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Category: Africa

  • Dangote Group Unveils Vision 2030, Signs $400m Agreement with China’s XCMG

    Dangote Group Unveils Vision 2030, Signs $400m Agreement with China’s XCMG

    LAGOS, NIGERIA: The Dangote Group has unveiled its Vision 2030 strategy, outlining plans to transform into a $100 billion pan-African industrial powerhouse by the end of the decade. In a statement released Monday, the conglomerate emphasised its commitment to “deepening investments across the continent, strengthening human capital, reducing import dependence, creating jobs, and advancing sustainable industrialisation.”

    Demonstrating its resolve, the Group announced the signing of a $400 million agreement with China’s XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. to acquire advanced construction equipment. The deal is expected to accelerate the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, which recently achieved recognition as the world’s largest oil refinery. The current output of 650,000 barrels per day is projected to rise to 1.4 million barrels per day under the expansion plan.

    Beyond crude refining, the agreement will boost production of key byproducts. Polypropylene output is expected to increase from 900,000 metric tonnes per year to 2.4 million, while Nigeria’s urea production capacity will scale from 3 million to 9 million metric tonnes annually. The Group described these milestones as central to its broader industrial vision, positioning Nigeria as a global hub for energy and petrochemicals.

  • Ohanaeze Accuses Asari Dokubo of Inciting Ethnic Violence Against Igbos

    Ohanaeze Accuses Asari Dokubo of Inciting Ethnic Violence Against Igbos

    PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA — The Rivers State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has accused former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo of attempting to incite ethnic violence through what it described as a “false and venomous video.”

    In a statement issued on Monday, January 16, and made available to Newpost Africa, the chapter president, Livingstone Wechie, criticised Dokubo’s claims that Igbo communities in Rivers State were behind attacks on Northern Muslims during recent clashes in Rumuokwurusi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Wechie said the video was “inciting and malicious,” aimed at pitching Igbos against their northern neighbours. He clarified that the violence at the Oil Mill Fruit Market on January 14 stemmed from a dispute between Benue and Hausa traders, not Igbo communities.

    Wechie stressed that Igbos are neither anarchists nor destroyers, noting their significant population in Rivers State and across northern Nigeria, where they coexist peacefully with other ethnic and religious groups. He emphasised that both Christian and Muslim Igbos live in Rivers State and respect the religious rights of others.

    The Rivers State Police Command also confirmed that the incident was a clash between Hausa and Benue traders, not involving Igbos, and that the suspect in the killing had been arrested. Wechie urged the public to disregard Dokubo’s “emotional outburst and combustible propositions,” warning that such rhetoric could destabilise the state. He commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his swift intervention, which restored calm and prevented further escalation.

  • Lagos Governor Celebrates Esther Etiyemonu—Spelling Bee Champion and “One-Day Governor”

    Lagos Governor Celebrates Esther Etiyemonu—Spelling Bee Champion and “One-Day Governor”

    LAGOS, NIGERIA — Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday hosted Miss Esther Etiyemonu, the newly crowned One-Day Governor of Lagos State and overall winner of the 21st Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition, at Lagos House, Marina.

    In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Esther, a student of Lagos State Senior Model College, Igbokuta, describing her as “a brilliant student” whose confidence, focus, and hard work distinguished her in the statewide contest.

    “Today, I received Miss Etiyemonu Esther, the One-Day Governor and overall winner of the 21st Lagos Spelling Bee Competition, a brilliant student of Lagos State Senior Model College Igbokuta, at Lagos House, Marina. Her confidence, focus, and hard work stand out. She represents the very best of our youth, and I am incredibly proud of her achievements,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He added: “Esther, all of Lagos is rooting for you and your bright future. Congratulations once again.”

    The Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition, inaugurated in 2001, produced its first One-Day Governor in Bisi Adeyemi. Since then, the tradition has continued, inspiring generations of Lagos students.

    Organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through the Office of Education Quality Assurance, the competition aims to promote literacy, language development, and academic excellence. Beyond spelling, it fosters confidence, leadership, and public speaking skills, with the highlight being the winner’s symbolic opportunity to serve as One-Day Governor of Lagos State — sitting in the Governor’s chair and experiencing leadership firsthand.

  • Customs Seize Four Live Pangolins in Ogun

    Customs Seize Four Live Pangolins in Ogun

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, says it intercepted four live Pangolins, an endangered species, along the Yemoamota-Abule-Igboora axis of the state.

    The Deputy Superintendent of NCS, Chado Zakari, also the Command’s Spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ota.

    Zakari explained that the seizure underscored the service’s unwavering commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

    According to him, at about 3.00 a.m. on Thursday, a patrol team acting on credible intelligence intercepted a motorcycle in the Yemoamota-Abule-Igboora, and Ebute Igboora axis of the command.

    “Upon inspection, officers discovered four pangolins confined in wire mesh cages and concealed within a sack.

