General
Oyo, Osun Customs Intercept Fuel Smugglers, Seize N818.7m Contraband
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has intensified its clampdown on fuel smuggling and cross-border economic sabotage, intercepting petroleum products and other prohibited goods worth over N818.7 million in Duty Paid Value, DPV, between June and October 2025.
The Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Command, Mr Gambo Aliyu, said the seizure included 403 kegs (25 litres each) of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, 1,054 used tyres, 3,671 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 166 bales and 19 sacks of used clothes, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and several vehicles, including a Toyota Hilux and a Mercedes-Benz GLE.
He said the surge in smuggling, particularly of petrol, was linked to price differentials between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, a trend the Service is determined to crush through enhanced patrols and intelligence-led operations.
“Smuggling of petroleum products is a serious economic crime that undermines our nation’s energy security and revenue base,” Mr Aliyu warned.
“The 403 kegs of PMS we seized were clearly destined for illegal export, denying Nigerians access to a product that is already subsidized by our collective resources.”
Mr Aliyu, who assumed office on September 3, 2025, said the Command is working closely with sister security agencies and border communities to block all illegal routes used by smugglers to siphon fuel and other goods out of the country.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, faces challenges to its oil production with oil theft hampering the country from making optimal benefit from one of its most abundant resources.
“We are strengthening our enforcement architecture through collaboration with relevant agencies and community stakeholders,” the Customs official said. “Our officers are under strict directive to remain vigilant and uncompromising in protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.”
Despite the anti-smuggling campaign, Mr Aliyu disclosed that the Command recorded a 17.5 per cent increase in revenue collection, generating N77.88 billion between January and October 2025, compared to N64.26 billion during the same period in 2024.
He attributed the growth to the professionalism and discipline of Customs officers, even amid economic headwinds.
“This figure represents a commendable level of commitment by our officers despite prevailing challenges,” he noted. “It demonstrates our unwavering dedication to achieving and surpassing the targets set by the Service.”
Mr Aliyu added that all suspects arrested in connection with the seized items have been charged to court under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, reaffirming the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling.
“We will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour. Anyone involved in sabotaging the economy through fuel smuggling or other illicit trade will face the full weight of the law,” he declared.
He further commended officers of the Command for their “discipline, sacrifice, and professionalism,” stressing that effective Customs administration thrives on cooperation with legitimate traders, transporters, and the public.
“The Command remains committed to maintaining open communication channels to facilitate legitimate trade and ensure compliance with Customs regulations,” he assured.
The Oyo/Osun Customs Command’s renewed enforcement drive underscores the federal government’s broader effort to curb petrol smuggling, which has contributed to fuel scarcity and foreign exchange losses in Nigeria’s downstream sector.
General
Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today
By Blaise Udunze
Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.
The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.
Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.
Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.
The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.
Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.
Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.
Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.
General
Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.
This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.
The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.
This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.
Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.
It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.
Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
General
Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.
The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.
Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.
According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.
“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.
He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.
Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.
He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.
“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.
On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.
“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.
He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.
Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.
He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.
“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy2 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn












