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FG Engaging PETROAN As Association Plans Three-Day Nationwide Fuel Shutdown

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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has confirmed that the Federal Government has initiated talks aimed at resolving the issues behind the association’s planned three-day nationwide suspension of fuel distribution, set to begin at midnight on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

The update was given by PETROAN National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, during an interview on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme aired on Monday.

Gillis-Harry explained that the proposed shutdown was primarily a response to alleged monopolistic practices by the Dangote Refinery, which he claims is attempting to dominate the downstream petroleum sector from refining and logistics to retail distribution.

“This isn’t a fight, we want Dangote Refinery to succeed. But the industry must function with clearly defined roles for all stakeholders. What we’re insisting on is fairness and efficiency,” he said.

According to PETROAN’s Public Relations Officer, Joseph Obele, the association had given the government until Monday night to engage stakeholders and avert the shutdown, which is aimed at resisting monopolistic control and defending workers’ rights.

In a related development, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) also issued a strike notice, effective Monday, September 8, citing what it described as exploitative labour practices by Dangote Refinery.

The union, in a statement signed by President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olufemi, likened the treatment of workers to “modern-day slavery.”

While NUPENG has not yet fully downed tools, the union issued a warning strike notice, alerting the public of an impending disruption if concerns are not addressed.

“Our retail outlets staff are union members. So, if NUPENG proceeds with the strike, our operations will be automatically grounded,” Gillis-Harry explained.

The Dangote Group has not responded publicly to the accusations.

However, tensions are reportedly being fueled by the refinery’s recent move to import 4,000 CNG-powered trucks to handle direct distribution, bypassing traditional logistics players in the industry.

PETROAN and NUPENG argue that such vertical integration undermines existing structures and could lead to unregulated pricing, poor labour standards, and a potential crisis in fuel supply chain management.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has urged restraint from all parties.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, in a statement issued by ministry spokesperson Patience Onuobia, appealed to both PETROAN and NUPENG to suspend any planned industrial action.

The ministry also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw its red alert, which had urged affiliate unions to prepare for solidarity action.

“We are actively engaging all stakeholders to ensure the sector remains stable,” Dingyadi said.

“A disruption in the petroleum distribution chain at this time could have significant economic consequences.”

Consultations between the government and stakeholders reportedly intensified over the weekend and continued into Monday.

Both PETROAN and NUPENG expressed cautious optimism that a resolution could be reached before the Tuesday deadline.

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JUST IN: FCT Resident Doctors Begin Seven-Day Strike Over Systemic Health Failures

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The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT), has officially commenced a seven-day warning strike, citing deep-rooted issues plaguing the FCT healthcare system.

In a communique signed by ARD-FCT President, Dr. George Ebong, alongside other executive members, the association described the FCT health sector as suffering from a long-standing systemic failure in urgent need of comprehensive reform.

Dr. Ebong lamented that doctors in the nation’s capital are overburdened, often forced to cover multiple departments due to severe manpower shortages.

He warned that continued neglect of these issues could trigger a collapse of the entire system.

“We are stretched beyond capacity. The current state of the FCT health system is not sustainable,” he said.

Key Demands of ARD-FCT include immediate recruitment to address manpower shortages, provision and repair of non-functional medical equipment, improvement of working conditions across FCT hospitals, settlement of unpaid allowances and salaries as well as prompt promotion and fair remuneration for promoted staff.

The association also stressed that reforms must include input from frontline healthcare workers, warning that top-down decision-making often leads to ineffective policies.

To drive home their point, the doctors have given the FCT administration one week to initiate meaningful reforms, particularly in the areas of staffing and welfare.

Failure to meet these demands, they warned, could result in extended industrial action.

Reacting to the strike action, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isaq Salako, expressed optimism that ongoing talks with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) could forestall the planned disruption.

“Yes, NARD has issued an ultimatum, but with the level of engagement so far, I believe we’re making progress,” Salako said during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

He acknowledged that the major contention revolves around the outstanding residency training allowance, with about 40% of the 2025 allocation still unpaid.

“That is my hope, and that is what we are working on,” the Minister responded when asked if the issue would be resolved before the deadline.

