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NNPC Petrol Discount: FCT Motorists Praise Initiative as Commuters Decry High Fares

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  Motorists in the Federal Capital Territory have welcomed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC) N66-per-litre petrol discount, but some commuters say the initiative has done little to reduce transport fares as the October 31 deadline approaches. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday, residents expressed mixed reactions to the 30-day discount scheme. While some motorists said it offered relief at the pump, commuters complained that the cost of daily transportation remained high. The Federal Government introduced the discount at NNPC retail outlets, with public transport operators given priority under the arrangement. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the initiative was not a return to petrol subsidy. He also disclosed that the government was negotiating a ceiling of N1,350 per litre on petrol’s ex-gantry or landing cost to reduce sharp price fluctuations. Meanwhile, Dangote Petroleum Refinery reduced its gantry petrol price by N25 per litre, from N1,350 to N1,325. A Wuse-based motorist, Abubakar Saidu, commended the government for introducing the discount but identified long queues and network problems as challenges affecting access to the scheme. Saidu said he purchased petrol through the NNPC app after completing the required registration process, paying N1,339 per litre. However, he noted that delays and connectivity issues sometimes made it difficult for customers to benefit. “I downloaded the app and followed the procedure before buying the petrol at N1,339 per litre,” he said. However, some commuters said the discount had not translated into lower transport fares. Obi Anyawu, a resident of Nyanya, said rising transportation costs continued to put pressure on Nigerians, particularly those who travelled to work daily. “The transportation fare keeps increasing, and there has not been any difference,” he said. Similarly, a Karu-based commuter, Stephanie Okoro, said she had yet to notice any positive impact from the intervention. “I have not benefited from the intervention, and I have not seen any positive impact it has, even among the transporters,” she said. Okoro added that high fares continued to make commuting difficult, leaving some passengers struggling to find affordable transport. A Bwari-based motorist, Jide Oyetola, called for a review of the initiative and additional measures to reduce transportation costs. He said the rising cost of commuting was affecting workers’ ability to meet their daily expenses, citing the experience of his secretary, whose salary could no longer comfortably cover her transport fares. According to Oyetola, she was considering reducing the number of days she reported to work because of the financial strain. He argued that waiting for cheaper buses might not provide a lasting solution, adding that many other workers could be facing similar difficulties. Another commuter, Nonye Obanla, who lives in Dutse, also urged the government to introduce further measures to ease transportation costs and reduce the economic pressure on citizens. With the discount scheme due to end on October 31, concerns remain over whether the intervention will provide meaningful relief to commuters facing high transport fares.

2027 Elections: Nigerians Will Be Proud of Police, Says IG Disu

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  The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured Nigerians that police officers will demonstrate professionalism before, during and after the 2027 general elections, promising that their conduct will make citizens proud of the force. Disu gave the assurance while speaking with journalists after the launch of The Origin of Women in Nigeria Police Force, a book written by 96-year-old retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella Okuyiga, one of the first 20 female officers to join the Nigeria Police Force. The IGP said the police had held a conference with commissioners of police and other senior officers to review lessons from previous elections and improve their performance in 2027. “We have now brought all these experiences together, where we did well and where we did not do well, so that we can perform better in this big election that everybody is looking up to,” Disu said. He added that the force would work to ensure Nigerians were proud of its conduct during the polls. Speaking on the book, Disu praised Okuyiga for documenting her experiences and institutional knowledge for future generations of police officers, particularly women. He said the police would ensure copies of the book were made available to training institutions to help officers understand the history and contributions of women in the force. Okuyiga expressed delight that the publication would preserve her experiences for future generations, saying it would allow her story to live on through libraries and readers around the world. The book was launched by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokama, who announced a donation of ₦20 million.

Reps to Prioritise State Police, Women’s Reserved Seats, 2027 Budget

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  The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has unveiled a proposed 100-day legislative programme to fast-track pending bills, clear outstanding committee reports and strengthen oversight as lawmakers resume plenary after their annual recess. Abbas announced the plan on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Abuja, urging lawmakers not to allow political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections to distract them from their constitutional responsibilities. “The campaign must never become more important than the country,” he said, calling for improved attendance at plenary and committee sittings. The Speaker identified the proposed State Police Bill, the Reserved Seats for Women Bill and other outstanding constitutional amendments as key priorities. He said the House would work with the Senate and state Houses of Assembly to advance the constitutional review process. He also urged the Federal Government to submit the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the 2027 budget promptly to allow sufficient time for legislative scrutiny and the timely passage of the Appropriation Bill. Abbas said the House would also prioritise bills and requests submitted by President Bola Tinubu, including the National Research Development Fund Bill and the proposed domestication of the Geneva Conventions and their relevant protocols. Providing an update on legislative performance, Abbas disclosed that the House had received 2,747 bills and passed 363 by mid-June 2026. He added that the House had completed between 65 and 70 per cent of the major milestones in its legislative agenda. However, he cautioned against measuring the Assembly’s performance solely by the number of bills passed, stressing that legislation and oversight must produce tangible benefits for Nigerians. “A law must solve a problem. A motion must lead to action. An investigation must protect the public interest. Oversight must improve the management of public resources,” he said. Abbas also called for strict compliance with the Electoral Act and adequate support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 elections. He urged public institutions involved in the electoral process to operate with neutrality and professionalism. With the 10th Assembly entering its fourth and final session, the Speaker urged lawmakers to complete priority legislation, conclude outstanding investigations and strengthen oversight before the end of their tenure. He also called for greater accountability in the management of public revenue, insisting that increased allocations should translate into better roads, education, healthcare and security. Abbas further pledged legislative support for security agencies while emphasising accountability in the use of public funds and powers. He urged lawmakers to remain united across party lines and focus on delivering measurable results before the Assembly’s tenure ends.

