FocalPoint Reports

Petroleum marketers have raised the alarm that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, may exceed ₦1,000 per litre following President Bola Tinubu's approval of a 15 percent ad valorem import tariff on fuel imports. It was reported that the new policy, contained in a presidential directive dated October 21, 2025, takes effect after a 30-day transition period that will end on November 21, 2025. According to the Federal Government, the measure aims to protect local refineries, such as the Dangote Refinery and state-owned plants, from cheap imports that threaten domestic refining and investment growth. However, depot operators and oil marketers who spoke to The PUNCH said that the move could have dire economic consequences, potentially pushing petrol prices beyond the reach of Nigerians already burdened by inflation and subsidy removal. ‘Fuel May Go Above ₦1,000/Litre’ – Depot Operators Several depot operators familiar with the situation, who spoke to the me...

The Ondo State command of the Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack that razed a warehouse belonging to a government-accredited meter supplier in Okitipupa, destroying prepaid electricity meters estimated at over ₦10 million. The warehouse, located along Barracks Road, was said to have been completely gutted by fire in the early hours of Monday, with no items salvaged from the facility. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, October 30, that the command had begun a full-scale investigation into the attack. “We have launched an investigation into the arson incident at the prepaid meter warehouse,”  Ayanlade said. “The public should be assured that the culprits will face the law after the conclusion of our investigation.” He described the act as “a grievous offence”, vowing that the perpetrators would be tracked down and prosecut...

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly approved a 15 per cent import duty on diesel and premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol. It was learnt that the private secretary to the president, Damilotun Aderemi, conveyed Tinubu’s approval to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). According to Reports, Tinubu gave approval in a letter dated October 21, 2025, after FIRS requested that the 15 per cent duty be applied on the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) to align import costs with domestic realities. The letter also stated that the implementation of the import duty will increase the price of a litre of petrol by an estimated ₦99.72 kobo.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population, Victor Umeh, has commended the National Assembly’s approval for the creation of an additional state in the Southeast. It was reported that Umeh, during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, described the development as a significant step that accords with justice, equity and fairness. According to him, the decision marks a significant step toward addressing decades of political and structural marginalisation in the region. Umeh noted that, out of the 55 requests for new states nationwide, the Joint Committee unanimously agreed that the Southeast should be given one first, describing the decision as a long-overdue recognition of the region’s shortchanging in state creation. Umeh stressed that once the Southeast gets its additional state, future state creations would be considered on an equal basis across all six zones. He said,  “This agitation for one additional state in the Southeast is not...

Passenger operations on the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor are set to resume today following the completion of critical maintenance and system checks by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). The NRC said the temporary suspension of the service allowed its engineers to carry out essential repairs on the track infrastructure and rolling stock, aimed at improving passenger comfort, safety, and operational reliability. Ahead of the resumption, the Corporation reopened its online ticketing platform — https://nrc-fane.ng — at 12 noon on Monday, October 27, enabling passengers to book tickets up to 48 hours in advance. The NRC advised travellers to make early bookings via the online portal or at any designated railway station, as full operations resume on the corridor. “Operations will commence with seven coaches — six standard class and one business class,” the Corporation stated, adding that a revised train timetable, which includes temporary speed restrictions (TSR) for safety monitoring, wa...

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) says its newly created Financial Investigation and Fraud Analysis Unit (FIFAU) has investigated over 500 asset declaration forms. The Chairman of the Bureau, Dr Abdullahi Bello, disclosed this in a statement issued to give account of his one-year stewardship. The statement, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, was signed by Mr Moses Atolagbe, Director of Special Duties in the Bureau. In the statement, Bello said that the investigations, the first major project of the bureau’s FIFAU, identified discrepancies to support enforcement actions against erring public officers and uphold integrity in public service. The CCB chairman disclosed that, no fewer than nine ministers, 43 permanent secretaries and 40 federal directors’ asset declaration forms had been verified, ensuring high-level accountability across key government roles. He said the verification exercise is continuous to establish a robust system for compliance moni...

The Federal Government has commenced the training of nearly one million Nigerian youths under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education — a transformative programme designed to produce entrepreneurs rather than job seekers. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during an inspection visit to AFS Vocational Hub in Garki and Golden Finger Farms and Ranches Limited along the Kubwa–Zuba Expressway in Abuja. According to a statement by Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, the Minister said over 250,000 youths are currently enrolled in the first cohort across 2,600 training centres nationwide. He described the initiative as a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with employable and entrepreneurial skills to drive inclusive growth. Dr. Alausa explained that the Ministry streamlined skill areas from 86 trades ...

Tragedy struck on Friday at Luga, a suburb along the Gboko–Aliade road in Benue State, when a Dangote truck ran over a Bajaj motorcycle, killing its three occupants. The victims, identified as Orgem Ugondo and Aondozungwe Ugondo, both brothers from Mbatan kindred in Mbayion, Gboko Local Government Area, and an unidentified lady passenger, all died on the spot. Eyewitnesses at the place said two Dangote trucks were speeding side by side on the narrow road when one, unable to avoid the motorbike for lack of space, hit it from behind. The corpses were later evacuated to a mortuary at Agidi, another nearby suburb. The two trucks involved were impounded and taken to the Gboko Police Station. The chairman of the Gboko branch of Dantrans, the transport arm of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Adamu Alfa, confirmed the accident. He described the incident as “sad,” but clarified that the trucks were from the Ibese Cement Plant in Ogun State and not from the Gboko plant. Alfa noted that...