    “The sophisticated nature of the packaging suggests the involvement of an organised smuggling syndicate.

    “To evade arrest, the suspects abandoned their motorcycle and the endangered species, vanishing into the thick terrain as the evening fog rolled in,” he said.

    Zakari said that prioritising the animals’ welfare after the seizure, the Command officially transferred the pangolins to the Wildlife Conservation Centre on Feb. 13, 2026.

    He said that the handover was conducted by Assistant Comptroller Tajjudeen Bello (Acting Deputy Comptroller for Administration), on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Oladapo Afeni.

    The area comptroller noted that the officers acted with remarkable courage and professionalism throughout the covert operations.

    The comptroller reiterated the command’s commitment to be steadfast in its vigilance against trans-border crime and to collaborate with its partners to eliminate the illegal trade in endangered species.

    Afeni issued a stern warning to smugglers and traffickers of endangered wildlife, urging them to desist from the act.

    He emphasised that the command remained ‘battle-ready’ and fully equipped to track down and apprehend anyone undermining the law.

  • African Union Welcomes DRC–AFC/M23 Peace Agreement, Urges Implementation

    African Union Welcomes DRC–AFC/M23 Peace Agreement, Urges Implementation

    ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — The African Union Commission has welcomed the peace agreement signed on 3 February 2025 in Doha between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 (AFC/M23). AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the accord as “an important step” toward de-escalating hostilities and restoring peace and security in eastern DRC.

    In a statement issued on 12 February 2026, the Chairperson commended the parties’ commitment to peace, urging them to respect the “mutually agreed ceasefire mechanism” as a means of building trust and protecting civilian populations. He emphasised that the establishment of a clear monitoring framework is essential to ensure compliance and foster confidence between the parties.

    The African Union expressed gratitude to the State of Qatar and the United States for their efforts in facilitating the agreement, noting that the initiative aligns with the AU-led mediation process under the leadership of H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Togo and AU-designated Lead Mediator on eastern DRC, supported by the AU Panel of Facilitators.

    The AU also acknowledged the role of regional organisations, including the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, in operationalising the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM+) to support the permanent ceasefire.

    The conflict between the DRC and M23 rebels has persisted since 2009, rooted in ethnic tensions, unfulfilled peace agreements, and regional rivalries. M23, formed by former Congolese army members, accuses the government of failing to honour commitments related to political representation, protection of Tutsi communities, and reintegration benefits. The group demands greater autonomy, security guarantees, and political inclusion. The DRC government, however, views M23 as an illegitimate armed movement backed by external actors, particularly Rwanda, and seeks to reassert state authority, safeguard civilians, and preserve territorial integrity.

    The AU Chairperson underscored that the Doha agreement represents a significant confidence-building measure. He encouraged both parties to fully implement the agreed Terms of Reference and remain engaged in ongoing political and security processes. The African Union Commission reaffirmed its readiness to support the parties, in collaboration with regional mechanisms, to advance a permanent ceasefire, lasting peace, reconciliation, and stability in the region.

  • INEC Releases Timetable for 2027 General Elections, Vows Strict Enforcement of Electoral Laws

    INEC Releases Timetable for 2027 General Elections, Vows Strict Enforcement of Electoral Laws

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria’s apex electoral body, has released the official timetable for the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2027, marking the start of the electoral cycle in Africa’s largest democracy and leading oil producer.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey and a constitutional obligation aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.”

    According to the timetable, the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, March 6, 2027. Prof. Amupitan emphasized that the notice was issued in line with constitutional provisions, which require publication of election dates not later than 360 days before polling.

    “The timely announcement of the election date allows political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate to prepare adequately,” he said.

    The INEC Chairman also welcomed ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently under consideration at the National Assembly, noting that such reforms would strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework.

    Under the released timetable, political parties are expected to:

    • Conduct primaries within the statutory period.
    • Submit nomination forms within the approved window.
    • Commence campaigns as provided by law, ending 24 hours before Election Day.

    Prof. Amupitan warned that the Commission would strictly enforce compliance with electoral laws and timelines, reiterating INEC’s commitment to independence and neutrality.

  • Mbah Hosts Chartered Institute of Taxation, Vows to Convert Revenue into Visible Development

    Mbah Hosts Chartered Institute of Taxation, Vows to Convert Revenue into Visible Development

    ENUGU, NIGERIA: Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in driving the effective implementation of the recently introduced Tax Reform Acts by the federal government.

    Hosting the CITN leadership, led by its president, Innocent C. Ohagwa, at the Government House, Enugu, on Thursday, the governor emphasised the importance of ensuring that the new tax laws are fully operational in the state.

    The visit formed part of the institute’s nationwide sensitisation programme aimed at educating citizens on the new tax reform policies. The South-East sensitisation exercise was jointly organised by CITN and the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service.

    According to Governor Mbah, “Strengthening our tax system is about fairness, accountability, and building a state that works for everyone.”

