LAMATA Refutes Confrontation with TikToker, Cites Privacy Rules

  The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has responded to allegations of harassment involving a Lagos-based TikTok content creator, darkskinnedella, following a series of viral videos shared by the creator. The creator, who documents her daily commute to Lagos Island on TikTok, drew attention this week to the prolonged waiting times faced by commuters, often exceeding two hours, and alleged harassment by transport staff when filming the congestion. In response to an inquiry by PUNCH Online regarding the alleged harassment and bus shortages, Head of Corporate Communication at LAMATA, Kolawole Ojelabi, clarified that the incident “was not a confrontation per se.” He explained that “in line with the privacy law, filming individuals without their consent within our transport infrastructure is discouraged. “One of the ground staff of one of our Bus Operating Companies attempted to communicate this policy to the individual who was filming, but the message was unfortunately received with aggression.” LAMATA also addressed concerns about alleged bus shortages along the Ikorodu corridor. Ojelabi noted that each BRT route has a specific number of buses assigned daily. “The reports of bus shortages currently trending have been noted. However, it is important to clarify that each route has a specific number of buses allocated to it. “Once these buses are loaded and depart with passengers to their destinations, subsequent commuters may have to wait for the buses to return before boarding,” he said, clarifying that the delays reflected operational realities rather than a shortage. The agency further denied claims that buses had been chartered for private events, which the TikToker suggested contributed to the morning congestion. “This is not true. Buses are not expected to be on charter,” Ojelabi said. On measures to improve service, LAMATA stated it is collaborating with private operators to expand the fleet and ease commuter waiting times. Darkskinnedella has been documenting her BRT commute since relocating to Lagos in late 2025, showing long queues, early departures from home, and delays both in the morning and evening. She explained that she leaves home as early as 6:30 a.m. to reach the terminal by 7 a.m., yet still sometimes waits more than two hours before boarding. Many commuters rely on the BRT system for its dedicated lanes and lower fares compared to commercial buses. The Lagos BRT system is regulated by LAMATA, which oversees policy, infrastructure, and system regulation, while daily operations are handled by private bus companies, including Primero Transport Services Limited. Concerns over bus shortages on BRT routes are longstanding. Reports from PUNCH Metro dating back to 2020 documented similar complaints from commuters about long queues and insufficient buses, particularly along busy corridors such as Ikorodu. Despite fare reductions and fleet expansion measures, demand continues to outpace supply, highlighting persistent operational challenges in meeting commuter needs.

Dangote Slashes Fuel Price by N100 as Global Crude Slumps

  The Dangote Refinery on Tuesday reduced its petrol gantry price by N100, from N1,175 to N1,075 per litre. The move followed a slump in global oil prices, with Brent crude dropping to $89 per barrel from over $100 on Monday. Officials of the refinery confirmed the development to our correspondent, adding that diesel prices have also been reduced. They stated that petrol supplied via coastal distribution channels will now sell for N1,050 per litre, reflecting a slight differential for marine logistics. Similarly, diesel is now N1,430 per litre at the gantry, representing a N190 reduction from the earlier price of N1,620 per litre. According to oilprice.com, Brent crude prices witnessed a dramatic reversal on Tuesday, plunging nearly 27 per cent from the previous day’s high of $119 per barrel to as low as $87 per barrel. The Dangote Refinery reportedly blamed global crude volatility for the repeated price hikes, citing tensions arising from the US-Iran conflict. Details later…

Kano Gov Sacks Head of Service

  The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has relieved the state Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect. The development was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa. According to the statement, the decision is part of ongoing efforts by the administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions. The statement partly read, “The decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the present administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across all government institutions.” The governor thanked the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure. “We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the statement quoted the governor as saying. Yusuf also directed that the Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, Bilkisu Maimota, should serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Head of Service. The statement added, “The governor has directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, the Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Head of Service.” The governor further directed Musa to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service not later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The development comes amid recent political realignments in Kano following the governor’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress, a move that has triggered adjustments across political and administrative structures in the state. The shift has led to a wave of repositioning among political appointees and government officials as the administration aligns with the new party structure while pursuing broader reforms within the state civil service.   Punch

