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Nigeria losing more crude oil than some OPEC members – Sen. Ned Nwoko says

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Nigeria losing more crude oil than some OPEC members – Sen. Ned Nwoko says

Nigeria’s losses due to crude oil theft are more significant than those of some other OPEC members.
The Chairman, Senate Ad hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, Sen. Ned Nwoko, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr Nwoko emphasised the detrimental impact of the issue, including economic damage, environmental destruction, and its impact on host communities.

He also said that it was weakening the Naira, and depriving the nation of vital revenue needed for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social development.

According to the senator, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, the scale of this theft is staggering, with reports indicating losses of over 200,000 barrels per day.

He said that the ad hoc committee on Crude Oil Theft which he chaired recently had a two-day public hearing on the rampant theft of crude oil through illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and the systemic gaps in the regulation and surveillance of the nation’s petroleum resources.
He said that the public hearing was a pivotal step in addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing the nation.

‘’Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually to crude oil theft. This is severely undermining our economy, weakening the Naira, and depriving the nation of vital revenue needed for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social development.

‘’The scale of this theft is staggering, with reports indicating losses of over 200,000 barrels per day more than some OPEC member nations produce.

‘’This criminal enterprise fuels corruption, funds illegal activities, and devastates our environment through spills and pollution.

‘’The public hearing was not just another talk shop; it was a decisive platform to uncover the root causes of crude oil theft, bunkering, and pipeline vandalism.

‘’It was a platform to evaluate the effectiveness of existing surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms; Identify regulatory and legislative gaps that enable these crimes to thrive.

‘’It was also to engage stakeholders, security agencies, host communities, oil companies, regulators, and experts to proffer actionable solutions; and strengthen legal frameworks to ensure stricter penalties and more efficient prosecution of offenders,’’ he said.

Mr Nwoko noted that Nigeria’s survival depended on how it tackled the menace.
According to him, we cannot continue to hemorrhage resources while our people suffer. The future of our economy and the well-being of generations unborn depend on the actions we take today.

‘’The Senate and the National Assembly are committed to passing laws that will Strengthen regulatory agencies; NUPRC, NEITI, NSA among others, as well as enhance community engagement and alternative livelihoods for Niger Delta youth.

‘’We are also committed to improving inter-agency collaboration between the military, police, NSCDC, and private security firms and enforcing transparency in crude oil lifting and metering processes.’’

He disclosed that the Ad-hoc Committee since its inception had commenced work in earnest by engaging forensic experts to trace and provide information on crude oil theft from point of lifting to sales up to bank transactions.

‘’This is truly yielding great results and the Ad-hoc Committee will in due time not hesitate to publish its findings.

‘’Together, we can reclaim Nigeria’s stolen wealth, secure our energy infrastructure, and restore confidence in the petroleum sector,’’ he added.

Missing Sokoto government critic, Hamdiyya Sidi found in Zamfara hospital

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Missing Sokoto government critic, Hamdiyya Sidi found in Zamfara hospital

Human rights activist, Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif has been found in critical condition at Bakura Hospital in Zamfara State, after being declared missing since Tuesday morning.

Her lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima, confirmed the news in a Facebook post, stating that she is currently under the watch of security personnel. 
He added that it is evident she was abducted, considering the dire condition in which she was found.

Hamdiyya was last seen after she left to buy food items in Sokoto town, and efforts to locate her had been unsuccessful until now. 

Hikima called on the Zamfara State government and security agencies to ensure her safety and conduct a thorough investigation.

This development comes amid ongoing security challenges across Northwestern Nigeria.

How to create a marketing strategy in your business plan

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How to create a marketing strategy in your business plan

A business plan is a blueprint for your venture. It details a company’s objective and the methodology it intends to achieve.

You can consider it as a map for your business. Most investors will never take you seriously if your business has no plan.

A Harvard Business Review indicated that entrepreneurs with a business plan have a 16% higher probability of succeeding than those without.

Marketing strategy is one of the most important aspects of a business plan. It highlights the strategy to get your product to the target market. 

Without consumers, there can be no business. About 20% of new businesses are estimated to fail within their first two years. 45% fail within the first five years, and 65% during the first ten years

Failure to investigate the market and business plan problems are some of the main problems that cause business failures.

To increase the chance of your business success, it is recommended to have a sound marketing strategy in your business plan.

Marketing Mix

A marketing mix is a set of marketing tools to promote a product or business to achieve enterprise objectives.