    Between 2023 and 2025, Enugu State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) witnessed unprecedented growth. In 2023, the state recorded about ₦37.4 billion, which rose sharply to ₦180.5 billion in 2024 following reforms that expanded the tax net and introduced technology-driven revenue collection. By 2025, the figure had climbed to ₦406.8 billion, representing a 125% increase from the previous year and achieving 80% of the ₦509.9 billion target set for that fiscal year. This remarkable turnaround was largely driven by non-tax revenue sources and structural reforms aimed at building fiscal resilience and sustainability.

    Governor Mbah reiterated his commitment to transparency and innovation in revenue management, stating: “We remain committed to a transparent, technology-driven revenue system that eliminates leakages, broadens the tax base fairly, and converts revenue into visible development for our people.”

  • Maureen Badejo vs. Daniel Olukoya: Sowore Accuses Police of Collusion

    Maureen Badejo vs. Daniel Olukoya: Sowore Accuses Police of Collusion

    LAGOS, NIGERIA: Nigerian human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the police of colluding with Dr Daniel Olukoya, founder and General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), in the detention and trial of UK-based blogger Maureen Badejo.

    In a post on his verified Facebook page, Sowore described Badejo’s continued detention and delays in bail processing as “persecution, abuse of office, and a coordinated scheme between the police and a powerful General Overseer to unlawfully silence her.” He alleged that police officials had sought a 14-day detention warrant, despite the charges being outside the jurisdiction of a magistrate’s court, and accused them of employing the controversial “holding charge” tactic to prolong her custody.

    Sowore further claimed that while a magistrate granted Badejo bail, police manoeuvred to shift proceedings to the Federal High Court, where the case was assigned to Justice Aluko but stalled due to bureaucratic delays.

    The broader case stems from allegations of defamation against Badejo, who was found liable by the UK High Court in 2021 and ordered to pay £100,000 in damages to Olukoya and his wife. Her appeal was dismissed in 2026. In Nigeria, she faces parallel proceedings, where she was granted bail of ₦10 million.

    The controversy underscores growing concerns about freedom of expression, judicial integrity, and the use of defamation laws by powerful figures to protect reputations.

  • Dangote Refinery Achieves 650,000 bpd Capacity, Becomes World’s Largest

    Dangote Refinery Achieves 650,000 bpd Capacity, Becomes World’s Largest

    LAGOS, NIGERIA: The Dangote Refinery has announced a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest for energy security, confirming that it has reached full operational capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd). With this achievement, the Lagos-based facility is now recognised as the world’s largest oil refinery.

    In a statement released Wednesday, July 11, 2026, the company said the milestone was attained after the refinery successfully scaled up to full operations.

    The Dangote Refinery, conceived in 2013 by Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote with initial financing of $3.3 billion, was designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products. Construction began in 2016 at the Lekki Free Trade Zone near Lagos, with total investment eventually exceeding $19 billion.

    Built as the world’s largest single-train refinery, the project faced years of delays due to financing challenges, equipment logistics, and regulatory hurdles. In 2021, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) acquired a 20% stake to secure crude supply agreements. By December 2023, the refinery received its first crude shipment, and in May 2023 it was officially inaugurated. Operations commenced in early 2024, marking a turning point in Nigeria’s energy sector.

    With its current capacity, the refinery is expected to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand and export surplus products, positioning the country as a key player in global energy markets.

    PICTURE CREDIT: Dangote Industries Limited

  • AU 48th Ordinary Session Calls for Unity, Sustainable Water Management, and Accelerated Continental Integration

    AU 48th Ordinary Session Calls for Unity, Sustainable Water Management, and Accelerated Continental Integration

    ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA: The African Union Executive Council has opened its 48th Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa with a strong call for unity among member states, sustainable water management, and accelerated continental integration. The meeting comes against the backdrop of political instability and leadership changes across several African countries, as well as renewed debates over regional power blocs.

    The two-day session, which began Wednesday at the AU headquarters, is being held under the Union’s 2026 theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” The theme reflects growing concerns over water security, particularly disputes along the River Nile, where Ethiopia’s recent inauguration of a major hydropower dam has raised tensions with downstream nations such as Egypt.

    AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf underscored the importance of water as a collective resource, urging member states to view it as a tool for peace and cooperation amid climate change. He also expressed concern over political instability, unconstitutional changes of government, and persistent security threats in the Sahel and Horn of Africa, noting both progress and setbacks in countries such as Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau.

    On continental integration, Youssouf highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a cornerstone for economic transformation. He called for innovative financing mechanisms and greater involvement of specialized agencies, the private sector, civil society, and philanthropic foundations. “More than ever, the continent needs to capitalize on its instruments to boost the momentum of development and integration, reflecting on innovative sources of financing and involving all actors, however marginal they may seem,” he said.

    According to the Council, the 48th Ordinary Session reaffirms the AU’s commitment to strengthening governance, advancing peace and security, and accelerating the implementation of Africa’s shared development agenda under Agenda 2063.