Middle East War: Dangote Gets More Crude Cargoes From NNPC

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April 1, 2026

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has increased crude oil supply to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, allocating seven cargoes for May loading in a move aimed at boosting domestic fuel production.

Two trader sources told Reuters on Tuesday that the latest allocation marks an increase from the five cargoes the refinery had been receiving in previous months. However, this means the refinery will continue to receive five cargoes in April.

The development comes amid mounting pressure on fuel supply and rising petrol prices across Nigeria, as the refinery struggles to secure sufficient crude locally.

The report read, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company is allocating seven crude cargoes for May loading to Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, up from the five it received in previous months, two trade sources told Reuters.

“Fuel prices in Nigeria have reached record highs, and Dangote has previously said the company could source only about five crude cargoes a month locally, far short of the 13–15 it requires, forcing it to import the rest at prices dictated by the impact of war in the Middle East.”

Officials of the national oil company and the refinery did not respond to requests for comments as of the time of filing this report.

The development aligns with earlier reports by The PUNCH that the Federal Government, through the NNPC, was working to increase crude supply to the Dangote refinery under ongoing arrangements aimed at strengthening local refining capacity.

Multiple industry sources and officials from both NNPC and the Dangote refinery told our correspondent exclusively in early March that the national oil company is leveraging its global crude trading network to source third-party supply for the Dangote refinery at competitive international market rates.

“Leveraging our global crude trading network, we are sourcing third-party crude for the refinery at prices that are competitive with prevailing international market rates,” a senior official at NNPC, who spoke in confidence due to a lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, said.

The official further explained, “As the national oil company entrusted with safeguarding Nigeria’s energy security, NNPC Limited remains fully committed to supporting domestic refining, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Within the framework of our existing agreements, we continue to facilitate crude supply to DRP in the face of temporary availability constraints.”

Despite the increase, the 650,000-barrels-per-day refinery still faces a significant shortfall in crude supply. The facility requires between 13 and 15 cargoes monthly to operate at optimal capacity, but has continued to receive far less from domestic sources.

This has forced the refinery to rely on imported crude, exposing it to volatile global prices driven by geopolitical tensions, particularly conflicts in the Middle East. The refinery had earlier warned that limited domestic supply was constraining its operations and increasing costs.

Nigeria’s fuel prices have climbed to record levels in recent months, driven by supply constraints and high import costs. Although the Dangote refinery has ramped up petrol supply to the domestic market, it is currently meeting just over two-thirds of the country’s estimated daily demand of 60 million litres.

In response to rising costs, the refinery recently increased petrol depot prices by about 13 per cent, further adding to price pressures in the downstream sector.

The decision by NNPC to increase crude allocations to the refinery could have implications for Nigeria’s crude export volumes. With global supply already tight due to disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East, any diversion of crude to domestic refining may reduce volumes available for export.

This could force international buyers to seek alternative sources, potentially affecting Nigeria’s position in the global crude market.

THE PUNCH

Saraki: Presidency Must Remain In South

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James Orji

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April 1, 2026

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bukola Saraki has insisted that presidency should remain in the south. As such, the former Senate President said he has decided not to run for the nation’s highest office in 2027, urge other aspirants from the Northern part of the country to shelve such plan.

Saraki is from Kwara state, North Central Nigeria.

The former governor made the remark on Wednesday, saying any presidential candidate from the north is not likely to get the support of the south in next year’s presidential election.

Checks by the magazine indicate that some politicians from the region are already gearing up to challenge incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the election, one of them, Atiku Abubakar Atiku of the African Democratic Congress, ADC. Other political parties in the country have also indicate their intention to field presidential candidates form the north, to challenge the current office holder, Tinubu.

Abubakar, a former vice president contested against President Tinubu in 2023 and lost. Sources say he’s among those favoured to secure the ADC presidential ticket for next year’s election.

Supporters of the former vice president have argued that candidates from any part of the country should be allowed to contest the presidential election, no matter where what part of the country they come from.

