Category: Infrastructure

Tainted Glass Permit: NBA Meets Police IG

October 9, 2025 (updated October 9, 2025) Published by

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has received a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) led by its President, Afam Josiah Osigwe (SAN), at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

According to a statement to Naija News on Thursday, Force Spokesperson David Hundeyin said the visit, which centred on issues surrounding the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, by the Force, provided an opportunity for robust deliberations on issues of mutual concern, particularly the need for synergy between the Police and the Bar in upholding the rule of law and promoting public confidence.

The Nigeria Police Force, while noting that there is no clear court order stopping the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, has, out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians, and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association, temporarily suspended the enforcement of the Act, pending the outcome of the hearing of the Motion on Notice slated for 16th October 2025, at the Federal High Court, Warri, Delta State.

He said to further strengthen the relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Bar Association, a Police-NBA committee has been inaugurated to enhance collaboration between the police and the bar.

The statement added: “All vehicle owners and motorists are urged to take advantage of this window to regularise their documentation and ensure full compliance with all relevant laws regulating the use of motor vehicles with shaded or tinted glasses in Nigeria.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, reiterates the resolve of the Force to enforce all extant laws with fairness, transparency, and respect for the rights of all citizens while maintaining effective collaboration with critical stakeholders in the administration of justice.”

Traders Count Losses As Fire Guts 26 Shops In Lagos’ Bariga Market

October 2, 2025 (updated October 2, 2025) Published by

Traders in Bariga Market, Lagos State, were thrown into wailing on Wednesday after a raging fire destroyed no fewer than 26 shops, leaving goods worth millions of naira in ashes.

Obasempire understands that the incident occurred barely 24 hours after the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) hosted a summit on tackling emergencies across the state.

Confirming the sad development in a statement issued on Wednesday, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the Bariga Market fire started at about 4 a.m. and spread quickly through the market before emergency responders arrived.

Further information received at the incident scene revealed that the fire started from one of the shops and quickly spread to other shops because the key-clamp shops were supported and partitioned by wooden frameworks,” Oke-Osanyintolu explained.

He added that by the time responders arrived, several shops were already fully engulfed in flames.

Oke-Osanyintolu noted that the fire was eventually brought under control through the combined efforts of emergency responders, who worked to prevent it from spreading to other sections of the market.

While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, he confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded.

The fire was extinguished through collaborative efforts of emergency responders and was quickly contained and prevented from spreading to other parts of the market. The incident scene was proactively managed to avoid any secondary incidents,” he said.

The agency’s damage report indicated that 26 key-clamp shops were destroyed, with properties worth millions of naira lost.

Many of the traders, who arrived at the market after being alerted, were seen weeping uncontrollably as they counted their losses.

This is all I have. Everything I worked for is gone. I don’t even know how to start again,” the PUNCH quoted one trader, who preferred not to be named, lamenting.

ObasEmpire reports that Wednesday’s tragedy adds to the growing list of fire incidents in Lagos.

Nationwide Blackout Looms As Electricity Workers Begin Strike

September 26, 2025 (updated September 26, 2025) Published by

Nigerians may face fresh power outages as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) commenced an indefinite strike on Wednesday over unresolved welfare demands, including the non-implementation of the national minimum wage and alleged casualisation of workers.

Obas empire reports that the industrial action was announced in a notice signed by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, who said the strike followed the expiration of the union’s ultimatum to the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

It is unfortunate that the TCN management has decided to handle these issues with kid gloves and a lack of regard for the hard-working staff of TCN. This, they have displayed without any defined roadmap to addressing them,” the union stated.

NUEE insisted that the strike was necessary to protect workers’ rights and salvage the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) from total collapse.

We cannot continue to fold our arms while we watch our rights being vehemently violated and the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) going down the drain. To this end, the union is compelled to withdraw its services,” Igwebike said.

The union directed all its members nationwide to stop work immediately until management is ready to address their grievances.

This is not the first time electricity workers have shut down operations over welfare concerns. In June 2024, NUEE embarked on a similar strike, which disrupted electricity supply across the country.

Full text of the NUEE strike notice:

A CALL TO ACTION

Following the expiration of the Union’s ultimatum to TCN Management over some staff welfare and operational issues, which include:

  1. 1. Non-implementation of National Minimum Wage
  1. 2. Casualisation of Workers
  2. 3. Non-provision of working tools and materials
  3. 4. Non-payment of staff salaries since April 2025
  4. 5. Lack of Operational Vehicles
  5. 6. Non-provision of PPEs since 2021
  6. 7. Issues arising from the unbundling of TCN
  7. “8. Non-payment of retirement benefits

“It is unfortunate that the TCN Management has decided to handle these issues with kid gloves and a lack of regard for the hard-working staff of TCN. This, they have displayed without any defined road map(s) to addressing them.

We cannot continue to fold our arms while we watch our rights being vehemently violated and the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) going down the drain. To this end, the Union is compelled to withdraw its services.

Members are hereby directed to withdraw services until such time that the management is ready to discharge its obligations towards the workforce.