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Enugu Governor Approves N80,000 Minimum Wage For Forest Guards

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In a major step to bolster forest security and environmental protection, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has approved the restructuring of the state’s Forest Guard system, including a new minimum wage of ₦80,000 for personnel.

This development aligns with the newly adopted state-wide minimum wage and is part of a broader initiative to enhance the operational capacity and welfare of forest security operatives.

According to a statement by the Governor’s media aide, Uche Anichukwu, the reform also includes a directive to clamp down on illegal logging activities across the state.

Governor Mbah has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of anyone found engaging in deforestation or felling immature trees.

The restructuring was detailed by the State Commander of the Forest Guard, Akinbayo Olasoji, during a series of stakeholder engagements held across Enugu’s three senatorial zones.

The consultations involved local government chairmen, traditional rulers, town union leaders, farmers, hunters, youth groups, and vigilantes.

The aim, according to Olasoji, is to promote community involvement and transparency in the recruitment of forest guards.

“We are prioritizing candidates with proven integrity. All applicants must be endorsed by their traditional rulers and town unions,” Olasoji stated.

He also disclosed that training for the first batch of newly recruited personnel will commence later this month, under the supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

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Enugu Rep Member, Prof. Nnamchi Empowers Constituents With Laptops, Boosts Youth Digital Literacy Initiative

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The member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Prof. Paul Nnamchi, has donated brand-new laptops to nine instructors of the Professor Paul Nnamchi Tech Hub and Youth Innovation (PPNTAYI) Free Computer Training Programme.

The initiative, which ran throughout August 2025, continues to gain momentum in transforming digital education across Enugu East and Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency.

The laptops were presented to the instructors during a brief but impactful ceremony, where Prof. Nnamchi lauded their unwavering dedication to the programme.

He emphasized that the quality of knowledge transferred was evident in the confidence and competence of the trainees.

“Your commitment has not gone unnoticed. These laptops are not just gifts, they are tools to enhance your capacity and reinforce the impact you’re already making,” Prof. Nnamchi said.

“If we stay the course together, this partnership will be mutually rewarding, not just for us, but for the future of our youths.”

The beneficiaries of the laptops include Igwe Daniel (Coordinator), Ikegbunam Stephen, Nweke Mary (the only female recipient), Aya Okwudili, Odika Chinedu, Ogbu Ebuka, Onuduagu Emphriam, Ebuka Eze and Okechukwu Ifobuike.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Daniel Chukwu, the Programme Coordinator, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the lawmaker.

He noted that the laptops would not only improve the instructors’ future training delivery but also symbolize a deep investment in the growth of the programme.

“Prof. Nnamchi’s gesture has deeply inspired us. His unwavering commitment to building a digitally literate generation is transforming lives, one training session at a time,” Chukwu stated.

Held simultaneously in Mbu (Isi-Uzo) and Emene (Enugu East) from August 1st to 31st, the 2025 edition of the training programme attracted over 1,000 participants, mostly youths eager to gain practical computer skills.

Prof. Nnamchi’s vision for the PPNTAYI programme is anchored on a simple but powerful idea: to bridge the digital divide and empower young people with relevant 21st-century skills that can transform their communities.

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Smart School: Caucus Leader, Nnoli Nnaji Defends Enugu State Over Alleged N5.7 Billion Contract Breach

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The Leader of the Enugu State Caucus in the House of Representatives and Member representing Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, has risen in strong defence of the Enugu State Government amid an ongoing contract dispute involving Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited.

The controversy stems from a multi-billion-naira contract awarded to Sujimoto for the construction of 22 smart school buildings across Enugu State.

According to Hon. Nnaji, the company, led by CEO Mr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, received N5.7 billion, representing 50 percent of the total contract sum of ₦11.46 billion, but failed to deliver on the agreed terms.

“This is not just a breach of contract, it is a calculated act of fraud,” Rt. Hon. Nnaji said in a statement.

“Ogundele’s actions are highly irresponsible and a betrayal of the trust placed in his company by the people and government of Enugu State.”