For instance, Dele Momodu, a prominent journalist and close associate of the former number two man in the country, said what mattered to the ADC now is who among the candidates can defeat President Tinubu, saying where such candidate comes from is unnecessary. He insists that Abubakar has what it takes to end President Tinubu second run in office as the nation’s Commander-in-chief.

But those opposing this view said such action will negate the unwritten power sharing arrangement between the North and south.

According to the former Senate President, who had earlier been touted as one of the potential presidential aspirants, he has made up his mind not to run for the Presidency, saying this is in line with his belief that the south should be allowed to run two terms in the Presidency, based on the gentleman zoing arrangement between the North and South.

Saraki: “I’m not contesting in 2027 because I believe that it’s only fair that the South came in 2023 and let them finish in 2027.

“So when it comes to 2031, God sparing our lives and giving us good health, it’s North as opposed to anything that gives anybody an excuse that in 2031 those from the North want to contest, those from the South want to contest.

“In 2027, I’m not going to contest because we will not get the sympathy of those in the South; they have four years and there’s another four, let them finish and go.”

Meanwhile, his party, PDP says it will field a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, without saying which part of the country will be favoured.

The National Leader of the party and FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike made the remark on Sunday while speaking during the National Convention of the party in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

“I Will Never Serve In Tinubu’s Cabinet” – Senator Babafemi Ojudu

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 1, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Senator Babafemi Ojodu, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, in the office of the Vice President, has taken a strong exception to the allegation that he desires, in anyway, to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s Cabinet.

“I am not ready to serve in Tinubu’s administration”, he fired back.

Ojudu, a Journalist-turned politician was one of the founders of TheNews Magazine, a publication which, with others, fought alongside then Senator Tinubu, against the late General Sani Abacha’s Regime, and for which he became a Senator of the Federal Republic from Ekiti State.

Now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ojudu, in a statement insisted, “I remain consistent in my convictions and have no intention of participating in the present government.”

The full text of his statement reads:

“My attention has been drawn to a misleading video compilation circulated by some propagandists, suggesting that I am seeking a role in the current government. This is entirely false.

“I did not grant any interview in March 2026. The last interview I granted to Mr Obilo was last year, in connection with the publication of my book, “Adventures of a Guerrilla Journalist”.

“My comments in that interview were strictly related to the book and nothing more.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I remain consistent in my convictions and have no intention of participating in the present government. My political position remains unchanged.”

During the Presidential Primary in 2023, Senator Ojudu backed the aspiration of then Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo and, on a number of occasions said he would never back a Tinubu Presidency.

PDP Angry Over Bauchi Gov Planned Defection To ADC

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James Orji

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April 1, 2026

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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State — Governor Bala Mohammad

The Nyesome Wike backed PDP has expressed indignation over the planned defection of Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi state to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Governor Mohammed has promsied to announced his defection to the ADC on Thursday when a chieftain of the opposition party, Babachir Lawal visited him in his office on Tuesday saying the party has extended a hand of friendship to him.
According to the governor, his earlier plan to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC was frustrated.

“As of now, the ADC appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform. However, we have not concluded discussions. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes,” the governor said..

The Wike-backed faction under the leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed said on Wednesday that the governor should have taken advantage of the opportunity for reconciliation, to resolve the protracted leadership crisis in the party instead of trying to defect to another party.
The magazine reports that the other faction led by Tanimu Turaki, with the backing of .two PDP governors, Mohammed of Bauchi and Seyi Makinde of Oyo states has rejected the National Convention held by the Wike faction on Sunday, saying the action shut the door on the plan by some leaders of the party to resolve the leadership crisis.
Speaking, Jungudo Mohammed, spokesman of the Wike-backed faction said the party wishes the governor well in his planned defection, adding that the governor decided to leave the PDP because the party rejected to accede to his ‘unrealistic” demands.
The spokesperson accused the governor of being party to the crisis that has rocked the PDP, describing his planned exit as good riddance to bad rubbish.
He said: “If he chooses to go in this direction, we wish him well. It is unfortunate that he may not have fully taken advantage of the opportunities available to him.

“Leadership is not always about leading; there are times when one must also follow.

“Perhaps the proposals he presented to the party’s national leader and other stakeholders were difficult to accommodate, as he may have made demands that were too extensive.