This directive takes immediate effect and requires total compliance

Photos:Heavy Security as Lagos Govt demolishes Over 19 buildings at Tade fair plaza

September 25, 2025 (updated September 25, 2025) Published by

Over 19 buildings were on Thursday pulled down at the New Mandela Plaza, within the popular Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, as the state government moved in with a heavy security presence to carry out a massive demolition exercise

At the time of filing this report, selective buildings inside the plaza were already reduced to rubble, sparking outrage from shop owners who claimed they were not served prior notice.

A visibly agitated plaza owner, who arrived while his shop was being pulled down, screamed from his car that no notice was served before the bulldozers moved in. Some sales representatives lamented that their bosses’ goods, still locked up inside the shops, were destroyed alongside the buildings.

When contacted to clarify the role of the Task Force, its Chairman said the operation did not originate from his office. He explained: “Sometimes, security agencies in the state seek the backup of the Task Force to secure the environment. That does not mean they initiated the process. However, if such reports come to my table, I will let you know.”

As at press time, there was no official statement from the Lagos State Government on the demolition, but security operatives remained on ground to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

BREAKING: NUPENG Exposes Dangote’s Real Motive Behind Free Petrol Distribution

September 12, 2025 (updated September 12, 2025) Published by

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused Dangote Petroleum Refinery of disguising an anti-union and monopolistic agenda under the cover of a planned free petrol distribution scheme.

In a statement on Friday signed by National Executive President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG alleged that the move by the refinery to deliver free fuel to selected states was a “Greek gift” designed to cripple union activities and eliminate competition in the petroleum trucking sector.

The union’s accusations came after the Dangote Group dismissed claims of anti-labour practices, monopoly tendencies, and planned fuel price hikes. The refinery insisted that allegations it barred tanker drivers from joining NUPENG were “entirely unfounded.”The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused Dangote Petroleum Refinery of disguising an anti-union and monopolistic agenda under the cover of a planned free petrol distribution scheme.

Earlier in the week, NUPENG had shut down depots, protesting that the refinery had prevented newly recruited drivers of its 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks from joining the union.

The issue was eventually addressed on Tuesday with the government mediating.

However, the union’s National President, Williams Akporeha, on Wednesday said Dangote violated an agreement signed at the office of the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to NUPENG, drivers were allegedly instructed to remove union stickers from their trucks and compelled to load products in defiance of established rules.

Meanwhile, Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced on Thursday night that its free petrol distribution scheme will commence on Monday, beginning in the South-West, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Delta, Rivers, and Edo States. It also slashed pump prices to ₦841 per litre in Lagos and the South-West, and ₦851 in Abuja, Kwara, Edo, Rivers, and Delta.

The union further cautioned that any harm to its leaders would be blamed on what it described as “desperate and destructive capitalists with filthy wealth.”

Nigerians should not be deceived by the offer of free nationwide delivery of petroleum products to dispensing stations,” NUPENG warned. “It is a Greek gift meant to wipe out competition and crush our union.”

The statement also alleged that Dangote Group has consistently denied unionisation rights across its cement and sugar operations nationwide.

FG Seeks Fresh $1.75bn World Bank Loan Despite Announcing Revenue Growth

September 5, 2025 (updated September 5, 2025) Published by

The Federal Government is preparing to secure fresh financing from the World Bank to the tune of $1.75bn, even after celebrating a sharp increase in national revenues.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday declared that Nigeria had already surpassed its 2025 revenue targets.

The Presidency, in its clarification of the president’s claim, said Nigeria raked in N20.59tn between January and August 2025, representing a 40.5 per cent jump compared to N14.6tn recorded in the same period last year. According to Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the surge was largely fuelled by non-oil revenues, which now contribute 75 per cent of total government collections.

Despite this strong fiscal performance and officials confirmed that borrowing would continue to bridge funding shortfalls in critical sectors.

Documents from the World Bank indicate that the Washington-based lender is expected to approve $1.75bn in new loans for Nigeria before year-end. The funds will be channelled into agriculture, health, digital infrastructure, and small business financing.

Among the projects earmarked for support is the $500m Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth project, designed to boost farm productivity and rural development. Also listed is a $500m digital infrastructure programme to expand connectivity and drive technology-driven growth, alongside a $250m health security initiative and a $500m inclusive finance project for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

The anticipated loans, currently at different stages of review and negotiation, show that the country continues to rely on external borrowing. According to World Bank records, the country has already secured $8.4bn in fresh credit lines over the past two years.

Nigerians to Pay Extra N45 Per Litre of Petrol From 2026 Under New Tax Law

September 5, 2025 (updated September 5, 2025) Published by

From January 2026, Nigerians could face higher fuel costs as a result of the new Nigeria Tax Administration Act, which introduces a five per cent surcharge on refined fossil fuel products. If the current pump price of petrol remains at N900 per litre, motorists would pay an additional N45 on every litre purchased.

The surcharge is part of four new tax reform bills signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on June 26, 2025, aimed at broadening government revenue streams, encouraging clean energy adoption, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

According to the Act, the surcharge will be applied to chargeable transactions, including the supply, sale, or payment for fossil fuel products—“whichever occurs first.” The levy covers petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and other refined petroleum products.