First Niger Bridge May Reopen This Week – Federal Controller

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  The First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha, Anambra State, to Asaba, Delta State, may be reopened to traffic before the end of this week, the Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, has said. Emenike gave the assurance on Wednesday while speaking with journalists about the ongoing finishing works on the bridge. He said major rehabilitation activities, including asphalt laying, repairs to expansion bolts and other critical structural works, had been completed, with only finishing works such as the painting of railings and installation of solar light poles ongoing. “Barring unforeseen circumstances, the bridge could be reopened before the end of the week,” Emenike said. He added that all necessary infrastructure had been put in place to ensure the free flow of traffic and improve the safety of road users. The bridge was closed to traffic from September 7 to 21 for emergency rehabilitation after vandalised structural components, including expansion-joint steelwork, were discovered. The closure was later extended by one week due to persistent rainfall and other unforeseen circumstances. During an inspection on September 23, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, had said the bridge would not be reopened until the major structural repairs were completed. “We are not going to be stampeded to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved,” Umahi said at the time. The prolonged closure forced motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge and other alternative routes, leading to longer travel times and increased transportation costs. Meanwhile, Emenike dismissed reports that newly installed brick demarcations on the bridge had been removed or destroyed. He said the openings seen along the demarcation were deliberately created to allow emergency U-turns. “The alleged removal of the brick demarcation that was installed after the bridge rehabilitation is one of the lies some disgruntled elements are telling and posting with fake pictures on social media to discredit the ministry and deceive the public,” he said. The expected reopening is likely to ease traffic pressure and improve movement between Onitsha and Asaba, particularly for commuters, traders and businesses that rely heavily on the major transport link.

UPDATED: 20 Abducted Corps Members Regain Freedom in Imo

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  Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps in Abia State have regained their freedom. The graduates were kidnapped seven days ago along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, while travelling in two buses. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the Department of State Services Hospital in Owerri. The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the facility to meet the victims and assess their condition. He was accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the DSS and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade. The latest development means all 20 prospective corps members have now regained their freedom. Authorities have, however, yet to disclose details of the rescue operation, including whether any suspects were arrested or ransom was paid. The abductors had reportedly demanded N50 million for each victim, initially putting the ransom at N1 billion before reducing it to N5 million per person, or N100 million in total. Following the abduction, security agencies launched a search operation and reportedly traced the kidnappers’ hideout through drone surveillance. However, access to the location was said to have been delayed after improvised explosive devices were reportedly discovered around the camp. Additional equipment, including bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers, was subsequently deployed to facilitate access. Earlier, the police had announced the rescue of 10 of the victims while efforts continued to locate the remaining captives. Meanwhile, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended the security agencies and the governments of Imo and Oyo states for their coordinated efforts in securing the victims’ release. Uzodimma said the sensitive nature of the operation informed the decision to keep details away from the public while efforts were ongoing. He also commended the victims’ families for their patience and urged Nigerians to remain confident in ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

Foundation Sues TikTok Over Alleged Restrictions in Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto

