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Fuel Scarcity Looms as Tensions Rise and Tanker Drivers Begin Strike

Olaosun Rebecca
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Fuel Scarcity Looms as Tensions Rise and Tanker Drivers Begin Strike

Nigeria could be heading toward a severe fuel shortage and sharp price hikes, with pump prices potentially reaching N1,000 per litre, due to rising Middle East tensions and a brewing tanker drivers’ strike.

On Sunday, Dangote Refinery announced the rollout of 4,000 new compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered fuel tankers, a move seen as a major shift that could render many existing operators and aging articulated vehicles obsolete.

At the same time, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has declared its intention to cease lifting petroleum products from the refinery starting Monday, June 16, 2025, in response to a dispute with the Lagos State Government.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s crude oil producers exported products worth N12.96 trillion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, amid a backdrop of global volatility. This coincides with reports of an estimated $5.7 billion loss from production shortfalls in the first five months of the year—suggesting that local refineries may need to ramp up imports to maintain operations in the face of rising prices and international supply challenges.

This export figure represents a N2.53 trillion (16.34%) decline compared to Q1 2024 figures of N15.49 trillion, and a N828 billion (6.01%) drop from Q4 2024’s N13.78 trillion, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The NBS added that crude oil accounted for 62.89% of Nigeria’s total export value in Q1 2025, with total exports valued at N20.6 trillion.

Global oil prices jumped over 10% last Friday as tensions in the Middle East escalated. Brent crude gained more than eight per cent, with intraday increases as high as 13%, following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

In a bid to cushion fuel supply challenges, Dangote Refinery announced a new credit facility: customers purchasing at least 500,000 litres will be granted access to an additional 500,000 litres on credit, repayable within two weeks and backed by a bank guarantee.

The refinery stated that this initiative is designed to revive dormant fuel stations, create jobs, empower SMEs, boost government revenue, enhance fuel availability in rural areas, and build investor confidence in Nigeria’s downstream sector.

In a related development, NARTO National President Lawal Othman explained that the strike was triggered by a Lagos State Government directive imposing a N12,500 E-Call Up System for trucks operating along the Lekki–Epe Corridor.

Despite ongoing talks, no consensus was reached on NARTO’s proposal of N2,500 per truck, which the association deems more appropriate given the current economic climate.

“We appreciate your cooperation and urge all members to remain united and vigilant as we continue to engage the Lagos State Government in pursuit of a fair and sustainable outcome,” the statement said.

Othman confirmed that, effective June 16, 2025, NARTO transporters will stop truck programming along the corridor until a fair resolution is reached, potentially disrupting operations connected to Dangote Refinery.

Rwandan Immigrant Indicted for Masterminding Genocide

Tosin Onisuuru
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Rwandan Immigrant Indicted for Masterminding Genocide

A longtime Dayton resident originally from Rwanda has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly concealing his involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide during the U.S. immigration process.

Jean Leonard Teganya, 51, is accused of lying on immigration forms and during interviews to cover up his alleged role in the mass killings that occurred during Rwanda’s civil conflict. According to federal prosecutors, Teganya committed crimes against Tutsi civilians while working as a medical intern at Butare University Hospital during the genocide.

The indictment claims that rather than admitting his role, Teganya portrayed himself as a victim of violence when applying for asylum and later seeking permanent residence in the United States. He entered the country in 2003 and had been living in Dayton, Ohio, since 2014.

U.S. authorities say Teganya assisted military and militia members in identifying Tutsi patients at the hospital and was directly involved in brutal acts, including sexual assaults and killings. Witnesses reportedly saw him help carry out or facilitate these crimes. Prosecutors emphasize that his alleged actions were well known at the time within the hospital.

Teganya now faces two counts of immigration fraud and three counts of perjury. If convicted, he could lose his U.S. residency status and face deportation.

This is not the first time Teganya’s past has drawn legal scrutiny. A prior immigration court proceeding also examined his alleged connection to the genocide.

Creatives Compensation: Payment Of Residuals In Nollywood 

Enyosa Favour
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Creatives Compensation: Payment Of Residuals In Nollywood 

Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry by volume, has grown exponentially breaking into global streaming markets and captivating audiences worldwide. 

Yet, beneath its vibrant storytelling and star power lies a long-standing challenge: the outdated compensation structure for creatives. Actors, writers, and directors are often paid a one-off fee, regardless of how well their projects perform or how much revenue is generated over time. 

As these films go on to earn profits through syndication, streaming, or international distribution, the people who brought them to life are left behind. 

Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde recently brought this to public attention, revealing that in just four years of working in Hollywood on two test projects, she earns monthly residuals, while in her three-decade Nollywood career across 310 projects, she has received none. Her statement sums it up clearly: “Nollywood needs structure.”

As the global spotlight continues to shine on Nigerian cinema, the conversation around residuals is becoming urgent. What legal reforms are needed? What economic and cultural shifts must occur? And how can the industry align more closely with global standards to ensure that creatives are fairly compensated for their work not just once, but every time it earns? These are the questions Nollywood must begin to answer if it truly hopes to evolve.

Why The CBN Froze Bank Dividends and Bonuses

Tosin Onisuuru
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Why The CBN Froze Bank Dividends and Bonuses

In a decisive move aimed at protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has drawn a clear line: banks currently enjoying regulatory forbearance must hold off on rewarding themselves and their investors.

Dividend payments to shareholders and bonuses to directors and senior management have officially been suspended for these institutions, pending a full cleanup of their books.

On June 13, the CBN issued a circular signed by Olubukola Akinwunmi, its Director of Banking Supervision, informing affected banks of the new directive.

The message was straightforward. Banks under regulatory forbearance must suspend dividend payments and bonuses.

But what does all this mean for the average Nigerian, and why is it happening now?

What Is Regulatory Forbearance?

When banks run into financial trouble—perhaps due to bad loans, poor investment decisions, or economic shocks—the CBN sometimes offers temporary relief. This includes relaxing certain regulatory requirements like credit exposure limits and the Single Obligor Limit (SOL), which restricts how much a bank can lend to a single borrower.

It’s essentially a breathing space—an opportunity for banks to recover without being penalized too quickly.

Some banks, despite struggling behind the scenes, kept distributing profits as if all was well. Now, the CBN is stepping in with a loud message:
“No bonuses. No dividends. Not until your books are clean and your capital strong.”

Why Is the CBN Doing This Now?

There are three big reasons driving this decision:

  1. The Economy Is Shaky—and So Are Some Banks
    Nigeria’s economy has taken a beating: high inflation, a volatile naira, and global uncertainty.

Some banks are quietly absorbing losses or carrying bad loans, especially from risky lending in oil, gas, or FX exposures.

This move ensures that instead of rewarding shareholders or executives, banks focus on survival and recovery.

  1. Past Mistakes Are Echoing
    The 2009 banking crisis is still fresh in the minds of regulators. Back then, it took billions in bailouts to save the system. The CBN clearly doesn’t want history to repeat itself—and is applying pressure early to stop the rot.
  2. Forbearance Is Not a Party Pass
    The forbearance relief was never meant to be a party pass. It was supposed to help banks fix themselves, not keep up appearances while handing out rewards. Now, the CBN is holding everyone accountable. So What Exactly Has Been Suspended?

According to the CBN:
“As part of this review, the CBN directed affected banks to suspend dividend payments, defer bonuses, and refrain from making investments in foreign subsidiaries or launching new offshore ventures.”

If a bank is on regulatory life support, it must stop trying to expand abroad, stop promising returns to shareholders, and stop giving perks to top brass—until it’s financially sound again.

“This temporary suspension is until such a time as the regulatory forbearance is fully exited and the banks’ capital adequacy and provisioning levels are independently verified to be fully compliant with prevailing standards.”

What Does It Mean for the Average Nigerian?

Firstly, Your Money Is Safer

If you bank with one of these institutions, this directive is a form of protection. It forces banks to hold on to their cash reserves and rebuild stability, which means your deposits are less likely to vanish in a crisis.

Banks Will Lend More Responsibly

In the past, some banks gave out reckless loans and hoped the profits would cover the fallout. Now, tighter oversight could lead to smarter lending practices—which is great for small businesses and startups looking for clean capital.

You Avoid Future Bailouts

When banks collapse, the public ends up footing the bill—whether through taxpayer-funded bailouts or lost savings. This move reduces that risk by holding financial institutions accountable before it’s too late.

This isn’t happening in isolation. It comes in the wake of new recapitalisation directives and a fresh wave of reforms aimed at cleaning up Nigeria’s banking sector.

By enforcing this pause, the CBN is setting the tone: discipline now, dividends later.
“The measure is to ensure that internal resources are retained to meet existing and future obligations and support the orderly restoration of sound prudential positions,” the CBN said.

Banks must be strong before they can be generous.
To the big banks, this may feel like tough love. But to the average Nigerian, this is a quiet act of protection. It’s the kind of move that doesn’t make noise on social media but could save your finances tomorrow.
The CBN has made it clear: There’s no reward without responsibility.
And in a country where banking stability means food on the table, salaries on time, and businesses afloat—that’s a stance we should all care about.