These tools are summarized with the mnemonic of the 4Ps referred to as marketing concepts;

Product

Product details what you intend to sell and why you are confident the targeted audience will buy it. This will inform the strategy to employ.

You must be able to answer the following questions:

  • What is your product?
  • What problem does it solve?
  • Who needs it?
  • Are there other products solving similar problems, directly or indirectly? What edge does your product have over them?

You can structure the writing using this format:

Brand name and design

This should state the name you prefer for the product. Explain why you choose the name. It should not be unique and not confusing.

Ensure the name can be easily adopted into your logo and other packaging without looking boring or too long. 

Related products or services

Research the market to identify similar products. Even in a market where you are the first, there will surely be an indirect competitor.

Examine your direct and indirect competitors to identify their weaknesses. This should form the main speech of your marketing. Your product needs to solve people’s problems and not just be an alternative to an existing solution.

Functionality

Highlight what your product or service can do. This may include solutions already provided by existing products.

You should be able to identify how your product is better while indicating it can solve the same problems as what competitors are already doing.

For effective marketing, your product has to be better than competitors. It should not only solve problems other products cannot solve; it should be able to address problems that they can solve in addition to what they cannot.

Packaging

Packaging is meant to protect the product. However, it serves more functions in marketing. How you package your product might determine if it will be picked when placed side-by-side with competitors on a shelf. 

It should showcase the product’s best functionalities and create an unforgettable experience for the customer. 

Quality

A good quality product without effective marketing is indeed unlikely to sell. Likewise, a bad-quality product with effective marketing will have only few returning customers. 

A company’s or product’s quality image cannot be improved overnight, especially after damage. 

It is important to ensure your product is of the best quality.

Warranty

This is most important if you are new in the market. Nobody knows your brand and one of the ways to gain customers’ trust is by offering a warranty. 

Consider the following to set a warranty period;

  • The industry standard
  • What are your competitors offering
  • The period of time the product is expected to be still functioning normal.

Promotion

Promotion should detail how you intend to communicate to the target audience and the best channels.

It should entail:

  • Advertising method
  • Budget
  • Required sales force

Price

Pricing is the most flexible marketing tool. Experts consider it the strongest P among the 4Ps.

It determines the company’s profitability. Wrong pricing can be the downfall of a company. To decide on a price, consider the following;

  • Production cost
  • Market demand
  • Targeted market spending power
  • Product value
  • Competitors’ pricing

Place

This section of your marketing strategy should discuss how you intend to deliver the product to consumers.

It should entail;

  • Warehousing
  • Transportation
  • Logistics
  • Inventory management.

Disclaimer

The information in this article was curated for educational purpose only and should not be substituted for financial advice.

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Femi Falana, has strongly opposed the proposed bill to make voting compulsory in Nigeria, declaring it “unconstitutional”

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Femi Falana, has strongly opposed the proposed bill to make voting compulsory in Nigeria, declaring it “unconstitutional”

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has strongly opposed the proposed bill to make voting compulsory in Nigeria, declaring it “unconstitutional” and “impractical” under the current legal framework.

The bill, co-sponsored by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and Labour Party lawmaker Daniel Asama Ago, seeks to amend the Electoral Act to make voting mandatory for all Nigerians of voting age in national and state elections. It proposes a six-month jail term or a fine of ?100,000 for eligible citizens who fail to vote.

During the plenary on Thursday, Ago, who represents Bassa/Jos North, argued that the bill aims to curb voter apathy and reduce vote-buying. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu supported the bill, citing Australia as a model where compulsory voting has reportedly enhanced civic responsibility.

However, Falana, in a statement issued on Monday titled ‘Compulsory Voting is Not Enough’, faulted the legislative move on constitutional grounds.

He said the bill is inconsistent with several provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee citizens’ rights to privacy, freedom of thought, and freedom of conscience.

“The Speaker of the House of Representatives probably wants Nigeria to join Egypt—the only African country out of 23 globally with provisions for compulsory voting.

“The said constitutional provisions protect the fundamental rights of the Nigerian people to privacy, freedom of thought and conscience, as well as the freedom to register and vote in national and state elections conducted in Nigeria.

“However, it is doubtful whether the Speaker and his colleagues have paid sufficient attention to the relevant provisions of the Constitution. Otherwise, they would have realised that the compulsory voting is constitutionally invalid in every material particular on the ground that it is inconsistent with Sections 37, 38, 77(2), 135(5) and 178(5) of the Constitution,” he stated.