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The Foundation for Digital Justice has sued TikTok Inc. at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged restrictions on access to the platform in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto states. The organisation is asking the court to order TikTok to restore access to millions of users in the affected states. The suit was filed on October 5, 2026, by the Foundation’s lead counsel, Festus Ogun. It was brought under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009. The Foundation alleged that the restrictions violated Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination. Users Report Access Problems In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, the Foundation’s legal officer, Abidat Idowu, said users in the four states began experiencing difficulties accessing TikTok around September 11. By September 14, she said, access to the platform had become “completely restricted and inaccessible to millions of Nigerian Users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States.” According to the affidavit, users on regular mobile data connections were affected. Their feeds were reportedly freezing, while videos failed to load and uploads repeatedly stalled. “These users cannot load videos, refresh their feeds and upload content on TikTok,” Idowu stated. The Foundation further alleged that the disruption had prevented affected users from accessing and sharing information or participating in online discussions. “Millions of Nigerian Users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States are left out of access to information, they cannot disseminate information, they cannot receive information and cannot express their opinions on the Respondent’s TikTok’s platform owing to the restriction and/or disruption,” the affidavit stated. Foundation Alleges Discrimination The organisation said some affected users had been able to regain access by using virtual private networks, commonly known as VPNs. It also alleged that TikTok remained fully accessible to users in other parts of Nigeria. “Disturbingly, except in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States, users in all other parts of Nigeria continue to enjoy unrestricted and unfettered access and usage of Respondent’s TikTok App,” Idowu stated. The Foundation argued that TikTok had not provided an explanation for the alleged difference in access. “The Respondent has also not provided any explanation for the obvious exclusion, discrimination and restriction of access against all TikTok users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States,” the affidavit said. The organisation wants the court to determine whether the alleged restriction violates Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects freedom of expression, as well as Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. It is also asking the court to determine whether the alleged differential treatment violates Section 42 of the Constitution and Article 2 of the African Charter, which protect against discrimination. TikTok Access Described as Critical The Foundation argued that TikTok has become more than an entertainment platform in Nigeria. According to the organisation, the platform is widely used for communication, journalism, business, civic participation, and political and social discourse. “The Respondent’s platform is very critical for communication, journalism, civic participation, business, political and social discourse in Nigeria and the restriction of millions of TikTok users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States has unduly excluded them,” it said. The Foundation also argued that activities such as posting, liking, reposting and replying to content constitute forms of expression. It stated that users affected by the alleged restriction were prevented from viewing, posting, replying to, reposting or liking content on TikTok. The organisation therefore described the alleged restrictions as an exclusion of residents of the four states from what it termed a public forum. What the Foundation Wants The Foundation is seeking several orders from the court. It wants the alleged restrictions to be declared “wrongful, unconstitutional, arbitrary” and a violation of the right to freedom of expression. It is also asking the court to declare that restricting users in the four states while allowing access elsewhere in Nigeria amounts to discrimination. In addition, the organisation wants TikTok to immediately restore access to affected users. It is seeking a perpetual injunction preventing the company from imposing similar restrictions on users in the affected states, or elsewhere in Nigeria, without lawful justification. The Foundation is also asking the court to order TikTok to publish a public apology in three national newspapers within seven days of judgment. It said the legal action was necessary to protect digital rights and uphold the rule of law. “This lawsuit is imperative for the enforcement of fundamental rights to freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination and preservation of the rule of law,” the affidavit stated. The Foundation further argued that unless the reliefs sought were granted, the alleged violations would continue to affect millions of TikTok users in the four states.

FULL LIST: NAF Names 25 Victims of Ondo Aircraft Crash

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The aircraft crashed on Monday while it was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. According to the NAF, five crew members and 20 passengers were on board. No survivor has been found following the crash, the Air Force said in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. NAF Releases Names of Victims The five crew members who lost their lives have been identified as: Squadron Leader MI Aburime – Flight Captain Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje – Co-pilot Flight Lieutenant IS Bako – Co-pilot Warrant Officer Abubakar A – Aircraft Technician Corporal Uguru HC – Aircraft Technician The 20 passengers have been identified as: Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye Flying Officer IM Adeshina Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F Master Warrant Officer Matini BA Warrant Officer Nuhu FS Flight Sergeant James RB Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI Sergeant Ani AE Sergeant Izibenikien SI Sergeant Alafuka C Sergeant Mbadugha AN Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC Lance Corporal Eledan GE Mrs Ezeh Nneka Godstmine Tarabina Joy Micheal Sunday Micheal Ukeme David Gideon Omotola NAF Begins Investigation According to the Air Force, search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the crash. The response was carried out in coordination with relevant authorities as efforts were made to locate and account for everyone on board. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Aneke described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation” and expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims. He also assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support during the difficult period. The NAF said further verified information would be released as the investigation progresses. The public was also urged to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information. The Air Force appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families. Condolence Register Opened in Abuja Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja. According to the Service, the register is available for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects to the victims and sympathise with their families. The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates on the investigation and the recovery efforts.