Sudan’s RSF Claims Seizure of Border Area Near Egypt

Tosin Onisuuru
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Sudan’s RSF Claims Seizure of Border Area Near Egypt

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have announced the capture of a crucial area near the Egyptian border, escalating the ongoing internal conflict with the country’s military. The seized location, located in Sudan’s Northern State and identified as Wadi Halfa, lies near a key crossing point into Egypt.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, the RSF claimed it took full control of the border region and its infrastructure “without resistance.” They added that their fighters are now managing checkpoints and overseeing traffic in and out of the area.

Wadi Halfa, a quiet desert town with historical significance, sits along the banks of the Nile and serves as a critical junction for both trade and movement between Sudan and Egypt. Its takeover could mark a strategic win for the RSF, which has been locked in a violent power struggle with Sudan’s regular army since April 2023.

The RSF’s growing influence in the north signals a widening of the conflict, previously concentrated in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan. While the army has yet to officially comment on the RSF’s claim, Sudanese sources have expressed concern that this move could complicate humanitarian access and border coordination with Egypt.

The fighting between the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and the Sudanese Armed Forces under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has caused widespread displacement, civilian deaths, and a deepening humanitarian crisis across the country.

There has been no immediate reaction from Egypt regarding the RSF’s claim. However, analysts suggest Cairo will likely be alarmed by RSF’s proximity to its border, especially amid regional concerns over instability spilling beyond Sudan’s frontiers.

As of now, the situation on the ground remains fluid, with fears growing that the conflict could further fragment Sudan and pull in external actors if border zones become militarized.

Zambia’s Ex-President’s Funeral Dispute Resolved

Tosin Onisuuru
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Zambia’s Ex-President’s Funeral Dispute Resolved

A dispute between the Zambian government and the family of late former President Rupiah Banda has been resolved, allowing funeral plans to proceed.

The disagreement centered on the burial site. Banda’s family had requested that he be laid to rest at the Embassy Park presidential burial site in Lusaka, a place reserved for former heads of state. However, this request initially met resistance from the government.

Eventually, Vice-President Mutale Nalumango confirmed that an agreement had been reached to honor Banda’s final wishes. She announced that Banda would indeed be buried at Embassy Park, following the intervention of President Hakainde Hichilema.

The late president, who served from 2008 to 2011, passed away in 2022 but was temporarily buried at his farm in Eastern Province, pending a final decision. The delay in moving his remains had caused growing frustration among his relatives, who felt the delay was disrespectful to his legacy.

President Hichilema emphasized the importance of respecting the former leader’s contribution to Zambia’s democracy and national development, stating that his burial at Embassy Park was both fitting and deserved.

The final reburial ceremony is now scheduled, with state support promised for a dignified and respectful occasion.

FCCPC summons Air Peace over consumer complaints

Olaosun Rebecca
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FCCPC summons Air Peace over consumer complaints

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called Air Peace Limited’s management to address numerous consumer complaints across Nigeria regarding unrefunded ticket fares, including cases where the airline itself canceled flights.

This was outlined in a statement by FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, issued in Abuja and released to the public on Monday.

Ijagwu noted that if the airline’s actions are confirmed, they would violate Sections 130(1)(a) and (b) and 130(2)(b) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which guarantee consumers timely refunds for unfulfilled advance bookings, reservations, or orders due to the service provider’s failure.

This provision upholds fair dealing and protects consumers from unfair, unjust, or unreasonable practices by service providers.

Through a formal summons dated June 13, 2025, the FCCPC, citing Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA 2018, has directed Air Peace to appear at its Abuja Headquarters on Monday, June 23, 2025.

The agency’s spokesman stated, ”Specifically, Section 33(3) of the FCCPA mandates compliance, and failure attracts severe sanctions including fines or imprisonment, and the airline is further directed to produce documentary evidence including a complaint log for refunds over the past twelve (12) months, total records of processed refunds to date, list of cancelled flights on all routes within the past twelve (12) months, and remedial actions taken to mitigate consumer hardship resulting from cancelled flights.”

In December 2024, the FCCPC began investigating separate claims of exploitative ticket pricing by Air Peace, including significant price increases for advance bookings on specific domestic routes. Air Peace responded by initiating legal action to halt the Commission’s inquiry, which is a distinct issue.

Ijagwu emphasized, “The FCCPC remains committed to enforcing the provisions of the FCCPA (2018) and holding service providers accountable and ensuring that consumers, including airline passengers, are protected from exploitative or unfair market practices.”