UNILAG Dismisses ASUU Strike, Maintains Exams Will Hold

  The management of the University of Lagos has chided the varsity’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities for declaring an industrial action without following due process. The ASUU UNILAG, rising from a congress held on Tuesday, asked lecturers to withdraw their services from Wednesday over what they described as ‘amputated’ January and February salaries received. The Chairman, ASUU, UNILAG chapter, Prof Idou Keinde, stated that the lecturers did not receive the full complement of their salaries: Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics, Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and Professorial Allowance. Keinde vowed that the lecturers would not resume work until their full salaries are paid. But UNILAG, through its Head, Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, on Wednesday, said the university would continue to engage with the ASUU executive to address the issues, especially the unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances. The statement read, “The Management of the University of Lagos has noted reports circulating in the media that the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNILAG Chapter, at its Congress held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, directed its members to suspend their services over alleged unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances. “Management observes that due process was not followed in making this declaration. Nevertheless, in its commitment to the welfare of staff and students, the university has continued to engage with the ASUU Executive to address all issues.” While noting that engagement with the ASUU would continue, the UNILAG management said the ongoing students’ examinations scheduled for Wednesday will proceed as planned. “The university is particularly mindful that students are currently at a critical stage of the academic session, with semester examinations already underway. “Any disruption at this time would adversely affect students, especially those scheduled to commence the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme, internships, and those preparing to proceed to the Law School,” the statement added. It, however, noted that courses for which students have been informed by their Deans or Heads of Department that examinations will not be held will be rescheduled. “All examinations will continue as scheduled from Thursday, March 12, 2026, and deans are to ensure that necessary arrangements are put in place for the smooth and successful conduct of the examinations. “Management appeals to all members of the university community to remain calm and continue to go about their lawful academic activities as discussions with ASUU executive continue toward an amicable resolution of the issues raised,” the statement concluded.   Punch

Iran Strikes Israel, Gulf Nations as Oil Prices Fluctuate

Iran unleashed a wave of attacks against Israel and Gulf nations on Wednesday, including targeting a Saudi oilfield, as reports of a proposed record release of oil reserves helped calm markets and prices. The war sparked by United States-Israeli strikes on Iran has spread across the region and beyond, causing spiking energy costs, fuel rationing and even school closures. G7 leaders will meet by video conference later on Wednesday to discuss the war’s economic consequences, particularly the “energy situation,” the French presidency said. The International Energy Agency will decide on a proposal for its largest-ever oil reserve release, the Wall Street Journal reported. The United States on Tuesday said it was hitting Iranian ships capable of mining the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial passageway for oil that has been effectively closed by Iranian threats. The US military posted video footage of Iranian boats blasted apart, saying it had destroyed 16 minelayers near the strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. “If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before,” President Donald Trump wrote on social media. Trump faces mounting political risks over the surging cost of oil, months before US elections. Crude prices spiked five per cent late Tuesday before turning lower on Wednesday after the reserve release report. Trump said the US military could accompany tankers through the strait, but his administration acknowledged that a post by the energy secretary announcing a first such escort was untrue. Early on Wednesday, the UK maritime agency said a container ship off the coast of the United Arab Emirates had been hit by an “unknown projectile,” illustrating the ongoing risks to transport through the region. With an eye on jittery markets, Trump on Monday said the war would be short, although his Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, said Tehran would be hit by unprecedented fire on Tuesday. **’Not seeking ceasefire’** The Israeli-US attacks came weeks after Iranian authorities ruthlessly crushed mass protests, although the United States and Israel said they were not necessarily seeking to topple the Islamic republic. Iranian authorities warned against dissent at home, with the country’s police chief saying protesters would be viewed and dealt with as “enemies.” “All our forces are also ready, with their hands on the trigger, prepared to defend their revolution,” national police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said in comments aired by IRIB. Tehran also intensified its assault on targets in the region, with the government announcing it carried out its own “most intense and heaviest” salvo, firing missiles for three hours at cities across Israel. AFP journalists heard air raid sirens and explosions in Jerusalem. Emergency services reported no immediate injuries, although Channel 12 said several people were hurt in Tel Aviv. New salvos were reported early on Wednesday, with no reports of injuries. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they also fired on Bahrain and Iraqi Kurdistan, both of which have a heavy US military presence, and also targeted a US air base in Kuwait, Iranian media said. Kuwait said it had downed eight drones, without offering further details. Drones and ballistic missiles were also intercepted elsewhere in the Gulf, including multiple drones heading to the Shaybah oilfield in Saudi Arabia, its defence ministry said. Earlier, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former top commander in the elite Revolutionary Guards, said in an English-language post on X: “Certainly we aren’t seeking a ceasefire.” “We believe the aggressor must be punished and taught a lesson that will deter them from attacking Iran again,” he added. Seven US military personnel have been killed and about 140 injured since the start of the war, according to the Pentagon. **Fright in Tehran** The United States and Israel launched the war on February 28 with an attack that killed Iran’s veteran leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been named his successor, though he has yet to appear in public. In Tehran, one woman in her 40s said she found some reassurance in her impression that the bombings “don’t target ordinary buildings.” “The noise of the bombings is extremely disturbing,” she said. Iran’s health ministry said on March 8 that more than 1,200 people had been killed and over 10,000 civilians injured. The conflict has spread as far as Sri Lanka, where US forces torpedoed an Iranian ship, and Australia, which said on Wednesday it had granted asylum to two more members of the Iranian women’s football team. Iraq and Lebanon, both home to Iran-backed fighters, have become proxy battlegrounds in the war. In Iraq, Iranian-linked groups said on Tuesday that five of their fighters died in strikes they blamed on the United States. In Lebanon, hundreds of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes following Israeli air strikes and ground operations targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah. New Israeli strikes were reported in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday, with the health ministry saying another five people had been killed in the southern town of Qana. An Israeli strike also hit a central Beirut neighbourhood on Wednesday morning, state media reported. Iran complained to the United Nations that four of its diplomats died in a strike on a seafront hotel in central Beirut on Sunday, which Israel said was aimed at “key commanders” from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The effects of the war are being felt globally, with the UN trade and development agency warning of rising costs for essentials such as fuel and food hitting the world’s most vulnerable people. In Egypt, which increased the cost of fuels by up to 30 per cent, mother-of-six Om Mohamed fretted about the future. “We were barely getting by as it is. I don’t know how people will manage,” she told AFP at a Cairo market. AFP