“From my perspective as a party leader, I believe that some of these demands, including requests related to produce National Publicity Secretary, other NWC positions and control within the party structure in Bauchi, may not be feasible.

“That said, it is important to note that he should be respected in his position, and any decisions taken should be properly guided by party processes.

“He has played a role in the current challenges within the PDP. His personal interests, to some extent, have also influenced the party’s internal dynamics.

“We advise that he should have resigned from his position as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum earlier, before subsequent developments, including his expulsion from the party,” he said.

With the way things have turned out, analysts insist that the former ruling party in the country may have crossed the Rubicon, as reconciliation may now prove harder to achieve.

$6 Billion Loan Approval: “You Are A Rubber Stamp”, Atiku Blasts Senate

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 1, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned what he described as the Senate’s growing tendency to abdicate its responsibility of acting as a check on executive excesses, with a view to ensuring accountability in the management of the country’s finances.

Atiku’s position is coming against the backdrop of the Senate’s hasty approval of President Bola Tinubu’s fresh $6 billion external loan request on Tuesday.

In a statement from his spokesperson, Phrank Shuaibu, Atiku, while condemning the lightening speed with which the Senate approved the loan request, described the action as reckless and dangerous.

He expressed serious concern that the red chamber of the National Assembly approved the loan request within less than four hours, without subjecting such a serious matter to the required scrutiny.

According to the former Vice President, a decision of such magnitude with implications for unborn generations of the country ought to have been subjected to a thorough analysis and examination before approval.

The National Assembly, Atiku noted, is constitutionally mandated to scrutinize executive requests as a veritable means of protecting public interest.

He, however, expressed serious regret that the Senate has not only abandoned its role, but has become an embarrassing rubber stamp entity.

He described the development as not only disturbing, but dangerous going by the implications of the loan on the country’s economy.

“What Nigerians have witnessed is not legislative diligence, but a disturbing erosion of oversight responsibility.

“The Senate which ought to serve as a constitutional safeguard has, instead, reduced itself to a conveyor belt-processing requests of grave national consequence without due diligence”, Atiku stated.

He questioned the approval of such a sensitive and far-reaching matter without an intense debate and scrutiny, noting that the development equally raises serious concern about due process and legislative responsibility.

While admitting the necessity of borrowing at some points in both individuals and nations’ life, the former Vice President, however, noted that such should be done after careful considerations,and in utmost respect for due processes.

He warned against over reliance on borrowing to fund even routine items and obligations, insisting that it is counterproductive to borrow afresh to service old debts.

“Resorting to fresh borrowing to service existing debts, plug budget gaps, and meet routine obligations is not a strategy. It is a dangerous cycle.

“Borrowing is not inherently wrong. But reckless borrowing enabled by legislative complacency is dangerous.

“Nigeria is not a private enterprise to be leveraged at will. The future of our nation cannot be signed away in a matter of hours”, Atiku added.

Lagos: IG Bans Akerele Taskforce from Traffic Enforcement

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James Orji

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April 1, 2026

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The Lagos State Police Command has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) from traffic control and enforcement duties across the state.
The directive, issued by the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, follows mounting complaints from residents over alleged extortion, harassment, and human rights violations by operatives of the Taskforce led by CSP Akerele.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, the Command said the move is part of ongoing efforts to ensure professionalism, accountability, and improved traffic management operations in the state.
The decision, according to sources, was influenced by multiple petitions submitted by motorists and concerned citizens to the state government and the Inspector-General of Police.
It was further gathered that the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Akerele, was recently invited to Abuja for questioning by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, over the allegations against him and his team.
A source familiar with the development said the allegations were considered too serious to ignore, prompting the intervention of the police high command.
“CSP Akerele was summoned to the Force Headquarters to meet the IGP. The allegations against him are too weighty for the police authorities to overlook. Following his interrogation by a panel, a decision was taken to remove his men from traffic enforcement duties,” the source disclosed.
Following the development, the IGP directed the Commissioner of Police to immediately relieve the Taskforce of all traffic-related responsibilities pending the outcome of further investigations.
One of the petitions believed to have triggered the action was reportedly submitted by a media platform, ObjectvMedia, which accused Taskforce operatives of widespread extortion and abuse of motorists.
Adebisi clarified that the withdrawal applies strictly to traffic enforcement, noting that the Taskforce will continue to carry out its other statutory responsibilities.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate and complete withdrawal of the Taskforce from traffic control and traffic contravention enforcement across the state,” the statement read.
“This directive is part of ongoing efforts to streamline traffic management operations and ensure professionalism, accountability, and clarity in the discharge of duties. While the unit has been withdrawn from traffic-related responsibilities, all other operational mandates remain in force.”
If you want, I can also tighten it further into a punchier headline version, add background context on Lagos Taskforce controversies, or format it for a newspaper front page or online SEO publication.

