Home Blog Page 61

Dangote Explores Investment Opportunities in Burundi, Meets President Ndayishimiye

By
blacktalker
-
0
Dangote Explores Investment Opportunities in Burundi, Meets President Ndayishimiye

Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has paid a strategic visit to Burundi to explore new investment opportunities and advance plans to expand the Group’s footprint across the African continent.

Dangote held high-level talks with Burundian President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, at the presidential palace, in a meeting that underscored growing economic and diplomatic engagement between both parties.

The business mogul was accompanied by former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and described the visit as both diplomatic and investment-driven.

He stated that two technical teams, one representing the Burundian government and the other the Dangote Group, have been constituted to identify priority sectors and develop bankable investment projects.

“Our focus really is investing heavily in the African continent, not anywhere else, and so Burundi is part and parcel of that African region,” Dangote said after the meeting.

He identified solid minerals, power generation, agriculture, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure development as sectors with strong investment potential, noting that the objective is to build sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships that will drive economic growth and shared prosperity.

Official sources indicated that discussions during the visit focused on strategic cooperation in infrastructure, logistics, industrialisation, and energy, areas the Burundian government has prioritised as critical to its long-term economic transformation agenda.

The engagement aligns with Burundi’s broader efforts to attract large-scale private sector investment and deepen economic ties with leading African industrial players.

Oyo/Osun Customs Command Strengthens Inter-Agency, Traditional Collaboration

By
blacktalker
-
0
Oyo/Osun Customs Command Strengthens Inter-Agency, Traditional Collaboration

Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has reaffirmed its commitment to stronger inter-agency cooperation and community engagement through a series of strategic courtesy and familiarisation visits aimed at boosting security, intelligence sharing and operational efficiency.

The engagements, which took place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, form part of the Command’s efforts to deepen collaboration with key stakeholders in addressing emerging security challenges and safeguarding national interests.

As part of the initiative, the Operational Headquarters of the Command hosted a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Works Station, Ibadan, led by Air Commodore D.U. Njoku. The delegation was received by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, alongside principal officers of the Command.

Air Commodore Njoku stressed the importance of sustained inter-agency synergy in combating smuggling, economic sabotage and other transborder crimes, noting that effective collaboration among security agencies remains critical to national security.

In his response, Deputy Comptroller Adewole expressed appreciation for the visit and reiterated the Command’s readiness to strengthen existing partnerships.

He emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to its core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation and border security, adding that cooperation with sister agencies significantly enhances operational outcomes.

The Acting Area Controller also paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Oyo State Command, where he was received by the Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, representing the State Controller, DC V.C. Oyeaka. Discussions focused on improving intelligence sharing, coordinated border management and proactive measures to strengthen the state’s security architecture.

In furtherance of stakeholder engagement, Deputy Comptroller Adewole paid homage to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja. The visit underscored the Service’s recognition of traditional institutions as key partners in maintaining peace, promoting lawful trade and supporting community-based security initiatives.

Adewole reaffirmed that the Oyo/Osun Area Command would continue to build productive relationships with security agencies, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the effective discharge of its statutory responsibilities.

Ooni of Ife, Osoba to Grace New Telegraph Awards Night in Lagos

By
blacktalker
-
0
Ooni of Ife, Osoba to Grace New Telegraph Awards Night in Lagos

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has accepted to serve as the Royal Father of the Day at the New Telegraph Awards Night and Dinner scheduled for this Friday at the Grand Ballroom of Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

Also confirmed for the event is veteran journalist and former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, who will chair the ceremony.

The New Telegraph Awards Night/Dinner is a high-profile gathering that recognises outstanding achievements across governance, business, finance, sports, and public service.

Governors, captains of industry, senior executives, and other key public and private sector players are expected to attend, with at least nine state governors already confirming their participation.

In a letter personally delivered by the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Mr Ayodele Aminu, the management of Daily Telegraph Publishing Company described the Ooni’s selection as a reflection of his commitment to service, excellence, and integrity during his over 10-year reign as the paramount ruler of the Yoruba nation.

Similarly, Osoba’s choice as Chairman was attributed to his enduring connection to journalism and consistent engagement with media professionals, years after serving as governor. A former Editor-in-Chief of Daily Times and Grand Patron of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Osoba is widely respected for maintaining strong ties with his professional roots.

According to Aminu, Osoba embodies the ideal of professional loyalty and mentorship, noting that he continues to identify closely with journalists across generations despite his stature in national politics.

LASG SENSITISES CORPS MEMBERS ON PEDAGOGY OF HEALTH

By
blacktalker
-
0
LASG SENSITISES CORPS MEMBERS ON PEDAGOGY OF HEALTH

In a bid to ensure that corps members in the medical space are abreast with international best practice, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has organized a day induction and training of 2025 NYSC Corps Members on Pedagogy of Health.

Speaking at the programme held at Adeyeml Bero Auditorium, Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende stressed the need for all corps to be taken through training programme for them to be equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills for them to be able to discharge their duties as expected without endangering any life.

Mr Ogunlende who described corps members in the medical field as ones carrying a higher responsibility assured the participants that the Ministry will sustain the programme in order for all corps members deployed to Lagos are well prepared for the task of handling people facing different health challenges.

According to Mr Ogunlende the health ambassadors in schools, communities and institutions need the training to provide them with tools for effective communication strategies for health education; communication engagement techniques; basic public health principles and ethical standards required in delivering health information responsibly.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-osanyintolu noted that the emphasis on pedagogy of health was essential for the participants as possession of knowledge would not be enough for them to tackle some of the challenges that they would likely come across in the course of practice.

Pharm (Mrs) Oke-osanyintolu, who was represented by Director, Administration and Human Resource Department, Mr Abiodun Dina, implored the participants to think creatively, be innovative, have curiousity, collaborate with other health practitioners and employ technology in addition to upholding professionalism, integrity and compassion in order for them to remain relevant wherever they find themselves.

The facilitators Mrs Tayo Adetoro, Head of Planning,Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, LASHMA; Dr Banke Odunsi, Head of Digital Health, Ministry of Health; and Dr Adegoke Aminah, Medical Officer, Directorate of Staff Health Services, Lagos State Health Ministry took the participants on “Lagos State Smart Health Information Platform (Lagos SHIP)”, “Lagos State Health Scheme Law of Y2025” and “Protective and Preventive Health Scheme”.

Dangote Refinery Clarifies: No Importation of Finished PMS into Nigeria

By
blacktalker
-
0
S&P Identifies Dangote Refinery as Major Driver of Nigeria’s Economic Recovery

Dangote Refinery has clarified reports alleging that it imports finished Premium Motor Spirit, PMS into Nigeria, describing the claims as misleading and a misrepresentation of its operations.

In a statement issued on Monday, Dangote Petroleum Refinery faulted recent publications attributed to S&P Global and amplified through newspaper advertisements, which suggested that the refinery brings finished petrol into the country. The company said the reports present a distorted picture of Nigeria’s refining landscape and its role in the domestic fuel supply chain.

According to the refinery, the issue was addressed during an S&P Global forum held in the United Kingdom, where clarifications were provided on its operations. The company stated that following the engagement, the forum acknowledged the refinery’s significance in reshaping global refining dynamics.

Dangote Refinery stressed that it does not import finished PMS, commonly referred to as petrol or gasoline, into Nigeria. Instead, it explained that it only imports feedstocks and blending components used to optimise the performance of its secondary processing units.

The refinery noted that such materials, which include high sulphur reformates, low-RON condensates and high sulphur cracked gasoline, are intermediate products that require further processing before they can meet regulated fuel specifications. It added that classifying these materials as finished fuel is technically incorrect.

“This refinery does not import finished PMS into Nigeria. What we import are feedstocks and blending components that must undergo additional processing to meet market specifications. This is a standard global practice among merchant refineries,” the company stated.

Dangote Refinery further explained that refineries across Europe and Asia routinely adopt similar strategies to optimise crude slates, improve operational flexibility and enhance margins. It warned that misrepresenting intermediate streams as finished fuel undermines public understanding and confidence in Nigeria’s domestic refining progress.