US Warns Citizens of Possible Terror Threat to Facilities, Schools in Nigeria

  The United States Embassy in Nigeria has warned of a possible terrorist threat targeting US facilities and US-affiliated schools in the country. In a security notice issued via its website on Monday, the embassy said the alert was intended to inform American citizens in Nigeria of potential risks and advised them to take additional precautions when visiting U.S. diplomatic missions and affiliated institutions. According to the notice, U.S. citizens should exercise increased vigilance when travelling to its offices in Abuja and Lagos, as well as schools affiliated with the United States. “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens of a possible terrorist threat against U.S. facilities and U.S. affiliated schools in Nigeria. “The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens take additional precautions when traveling to the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, and U.S. affiliated schools, to include varying times and routes,” the statement read. The embassy advised American nationals to vary their travel times and routes, avoid predictable routines, and ensure their mobile phones are charged in case of emergencies. “Be aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile, review your personal security plans, vary your regular routes, keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency, stay alert in public places, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and familiarize yourself with emergency exits when entering buildings,” it said. The embassy did not spell out the source of the threat. The warning in Nigeria also comes amid a global security warning by the United States after Washington and Israel attacked Iran, which has responded with missile and drone attacks against its U.S.-aligned neighbours. It also follows protests in Lagos and some northern states by members of the South-West leadership of the Islamic Movement, who denounced the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes by the United States and Israel. The development comes as Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, wife of Iran’s Supreme Leader, reportedly died from injuries sustained during recent United States and Israeli strikes at her residence in Tehran. Recall that President Donald Trump on Christmas Day ordered U.S. bombings of Nigeria, saying he was targeting jihadists. The attack came after Trump complained that Christians were facing persecution in Africa’s most populous nation, an assessment that is contested in a country that has seen widespread violence against both Christians and Muslims.

