Osun 2026: APC remains confident of victory – Oyetola

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has declared that members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State remain confident of victory as preparations continue for the 2026 governorship election in the state.

The former Osun State governor made the remarks on Friday in Iragbiji, Osun State.

Addressing party supporters, Oyetola said the APC remained determined to regain control of the state government, stressing that preparations were already underway ahead of the election.

“We are prepared for the contest ahead. By the grace of God, we will vote and we will win,” Oyetola said.

He urged party members and residents not to be troubled by political developments in the state, assuring them that the party would remain focused on its mobilisation efforts.

According to him, “There is no cause for alarm. We are confident that with the support of the people, victory will come our way.”

The minister also used the occasion to call for support for the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He noted that ongoing economic and social reforms by the Federal Government required collective backing from citizens.

He said Nigerians should rally around the leadership at the centre to help achieve national development goals and ensure the success of programmes designed to strengthen the country’s economy.

Oyetola also encouraged eligible residents in Osun State to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and described voter registration as a civic responsibility.

‘We’re not surprised’ – NNPP reacts to move by Kano Assembly to impeach Deputy Governor

The New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has said it is not surprised by what it described as the desperate actions of the Kano State House of Assembly to impeach the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

In a statement signed by Ladipo Johnson, its National Publicity Secretary, the NNPP said that Nigerians should not expect anything less, adding that the move was the final kick from a political group that has lost its conscience.

“When men trade their conscience for political favour, they see being loyal to the people as a criminal act,” the statement said.

“The Deputy Governor is being targeted for one specific ‘crime’: he won’t get on the same page as others who have broken the trust given to the NNPP by the people of Kano.

“He has chosen the path of honor, staying loyal to the Kano voters and his party, while others have switched to the ruling party in a shameful act of political opportunism.

“This fake show starting in the House is a clear sign of the old, bad kind of democracy these people follow—a system where the law is used like a weapon to hurt the very people it’s supposed to help.

“They are not looking for a person; they are targeting the authority given by the people of Kano!

“We see this so-called impeachment process for what it is. It’s a clear attempt to create a path for the APC to take over a mandate they couldn’t win either in the polls or through the courts.

“It’s a political killing that’s pretending to be a legal procedure,” it stated.

The NNPP showed their strong support for the deputy governor and the people of Kano State, saying that “These people gave their trust to the NNPP in 2023 for a four-year term. However, this mandate has now been passed to a political party that the people clearly did not support.

“We ask the people of Kano State to stay calm despite this big challenge. You can’t challenge the truth, and you can’t send a notice about ‘gross misconduct’ to the will of the people as a whole. This bad legislation is just a rough way to finish weakening the vote in a sneaky way.

“Let it be known: 2027 is nearer than it seems.
The voters have long memories. Every lawmaker who is trading their honesty for small political favors and their employers will face anger from the people when they vote. The gavel is in your hands today, but the people have the final say. The NNPP stands firm. We remain undeterred.”

DAILY POST reported that the Kano State House of Assembly has begun impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

The impeachment notice was presented during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action was initiated in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

While addressing lawmakers, Dala outlined a series of allegations linked to Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as actions allegedly taken in his current role as deputy governor.

‘Nepotism, tribalism order of the day’ – Aisha Yesufu sad over Frank Mba’s retirement

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Aisha Yesufu has expressed sadness over the retirement of DIG Frank Mba from the Nigeria Police Force.

DAILY POST had reported that the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, along with several other senior officers will be retiring following recent leadership changes within the institution.

The departure of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the subsequent confirmation of Tunji Disu as the new police boss has brought some senior officers on the list for retirement.

Reacting, Aisha Yesufu in a post on X, said she was saddened about the development, alleging nepotism and tribalism by top government officials.

She wrote, “I am so saddened about the retirement of DIG Frank Mba! An officer with so much to offer to the nation, most especially the police force that desperately needs overhauling!

“How do we fight terrorism when we have turned our security architecture into a joke!

“When nepotism, tribalism and lack of merit is the order of the day terrorists will have the upper hand!”

Natural disaster: Abia to establish Safety Commission

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said that the State government will establish the Abia State Safety Commission to ensure effective regulation of safety standards across homes, offices, markets, and industries in the State.

Governor Otti made this known on Friday, when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, led by its Chairman, David Idris Zakarias.

The Governor disclosed that the policy has received State Executive Council approval and is awaiting legislative action for full implementation.

He emphasized that beyond setting up the Commission, public reorientation on safety consciousness was crucial to prevent disasters and protect lives and property.

“In some markets, you see dark-line electrical wires and combustible materials kept unsafely.

“We must continue to educate our people and ensure fire extinguishers are available,” Governor Otti stated.