The contract, signed on July 2, 2024, stipulated a six-month completion period, designed to ensure that the schools would be ready before the new academic session in September 2025.

However, despite the upfront payment, no meaningful work has been completed at any of the sites.

Hon. Nnaji also questioned the financial arrangements surrounding the contract, noting that while Ogundele presented a Jaiz Bank guarantee, he instructed that payments be made into his company’s Zenith Bank account, a move the lawmaker described as suspicious and indicative of premeditated fraud.

“It is regrettable that a company which claims to operate with high standards would resort to such manipulative tactics to scam the Enugu State Government,” Nnaji stated.

“I call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover every kobo paid to the company and ensure full accountability.”

The lawmaker emphasized that the matter goes beyond financial loss, it affects thousands of students whose access to modern educational facilities now hangs in the balance.

“This was a flagship project meant to uplift public education in Enugu State. The failure of Sujimoto to deliver is not just an insult to the government, it is a direct sabotage of the future of our children,” he said.

Rt. Hon. Nnaji further urged the Enugu State Government to seek full compensation for the breach, in addition to recovering the lost funds.

He reiterated his commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance, particularly in projects that impact public welfare.

“I stand with the people and government of Enugu State in demanding justice. We must not allow impunity to thrive in a democracy,” Nnaji concluded.

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PETROAN Joins NUPENG In Protest, Threatens Nationwide Shutdown Over Dangote CNG Trucks

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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has issued a three-day warning ahead of a potential suspension in the lifting and dispensing of petroleum products across the country, starting Tuesday morning.

This action is in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which has declared a nationwide strike beginning Monday, September 8, to protest alleged anti-labour practices connected to the deployment of Dangote Refinery’s new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks.

According to a statement by PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, the strike is not only in defense of workers’ rights but also in opposition to what the association views as monopolistic business practices threatening the future of the downstream petroleum sector.

NUPENG and PETROAN have raised concerns over the direct distribution model introduced by Dangote Refinery, which bypasses traditional supply chains by delivering petroleum products straight to end-users using newly imported CNG trucks.

Dangote officials argue the strategy aims to cut logistics costs, improve energy efficiency, and boost national economic development. However, PETROAN insists this approach undermines fair competition and risks wiping out smaller players in the sector including depot owners, modular refinery operators, truck owners, and retail marketers.

“If left unchecked, these aggressive strategies will force millions into unemployment and cripple businesses across the petroleum value chain,” Gillis-Harry warned.

The PETROAN President has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to urgently intervene before the situation escalates.

He also appealed to the NNPC Group CEO, the Director-General of the DSS, and the Inspector General of Police to step in and help prevent hardship for Nigerians caused by potential fuel shortages.

“We’re advocating for a level playing field, not monopoly. Any attempt to dominate the sector must be resisted for the sake of national interest,” Gillis-Harry added.

Gillis-Harry noted that pump attendants working at PETROAN-affiliated filling stations are also members of NUPENG.

As such, the strike will result in their absence from work, causing disruption in fuel dispensing nationwide.

He warned station owners against penalizing workers who participate in the strike, emphasizing that no employee should be sacked for their involvement.

To enforce this, PETROAN will deploy a 120-man compliance team to monitor activities at fuel outlets and ensure safety.

“This is a peaceful and lawful action in support of workers’ rights and sector sustainability,” he said.

Drawing a comparison with the past, Gillis-Harry cautioned Nigerians not to be swayed by the short-term benefits of Dangote’s pricing or supply model, likening it to the early days of Dangote Cement’s market entry, which critics say eventually led to market dominance and higher prices.

“Let’s not forget how the cement sector evolved. What may seem generous today could lead to monopolistic control tomorrow,” he cautioned.

PETROAN held an emergency general meeting over the weekend, resolving to hold further consultations through Sunday and Monday.

However, if no resolution is reached, the association says its members will begin nationwide suspension of operations early Tuesday.

“PETROAN remains committed to a fair, competitive, and sustainable oil and gas industry. We will stand with other stakeholders to ensure this sector continues to serve the interest of all Nigerians, not just a few,” Gillis-Harry concluded.