Lawyers’ Absence Stalls El-Rufai’s N1bn Suit Against ICPC, Others

  The fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and others was on Tuesday, stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to the absence of counsel for the respondents. El-Rufai is seeking N1bn in damages over what he described as an unlawful search of his Abuja residence. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, is before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. When the matter was called, only Ubong Akpan appeared in court for the applicant. There was no representation for the respondents. Akpan informed the court that although the case was slated for mention, the respondents had yet to be served with the court processes. He, therefore, sought an adjournment to enable proper service. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until March 11 for further mention. El-Rufai had dragged the ICPC, the Chief Magistrate of the Magistrate’s Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation to court as 1st to 4th respondents, respectively. In the originating motion dated and filed on February 20, by his lead counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, the former governor is praying the court to declare that the search warrant issued on February 4, by the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrate’s Court, authorising the search and seizure at his residence is invalid, null and void. He is also asking the court to hold that the warrant lacked particularity, contained material drafting errors, was ambiguous in its execution parameters, overbroad in scope and unsupported by probable cause, thereby amounting to an unlawful and unreasonable search contrary to Section 37 of the Constitution. The applicant further prayed the court to declare that the invasion and search of his residence at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja, on February 19 at about 2pm by operatives of the ICPC and the police constituted a gross violation of his fundamental rights. According to him, the action breached his rights to the dignity of the human person, personal liberty, fair hearing and privacy as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 36 and 37 of the 1999 Constitution. El-Rufai also urged the court to declare that any evidence obtained pursuant to the allegedly invalid warrant is inadmissible in any proceedings against him, having been procured in breach of constitutional safeguards. He is seeking an order restraining the respondents and their agents from further relying on, using or tendering any evidence or items seized during the search in any investigation, prosecution or proceedings involving him. The former governor further asked the court to direct the ICPC and the Inspector-General of Police to immediately return all items seized from his residence, alongside a detailed inventory. He is equally seeking N1bn as general, exemplary and aggravated damages. The breakdown of the claim includes N300m as compensatory damages for psychological trauma, emotional distress and loss of personal security; N400m as exemplary damages to deter future misconduct by law enforcement agencies; and N300m as aggravated damages for what he described as the malicious, high-handed and oppressive conduct of the respondents. He also claimed N100m as the cost of filing the suit, including legal fees and associated expenses. In his grounds of argument, Iyamu contended that the search warrant was fundamentally defective for allegedly lacking specificity in the description of items to be seized, containing typographical errors, ambiguous execution terms and overbroad directives without verifiable probable cause. He argued that the alleged defects contravened Sections 143 to 148 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Section 36 of the ICPC Act, 2000, and constitutional provisions protecting citizens from arbitrary intrusion. Specifically, counsel submitted that Section 143 of the ACJA requires that an application for a search warrant be supported by information in writing and on oath setting out reasonable grounds for suspicion, which he claimed was absent in the instant case. He further argued that Section 144 mandates a particular description of the place to be searched and the items sought in order to prevent the issuance of general warrants, but that the warrant in question vaguely referred to “the thing aforesaid” without adequate detail. Iyamu maintained that the execution of the warrant on February 19 resulted in an unlawful invasion of his client’s residence and inflicted humiliation and distress. The case is expected to come up again on March 11.   Punch

