

The statement added, “For the avoidance of doubt, the committee reassured that the crude oil for the Naira initiative will continue. It also assured that all outstanding issues, particularly the dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and Dangote Refinery, are being addressed with urgency and in good faith.”

Also present at the meeting were the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, who also chairs the Technical Committee; representatives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Central Bank of Nigeria, Afreximbank, and the Dangote Refinery.

The government insisted that Nigerians should not expect scarcity or price instability.

“The Federal Government remains fully committed to ensuring energy security, protecting consumers, and maintaining stability in the domestic petroleum products market,” the statement noted.

By addressing labour concerns and reaffirming the continuity of its local currency crude oil sales initiative, the committee sought to calm growing public fears of another fuel crisis.

The PUNCH earlier reported that the Dangote refinery said it has resumed the sale of fuel in naira.

In a memo sent to marketers on Saturday, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent, the refinery said this was due to the intervention of the naira-for-crude technical committee.

“Following the intervention of the Naira for Crude Technical Committee Chairman, we are pleased to inform you of the resumption of PMS sales in Naira commencing immediately.

“You may kindly proceed to place your orders in naira for both self-collection and free delivery of PMS to the earlier advised locations across the country. Thank you for your continued patronage,” the memo read.

In an earlier memo on Friday, the refinery announced the suspension of petrol sales in naira, effective from Sunday, September 28, 2025, citing the exhaustion of its crude-for-naira allocation as the reason.

However, the intervention of the Federal Government committee in charge of the naira-for-crude deal was said to have resolved the differences.

The PUNCH also reported that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria instructed its members nationwide to withdraw their services following the alleged mass dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Refinery.

In a circular issued after an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Saturday, September 27, 2025, and signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating Nigeria’s labour laws, the Constitution, and International Labour Organisation conventions by dismissing workers for joining the association.

The NEC alleged the refinery had replaced the dismissed staff with “over 2,000 Indians,” calling the action “an affront to all workers in Nigeria.”

To press its demands, PENGASSAN directed members in field locations to down tools from Sunday, and ordered a total nationwide shutdown across offices, companies, institutions, and agencies from Monday.

The NEC further announced 24-hour prayer vigils and appealed for government intervention, declaring the strike will continue until the dismissed workers are reinstated.

However, with the intervention of the Federal Government, the strike might be called off.

Dangote refinery: TUC threatens strike, places members on alert

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria on Sunday placed its members on strike notice over what it tagged as “anti-worker” policies currently being implemented by the management of Dangote refinery.

The TUC also placed its members on alert for a nationwide strike should Dangote refinery fail to reinstate its sacked workers and issue full apology to its workers.

The TUC in the statement signed by its General Secretary, Dr Nuhu Toro, reads, “The TUC strongly condemns the recent anti-worker actions of the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, particularly the unjust termination of workers for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association and unionisation.

“We stand in full solidarity with the affected workers and with their union, our affiliate PENGASSAN, whose members have been victimised merely for declaring membership.

“Such actions amount to a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and on Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation conventions.”

The TUC in the statement demanded, “Immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all affected workers; Public apology from Dangote management with firm assurances against future victimisation; An independent investigation involving the Ministry of Labour, ILO and stakeholders into the refinery’s labour practices.”

“Congress hereby places all affiliates on stand-by for a national industrial action if Dangote management fails to comply with these demands within a reasonable time.

“No corporation, regardless of size or wealth, will be allowed to trample on the dignity and rights of Nigerian workers. The TUC stands united and ready to act decisively in defence of our members and the Nigerian workforce.”

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has instructed its members nationwide to withdraw their services following the alleged mass dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Refinery.

The NEC alleged the refinery had replaced the dismissed staff with “over 2,000 Indians,” calling the action “an affront to all workers in Nigeria.”

PUNCH Online reports that this particular clash began when Dangote refinery, in a letter dated September 24, 2025, ordered the sacking of some staff over alleged sabotage that it said threatened the operational safety of the 650,000-barrel-per-day facility.