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2027: Unity Among APC Leaders Key To Winning Governorship Elections – Rep Member

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Hon. Remi Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has called on leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to unite ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF) in Ido Local Government, held Saturday at BEMBO Village, Apata, Ibadan, Oseni emphasized that internal cohesion within the party is critical to reclaiming the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Our mission is clear for 2027, Oyo must speak with one voice for President Tinubu, and APC must return to power in this state,” Oseni said. “This is not just politics; it is about hope, justice, and prosperity for our people.”

The event followed a similar launch in Ibarapa East Local Government, part of a wider grassroots mobilisation strategy. Oseni revealed that ROCOF has now been established across all 33 local governments in the state.

Oseni clarified that ROCOF is not an alternative political structure but a grassroots movement within the APC framework aimed at promoting justice, equity, accountability, and good governance.

He expressed confidence that the APC will not only return to power in Oyo by 2027 but do so stronger and more united.

“We must align with the Federal Government for greater progress. Our roads, hospitals, industries, and farmers need federal support — and only political alignment can guarantee that.”

He added that traditional rulers, market leaders, and the grassroots are rallying behind the APC, describing them as the “backbone” of the movement.

As part of his broader community outreach, Oseni also unveiled a scholarship scheme for indigent students, offering full university sponsorship to any senior secondary school student in his constituency who earns five A’s in the WAEC examination and secures admission to a tertiary institution.

“Our youths are not thugs; they are the leaders of tomorrow. If you are brilliant, we will support you, no matter your course of study,” he said.

Additionally, he announced plans to launch a Food Bank aimed at supporting households in Ido and Ibarapa East, pledging that no family would be left behind.

“Nobody should go hungry. Every household will benefit from the Food Bank once it becomes operational.”

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US Tightens Visa Interview Rules, Now Requires Applicants To Apply In Country Of Residence

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The U.S Department of State has rolled out a new policy that significantly changes how non-immigrant visa applications are processed globally. From now on, applicants must schedule their visa interviews at the U.S Embassy or Consulate located in their country of nationality or residence.

The new rule, which takes immediate effect, was officially published on the State Department’s website on September 6, 2025, and replaces all previous instructions related to visa processing locations.

“Applicants must now be able to show proof of residence in the country where they apply, and those applying outside their home country may face difficulties or outright rejection,” the Department said.

Key Changes Under the New Policy

1. Mandatory Local Interviews:
All non-immigrant visa applicants including for tourism, study, or work must now apply from within their country of residence or citizenship.

2. No Refunds for Misplaced Applications:
Applicants who attempt to book interviews outside their country of residence may be denied, and their application fees will not be refunded or transferred.

3. Longer Wait Times Abroad:
If an applicant chooses to apply outside their home country, they should be prepared for significantly longer appointment wait times, and increased scrutiny.

For citizens of countries where the U.S does not maintain active visa services such as Afghanistan, Iran, Cuba, Yemen, Belarus, Russia, and Venezuela, the State Department has listed alternative “designated” embassies where applications will be accepted. These include:

Afghans → Islamabad

Iranians → Dubai

Venezuelans → Bogotá

Yemenis → Riyadh

Russians → Astana or Warsaw

Cubans → Georgetown

This new directive will have a major impact on Nigerians, many of whom have historically traveled to countries like Ghana, Benin, Cameroon, Namibia, Canada, or even the Dominican Republic in search of faster interview dates when slots in Lagos or Abuja were fully booked.

With the new rule, Nigerians must now apply strictly from within Nigeria even if appointment availability is limited. The longstanding strategy of “visa shopping” across borders is effectively over.

Diplomatic visa holders, NATO officials and those applying under United Nations arrangements are not affected by this change.

Emergency cases including humanitarian or medical situations may still be considered for exceptions.

The U.S government says the policy aims to streamline visa processing globally, clear application backlogs and improve national security screening by verifying applicant ties to their country of residence.

Embassies and consulates are expected to update their websites with location-specific guidance, including wait times and documentation requirements.