The Governor promised to ensure that his administration’s safety policy initiative is properly legislated.

Earlier in his speech, David Idris Zakarias said that only Lagos State currently has the Safety Commission, regretting that non-compliance with safety standards was affecting the lives and businesses of Nigerians.

NAFDAC inaugurates Taskforce on fake drugs, unwholesome processed foods in Ebonyi

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated the Ebonyi State Taskforce on “Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods”.

The inauguration, which took place in Abakaliki, attracted key stakeholders on the taskforce, comprising NAFDAC, Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force.

Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christiana Adeyeye, the NAFDAC Director, South East Zone, Dr. Festus Ukadike gave an overview of the enforcement initiative, as well as its objectives and urged Ebonyi State to take the lead in confronting the growing threat of counterfeit medicines and unsafe packaged foods.

According to her, “enforce standards, coordinate intelligence-driven surveillance, remove illegal products from circulation, and support legitimate manufacturers and traders by ensuring that compliant businesses are not undermined by counterfeiters and illegal operators.”

She disclosed that the taskforce would carry out coordinated market inspections and rapid testing, including transparent reporting to the Chairman Federal Taskforce on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods.

Contributing, the Chairman of the Federal Taskforce, Dr. Martin Iluyomade (FSI) who spoke through Zoom from Lagos State, said that the taskforce derived its legal backing from an Act of the National Assembly and it supersedes any similar taskforce constituted by a State.

On his part, the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma described the circulation of harmful drugs and unhealthy foods as a serious threat to human existence, stressing that the menace kills silently, weakens the healthcare systems and affects the poor and the vulnerable.

He enumerated the efforts made by the Ministry to curb counterfeit drugs.

Ekuma maintained that the inauguration was not a ceremonial event but a call to action and enjoined members of the taskforce to work assiduously to eliminate all forms of health-threatening substances in the State.

On his part, the Ebonyi State NAFDAC Coordinator, Mr. Emeka Orajiaka emphasized that the fight against counterfeit drugs and unwholesome processed foods cannot be tackled by NAFDAC alone, adding that with the collaborative efforts of the newly inaugurated taskforce, significant progress can be achieved in protecting the health and safety of Ebonyi residents.

Responding on behalf of others, the Chairman of the Taskforce, Dr. Gabriel Ajah, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo promised that the taskforce would operate with professionalism, integrity, and transparency.

He pledged their readiness to collaborate with relevant agencies, manufacturers, regulatory bodies and the judiciary to dismantle networks making profit from human suffering.

NYSC opens portal for prospective corps members’ registration March 12

National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has announced that its online portal will be available for prospective corps members to complete their mobilisation registration from March 12 to March 18, 2026.

The scheme made this known through a notice shared on its official social media platforms on Friday.

In the announcement addressed to prospective corps members, the agency explained that only graduates whose names appear on the approved Senate or Academic Board lists submitted by their institutions will be eligible to participate in the registration process.

The notice stated that the portal would be accessible within the stated period to enable qualified graduates to complete their online registration.

According to the scheme, only candidates whose results have been approved by their institutions’ Senate or Academic Board and subsequently uploaded to the NYSC portal will be allowed to register.

The agency urged prospective participants to consult its official website and social media channels for comprehensive information and guidelines regarding the registration procedure.

It also stressed the need for applicants to carefully verify their personal information before commencing the registration.

The NYSC further advised prospective corps members to ensure that the name on their records with the National Identity Management Commission corresponds exactly with the name appearing on the Senate list and the NYSC portal.

Graduates were equally reminded to confirm that their names match those on their certificates or statements of result.

Applicants were encouraged to check their information through the Senate list verification portal before proceeding with the online registration process.

Emirates returns to Lagos route after airspace disruptions

Emirates SkyCargo

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East following military exchanges between Israel and Iran, Middle East carrier Emirates has announced the resumption of its Dubai-Lagos-Dubai flight operations.

The airline confirmed that it would operate its services between Dubai and Lagos on Friday, March 6, 2026, after suspending flights last week due to widespread airspace disruptions triggered by the escalating conflict in the region.

Sources familiar with the airline’s operations Saturday PUNCH that Emirates is commencing the operations mainly to bring back stranded Nigerians in the UAE to their home country.

Several Middle Eastern carriers had halted operations after multiple countries shut their airspace following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets.

The US President, Donald Trump, described the attacks as a major combat operation, a development that forced global airlines to reroute flights that typically pass through the Middle East corridor.

The disruptions significantly affected long-haul routes connecting Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, with airlines scrambling to adjust schedules amid safety concerns.

The ongoing conflict has forced airlines worldwide to avoid certain airspace corridors after missiles were launched from Israel toward Iran, followed by retaliatory strikes by Iranian forces.