The company also alleged that the misleading narrative was being driven by individuals opposed to Nigeria’s transition away from fuel imports. According to the statement, such actors have vested interests in sustaining import dependence and will be held accountable.

Dangote Refinery disclosed that it has identified those behind the reports and would reveal their identities and motives at the appropriate time, adding that legal action would be pursued.

For clarity, the refinery reiterated that the only PMS supplied to the Nigerian market from its operations is Euro 5–compliant fuel. It said every batch undergoes strict quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with international standards.

Since commencing operations, the refinery said it has significantly improved the quality of petroleum products available in Nigeria and helped end the country’s reliance on low-grade, high-sulphur fuel imports historically associated with the West African market.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery called on S&P Global and other industry stakeholders to exercise greater technical accuracy and responsibility in their reporting, noting that such reports influence global perceptions of Nigeria’s energy sector.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, promoting environmental sustainability and supporting economic transformation through world-class refining operations.

SIFAX Group’s Ports and Cargo Targets Stronger Rebound in 2026

By
blacktalker
-
0
SIFAX Group's Ports and Cargo Targets Stronger Rebound in 2026

Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, has projected a stronger operational and revenue rebound in 2026, building on gains recorded in 2025 following a strategic refocus on general cargo and break-bulk handling.

The company said its improved performance in 2025 was driven by a deliberate repositioning of the terminal after a challenging 2024, when the loss of some high-profile clients negatively impacted cargo volumes and earnings. In response, management shifted focus from container-dependent operations to general cargo and break-bulk services, a move that stabilised operations and opened a new growth trajectory.

Managing Director of Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, John Jenkins, explained that internal operational reforms were central to the recovery. According to him, the company restructured its stevedoring activities, leading to a significant reduction in operating costs and noticeable improvements in productivity following a change in service provider.

Jenkins said the company also invested in critical operational equipment, including forklifts and spare parts, while rebalancing its workforce to strengthen service delivery. He noted that key operational roles were filled with experienced personnel to support higher cargo volumes and improve efficiency across the terminal.

Looking ahead to 2026, the company projected significant revenue growth, with general cargo expected to account for the largest share. This growth is being driven by increased volumes of steel, vehicles and palletised cargo, alongside rising import flows from Asia into Nigeria.

To sustain the momentum and prepare for higher business volumes, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited has outlined a capital expenditure plan for 2026. The plan includes crane upgrades, the acquisition of additional forklifts and terminal trucks, aimed at easing capacity constraints, reducing reliance on hired equipment and maintaining operational efficiency.

While acknowledging ongoing challenges such as limited terminal space and volatility in container shipping services, management expressed confidence in the company’s outlook for the year.

According to Jenkins, lessons learned during the 2025 recovery period have strengthened the company’s approach to cost control, customer engagement and operational execution. He added that with demand no longer the primary constraint, the focus for 2026 would be on efficient execution, handling increased cargo volumes while protecting margins and sustaining profitability.

Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited operates within SIFAX Group’s ports and logistics portfolio, providing specialised cargo handling solutions and playing a growing role in Nigeria’s maritime and trade ecosystem.

Oando Boss, Wale Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Embrace Patriotism, Innovation

By
blacktalker
-
0
Oando Boss, Wale Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Embrace Patriotism, Innovation

Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, Dr. Jubril Adewale Tinubu (CON), has highlighted the critical role of learning from failure in nation-building, urging Nigerians to embrace patriotism and collective responsibility for national development.

Speaking in Lagos, Dr. Tinubu, fondly known as J.A.T., emphasized that failures should be seen as opportunities for growth, stressing that citizens must internalize lessons from past mistakes to ensure future success.

“We learn from our failures, and we get it right. We stop condemning the country and believing the country cannot go right. The country can go right when we, as a people, collectively move in one direction,” he said.

The business leader made the remarks shortly after being conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in Business at the 56th Convocation of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), in recognition of his contributions to enterprise-building, energy sector transformation, and national development.

Dr. Tinubu highlighted the importance of risk-taking as a foundation for success, noting that fear of failure prevents many from achieving their potential.