He argued that the legal foundation for mandatory voting is shaky since Chapter II of the constitution outlines the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, which remain non-justiciable.

“Compulsory voting cannot be legalised in vacuo. Apart from the possibility that it may be declared illegal under the current political dispensation, it is practically impossible to prosecute millions of Nigerians who may decide to boycott national and local elections that have been reduced to the periodic renewal of misgovernance, corruption, and abuse of power by pampered members of the political class,” Falana warned.

“Since Section 14(2) of the Constitution provides for popular participation in the democratic process, compulsory voting may only be justified if Chapter II thereof is made justiciable,” he said.

Falana criticised Nigerian courts for dismissing the enforceability of Chapter II without considering Section 224 of the Constitution, which mandates political parties to align their programmes and policies with the principles in that chapter.

“Nigerian courts have never considered Section 224, which states that ‘the programme, as well as the aims and objects of a political party, shall conform with the provisions of Chapter II of this Constitution,’” he said.
He also cited sections of the constitution which require public officeholders to swear to uphold the Constitution, including the directive principles in Chapter II.

Falana maintained that both political parties and officeholders are legally bound to respect the socio-economic rights of citizens.

“Each of these public officers is mandatorily required to swear or affirm to ‘strive to preserve the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The point I am struggling to make is that by the combined effect of the relevant provisions of the Constitution, all political parties and members of the executive and legislature are under a legal obligation to comply with the provisions of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in Chapter II,” he said.

He further invoked Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, which guarantees citizens the right to participate in government.

“Citizens can be justifiably compelled to vote only if the socio-economic rights set out in Chapter II are made justiciable,” Falana added.

Lagos Nigeria is smelling and the residents have had ENOUGH

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Lagos Nigeria is smelling and the residents have had ENOUGH

Lagos residents endured a flash flood over the weekend following three hours of heavy rainfall that lashed the city on Saturday.

The downpour led to flooding in several parts of the state, particularly in Lekki, Ikoyi, and Lagos Island, sparking renewed discussions about environmental concerns in the megacity.

A Lagos Island resident, Michael Adeola, reported that parts of Isale Eko emitted a “smelly odour” after the floodwaters receded.

He stressed the need for greater efforts to ensure a clean and safe environment.
Also, in a podcast interview that stirred controversy, influencer Scott Iguma remarked, “Lagos is smelling… There are a lot of big mosquitoes in Lagos.”

The comments quickly gained traction online, fuelling widespread debate.
However, responding via his official X account, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, criticised what he described as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the state’s reputation. 
Wahab accused some individuals of leveraging their online influence to promote misleading narratives that align with divisive agendas.
“The deliberate efforts by a handful of individuals to tarnish the reputation of Lagos State are deeply concerning. It is regrettable that some who relocate from their home states in pursuit of better opportunities quickly, in less than a month or two, resort to disparaging the very state that has provided them with the platform to thrive,” Wahab wrote. 

“Leveraging social media followings, these individuals propagate harmful narratives, often aligned with divisive agendas, undermining the progress and inclusivity that Lagos represents,” he added.

While acknowledging the importance of constructive criticism, Wahab condemned what he termed “malicious attempts” to portray Lagos negatively. 
“While constructive criticism is essential for growth, malicious attempts to vilify a state that empowers countless lives daily are counterproductive. Lagos remains a place of opportunity, innovation, and resilience, and it is imperative that we collectively uphold its integrity while fostering unity and progress,” he said.
Addressing the influencer directly, Wahab concluded, “Dear @IgumaScott, I do hope that you will put this same energy into ‘looking out’ for other states. I wish you all the best!”
Meanwhile, the flash flood over the weekend reflects the type of weather Lagosians may face this year, as the state is expected to receive a rainfall average of 1,936mm, surpassing the 1991-2020 long-term average.
At the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) briefing held in March, Wahab had warned of heavy rainfall and possible flash floods in 2025. He noted that above-normal rainfall is anticipated during the first peak of the rainy season, with normal amounts expected in the second peak.

Wahab explained that the forecast is influenced by the neutral phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which could result in prolonged rains, a delayed cessation period, and a heightened risk of extreme weather events, including strong winds.

To mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall, the Lagos State government has intensified flood control efforts, including desilting drainage systems. 