Reps move to recover $7bn from foreign airlines

  The House of Representatives has commenced moves to recover over $7bn allegedly owed to the Federation Account by some foreign airlines operating in the country since 2023. The Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Abiodun Faleke, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the flag-off of the review of the 2023–2025 revenue monitoring exercise of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos State, expressed concern over the scale of indebtedness by both foreign and domestic airlines, following submissions made by FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku. Kuku told the committee that out of N25.86bn owed by airline operators in 2023, the agency recovered N8.08bn, representing 31.25 per cent, leaving an outstanding balance of N17.78bn. She did not provide details of recoveries made in 2025. Documents submitted to the committee showed that out of an approved revenue target of N292.93bn for the period under review, FAAN generated N191.43bn, representing 65.35 per cent performance and a shortfall of N101.5bn. The FAAN boss explained that the debts were owed by both foreign and domestic airlines, including moribund carriers. She added that the International Air Transport Association is responsible for remitting certain revenues accruing from foreign airlines, a process she said has contributed to delays in payments. Lawmakers, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations, especially against the backdrop of Nigeria’s rising public debt and continued foreign borrowing to finance the national budget. They also questioned the accounting framework used by the agency and pointed to inconsistencies in the revenue performance figures presented. While reacting, Faleke said, “We are aware that when President Bola Tinubu took over, there was over $7bn owed in the international carriers. So, we want a full record of all your debts in 2023, 2024, and 2025. And when the call is made, those who are owing, we want to know them. The issue of passenger data is critical. Apart from this, we want to know how many airlines are actually coming to Nigeria. How many flights did you receive in 2023, 2024, and 2025? How many passengers? And I’m sure you have the manifests.” He subsequently directed the FAAN management team to reappear before the committee with a comprehensive statement of indebtedness from 2023 to 2025, including detailed manifests of foreign and domestic airlines operating within the period under review. Airlines operating in Nigeria are required to remit various statutory charges to the Federal Government through FAAN and other aviation agencies. These include landing and parking fees, passenger service charges, terminal navigation charges and other regulatory levies. Over the years, however, concerns have persisted over delayed remittances and accumulation of debts by both local and international carriers. Some domestic airlines that have ceased operations reportedly left behind significant unpaid obligations, while foreign airlines’ payments are often processed through international clearing systems coordinated by global aviation bodies. The issue of outstanding payments has gained renewed attention amid intensified revenue oversight by the House Committee on Finance. “The committee has, in recent months, embarked on a broad revenue monitoring exercise targeting government agencies with a view to improving remittances into the Federation Account and reducing reliance on borrowing. With Nigeria facing fiscal pressures and a widening budget deficit, lawmakers say plugging revenue leakages, including unpaid aviation charges, is critical to strengthening public finances and funding infrastructure development without resorting to excessive debt.

Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Price to N875

  The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased its Premium Motor Spirit gantry price by N101, raising the ex-depot rate from N774 to N875 per litre, heightening concerns over fresh fuel price increases across the country. A senior official at the refinery confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Monday, noting that the adjustment followed recent volatility in global crude oil prices. “Yes, the price has been reviewed. The new gantry price is now N875 per litre from N774. The review became necessary due to changes in global crude fundamentals and replacement costs,” the official said. Checks by The PUNCH on petroleumprice.ng confirmed that the revised price had already been reflected, indicating a shift in downstream pricing benchmarks. The price increase came shortly after the refinery suspended petrol loading operations effective midnight on March 2, 2026, following a sharp surge in international crude oil prices, which crossed the $80 per barrel threshold overnight. Data obtained from industry sources showed that Premium Motor Spirit loading stopped at exactly midnight, halting product lifting and the issuance of Proforma Invoices, an indication that fresh transactions were temporarily paused. However, the suspension applied strictly to petrol, as Automotive Gas Oil, popularly known as diesel, continued to load. The refinery’s action also triggered a coordinated response across the downstream sector, as several private depot owners nationwide halted petrol sales during the trading day. “Several depot owners suspended PMS sales because of the crude rally. The market is already factoring in risk premiums. Nobody wants to sell below replacement cost,” a downstream operator said. The development comes amid heightened global oil market volatility linked to tensions between the United States and Iran, which have raised concerns about supply disruptions, particularly in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Five energy experts, in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Sunday, warned that Nigeria could witness further increases in petrol and diesel prices if crude oil prices climb above $90 per barrel. They said sustained hostilities in the Middle East could disrupt global supply chains, increase shipping and insurance costs, and raise import and refining costs for products despite Nigeria’s growing local refining capacity.

Tinubu Accepts Egbetokun’s Resignation, Names Tunji Disu Acting IG

  President Bola Tinubu has accepted the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and approved the appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect. Egbetokun tendered his resignation letter on Tuesday, citing pressing family considerations. Appointed in June 2023, Egbetokun was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act. In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President received the letter earlier on Tuesday and expressed appreciation for his service to the nation. He also commended Egbetokun’s “decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation,” acknowledging his “dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure.” “In view of the current security challenges confronting the nation, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect. “The President is confident that AIG Disu’s experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period,” the statement read. It added that in compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, the President will soon convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation. The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.