PENGASSAN put the number of sacked staff at around 800, and called on the labour unions, relevant government agencies, and other stakeholders to intervene, describing the matter as one of “urgent national importance.”

But Dangote refinery denied the mass sacking. Management said the company was conducting an internal reorganisation to improve efficiency and insisted that the majority of its workforce remained Nigerian.

PENGASSAN’s action, if fully observed, risks disrupting supplies to the refinery and could have broader implications for downstream operations linked to the plant.

PSG to play first Intercontinental Cup final in December

European Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will play their first-ever Intercontinental Cup final in Doha, Qatar, on December 17, FIFA announced on Sunday.

Their opponents will only be determined four days earlier in the final playoff, called the Challenger Cup.

This will pit Egyptian club Pyramids, the African champions, against the winner of the match between Central American champions Cruz Azul from Mexico and the future winner of the Copa Libertadores.

The South American tournament is currently in the semi-final stage and includes two Brazilian sides.

Palmeiras are up against LDU Quito of Ecuador, while Flamengo take on the Argentinian side Racing.

The Copa Libertadores final takes place on November 29.

From 1960 to 2004, the Intercontinental Cup pitted the champions of Europe and South America against each other.

In 2005, it was renamed the Club World Cup to include other continental champions, but that competition was relaunched this year as a quadrennial tournament featuring 32 teams, with Chelsea as the inaugural winners of the new format.

The Intercontinental Cup was relaunched in its new form last year when Real Madrid beat Mexican club Pachuca.

AFP

BREAKING: PENGASSAN strike may trigger nationwide blackout, thermal plants shut down

Nigerians may face a nationwide blackout from Monday as power generation companies have raised the alarm over an imminent shutdown of thermal plants following directives from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the Association of Power Generating Companies, Joy Ogaji, raised the alarm over the imminent blackout in a WhatsApp message on Sunday.

She revealed that gas suppliers had issued notices to halt supply to thermal power stations in line with PENGASSAN’s strike resolution.

“Good day, all. Thermal GenCos have received notification from our gas suppliers to shut down our thermal power plants following directives from PENGASSAN. The Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company has specifically requested GenCos to comply,” Ogaji said in the post.

She warned that the development could plunge the country into darkness, as hydroelectric dams alone cannot sustain the national grid.

“Please all be notified of the imminent darkness, as hydros alone cannot sustain the system,” she added.

The warning comes hours after PENGASSAN announced that it would commence a nationwide strike on Monday to protest the dismissal of over 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The oil workers’ union, after an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Saturday, directed its members in all oil and gas installations to down tools until the sackings were reversed.

The action could cripple crude production, fuel supply, gas distribution and now electricity generation, worsening the hardship faced by Nigerians.

With thermal stations accounting for more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity supply, industry experts say the shutdown will trigger widespread outages, stretch hydro plants beyond capacity and heighten the risk of a nationwide system collapse.

PHOTOS: FG holds special thanksgiving service ahead of 65th Independence Day

As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.

The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.

Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.

Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.

The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.

This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.

“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The event is slated for October 2, 2025, at the Peacock Hall, Lagos.

Police, army rescue eight kidnapped bus passengers in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that a commuter bus belonging to Big Joe Ventures Ltd was attacked on Friday, and all twelve occupants were abducted.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, revealed that the police, in collaboration with the military, managed to rescue eight of the victims, while efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining four still held by the kidnappers.

A statement issued by the command late on Friday evening in response to an enquiry confirmed the abduction but noted that about eight of the victims were rescued, with the police and army searching for the remaining four.

The statement reads, “Kidnappers attacked a Big Joe Ventures Ltd Toyota Hiace commuter bus (Edo FUG 13 XY) along Okene–Auchi road. During the incident, the kidnappers abducted all 12 passengers commuting from Abuja to Benin in Edo State.”

He said that subsequently, the DPO Okene Division, CSP Nasir Muhammad, immediately mobilised police personnel in conjunction with the military and vigilantes in pursuit of the kidnappers.

