Economy
NNPC pleads as Tanker Drivers set to embark on strike over deplorable roads
Aboyeji said that all tanker drivers from the union would withdraw their services nationwide.
“This is not the first time that we will signify our intention to go on strike but we have to call it off because it will generally affect the majority of Nigerians but now our hands are tied.
“We are going on nationwide strike because of the deplorable and shameful state of our highways.
“When a truckloads petrol in Lagos, the drivers spend five to six days to get to Abuja because of the shameful state of the roads.
“All calls by the executive of petroleum unions have fallen on the deaf ears of the government as the highways continue to deteriorate nationwide.
“The list of the highway are endless and the tanker drivers have been going through the harrowing situation while rendering selfless national service.
“The increased rate of fire incidences involving petroleum tankers with accompanying massive destruction of lives and properties of our members and the general public is enough.
“This is because of government failure to enforce installation of safety gadgets on tankers.
“This will protect the inflammation contents of their trucks from spilling over in a situation of a road accident.
“We see the failure of the government in this regard as height of insensitivity to lives of innocent Nigerians and the union cannot continue to hold its hands while our members are getting burnt everywhere and every day,” he said.The zonal chairman said the union is not happy with the unscrupulous abuse of tonnage.
“There are some trucks that carry 60,000 litres to 100,000 litres on the highway.
“This load has a negative effect and impact on the safety and control of drivers on the wheel as well as durability and sustainability of the highway.
“The unions do not want any truck to carry more than the approved capacity,” he said.
Aboyeji said the union had given notice to the government to put all these in order to avert the nationwide strike on Monday.
“We know that the present administration would not do anything until we start the nationwide strike,” he said.
“However, even though it is not the responsibility of the NNPC to build or rehabilitate roads, any disruption in the distribution of petroleum products to different parts of Nigeria will adversely affect the business of the NNPC and endanger energy security, which the country has enjoyed for a long time now.
“In recognition of this, the NNPC wishes to assure the Petroleum Tanker Drivers that in addition to the ongoing efforts by other agencies of government, the NNPC has initiated a process that will provide a quick and effective solution to the roads network challenges as expressed by the PTD.
“Having recognised that the major reason slowing down the rehabilitation of the road networks in the country is the paucity of funds, the NNPC has expressed interest to invest in the reconstruction of select Federal roads under the Federal Government’s Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Task Credit Scheme.
“The thrust of the NNPC’s intervention is to make considerable funds available for the reconstruction of roads through it Future Tax Liability.
“NNPC as a responsible corporate entity recognises the legitimate concerns of the PTD, however, appeal to the leadership and members to reconsider their decision in the overall national interest.
“Accordingly, we urge PTD to immediately call off the strike notice and give the current efforts by government and its agencies a chance to solve the challenges in the interest of all.
“We also wish to strongly advise Nigerians not to engage in panic buying of petroleum products as the NNPC has sufficient stock to last through this festive season and beyond.“
Economy
FOU A seizes N3.95bn worth of Illicit drugs, mercury, hands over to NDLEA, NESREA
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted illicit drugs and other prohibited substances with a combined duty-paid value of N3.951 billion along trans-border routes within its area of operations.
The seizures, which included thousands of parcels of cannabis, tramadol tablets, codeine syrup and crystal methamphetamine, were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
The Unit also seized four cylinders of high-grade mercury, weighing 34.5kg each, allegedly intended for use in illegal gold mining.
The mercury was subsequently handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
Addressing journalists at the Unit’s headquarters in Lagos on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, the Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliu, said the seizures were the outcome of intelligence-driven operations and sustained surveillance along the nation’s trans-border routes.
Among the narcotics seized were 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of synthetic cannabis sativa weighing 3,116.9kg; three-and-a-half packs of ground cannabis (Skunk) weighing 3.45kg; two packs of granulated cannabis (Skunk) weighing 1kg; and 11 small packs of granulated cannabis weighing 0.35kg.
Others were 24 packets of Backwoods Russian Cream cigars weighing 0.5kg; 49 wraps of cannabis (Skunk) weighing 26.1kg; and one wrap of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg.
The Unit also intercepted 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of tramadol tablets in 225mg and 100mg variants, 1,200 Hypnox tablets of 1mg each, and 97 bottles of codeine syrup.
Comptroller Aliu said the latest enforcement operation was deliberately targeted at drug-trafficking syndicates operating within the Unit’s jurisdiction, stressing that the illicit movement of narcotics and other dangerous substances posed grave threats to public health, national security and the future of Nigerian youths.
He described the handover of the seized items to the relevant agencies as evidence of the growing operational synergy among government agencies in the fight against trans-border crime.
“Today’s event is a practical demonstration of the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to national security, public health, environmental safety and the economic well-being of Nigerians.
“It also reflects the importance of strategic partnership in the fight against smuggling and other forms of trans-border crime,” Aliu said.
According to him, the Customs Service would continue to strengthen the integrity of the nation’s supply chain while supporting the NDLEA in disrupting the movement of narcotics and other illicit goods across Nigeria’s borders.
“We are equally committed to providing relevant information and supporting further investigation whenever necessary,” he added.
Aliu explained that the formal transfer of the narcotics to the NDLEA would enable the agency to undertake the necessary forensic, investigative and prosecutorial processes in accordance with the law.