As a result, airlines have been forced to cancel or reroute numerous services, including flights linking India, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

After initially suspending operations, Emirates said it was closely monitoring developments and maintaining communication with relevant aviation authorities to determine when it would be safe to resume services.

The airline had also advised passengers to regularly check its travel updates and flight status pages before heading to the airport.

However, in a message sent to its trade partners in Nigeria, the Gulf carrier confirmed the return of its Lagos operations. “We will be operating the Dubai–Lagos–Dubai flight (EK783 & EK784) on 6th March 2026,” the airline stated.

Emirates noted that the resumption offers passengers an opportunity to continue their travel plans after days of uncertainty caused by the crisis.

According to the airline, travellers are encouraged to take advantage of the available flights quickly, as demand for seats is expected to surge. “The flight resumption presents a unique opportunity for customers to travel,” the airline said.

It added, “Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. The latest flight updates will be published on our website.”

MAN warns against illegal recycling of beverage bottles

MAN logo manufacturers Association of NigeriaThe Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has warned against the illegal destruction and recycling of returnable packaging materials belonging to beverage companies, following a recent police crackdown on illegal factories in Anambra State.

Earlier in February, the Nigeria Police Force, working with beverage manufacturers, reportedly raided several illegal facilities in Onitsha and surrounding areas, where individuals allegedly destroyed returnable glass bottles and plastic crates belonging to beverage companies.

In a statement on Friday, the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, condemned the destruction of these packaging materials as unauthorised and economic sabotage against businesses, and hailed the efforts of the police and regulatory agencies.

“The recent raid is the outcome of sustained engagements and intelligence-led investigations and represents a decisive step by authorities to protect legitimate business operations, uphold environmental standards, and deter further illegal activity,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

The MAN DG described the practice “as criminal and a serious economic sabotage… as assets remain the property of beverage companies that have invested heavily in these sustainable packaging materials to protect the environment”.

According to a Vanguard News report, the Executive Secretary of the Beer Sectoral Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Abiola Laseinde, commenting on the February crackdown on alleged factories in Anambra, stated that, “The recent raid is the outcome of sustained engagements and intelligence-led investigations… a decisive step by authorities to protect legitimate business operations, uphold environmental standards and deter further illegal activity.”

Ajayi-Kadir confirmed the earlier news reports, affirming that the police acted on credible intelligence to dismantle illegal operations involving the theft, destruction, and unauthorised recycling of companies’ returnable packaging materials.

He stated that the association received reports from member companies that some factories were destroying company-owned bottles and crates for resale as raw materials, resulting in businesses losing millions of naira in investments.

“The police, working with member companies, acted on credible intelligence and stormed the factories to crack down on illegal disposal, theft, and unauthorised recycling of the returnable packaging materials of the affected companies, notably returnable glass bottles and plastic crates,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

He explained that the association petitioned relevant security and regulatory agencies and shared intelligence to seek lawful intervention to curb the practice, recover company assets and dismantle the illegal recycling operations.

Ajayi-Kadir added that investigations revealed that large quantities of bottles and crates were diverted from legitimate channels into informal recycling networks across the South-East.

“Member companies identified multiple illegal locations in the South-East where they crush our bottles and crates for resale as raw materials, while police investigations showed that significant quantities were being diverted from legitimate channels into informal recycling networks,” MAN’s DG said.

He noted that in several cases, reusable bottles were deliberately broken and plastic crates shredded and sold as raw materials, thereby undermining beverage companies’ circular packaging model.

He remarked, “These Returnable Packaging Materials are company-owned assets designed for multiple reuse cycles and form a critical part of their sustainability, cost-efficiency, and product quality systems. It’s a criminal activity to destroy them.”

Meanwhile, Ajayi-Kadir warned those involved in the illeal practice to desist, stressing that the association would continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure offenders face the full weight of the law.

He added that beyond the direct loss of assets, the activities disrupt supply chains, raise operational costs and pose environmental and safety risks due to unsafe recycling practices.

MAN urged relevant government agencies to intensify efforts against the illegal diversion and destruction of returnable packaging materials outside the beverage industry’s value chain.

MAN’s DG also called on members of the public to report suspicious activities to the police or to the consumer care lines of beverage companies.

Economists Commend Dangote Refinery For Averting Fuel Crisis

Energy and economic experts have commended Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals for cushioning Nigeria from the full force of the global oil shock triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

 

International developments highlight the scale of disruption across global markets. In the United Kingdom, The Mirror reported petrol prices climbing to 169.9 pence per litre, with long queues forming at filling stations amid fears of supply shortages linked to the crisis.

 

Analysts argue that without the refinery’s 650,000 barrels per day capacity, Nigeria would have faced acute product scarcity and significantly sharper increases in petrol prices as crude oil surged on the international market.