He added, “In the process, eight victims, including the driver, were rescued, while efforts are still underway to rescue the remaining four victims and possibly arrest the perpetrators.”

On September 12, 2025, PUNCH Online reported that troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, rescued 17 kidnapped victims, including 13 adults and four children.

This was contained in a statement issued by the acting assistant director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi.

(https://punchng.com/troops-rescue-17-kidnap-victims-in-kogi/#google_vignette)

Obi clarifies Olubadan’s congratulatory message after backlash

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has clarified his congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, after facing backlash on social media.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that Obi had, in his goodwill message on Saturday, referred to the monarch as “my dear elder brother,” a phrase many saw as disrespectful to Yoruba traditional institutions.

The former Anambra governor’s choice of words drew criticism from several quarters, which was described as a breach of cultural protocol.

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, faulted Obi’s address, saying it demonstrated “lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish.”

He argued that royal fathers should be accorded full respect in both private and public communications.

Similarly, media aide to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Lere Olayinka, described Obi’s expression as evidence of “cultural ignorance and political arrogance,” noting that beyond protocol, the Olubadan was far older than Obi and deserved to be addressed with the full weight of his traditional authority.

The backlash sparked debates on social media, with many Nigerians weighing in on whether Obi’s style of informal endearment was appropriate when addressing a revered monarch.

However, responding in a post via his official X handle on Sunday, Obi clarified that his words were never intended to slight the throne, stressing that his message was borne out of goodwill.

“Certainly, no disrespect intended in my goodwill message to His Royal Majesty. I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.”

He explained that he often uses the expression “my dear elder brother” to address individuals close to him and for whom he has tremendous respect, citing his frequent affectionate references to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, in similar terms.

“I have read the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing. I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them. However, those who follow me would have noticed that I often prefer to use the expression ‘my dear elder brother’ when addressing individuals especially close to me,” he noted.

“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill,” Obi added.

Obi’s clarification comes as part of the growing national attention around the coronation of Oba Ladoja as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, which has drawn congratulatory messages from leaders across political and cultural spheres.

Swiss voters decide on electronic ID in second referendum Sunday

Voters in Switzerland will head to the polls on Sunday to decide whether to introduce a nationwide system of electronic identity cards.

This marks the second national referendum on the issue, following a 2021 rejection driven by concerns over data privacy and discomfort with the proposed system being managed largely by private companies.

According to the BBC, under the revised proposal, the new system would remain entirely optional and in public hands, with the data on the electronic IDs stored on users’ smartphones rather than centrally.

It comes as the UK government this week announced plans to introduce its own digital ID as part of efforts to curb the number of illegal migrants living and working in the country.

The proposed British digital ID would have fewer intended uses, but it has still raised concerns about privacy and data security.

Switzerland’s plan has already been approved by both its houses of Parliament, and the Swiss government recommends a “yes” vote.

Citizens can still choose to rely on a physical national identity card, which has been standard in Switzerland for decades.

To ease privacy concerns, a particular authority seeking information on a person – such as proof of age or nationality, for example – will only be able to check for those specific details.

Supporters say the system will make life much easier for everyone, allowing a range of bureaucratic procedures – from getting a telephone contract to proving you’re old enough to buy a bottle of wine – to happen quickly online.

But Switzerland has a long tradition of protecting its citizens’ privacy. The banking secrecy laws, now much diluted, were designed to shield an individual’s personal finances from the prying eyes of the state.

For years, Google Street View was controversial in Switzerland – and even today, following a ruling by the Swiss Federal Court, images taken close to schools, women’s refuges, hospitals, or prisons must be automatically blurred before going online.

There are also far fewer CCTV cameras in Switzerland than in many of its European neighbours.

Opponents of digital ID cards, who gathered enough signatures to force another referendum on the issue, argue that this measure could still undermine individual privacy.

They also fear that, despite the new restrictions on how data is collected and stored, it could still be used to track people and for marketing purposes.

The latest opinion polls, however, show that this time, voters may be ready to give electronic IDs a chance.

They have already had experience with the government’s COVID ID, which was used during the pandemic to show vaccination status and was mandatory to enter restaurants and bars.