NYSC Kidnap: Kidnappers Slash Ransom to N100m as Parents Raise Alarm Over Beatings

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Kidnappers holding 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State have reduced their ransom demand from N50 million to N5 million per victim, bringing the total demand down from N1 billion to N100 million. The development, however, has failed to ease the anxiety of the victims’ families, who say the abducted graduates are being beaten by their captors. One of the affected parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande, said on Sunday that the kidnappers had subjected the victims to physical assault since Friday. She appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their immediate rescue. “The kidnappers had reduced their demand from the earlier N50m per victim to N5m each. They are still demanding N5m. They have come down to N5m each,” Akande said. The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states on Thursday when gunmen attacked two buses conveying them around Umunoha on the Owerri-Onitsha Road. The parents also disputed reports that 10 passengers were rescued by security operatives, saying those who escaped did so by fleeing into the bush. Akande said the families remained under intense pressure as they struggled to raise the ransom, adding that one of the abducted victims had been allowed to communicate with his father. According to her, the kidnappers were allegedly monitoring the family’s ability to raise money through the phone conversations. “They are not sparing anybody. They are beating all of them,” she said. The parent added, “We appeal to the government at all levels to please assist us in getting them rescued out of that place. They have started beating them.” Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has assured the families that efforts were ongoing to rescue their children unharmed. “I want to assure that your children would be rescued unharmed. The police are working round the clock to secure their rescue,” Ladoja said. The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, also said he had been in contact with the Imo State Police Command over the incident. “I had already contacted Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of the incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt,” he said. The Imo State Police Command later confirmed that security agencies were closing in on the victims, while the 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, said all relevant agencies were collaborating to secure their release. Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said, “We’re conducting the operation and gradually closing in. We will keep you posted.” Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, had earlier disclosed that security operatives had identified the suspected camp where the victims were being held but were exercising caution over intelligence that the location had been mined with improvised explosive devices. He said drones were used to locate the camp after security operatives tracked the kidnappers into the bush, adding that bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers were being prepared for the rescue operation. The abduction has also triggered renewed calls for reforms to the NYSC scheme. The African Democratic Congress called for the temporary suspension of the scheme to allow the Federal Government to reorganise it and strengthen security measures for corps members. Other political parties and public figures, including the Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressives Party, Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore, also condemned the abduction and demanded the immediate and safe rescue of the victims. Sowore called for the suspension and eventual scrapping of the NYSC scheme, while Peter Obi urged the government to rescue the corps members and arrest those responsible. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, also expressed concern after confirming that at least three of its graduates were among those reportedly abducted. The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Razaq Kalilu, said the institution remained in solidarity with the affected families and was praying for the safe return of all the victims. As security agencies intensify efforts to reach the suspected kidnappers’ hideout, the families continue to appeal for urgent intervention to ensure that the 20 prospective corps members return home safely.

Kidnappers Demand ₦1bn Ransom for 20 Oyo NYSC Members

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Kidnappers who abducted 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps have demanded ₦1 billion for their release. The parents of the victims disclosed this on Saturday when they visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan, alongside the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri. The 20 graduates were travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps on Thursday when gunmen attacked the two buses conveying them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. According to the parents, the abductors have been contacting them through the phones of the victims and demanded ₦50 million for each person, amounting to ₦1 billion. “They have been calling us since yesterday (Friday) with a demand for N50m ransom each. They are threatening that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed to their request. “There is no way we can raise such an amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” the parents pleaded. The families appealed to the Olubadan and the police to intervene and secure the immediate release of the victims. Responding, Ladoja assured the parents that efforts were underway to rescue the victims safely. “I want to assure that your children would be rescued unharmed. We will relate whatever information we gather to you. The Police are working round the clock to secure their rescue. Don’t worry yourself, police are up to the task, and nothing would happen to your children,” he said. Similarly, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police said he had contacted his Imo State counterpart over the incident and was assured that the victims would be rescued unharmed. “I had already contacted Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt,” Abimbola said. The police did not disclose whether any ransom had been paid or provide further details about the ongoing rescue operation.

(PHOTOS):GOC 2 Division visits, Charges Oyo, Osun Troops to Remain Professional, Proactive

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The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops in newly established formations and units in Oyo and Osun states to remain disciplined, professional and proactive in the discharge of their duties. Mahmuda gave the charge on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during an inspection of the newly established Headquarters 7 Brigade in Oyo, Oyo State, and 137 Battalion in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The visit was aimed at ensuring the smooth take-off of the new formations and enabling the troops to immediately commence their constitutional responsibilities across the two states. Addressing the soldiers, the GOC urged them to maintain high standards of discipline and conduct, warning that he would not tolerate unprofessional behaviour. He also reminded the troops that their actions could affect the image of the Nigerian Army and urged them to maintain effective civil-military relations with their host communities. According to Mahmuda, the establishment of the new formations reflects the Chief of Army Staff’s, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, strategy to increase the number of troops on the ground to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges. He also noted that the Army was working to improve troops’ welfare under the COAS’s “Soldiers First” concept, urging personnel to reciprocate by remaining committed to their duties and denying criminal elements freedom of action. Meanwhile, community leaders in Ile-Ife, led by Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Sooko Laukun of Ife, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for establishing 137 Battalion in the town. They also thanked the Chief of Army Staff and the GOC for the new unit and pledged their support for its operations in the community.

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