Wahab said the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources is collaborating with NiMet (Nigerian Meteorological Agency) to provide timely weather updates and early warnings. Residents have also been urged to clear blocked drainage and follow flood safety guidelines to minimise risks during the rainy season.

A Nigerian national, Gabriel Onyeka, has been arrested in connection with an online scam in the tune of ?250.88m by Indian Police

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A Nigerian national, Gabriel Onyeka, has been arrested in connection with an online scam in the tune of ?250.88m by Indian Police

A Nigerian national, Gabriel Onyeka, has been arrested in connection with an online scam in which an India-based businessman was allegedly defrauded of ?1.25 crore (approximately ?250.88 million).

Onyeka, 41, was apprehended at his residence in Kalyan, Maharashtra, a state in the Asian country. Authorities suspect he is a key figure in a coordinated cybercrime network targeting Indian nationals through elaborate online schemes.

According to the Times of India, Onyeka posed as a senior executive from a reputed pharmaceutical company and approached the victim with a lucrative offer to supply Plukenetia volubilis — an Ayurvedic liquid used in cosmetic, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products.

He offered the businessman a dealership and promised a substantial order, which persuaded the victim to engage further.

Police said the businessman was directed to purchase a sample of the product from a designated supplier. This supplier was later discovered to be a fake entity allegedly controlled by Onyeka himself.

After the initial purchase of one litre, individuals posing as quality control inspectors contacted the businessman and encouraged him to make additional payments, citing promising returns.

Lured by the anticipated profits, the businessman transferred ?47 lakh for more stock. Over time, more payments were solicited under various justifications, leading to a total loss of ?1.25 crore.

The investigation revealed that Onyeka used the same mobile number throughout the operation, which helped police trace his location. Upon arrest, officers recovered four mobile phones from his residence. One of the devices contained a screenshot of a WhatsApp message sent to the victim, which authorities cited as evidence of Onyeka’s direct involvement.

Further checks revealed that Onyeka has been living in India without valid documentation since 2012. He originally entered the country on a medical visa for treatment in West Bengal. After his visa expired, he remained illegally and later relocated to Mumbai. In 2020, he was booked by the Mumbai Police for overstaying his visa.

At the time of his arrest, Onyeka was living in a two-bedroom apartment on the 20th floor of a high-rise in Kalyan.

Police have launched further investigations to identify other potential members of the syndicate.

South East Lawmakers are demanding the resignation of Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, over JAMB Error

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South East Lawmakers are demanding the resignation of Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, over JAMB Error

The South East Caucus in the House of Representatives has demanded the resignation of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, over the technical glitches that marred the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).


The caucus, led by the lawmaker representing Afikpo/ Edda Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, Igariwey Enwo, faulted JAMB for the technical glitches that affected nearly 380,000 candidates, many of whom are now required to resit the exam. 


The lawmakers, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, wondered why all five Southeastern states were significantly impacted by the system failure. 


According to them, the Board’s response has been grossly inadequate, with poor communication, scheduling conflicts with ongoing West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations, and the short notice given for the resit. 


Enwo argued that the situation has caused unnecessary trauma for students and families.

The statement reads: “Last week, particularly on May 14, 2025, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made a shocking public admission that due to a ‘technical glitch’ at some examination centres during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), approximately 379,997 out of 1.9 million candidates would be required to resit the exam.

“As a caucus, we are deeply concerned, as all five Southeastern states we represent were directly affected by these so-called ‘score distortions.


“Over the past week, we have exercised restraint, hoping that JAMB would provide effective remedial measures to address what is a catastrophic institutional failure, one that has severely shaken public trust and the confidence of students and their families nationwide.


The caucus called for the immediate cancellation of the 2025 UTME and the fixing of a new date, preferably after WAEC and NECO exams, to ensure no student is disadvantaged. 
They also demanded the suspension of key officials responsible for JAMB’s digital operations and logistics.

While acknowledging Oloyede’s public admission of the failure, the lawmakers maintained that accountability must go beyond apologies, adding that his resignation would allow for a thorough, independent review of the failure and restore public confidence in the examination body.

They reminded JAMB of its constitutional duty to guarantee equal and adequate educational opportunities for all Nigerian children; a responsibility they said had been violated in this instance.