If you’re planning to apply for a U.S visa, check appointment availability early in your country of residence, do not book interviews in another country unless explicitly permitted, also understand that fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected for being submitted in the wrong location.

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Firearms Alone Can’t End Insecurity – Governor Uba Sani Counters El-Rufai

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Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has said that relying solely on the use of force to address Nigeria’s security challenges especially in the Northwest, is ineffective, calling instead for a more holistic, community-led approach.

Speaking during the public presentation of “Where I Stand,” a book by the late Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, translated into Arabic by Sheikh Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo, Sani emphasized that insecurity in the Northwest differs significantly from the ideologically driven Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.

“Insecurity can’t be resolved solely through the use of firearms. Whoever makes such a claim is only playing politics. We must fear God and stop deceiving the people, because that approach will not work,” the governor declared.

Governor Sani argued that the roots of banditry lie in poverty, unemployment, and decades of neglect of rural communities.

He pointed to the lack of security presence in large swathes of the Northwest, noting that in some areas like Zamfara, Birnin Gwari and parts of Katsina, it is possible to travel over 50 kilometers without encountering a single police officer or soldier.

He also highlighted a troubling comparison:

“In 1970, after the civil war, Nigeria had about 300,000 soldiers. Today, we have fewer than 250,000, even though our population has grown by over 100 million. How then can guns alone solve the problem? It’s impossible.”

Sani advocated for what he described as the Kaduna Peace Model, which emphasizes non-kinetic solutions and community engagement.

He said that traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local stakeholders were involved in efforts to restore peace particularly in areas like Birnin Gwari, where the Emir played a leading role.

“We spent six months trying to understand the root causes of insecurity. We found that lack of education, healthcare, infrastructure, and commerce pushed people into crime.”

He added that elected leaders must take direct responsibility rather than shifting blame to President Bola Tinubu or National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

“We were elected by the people. It is our duty to do everything possible to protect them. I chose the non-kinetic path because I will be the one held accountable before God.”

El-Rufai, however, disagrees. In a recent interview with Channels Television, El-Rufai condemned negotiations with bandits and dismissed non-kinetic methods.

“I still maintain my earlier stance in dealing with these bandits—kill them all. You don’t pamper terrorists by negotiating with them. It has never worked anywhere,” he said.

He also accused the current administration of suppressing media coverage of insecurity and claimed that security conditions in Kaduna have worsened under the Tinubu-led government.

El-Rufai further alleged that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was involved in coordinating ransom payments to kidnappers, an accusation promptly denied by the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, who insisted that no such actions have taken place under the current administration.

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Total Lunar Eclipse To Grace Nigerian Skies On Sunday Night

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Nigerians and other West African residents are set to witness a breathtaking celestial event as a total lunar eclipse takes place on the evening of Sunday, September 7, 2025.

The eclipse is expected to begin around 8:00 PM (WAT) and will last for approximately 83 minutes, casting a stunning reddish glow over the Moon, a phenomenon often referred to as a “blood moon.”

According to the National Television Authority (NTA), the rare event will be visible across much of West and Central Africa, including countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

“The eclipse will be fully visible in most parts of Nigeria,” the NTA reported, adding that “westernmost regions may miss the initial phases due to the Moon rising closer to or during totality.”

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that completely covers the Moon’s surface.

During this alignment, the Moon doesn’t disappear but instead takes on a deep red hue caused by sunlight refracted through the Earth’s atmosphere.

This atmospheric filtering, the same process that makes sunsets red creates the dramatic “blood moon” effect.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Sunday’s eclipse will also be visible in Europe, Asia, and Australia, though West Africa will be among the regions with the best viewing conditions.

Unlike solar eclipses, which require special protective eyewear, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye.

No equipment is needed although binoculars or telescopes can enhance the experience.

Astronomers recommend watching from areas with low light pollution.

In Nigeria, rural regions such as parts of Yobe, Borno, and other northern states could provide optimal visibility.

This eclipse offers a unique opportunity for Nigerians to observe one of the most visually stunning natural events in the sky, no telescopes required.

Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or simply enjoy stargazing, be sure to step outside and look up as the Moon transforms into a glowing red orb.

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