Author: Ogochukwu Ndubuisi

NMDPRA to Accelerate Gas Distribution for Industrialisation The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it will enforce strict compliance while accelerating gas distribution to drive industrialisation and lower production costs nationwide. Mr Saidu Mohammed, Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, made the disclosure on Friday in Port Harcourt during an inspection of petroleum and gas facilities in Rivers. Mohammed said the authority was committed to engaging operators across the midstream and downstream segments while providing the necessary regulatory support to achieve desired outcomes. He said the inspection of facilities formed part of the Federal Government’s commitment to…

CBN Promotes Inclusive Cash, Digital Payments System The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says Nigeria must strike a balance between cash and digital payments to ensure rural communities, informal traders and small businesses are not left behind. CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, made this known on Friday at the 2026 Committee of Heads of Bank Operations (CHBO) Conference in Lagos. He also said cash remained essential to economic inclusion in spite of the rapid growth in electronic transactions. Cardoso, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Operational Risk Management, Mr Fatai Karim, spoke at the conference with ttheme, “Reimagining…

Nigerian, Angolan, and Egyptian sovereign Eurobonds rallied in the international capital market, supported by enhanced optimism among foreign portfolio investors (FPIs).

Tinubu Okays Commercial Oil Drilling In Ogun Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun says President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Eba in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state. Abiodun disclosed this on Thursday in Abeokuta while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha and other senior officers in his office. He said the president had also approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project also in Ogun waterside local government area, bringing an end to years of delay surrounding the multibillion-dollar port. According to him, both…

Kogi Plans N50bn Sukuk To Fast-Track Airport, Market Projects Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi on Thursday unveiled plans to raise a ₦50 billion sukuk bond to accelerate the state’s international airport and market projects. He said construction of the Kogi international airport and Lokoja international market would begin by March 2026. Ododo disclosed this at an investor engagement and market sensitisation forum held in Abuja. Represented by Commissioner for Finance, Mr Asiru Idris, the governor assured investors the sukuk would be asset-backed and strictly dedicated to infrastructure development. He said the bond aligned with Kogi’s 32-year development plan and was…

The Naira depreciated by N1.38 against the US dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) on Thursday, closing the session at ₦1,422.07/$, according to daily FX update released by the Central Bank.

The Supreme Court has dismissed the trial of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha in the murder of late politician, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Gets New Route Organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon (ABLCM) on Thursday announced a new race route for the landmark 11th edition, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14. This is disclosed in a statement by Kola Daniel, Media Assistant to the Director General D-G of National Sports Commission (NSC) Bukola Olopade in Lagos. Daniel disclosed that the Gold-label Marathon, which was set to enter an exciting new era in a first for Africa’s biggest road race. “The 42 km marathon will now start at ORCA Mall on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, through…

MEMAN Seeks PIA-Driven Reforms to Boost Downstream The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has urged the Federal Government to fast-track policy and structural reforms in the downstream petroleum sector. Mr Clement Isong, Executive Secretary, MEMAN, said in an interview with the News men on Thursday in Lagos that this would unlock investment, deepen competition and stabilise fuel distribution. He said that this would also align policies strictly with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) would deliver a transparent, efficient and investor-friendly market. Isong said MEMAN was pushing for reforms that guarantee a level playing field for all operators, strengthen…

Trump ‘Won’t Use Force’ to Take Greenland, Drops Tariff Threat U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would not use force to take control of Greenland, before later dropping his threat to impose new tariffs on European nations over the dispute. Trump said he still wanted “immediate negotiations” over a U.S. acquisition of the Danish Arctic island, but talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte appear to have further eased tensions. Trump hinted at a possible Greenland agreement, which might satisfy all parties. His speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos was highly anticipated, and Trump withdrew…