Police Chief Arrested Over Death of Kenyan Blogger in Custody

Tosin Onisuuru
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Police Chief Arrested Over Death of Kenyan Blogger in Custody

Kenyan authorities have arrested the head of Nairobi’s central police station, Samson Talam, over the suspicious death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. The case has sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct in the country.

Talam’s arrest follows a deeper investigation that also led to the detention of Corporal James Mukwana and a police technician accused of disabling the station’s CCTV system. Ojwang was reportedly detained after posting a critical message about Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Initially, police claimed that Ojwang died after hitting his head on a wall, but this explanation was quickly challenged by medical experts. An independent inquiry later found evidence pointing to assault rather than an accident.

Faced with growing pressure, the police retracted their earlier statement. Inspector General Douglas Kanja issued a formal apology, acknowledging that the original communication had misled the public.

Investigators have since interviewed 23 people and suspended five officers in connection with the case. Prosecutors believe Corporal Mukwana and others orchestrated Ojwang’s death and manipulated surveillance footage to cover it up. Mukwana has been presented in court and remains in custody pending a bail hearing. He has not issued any public statements, though his lawyer said he cooperated with the investigation.

Meanwhile, the technician accused of disabling the CCTV has also been detained. The case has sparked protests, with demonstrators in Nairobi demanding the dismissal of Deputy Inspector General Lagat.

President William Ruto, who pledged to combat police brutality after taking office in 2022, has called for a swift and transparent investigation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding rogue officers accountable.

Human rights organizations continue to raise concerns over police violence in Kenya. Last year alone, more than 160 extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances were reported. In the first four months of this year, at least 20 people are believed to have died while in police custody.

Israeli-Iranian War: World Leaders’ View On The Boiling Tensions

Ohiomoje Margaret
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Israeli-Iranian War: World Leaders’ View On The Boiling Tensions

Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply as Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv and Haifa before dawn on Monday. The strikes killed at least eight people, injured over 100, and destroyed multiple residential buildings, prompting Israel’s defense minister to warn that residents of Tehran would “pay the price and soon.”

Iran announced its parliament is considering a bill to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but emphasized that it remains opposed to the development of weapons of mass destruction. The legislative process may take several weeks.

Israel, widely believed to possess nuclear weapons though it neither confirms nor denies this, is the only Middle Eastern state that has not signed the NPT. In response to the attacks, Israel’s military confirmed it had eliminated four senior Iranian intelligence officials, including the head of the Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence unit. The military also claimed to have destroyed over one-third of Iran’s missile launchers used in the assault.

A total of seven Iranian missiles landed in Israel out of the approximately 100 fired overnight. Fires erupted near Haifa’s port power plant, while search and rescue teams continued to pull survivors from damaged structures in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Petah Tikva, and Bnei Brak.

The war has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict as G7 leaders gathered in Canada. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope for diplomatic resolution but acknowledged no signs of de-escalation on the fourth consecutive day of hostilities.

The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has deepened instability already worsened by the Gaza war involving Israel and Hamas. In total, 24 Israeli civilians have died in the Iranian missile attacks.

Video footage captured missiles lighting up Tel Aviv’s sky, with explosions audible across both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Residential districts near the U.S. Embassy sustained heavy damage, but American diplomatic staff reported no injuries despite minor building impacts.

Voices from the Ground

Israeli Victim Recounts Horror

Guydo Tetelbaun, a Tel Aviv resident, described the terrifying moments when missiles struck:
“As usual, we went into the (shelter) that’s right across the street there. And within minutes, the door of the (shelter) blew in,” said the 31-year-old chef.
“A couple of people came in bloody, all cut up. And then when we came to the apartment, after it quietened down, we saw there wasn’t much of it… Walls are caved in, no more glass.”
He added, “It’s terrifying because it’s so unknown. This could be the beginning of a long time like this, or it could get worse, or hopefully better, but it’s the unknown that’s the scariest.”

Elsewhere, missiles hit near Tel Aviv’s Shuk HaCarmel market, a street in Petah Tikva, and a school in Bnei Brak.

Fear Grows Among Iranians

In Tehran, anxiety also runs high.
“Tehran isn’t safe, clearly,” said one resident. “We get no alarms or warnings from officials about Israeli attacks. We just hear the blasts and hope our place isn’t hit. But where can we go? Nowhere feels safe.”

Another person who fled the capital remarked: “I don’t think I’ve fully processed that I’m living in an active war zone, and I’m not sure when I’ll reach acceptance.”

World Leaders Call for Restraint

United States and Russia

President Donald Trump said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting both agreed the war “should end.” Trump also described the conflict as “very alarming.” Putin expressed grave concern over the escalation, warning of “unpredictable consequences for the entire situation in the Middle East.”