He added that the procedure would also ensure that the seized drugs were handled, stored and disposed of securely and professionally.
On the mercury seizure, the FOU Controller said its transfer to NESREA would enable the agency to take appropriate regulatory and environmental action, particularly given the use of mercury in illegal mining activities.
While assuring Nigerians that the crackdown on illicit traders and trans-border criminal networks would continue, Aliu said the Unit would simultaneously facilitate legitimate trade and sustain collaboration with sister agencies.
“I wish to commend the leadership and personnel of the NDLEA and NESREA for their cooperation and professionalism.
“I also appreciate the support of all sister security and regulatory agencies whose contributions continue to strengthen our collective efforts,” he said.
Aliu warned smugglers and criminal networks that the FOU Zone A would not relent in its enforcement responsibilities.
“Let me reiterate that the Federal Operations Unit will not relent in its responsibilities. We will continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies, enhanced surveillance, effective patrols and robust enforcement operations to disrupt the activities of smugglers and criminal networks,” he declared.
Economy
Oyebamiji, ex- NIWA boss, promises economic boom for Osun residents as he targets Dagbolu Dry Port, Free Trade Zone to boost investment, jobs,SMEs
Funso Olojo Editor
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has pledged to revive key economic assets, including the Dagbolu Dry Port, Osun Free Trade Zone, Ido-Osun Airport, Osun-Osogbo Grove and Oba Hills National Park, as part of a comprehensive strategy to reposition the state as a leading investment, industrial and tourism destination.
Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), made the pledge on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 while receiving members of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria during a courtesy visit to his campaign office in Osogbo.
The visit was facilitated by the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN) in recognition of Oyebamiji’s contributions to the development of Nigeria’s inland waterways sector during his tenure at NIWA.
Addressing the journalists, the APC standard-bearer in the August 15th governorship election in Osun state,unveiled his Osun Prosperity Agenda, themed “A Pact for Growth, Inclusion and Lasting Development,” describing it as a practical blueprint for accelerating economic transformation, promoting inclusive governance and delivering sustainable development across the state.
He said unlocking the economic potential of strategic assets such as the Dagbolu Dry Port, Osun Free Trade Zone, Osun-Osogbo Grove, Oba Hills National Park and the Ido-Osun Airport would stimulate commerce, expand tourism, attract domestic and foreign investments, strengthen entrepreneurship and create sustainable employment opportunities for the people of Osun.
According to him, reviving the Dagbolu Dry Port and the Osun Free Trade Zone would improve trade facilitation, enhance logistics services and position Osun as a competitive industrial and export hub within Nigeria.
“We will resuscitate strategic economic assets that have the capacity to transform Osun’s economy, stimulate private sector investment and create wealth for our people,” Oyebamiji said.
On poverty reduction and workers’ welfare, the APC candidate promised targeted social intervention programmes for vulnerable citizens while ensuring prompt payment of salaries, improved working conditions and the restoration of dignity within the public service.
He also pledged to tackle unemployment through public works programmes, enterprise support initiatives and strategic investments capable of generating sustainable jobs, particularly for young people.
To attract more investments, Oyebamiji said his administration would strengthen the Osun State Investment Promotion Agency, develop industrial parks with modern infrastructure, improve the ease of doing business and position Osun among Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations.
He further assured micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of improved access to microcredit, grants and business development services, while expanding entrepreneurship and empowerment programmes for youths and women.
On education and healthcare, Oyebamiji promised to modernise educational infrastructure, recruit and train teachers, strengthen technical and vocational education, expand apprenticeship programmes and upgrade healthcare facilities across the state.
He added that strategic partnerships would be leveraged to advance universal health coverage and improve access to quality healthcare for all residents.
Reaffirming his commitment, Oyebamiji said the Prosperity Agenda represents a covenant with the people of Osun to deliver economic growth, social inclusion and lasting development through prudent leadership, strategic investments and private sector-driven development.
Speaking earlier, President of WABOTAN, Comrade Tope Fajemirokun, described Oyebamiji as a tested and result-oriented administrator whose achievements at NIWA demonstrated his capacity for effective governance.
Fajemirokun expressed confidence that, under Oyebamiji’s leadership, Osun State could emerge as a major player in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy by harnessing its tourism assets, including the Osun-Osogbo Grove and Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls, to drive maritime tourism, investment and economic growth.
Economy
News Alert! Tinubu sacks Wale Edun as Finance Minister in cabinet reshuffle, appoints Taiwo Oyedele as replacement
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.According to the memo, Taiwo Oyedele has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
The memo directed the outgoing ministers to complete handover processes to their respective successors or supervising officials.It stated that all handing over and taking over activities must be concluded on or before the close of business on Thursday, 23rd April, 2026.
Explaining the decision, Akume said the changes were aimed at improving coordination and strengthening delivery across key sectors of the economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akume stated.
He added that President Tinubu acted in line with his constitutional powers as provided under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The SGF also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation and wished them well in their future endeavours, noting that the process of cabinet reinvigoration would remain continuous.
The statement further noted that Taiwo Oyedele was appointed as Minister of State for Finance in March 2026, while Edun was among the ministers appointed on August 16, 2023.
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