“Think about nations that have gone to the moon or people who have climbed Mount Everest. It doesn’t matter how many times they tried; what matters is perseverance and learning from every attempt,” he said.

As the founder of Oando Clean Energy Limited, established in 2021 to deliver sustainable energy projects aligned with Nigeria’s energy needs and the UN’s net-zero agenda, Dr. Tinubu also underscored the importance of public-private collaboration, particularly in social services, health, and education. He urged alumni to reinvest in their institutions, fostering continuous societal and institutional development.

Reflecting on UNILAG’s legacy, Dr. Tinubu described the university as a hub for innovation, STEM research, entrepreneurship, and creative industries. He highlighted the institution’s role in producing nation-builders who contribute to public service, law, science, enterprise, medicine, arts, and diplomacy.

“The reforms underway in Nigeria seek to stabilise the economy, restore confidence, unlock productivity, and improve security, health, and social welfare. But reforms succeed when ideas shape action and knowledge guides leadership. Citadels of learning like UNILAG are not mere spectators; they are drivers of national progress,” he said.

Dr. Tinubu’s personal journey from a young lawyer in Lagos to leading a global energy conglomerate underscores his message of courage, conviction, and persistence.

He recounted the early challenges of founding Oando, evolving it from an oil trading and shipping company into sub-Saharan Africa’s foremost integrated energy group with a cross-border listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Beyond business, Dr. Tinubu is a renowned philanthropist and humanitarian. Through the Oando Foundation, he has transformed education and social welfare across Nigeria, adopting 88 public primary schools, supporting over 500,000 students, training over 5,000 teachers, and establishing 39 digital learning centres. He also led private sector interventions addressing humanitarian crises in northeastern Nigeria.

Globally, Dr. Tinubu serves as a member of the World Economic Forum’s oil and gas governors, participates in high-level climate and sustainable development discussions, co-chairs the US-Nigeria commercial investment dialogue, and advises the Nigerian government on public policy, infrastructure, and economic transformation.

In October 2022, Dr. Tinubu was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), cementing his status as a transformative leader committed to national development and African industrial progress.

Ogun Police, Nigerian Cancer Society Move to Promote Awareness, Early Detection

By
blacktalker
-
0
Ogun Police, Nigerian Cancer Society Move to Promote Awareness, Early Detection

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Ph.D. has hosted members of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Ogun State Chapter, led by Secretary Dr. Bolaji Lateef Salako, at the Command Headquarters in a strategic engagement aimed at promoting cancer awareness and preventive healthcare.

The delegation used the visit to educate the Commissioner and senior officers on key cancer prevention strategies, the importance of early detection, and practical steps to reduce the risk of the disease. Early diagnosis, they emphasized, remains critical to improving treatment outcomes and saving lives.

CP Ogunlowo welcomed the initiative, commending the Nigerian Cancer Society for its proactive approach and collaborative spirit.

He highlighted that such engagements are vital to raising health consciousness among law enforcement personnel and the general public, particularly in areas where cancer awareness is low.

“The Nigerian Cancer Society’s visit reinforces our commitment to preventive healthcare and ensuring that officers and the public are well-informed about cancer risks and early detection methods,” CP Ogunlowo said.

This partnership between the Ogun State Police Command and the Nigerian Cancer Society underscores the importance of multi-sector collaboration in fighting cancer, enhancing public health education, and promoting early intervention strategies across the state.

CSOs Urge Conference Committee to Mandate Electronic Transmission of Election Results Ahead 2027 Polls

By
blacktalker
-
0
CSOs Urge Conference Committee to Mandate Electronic Transmission of Election Results Ahead 2027 Polls

Civil society organisations have called on the conference committee of the National Assembly to adopt a clear and mandatory framework for the electronic transmission of election results, in a move aimed at strengthening transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The call was made in a joint statement presented by the Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, and the Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade.

The groups urged lawmakers to expeditiously harmonise the differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives on the Electoral Amendment Bill.

According to the civil society organisations, electronic transmission of election results should be compulsory rather than discretionary, stressing that certainty and clarity in the law are essential for credible and trustworthy elections.