Both leaders hinted at the possibility of resuming negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Turkey

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that Israel aims to “drag the whole region into the fire” and called its attacks a distraction from the Gaza crisis. In calls with several leaders, including President Trump, Erdogan emphasized that nuclear negotiations remain the only solution and affirmed Turkey’s readiness to help prevent further escalation.

China

Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated Beijing’s support for Iran, stating China backs “Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, defending its legitimate rights and interests, and ensuring the safety of its people.”
Wang criticized Israel’s strikes on nuclear sites as a “dangerous precedent” and warned against the use of force, insisting that “diplomatic means… have not been exhausted” and that Beijing is willing to assist in de-escalation efforts.

Qatar

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemned Israel’s attacks as a “blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty,” and called for diplomacy to restore peace and stability.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stressed that the Kingdom “condemns ongoing attacks that undermine Iran’s sovereignty and security.” Iranian President Pezeshkian told him that Israel continues to disrupt regional peace efforts.

United Kingdom

Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the deployment of UK military assets to the region. Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned of “further harm to civilians” and urged urgent de-escalation.

Germany

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul cautioned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions threaten the entire region. He stressed the importance of preventing nuclear proliferation and committed Germany to supporting de-escalation.

France

President Emmanuel Macron appealed for restraint and urged that Iran’s nuclear issue “must be resolved through negotiation.” He called for an immediate return to talks as the “only viable path to de-escalation.”

The Vatican

Pope Leo XIV urged responsibility and dialogue, warning:
“The situation in Iran and Israel has seriously deteriorated… The commitment to build a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through respectful meeting and sincere dialogue.”
He added: “No one should ever threaten the existence of the other.”

The risk of a broader Middle East war remains high as both Israel and Iran exchange threats and attacks, with global powers urging diplomacy to prevent a full-scale regional disaster.

ECOWAS President Calls On The Bloc To Address Integration Obstacles

Olaosun Rebecca
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0
ECOWAS President Calls On The Bloc To Address Integration Obstacles

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is grappling with integration challenges and aims to address them by fostering greater unity, solidarity, and fraternity among its members.

At the 37th ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held on Sunday at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Omar Touray, President of the commission, outlined these concerns and the proposed course of action.

According to NAN, the AFC meeting was convened to assess the mid-term progress of ECOWAS institutions’ decisions, programs, projects, and activities.

Represented by ECOWAS Vice President Mrs. Damtien Tchintchibidja, Touray explained that the review focused on addressing the community’s challenging financial situation.

He noted that the meeting would also explore ways to mitigate the impact of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS to preserve the achievements of 50 years of regional integration.

Touray added that the AFC session would provide updates to member states on recruitment progress within the commission’s institutions.

“As you know, our organisation is currently going through an existential crisis, and in such circumstances, we must sit down together and pose and examine the problems and challenges facing us.

“Our organisation is at a crossroads, and this calls for a strong capacity to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of integration and to project ourselves into the future.

“But beyond all that, we must be aware and recognise that our strength lies in unity, solidarity and fraternity, moving forward together on the road to development, in peace and stability,” he said.

Touray emphasized that the recent 50th anniversary of ECOWAS and the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger underscored the urgency of accelerating institutional, organizational, political, and security reforms.

He revealed that, following the decisions of the Heads of State and Government, the commission would soon hold a summit on the future of ECOWAS.

“Prior consultations will be organised, including with young people and women, to take into account all the needs for the future of the community.

“I would like to remind you that ECOWAS is in all of us: you here today, me, and all the citizens of our community space.

“It lives through our collective commitment, our solidarity, our fraternity and our shared desire to build a more prosperous and forward-looking region,” he added.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, Prof. Nazifi Darma, highlighted that the shifting landscape of global aid and financing prompted the commission’s recent acquisition of new communications infrastructure.

He called on member states to reconsider how resources are generated and utilized, noting that the new equipment would enhance the modernization of the commission’s communication operations.

“Donor support is diminishing in the new world order. We must begin to explore indigenous, creative approaches to finance and service delivery within the region,” he said.

AFC Chairman Amb. Olawale Awe stressed the importance of proactive steps to tackle critical issues, such as staffing shortages across ECOWAS institutions and the community levy, particularly in light of the Sahel States’ withdrawal.

“We must act decisively to fill these institutional voids to maintain the momentum of our mandate.

“The Commission cannot afford stagnation at a time when the region demands progress,” he said.

The meeting was attended by prominent ECOWAS figures, including commissioners, parliamentarians, representatives from the Community Court, resident representatives, and heads of ECOWAS institutions and agencies, among others.

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