Abia To Exit National Grid, Takes Delivery Of 125-Megawatt Gas Turbine

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Ayodele Oni

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April 1, 2026

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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Ayodele Oni

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has announced that the state is set to disconnect from the national grid once a 125-megawatt gas turbine is added to Geometric Power, Aba, which currently has 141 megawatts capacity.

The Governor, who disclosed this at a media chat, cited efforts to generate, transmit and distribute the state’s own power.

“The new gas turbine would boost Geometric Power’s capacity to 266 megawatts, enough to also supply power to Umuahia and environs, with excess power for sale.

“Eight local governments in the Aba ring-fence area have detached from the national grid with Geometric Power’s operation and the state is concentrating efforts on providing independent power for the remaining eight local governments so as to detach them from the national grid, he stated.

Otti also revealed that Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), would also disconnect from the national grid upon Completion of a 15-megawatt independent power project.

The Governor had earlier restored power to ABSU after 13 years of darkness by inaugurating a 5-megawatt substation.

He revealed that the 15 megawatts independent power station was a proposed bigger solution to the nagging power problem in ABSU and environs.

At the monthly media chat tagged “Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” the Governor said: “Today again, we were able to restore public power to Abia State University.

“So, we had the honour and privilege to commission and switch on the substation. So anytime there is power in the grid, Abia State University will have power.

“We also have another solution that is coming and that is an independent power of about 15 megawatts which will be powered by gas turbines.

“We just signed off on that. It will take a little bit of time, but by the time it’s done, Abia State University may decide to detach from the national grid.

“Of course, the rest of the state will also be detaching from the national grid by the time we are done with the solutions we are trying to provide from Geometric, Aba,” he added.

The Governor disclosed further that the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Monday Ikechukwu, has identified a General Electric-built 125 megawatts gas turbine in the Netherlands for Geometric to acquire.

He said when that is added to Geometric’s three turbines which currently generate 141 megawatts, the company would be able to extend power supply to Umuahia and environs which requires about 100 megawatts.

“If we are able to generate enough power from the existing independent power company, we don’t need to build one in Umuahia,” he said.

Governor Otti also made it clear that government would not subsidise electricity when it begins to generate its own independent power, saying consumers would discover that it would be cheaper to have 24-hour power supply.

Agbese, House Of Reps Deputy Spokesperson Dumps APC For LP

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 1, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

In a move that surprised not a few people, the Lawmaker who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, Philip Agbese, resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and moved to the Labour Party, LP.

Presently the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Agbese made the announcement Tuesday night. What surprised many is that he decamped from the ruling APC to which many are rushing in droves.

Speculation, however, is that Agbese was forced to resign from the APC because of the very untidy relationship between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. He did not want to be caught in the middle, they speculate.

In his official Facebook page, Agbese said he is “answering a higher call to serve my people with sincerity, humility, and commitment” through the Labour Party.

He said he has already been “warmly received by my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives who are members of the party from across the country into the LP, where Papa, Mama and Pikin dey house.

“Guided by the exemplary leadership mantra of our distinguished National Chairman, Her Excellency, Senator Nenadi Usman, I feel honoured to be a member of such a modest assembly of patriots.

“Being the highest political office holder of the party from Benue State, I perfectly understand the task of building and re-energising the party for victory across the board.