However, some products are exempt: household kerosene, cooking gas, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.

The Act states: “A surcharge is imposed at five per cent on chargeable fossil fuel products provided or produced in Nigeria, and shall be collected at the time a chargeable transaction occurs.”

Implementation and Oversight

Although the law sets January 2026 as the intended commencement date, the exact timing remains subject to a formal directive from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. The minister is expected to announce the effective date through an order published in the Official Gazette.

Administration of the surcharge will fall to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, which will be rebranded as the Nigeria Revenue Service in 2026. The agency has been empowered to collect the levy on a monthly basis and issue further regulations for its enforcement.

Economic and Social Implications

Analysts say the measure reflects government efforts to boost non-oil revenues amid growing fiscal pressures and rising debt obligations. Yet its impact could be controversial, as higher fuel prices often have ripple effects on transportation, food costs, and inflation.

Some argue that the surcharge may accelerate Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy by discouraging heavy dependence on fossil fuels. Critics, however, warn that the immediate effect will be an increased burden on citizens already grappling with high living costs.

The new Act forms part of a broader package of reforms, which also includes the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Law and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, all geared toward strengthening revenue collection and fiscal transparency.

JUST IN: Bandits invade Katsina mosque, rain bullets on worshippers

August 19, 2025 (updated August 19, 2025) Published by

Thirteen worshippers have been killed after some yet-to-be-identified gunmen invaded a mosque in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

It was gathered that the bandits upon invading the mosque rained bullets on the worshippers leading to the death of 13 of them.

Several others were also wounded in the attack which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, August 19.

In reaction to the attack, the Katsina State government has ordered the deployment of a team of security operatives to the area.

Sources said the bandits launched the attack on the Unguwan Mantau community in what is supposed to be a reprisal attack

Nasir Mu’azu, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs said the victims were praying when the incident happened.

“The incident occurred when criminal elements launched a reprisal attack on the community. The Muslim members of the community were praying in the mosque during the Fajr prayer when the criminal element started shooting sporadically in the mosque.

The attack was in retaliation for the community’s successful defence efforts two days earlier. The people of Unguwan Mantau decided to lay an ambush against the bandits and killed many of them. They rescued victims taken from Ruwan Sanyi village and seized 3 motorcycles and 2 AK-47s,” Mu’azu said.

In addition, Mu’azu noted that the air component commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force have already deployed operatives to clear those bandits.

He said that during the rainy season, these bandits hide under the crops within the farmlands to perpetrate their evil acts.

As government, we salute the gallantry and disposition of the people of Unguwar Mantau, and we are committed to fighting these bandits and ensuring safety across our communities,” he stated.

He further extended the state government’s condolences to the families of those affected by the incident.

Panic as train coach detaches on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway

August 7, 2025 (updated August 7, 2025) Published by

Panic erupted on Thursday morning after a train coach detached from the rest of its compartments along the Ladipo section of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, temporarily halting movement and sparking confusion in the area.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m. and lasted for over 30 minutes. The affected train was en route from Ogba Ayo in Ogun State to Apapa in Lagos when the rear compartment suddenly disconnected.

According to an eyewitness, Oloruntoba Omodele, the sudden detachment startled both commuters and bystanders near the tracks. Despite the disruption, there were no casualties.

Everyone was shocked by what happened, but thankfully, no lives were lost,” Omodele recounted.

The Ladipo area, known for its heavy vehicular traffic and congestion, has witnessed multiple transport-related incidents in the past, raising ongoing safety concerns.

It was gathered that emergency responders reportedly arrived swiftly to clear the scene and manage traffic that had begun to build up as a result of the incident.

While officials have yet to comment publicly on the exact cause of the mechanical fault, transportation analysts are urging a prompt investigation and improved maintenance standards, particularly in busy urban corridors like Lagos.

Deji Adeleke’s 1250m power plant Set for Commissioning

July 21, 2025 (updated July 21, 2025) Published by

A landmark in Nigeria’s energy sector is set to go live as the 1250MW power plant spearheaded by Dr. Deji Adeleke, billionaire businessman, is now fully completed and ready for commissioning.

Adeleke, speaking on Sunday in Ede, Osun State, at the 11th undergraduate and 7th postgraduate convocation ceremonies of Adeleke University, said work has been completed on his 1250 megawatt power plant located in Ajebamidele, Ondo State.

According to the renowned businessman and Pro-chancellor, Adeleke University, the only step remaining is the connection of the power plant to the national gas grid.

The powerplant is ready, I am only waiting to be connected to the gas grid to start generating power. That plant will employ over 2,000 engineers and other associated workers,” Adeleke said.

Once operational, it will rank among the largest power projects ever undertaken in Nigeria, marking a significant boost to the country’s electricity generation capacity.

This bold investment by Adeleke reflects renewed private sector confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure space.

His 1250MW power plant also signals a major progress towards tackling the nation’s long-standing energy deficit.

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