Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Elegbede Abiodun Dangote’s refinery has capacity to produce up to three million metric tons of urea annually, most of ⁠which is typically exported to the United States and South America.  Dangote refinery, Africa’s largest, has increased export of petrol and urea to African countries hit by supply disruptions caused by the Iran war, its owner, Aliko Dangote said yesterday. Dangote said the refinery, operating at its maximum capacity of 650,000 barrels a day, had helped cushion the effect of the crisis both in Nigeria and across the continent, a Reuters report said. “What I can do is assure Nigerians ……

Manny Ita – Vice President Kashim Shettima is in Akoka to commission Nigeria’s first Artificial Intelligence UniPod at University of Lagos, marking a significant step in the country’s push to embrace emerging technologies. The AI UniPod initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme, is designed as a technology innovation hub where students, researchers, and startups can develop AI-driven solutions tailored to local and regional challenges. Speaking at the commissioning, Shettima described the project as a critical milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, noting that artificial intelligence will play a central role in shaping the future of education, governance, and…

Manny Ita  – Controversy is mounting in Nigeria’s power sector following the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦3.3 trillion legacy debt settlement for electricity generation companies (GenCos), a move authorities have described as critical to reviving the industry. The debt, accumulated over several years, is owed to GenCos for electricity generated and supplied to the national grid but not fully paid for due to liquidity challenges within the power value chain. Major beneficiaries are expected to include key operators such as Transcorp Power and Egbin Power Plc. Government officials have defended the decision, describing it as a “national rebirth” initiative…

Nigeria’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) database has grown to 68.6 million as of March 2026, according to newly released data by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). The figure, however, signals a slowdown in new registrations compared with previous years, following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) introduction of stricter BVN rules last month. Data from NIBSS shows that the database rose by 754,128 between January and March 2026. In 2025, a total of 4.3 million BVNs were registered, largely driven by the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) initiative, which allows Nigerians in the diaspora to register remotely. Despite the…

Manny Ita  – A new report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has raised fresh concerns over insecurity in Nigeria, alleging that more than 1,400 Christians were killed between January and early April 2026 in a wave of violent attacks across several regions. The rights group said the killings occurred largely in northern and central parts of the country, where communities have faced recurring attacks linked to insurgent groups, armed bandits, and farmer-herder conflicts. Intersociety, a Nigeria-based research and advocacy organisation, has consistently tracked religious violence and mass atrocities, previously reporting that thousands of…

Manny Ita  – A tragic road accident has marred the post-Easter period, with four persons confirmed dead and eight others injured in a lone crash along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The incident occurred near Christopher University in the Mowe axis of Ogun State, involving a commercial Toyota Hiace bus carrying 13 passengers. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps disclosed that the crash was caused by a tyre burst compounded by excessive speed, which led the driver to lose control of the vehicle. According to the FRSC, eight victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were immediately evacuated to a nearby…

Manny Ita  – Nigeria’s agricultural sector is witnessing a sharp rebound in investor confidence, with new data showing a 224 percent surge in investment, even as the country grapples with a deepening food waste crisis. According to recent figures, agricultural investment rose significantly to $167.3 million in 2025 from $51.7 million in 2024, reflecting renewed domestic and foreign interest in the sector. Analysts attribute the growth to favourable government policies, import waivers, and rising demand driven by Nigeria’s growing population, which continues to make agriculture an attractive investment destination despite persistent structural challenges. The rebound follows a period of decline…

16 countries have qualified for the 2026 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations as announced by the Confederation of African Football.  The teams were confirmed on CAF’s website on Sunday, following Algeria’s qualification after defeating Egypt 1-0 at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium to seal their place at the continental finals. The 2026 U-17 AFCON, to be hosted by Morocco, will run from April 25 to May 15, 2026, and serve as the primary qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. The top 10 teams from the finals will earn spots at the global youth championship, which expands…

Manny Ita  – The Lagos State Government has rolled out extensive traffic and security measures ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit, deploying more than 500 additional officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority to manage movement across the city. The deployment, announced by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, is aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow, heightened security, and minimal disruption during the President’s stay. Authorities said the officers will be stationed at major highways, key junctions, and project corridors linked to the President’s itinerary, where several infrastructure projects are scheduled for commissioning. The General Manager…

Manny Ita  – Oil-producing states including Rivers State, Abia State, and Imo State have emerged among the worst performers in Nigeria’s 2025 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index, according to a report by Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative, highlighting deep-rooted weaknesses in transparency and accountability despite substantial revenue inflows. The report, unveiled in Abuja on March 31, ranked Rivers and Abia states joint 36th with a score of nine per cent each, placing them at the bottom of the index, while Imo State ranked 32nd with 18 per cent. Other low-performing states include Benue State and Taraba State, which ranked 34th and 33rd…