“Therefore, our membership will be anchored on inclusiveness, mutual respect, and the recognition that every member — both old and new — has a vital role to play in building a stronger and more united party”.

It remains to be seen if he would contest for same office in 2027 or not and if he will still retain his position as the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives.

International Friendly: Jordan Hold Super Eagles to 2-2 Draw In Antalya

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 1, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

FIFA World Cup-bound Jordan popular as Al-Nashama, had to dig into the deepest part of their pouch to avoid defeat against the Super Eagles in an international friendly match played in Antalya, Turkey on Tuesday night.

The Three-time African Champions wrapped up their March International Friendly window with a pulsating 2-2 draw against the Jordan Senior men team at the Mardan Sports Complex.

The Jordanians currently ranked 64th in the FIFA World Ranking and boasting a formidable recent record, showed their quality early in the match, by finding the back of the net as early as the 17th minute.

A well-rehearsed free-kick routine caught the Nigerian defense off-guard, allowing star man, Mousa Tamari to fire Jordan into the lead.

Nigeria thought they had restored parity just six minutes later when Raphael Onyedika hammered home a clever cut-back from Moses Simon, but the strike was controversially ruled out as offside by the officials.

Undeterred, the Super Eagles equalized in the 30th minute through Captain for the night, Moses Simon.

Simon celebrated a landmark 97th appearance showcasing his predatory instincts yet again, after Ademola Lookman’s initial effort was blocked, the Paris FC forward reacted quickest to slot home with a delightful left-footed finish, marking his second goal in as many games this month.

The turnaround was completed four minutes before the breakas Birmingham City Football Club of England right back, Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered a pinpoint cross that found Emmanuel Fernandez who was making his full debut for the Super Eagles.

The Glasgow Rangers of Scotland man showed remarkable composure to control and fire a left-footed strike into the net, handing Nigeria the lead heading into the interval.

The second period took a physical turn. In the 57th minute, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was forced off following a clearance, making way for Adebayo Adeleye.

Seeking to consolidate the midfield, Eric Chelle introduced veterans Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi for Yira Sor and Raphael Onyedika.

For Iwobi, the substitution marked his 98th cap for Nigeria, edging him closer to the exclusive “Century Club.”

However, Jordan’s evolution as a global footballing force was evident as they pushed for an equalizer, which eventually arrived in the 77th minute.

In a final push for victory, Nigeria handed a senior debut to Philip Otele, who replaced Frank Onyeka, while Samuel Chukwueze came on for Simon.

The closing stages were marred by late tension, resulting in a straight red card for Alex Iwobi.

Despite the draw, the window provided vital insights for the coaching staff.

With Jordan having lost only one of their last five matches prior to Tuesday’s encounter.

The stalemate serves as a testament to the competitive nature of the fixture as the Super Eagles continue their preparations for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Adelabu Denies Resignation As Minister Of Power To Contest Oyo Governorship

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Ayodele Oni

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April 1, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has declared that resolving the power supply challenges is his priority for now.

Reacting to news of his resignation to enable him contest the Oyo Governorship, the Minister stated: “We have between now and March 31, if I am interested, in the gubernatorial contest in Oyo State. It is all about service, either at the national level or at the subnational level.”

He denied his rumoured resignation from office, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Adelabu dismissed the news on Tuesday night through his Special Assistant on Media, Bolaji Tunji.

The minister insisted that he remains fully committed to his responsibilities in the power sector.

He shared photos of the purported resignation letter stamped “fake news.”, emphasizing that there is no truth to it

It would be recalled that Adelabu at a press briefing in Abuja last Tuesday, said: “What matters to me most now is this job that I am doing as the Honourable Minister of Power.

“I am excelling on the job, and that is my priority for now, tackling foreseen, known and unforeseen challenges in the power sector.”

The minister reiterated that resolving Nigeria’s electricity challenges remains his immediate focus and priority for now, adding that if he is interested in governorship race, he would announce through the media.

‘Resolving the power supply challenges is my priority for now. We have between now and March 31, if I am interested, in the gubernatorial contest in Oyo State. It is all about service, either at the national level or at the subnational level,” Adelabu added