 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, noted that crude prices have risen by over 32.39 per cent since the crisis began, climbing above $84.5 per barrel. In contrast, the Dangote Refinery implemented a measured adjustment of N100 per litre in its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, representing an increase of about 12 per cent.

 

“The price of crude has gone up about 32% but the price of PMS has gone up about 12%, so the Dangote Refinery has absorbed over half of the increase,” Rewane said. He added that in China, which operates a 10-day averaging pricing window, petrol prices have risen by about 15% within the same period.

 

Also speaking, Dr Muda Yusuf, former Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described the refinery as a major stabilising factor for Nigeria’s energy security.

 

“We are fortunate as a country to have the Dangote Refinery because many countries are currently in crisis as far as energy is concerned, occasioned by skyrocketing prices and product shortages,” he said. “Yes, there has been some increase in price, but that is inevitable because crude feedstock is the major cost variable. The increase cannot be compared to what would have happened if we did not have a functioning local refinery. The volatility has been moderated because we are more energy secure.”

 

Development economist, Prof Ken Ife, observed that the Middle East tensions would have wider implications for Africa, where refining capacity remains limited. He noted that the continent spends over $120 billion annually importing petroleum products, despite concerns over quality in some markets.

 

Citing data from OPEC, Ife said Nigeria has about 445,000 barrels allocated for domestic refining under existing arrangements. However, the Dangote Refinery requires about 13 vessels of crude to meet local consumption needs but currently receives only five. He called for stricter enforcement of domestic crude supply obligations to strengthen local refining capacity.

 

On his part, a university lecturer and public affairs analyst, Dr Abimbola Oyarinu, said the refinery came on stream at a critical moment, particularly as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for roughly 20 to 30 per cent of global oil supply, continue to exert upward pressure on crude prices.

 

“The strategic value of the Dangote Refinery lies in supply security and reduced scarcity risk,” he said. “However, stabilisation is not the same as insulation. Because crude is priced at international market rates, global volatility will still transmit into the domestic economy, particularly through fuel price induced inflation. Sustainable economic stability will require complementary policy discipline, transparency in pricing and the development of strategic reserves.”

Managing Director and Chief Economist at Analysts’ Data Services and Resources (ADSR) Limited, Afolabi Olowookere, said the issue of inadequate crude supply to Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals by domestic producers must be urgently addressed, given the strategic benefits the facility offers to both Nigeria and the wider African region.

 

Olowookere explained that although Nigerians expect refined products from the refinery to be significantly cheaper, prevailing market realities such as global crude oil prices, the cost of crude supply and refining margins make substantial price reductions unlikely in the short term. He stressed that improving domestic crude allocation to the refinery would strengthen supply stability and enhance the long term benefits of local refining for the economy.

30 banks meet new capital base so far—- CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that thirty banks have met the new minimum capital requirements introduced under its banking sector recapitalisation programme.
The  apex bank’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications , Hakama Sidi-Ali, who  stated this  on Friday explained that several lenders had successfully strengthened their capital bases through different fundraising channels, including rights issues, initial public offerings and private placements.
As of March 6, 2026, the recapitalisation exercise is progressing steadily, it said, adding that thirty banks have met the new minimum capital requirements applicable to their respective licence authorisations.
It added:” In total, thirty-three (33) banks have raised additional capital through rights issues, initial public offerings, and private placements as part of the programme.”
According to the apex bank, the capital positions of the remaining banks were currently undergoing routine verification before final confirmation of compliance within the stipulated timeline for the recapitalisation exercise.
The verification process, it noted, forms part of its supervisory role aimed at ensuring that the capital raised by banks aligns with regulatory standards and prudential requirements.
“The capital positions of the remaining banks are currently undergoing the Central Bank’s routine verification process ahead of final confirmation of compliance within the recapitalisation timeline,” the statement added.
The CBN introduced the recapitalisation programme in 2024 as part of efforts to strengthen the resilience, stability and long-term capacity of Nigeria’s banking system to support economic development.
Under the programme, banks were required to raise fresh capital to meet revised minimum thresholds based on the category of their operating licences.
The bank reiterated that the banking system remained stable and sound despite ongoing capital adjustments by financial institutions.
It stated, “The CBN reiterates that the Nigerian banking system remains stable and sound. The recapitalisation programme remains firmly on track and will further strengthen the capacity of the banking sector to support households, businesses, and sustainable economic growth.”
It further assured stakeholders that it would continue to maintain close supervisory engagement with regulated institutions throughout the process.
It said:“The Central Bank of Nigeria will continue to maintain close supervisory engagement with regulated institutions to ensure full compliance with prudential and capital requirements.”