Initial scepticism turned to satisfaction when people realised it allowed them, finally, to get out and about again.

As for the concerns about marketing of personal data, most Swiss have smartphones and are keen users of social media.

UPDATED: Russian strikes injure 10 in Ukraine

Ukraine said Sunday that Russia pounded the country with “hundreds” of drones and missiles overnight, wounding at least 10 people, as neighbouring Poland scrambled jets to secure its airspace.

The attacks came after Russia warned NATO against taking sterner action in response to alleged incursions into airspace covered by the military alliance.

They also followed the revelation by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Kyiv had received a US-made Patriot air defence system from Israel for use against Russian assaults.

“Russia launched another massive air attack on Ukrainian cities while people were sleeping,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said on X.

“Again, hundreds of drones and missiles, destroying residential buildings and causing civilian casualties,” he said.

He posted footage of flames bursting from the windows of a multi-storey apartment block, which Sybiga said was as a result of the attack.

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that the Ukrainian capital was under a “massive” assault and urged people to stay in shelters.

He said at least six people had been wounded “as a result of the enemy’s attack”, five of whom were treated in hospital and one at the scene.

The governor of the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region said Russian strikes there had wounded at least four people.

Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, accused Moscow of waging a “war against civilians”.

“There will be a response to these actions. But the West’s economic blows against Russia must also be stronger,” Yermak said.

Poland’s armed forces said on X that they had scrambled fighter jets in its airspace and put ground-based air defence systems on high alert in response to the Russian strikes in Ukraine.

The moves were preventive and aimed at securing Polish airspace and protecting citizens, especially in areas close to Ukraine, the forces said.

– ‘They will regret it’ –

In recent weeks, several European countries have accused Russia of violating their airspace with drones and fighter jets, in what NATO has viewed as a test of its resolve.

Russia has denied that it is responsible for the incursions or that it plans to attack any NATO nation.

Speaking during an address at the UN General Assembly in New York on Saturday, Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said “any aggression against my country will be met with a decisive response”.

Speaking later to reporters, Lavrov said that if any country downs objects still within Russian airspace, “they will very much regret it”.

After returning from his own trip to New York, where he also addressed the UN, Zelensky told reporters that “the Israeli (Patriot) system is operating in Ukraine”, adding that Kyiv would receive two more this autumn.

While initially neutral in the conflict, Israel’s ties with Moscow have cooled as Russia has drifted closer to Iran and condemned Israel’s war in Gaza.

Kyiv and Moscow also said on Saturday that the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant — Europe’s largest — had been off the grid for four days, stoking fears of a potential nuclear incident.

Police arrest kidnap suspects, cannabis smugglers in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intercepted a vehicle transporting 127 bags of suspected cannabis concealed under tubers of yam.

The interception took place on Friday, around 4pm along the Babanla–Oreke–Oke-Ode axis during a joint operation involving the police, operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigeria Forest Security Service, and local vigilantes.

Two suspects, Dan-Teni Haruna and Rabiu Ibrahim, both from Saliku in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, were arrested in connection with the cannabis smuggling.

According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, cannabis remains the most abused illicit drug in Nigeria, with seizures running into thousands of tonnes annually.

In a related breakthrough, three men identified as Mohammed Abubakar and Hussain, both from Tsaragi, and Tukur Ibrahim, a suspected notorious kidnapper, were also arrested for their roles in the invasion of Babanla.

On 8 August 2025, gunmen attacked Babanla, targeting a police station, looting shops, and causing fatalities.

Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the spokesperson of the command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, quoted the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, as commending the synergy that led to the arrests.

“This success is a result of effective collaboration between the police, the NSA operatives, the Nigeria Forest Security Service, and local vigilante groups,” Ojo said.

He vowed that criminal activities would not be tolerated in the state.

“We are determined to maintain security across Kwara. Let it be known that Kwara State will not be a safe haven for criminal elements,” the CP warned.

Ejire-Adeyemi added that the suspects are currently undergoing discreet investigation and will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the process.