Nasir el-Rufai, has alleged widespread corruption in the Nigerian judiciary, saying many judges and lawyers are corrupt

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Nasir el-Rufai, has alleged widespread corruption in the Nigerian judiciary, saying many judges and lawyers are corrupt

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has alleged widespread corruption in the Nigerian judiciary, saying many judges and lawyers are corrupt.

Also, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, yesterday, charged newly appointed magistrates and judges of the lower courts to uphold the highest standards of integrity, judicial independence and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking, yesterday, at the Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bwari Branch in Abuja, el-Rufai said the public no longer trusts the judiciary due to delayed justice and biased rulings.

The former governor claimed that justice in Nigeria often favoured the rich and powerful.

He also criticised the use of ex parte orders in political matters and accused some lawyers of using the courts for political gains.

Calling on legal professionals to reflect on their roles and ensure justice is truly served without bias or influence from the executive arm of government, he added: “In parallel, our judiciary, meant to be the bedrock of fairness and order, is under intense scrutiny. Concerns about delayed justice, procedural inefficiencies, and, in some cases, judicial compromise (to put the matter delicately), erode public confidence. The rise in ‘forum shopping’, the weaponisation of ex parte orders in political matters, and the growing perception that justice is for sale and available only to the rich and the powerful would cause the perceptive observer to conclude that what Nigerian courts do is the administration of law and not the administration of justice.”

Delivering the keynote entitled ‘Lawyers as Agents of Change: Navigating Economic Reforms, Judicial Policy and Contemporary Issues’, El-Rufai urged lawyers to step up as “custodians of conscience” and push back against systemic failures, particularly within the judiciary.

THE CJN gave the charge while declaring open the induction course for newly appointed magistrates and other judges of the lower court organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, describingthe elevation of the new judicial officers as a testament to the confidence reposed in their ability to deliver justice fairly, efficiently and with integrity.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said the theme, ‘Enhancing Judicial Efficiency and Quality of Decision-Making’ was both timely and relevant, stressing the need for speed and quality in the adjudication process.

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, promptly and professionally,” she declared, adding that judicial delays continue to erode public confidence in the courts despite best efforts to address them.

Nigerian Bar Association resolve to reprimand members who publicly oppose its president

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Nigerian Bar Association resolve to reprimand members who publicly oppose its president

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has resolved to start reprimanding the members who publicly oppose its president.

This was one of the resolutions reached at the just concluded NBA National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State on May 15, 2025.

“Reprimand of members publicly opposing the NBA President’s official statements. NEC condemned the act of members publicly countering the official position of the NBA President, who speaks on behalf of the association. It was suggested that such conduct be subject to disciplinary action moving forward,” the NBA said in a statement. 

The following key resolutions were also reached by the NBA: Condemnation of the recurring cancellation of flights without adequate alternatives, objection to disciplinary actions targeting public servants who serve as NBA executives and criticism of the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) over its blanket cancellation of exam results despite acknowledged technical hitches.

“NEC resolved to strongly condemn the recurring cancellation of flights without adequate alternative arrangements, describing it as unacceptable and disruptive. It was further resolved that decisive action will henceforth be taken in response to such incidents,” the statement read.

“Regarding the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), while NEC acknowledged the technical hitches experienced during the examination, it strongly condemned the blanket cancellation of results, stating that only candidates proven to have engaged in malpractice should be sanctioned, not those merely suspected.”

The NBA-NEC passed a resolution condemning the suspension of the chairman of the Port Harcourt Branch, describing the action as unwarranted.

The council commended the principled stance of the other NBA branches in Rivers State and called for the immediate withdrawal of the suspension. 

Furthermore, the NEC emphasized that issuing a query to a public servant who serves as an executive member of an NBA branch undermines the independence of the bar, and such actions are inconsistent with the principles that uphold the legal profession. 

It was also resolved that stamps should be sent to branches for members collection.The exceptions would be for the chairmen of branches and their secretaries.

Peter Obi, has said he is not fighting President Bola Tinubu, but is only fighting against hunger

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Peter Obi, has said he is not fighting President Bola Tinubu, but is only fighting against hunger

The standard bearer of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has said he is not fighting President Bola Tinubu, but is only fighting against hunger, poor education, and poor healthcare for Nigerians.

Obi said this in Abuja on Monday following his return from Rome, Italy, where he attended the Pope’s inauguration on Sunday.

The former governor of Anambra State, during a visit to Duke Akamisoko, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kubwa in Abuja, added that he is only interested in a coalition against “bad governance.”