They specifically advised the conference committee to retain the House of Representatives’ provision that mandates electronic transmission of results.

However, the groups cautioned against tying the law to a single technological platform, noting that referencing specific systems such as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing (IReV) portal could create rigidity in the legislation. They argued that electoral technology continues to evolve and that the law should be flexible enough to accommodate innovation.

To address this concern, the organisations recommended a technology-neutral approach that makes electronic transmission of results a legal obligation, while allowing the electoral management body the flexibility to determine the most appropriate platforms for implementation.

The groups proposed an amendment to Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Bill to state that designated election officials “shall electronically transmit all election results in real time, including the number of accredited voters, directly from polling units and collation centres to a public portal.” They further suggested that electronically transmitted results should be used to verify outcomes before final collation.

Clarifying the concept of real-time transmission, the organisations explained that it refers to the electronic uploading of officially announced polling unit results immediately after counting, in the presence of party agents, observers and voters.

They noted that this approach would ensure that results declared at polling units are publicly available for verification before physical movement for collation, thereby enhancing transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

The recommendations form part of broader submissions to the conference committee set up by the Senate and the House of Representatives to reconcile differences in their respective versions of the Electoral Bill.

The civil society groups urged the committee to prioritise legal certainty, institutional integrity and democratic accountability as it concludes work on the amendments, warning that credible elections depend largely on clear and enforceable electoral laws.

CAPPA Hails Nigeria’s First PCBs Treatment Facility, Seeks Compliance, Enforcement

By
blacktalker
-
0
CAPPA Hails Nigeria's First PCBs Treatment Facility, Seeks Compliance, Enforcement

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has welcomed the commissioning of Nigeria’s first dedicated Polychlorinated Biphenyls, PCBs treatment facility, describing it as a major milestone in the country’s chemicals and hazardous waste management efforts.

The facility, established under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility, GEF and the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, was inaugurated in Abuja on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

In a statement, CAPPA said the commissioning represents a critical infrastructure achievement within Nigeria’s national framework for managing toxic chemicals and wastes.

Polychlorinated biphenyls are classified as persistent organic pollutants known for their high toxicity, environmental persistence and ability to bioaccumulate in living organisms.

Scientific evidence links PCBs to cancer, endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, neurodevelopmental damage, reproductive disorders and severe harm to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Improper handling or disposal of PCB-containing materials can lead to widespread contamination of soil, water sources and the food chain, posing serious public health risks.

CAPPA noted that Nigeria, as a signatory to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, is legally obligated to eliminate the use of PCBs, identify and label PCB-containing equipment, and ensure their environmentally sound management and final disposal.

The organisation stated that the commissioning of the treatment facility demonstrates Nigeria’s compliance with its international treaty obligations and its domestic regulatory framework under the National Environmental (PCBs Control and Disposal) Regulations, 2020.

Commenting on the development, the Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the establishment of the facility validates the intent of the PCBs Control and Disposal Regulations and signals the Federal Government’s readiness to operationalise environmentally sound systems for hazardous chemical waste management.

According to him, the facility will enhance national capacity for the treatment, decontamination and final disposal of PCB-containing equipment and wastes, reduce occupational exposure, prevent environmental releases and mitigate long-term public health risks.

However, Oluwafemi stressed the need for the Federal Government to ensure full compliance with all provisions of the Regulations, including strict controls on the manufacture, importation, storage, transportation, use, discharge and disposal of PCBs and PCB-containing products.

He also called for robust inventory development, monitoring, reporting and enforcement mechanisms, including sanctions, to guarantee effective implementation nationwide.

Oluwafemi further urged the Federal Government to prioritise the scaling up, sustained investment, technical upgrades and long-term operational sustainability of the facility, noting that adequate funding and skilled personnel are essential to meeting national PCB phase-out targets and realising the environmental and socio-economic benefits associated with the project.

CAPPA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmental governance, chemical safety and public participation, and to engaging relevant stakeholders to support Nigeria’s transition towards the complete elimination of PCBs in an environmentally sound and socially responsible manner.

1...606162...272Page 61 of 272