“I am not fighting Tinubu. I am busy fighting against hunger, poor education, and poor healthcare for Nigerians,” the Labour Party chieftain said.

“I am in coalition with the Nigerian people. Politics, for me, is not about holding a position; it’s about making things work.”

Meanwhile, in a sharp rebuttal to what it describes as “fabricated and misleading,” the Obidient Movement has dismissed media reports claiming that Obi is set to run as a vice-presidential candidate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in a new coalition being formed ahead of the 2027 elections.

The statement, signed by Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communication and Media for the Obidient Movement, firmly declared that the report lacks any basis in fact and does not reflect Obi’s current political position or objectives.

“The publication is imaginary to the author,” the movement stated. “Though we are reluctant to dignify such falsehood, we are compelled to respond because of its potential to mislead the public.”

While confirming that discussions about possible coalitions are ongoing, the group stressed that Obi’s priority remains forging a united front to address Nigeria’s deep-seated challenges, including corruption, bad governance, hunger, poverty, and the growing population of out-of-school children.

“This is not about power for power’s sake,” the statement read. “It’s about building a politics that stands with the people and serves them.”

Lagos State government has hinted at a full ban on the usage and distribution of Single Use Plastics (SUPs) from July 1

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Lagos State government has hinted at a full ban on the usage and distribution of Single Use Plastics (SUPs) from July 1

The Lagos State government has hinted at a full ban on the usage and distribution of Single Use Plastics (SUPs) from July 1, 2025.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement at Alausa during a courtesy visit by the management of TETRA PAK West Africa Limited.

He said the state has been very strategic and intentional about the ban of SUPs. His words: “The decision to ban Single Use Plastics (SUPs) in Lagos since the beginning of 2025 was an existential choice due to several factors.

Lagos is a coastal state below sea level with a land mass of only 3,575 square kilometres, and about 10 per cent of the country’s population. This alone is a recipe for a crisis. We did not randomly decide to ban Styrofoam food packs in 2024.

“When we announced the ban on Styrofoam food packs in 2024, we also stated that within the next 12 months, we will phase out all single-use plastics.

“It has been almost 18 months now, and we believe that we have given everyone ample time to transition. Enforcement did not begin in January this year, but will start on July 1, 2025, without any major issues.”

Wahab explained that state officials are constantly engaging the Food and Beverages Recyclers Alliance (FBBRA), and a compliance rate of 70 per cent has been recorded. 

He added that if the government had conversations with FBBRA members earlier in the year, and after a 12-month cycle with an additional six months to allow people to adjust, then everyone involved must be fair to the state, noting: “It is a call for the responsibility of the extended producers to the state.” 

“By July 1st, we will begin full enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) like we did for Styrofoam food packs in Lagos State, which we believe is reasonable,” he stated.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Tetra Park West Africa Limited, Haithem Debbiche, said the embargo is a welcome development, asserting that his organisation fully supports the decision. 

NNPP have apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over recent outbursts by Rabin Kwankwanso

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NNPP have apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over recent outbursts by Rabin Kwankwanso

Chieftains of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have apologised to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over recent outbursts by its former Presidential Candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing it as “reckless and against the law and tenets of the party.

In a statement signed by National Secretary, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, NNPP stated in clear terms that Kwankwaso’s derogatory remarks against President Bola Tinubu did not in any way reflect the party’s position.

According to the statement, Kwankwaso should no longer be recognised as a member or the National Leader of the NNPP, warning its former Presidential Candidate to desist from hiding behind the party’s umbrella to unleash his political attacks.

“The recent outburst and attacks on the personality of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his expelled group are views and positions of his Kwankwasia group and not that of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, ” Oginni stated.

Oginni issued a full apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC family led by Dr. Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, condemning Kwankwaso’s actions as inconsistent with NNPP principles.

He also clarified that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Elder Buba Galadima, and former NWC members led by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji are no longer part of the NNPP, a status confirmed by judgments from the Abia State High Court and the FCT High Court in Abuja.

Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso had openly dismissed the circulating rumours about his return to the All Progressives Congress, APC, adding that he vehemently turned down Tinubu’s request.

“Without a doubt, Tinubu pleaded with me to return and even promised that any condition I set would be met for my return to the APC. But I refused his offer and made it clear that I would rather quit politics altogether than go back to the APC.

”As for the 2027 elections, we will build a strong political movement that will end APC’s rule, ” he stated.

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