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi kanu, on Friday failed for the second time to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja. It was reported that Kanu, who had earlier opted to represent himself, told Justice James Omotosho that he had not received his case file from his disengaged legal team. “My lord, my counsel left the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them. The few people that would have brought this were precluded from seeing me,”  Kanu said, as he sought an adjournment to prepare his defence. The lead counsel for the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the request but urged the court to adhere to its earlier order directing Kanu to present his defence within six days. “I’m aware that there is a standing order for the defendant to defend himself within six days. The defendant wasted yesterday. This is the second day, my lord. I urge your lordsh...

A Delta State-born renowned peace and development advocate Comrade Mulade Sheriff, Ph.D has commended His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State for the  infrastructural revolution in the state. It is imperative to state that, the governor has won the heart of Deltans for his developmental strides, irrespective of political affiliation.  'let me specifically appreciate the governor once again for using construction giant Julius Berger Plc for the three flyovers situated in Uvwie Local Government Area around Warri axis of the State and the proposed Ughelli and Agbor flyovers to ease traffic flow in those areas", he noted.  Governor Oborevwori has equally embarked on stormwater drainages and several roads construction projects in the state, which are very impressive demonstration  of determine and dedicated governor efforts towards his people. Speaking further, "however, I wish to strongly appeal to His Excellency, Rt Hon S...

The trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu suffered a setback on Thursday after his legal team, led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), abruptly withdrew from the case. It was reported that Kanu, who was scheduled to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial, dismissed his entire team of Senior Advocates in court. Announcing the withdrawal, Agabi told Justice James Omotosho that their decision was based on Kanu’s insistence on handling his defence personally. “The reason for our withdrawal is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that,”  Agabi said. Other SANs who pulled out alongside him include Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, and one other senior lawyer. When asked to respond, Kanu confirmed sacking all his lawyers and declared that he was ready to represent himself. Justice Omotosho directed all members of the legal tea...

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a notorious drug dealer, Onos Afokoghene (37), over alleged possession of illicit drugs in the state. The suspect was arrested in the Jeddo community, Warri, by operatives of the Orerokpe division, following a tip-off from the public about a location where hoodlums consume and sell drugs. The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the police received intelligence about a notorious drug baron known for distributing large quantities of hard drugs within Warri and adjoining communities. Acting on the intelligence, the police team, led by Paul Oboware, mobilized to the identified flashpoint in the Jeddo community, where the suspect and other suspected hoodlums were reportedly engaged in selling and consuming illicit substances. He said the suspects, sensing the police approach, attempted to flee, but the police swiftly closed in and arrested him after a hot chase. He listed the illicit drugs recovered from the scene to include:...

In a bold demonstration of commitment to grassroots sports development, over 756 primary schools are participating in the 2025 Zenith Bank/Delta State Headmaster’s Football Cup, representing a steady rise from 708 schools in 2024. The yearly tournament, now in its fourth edition, has grown beyond the confines of sport, evolving into a unifying event that brings together parents, teachers, pupils, and local communities across Delta State in spirited celebration of youth talent and community pride. Speaking at a press briefing in Asaba, a representative of Zenith Bank, Oghenovo Obanyedo, said the bank’s sponsorship underscores its long-term vision to develop football at the grassroots and discover emerging stars from primary schools across the state. “We are optimistic that this event will continue to serve as a platform for discovering young football talents. Beyond competition, it promotes unity, discipline, and teamwork among pupils. Zenith Bank remains committed to supporting initiat...

Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain,  Gbenga  Olawepo -Hashim , has embarked on a reconciliation mission across the North Central zone to strengthen the party’s unity and rebuild its dwindling influence. In continuation of his consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections,  Olawepo -Hashim met with former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki and former Sports Minister  Damishi  Sango, in what is seen as a strategic outreach to mend cracks and reposition the PDP as a credible opposition force. It was reported that the reconciliation meeting comes as the PDP prepares for its National Convention in November in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Speaking after his meeting with Saraki,  Olawepo -Hashim said both leaders resolved to set aside personal interests in  favour  of national stability and party survival. “We agreed to work together for the greater interest of Nigeria, to rebuild the PDP ...

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has suspended its two-week warning strike it declared last week across all public universities in the country. The union announced the suspension on Wednesday at a press conference held at its headquarters in Abuja. President of ASUU, Chris Piwuna, who read a prepared speech before newsmen, explained that the development followed intervention by the Senate and some other well-meaning Nigerians. However, he sad the National Executive Council of the Union resolved to give the government a one-month window to address all contending areas.

Delta State born environmental and justice advocate, Comrade (Chief) Sheriff Mulade Ph.D, has decried the continued silence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in prosecuting the former governor of the State, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion proceeds of the 13 per cent derivation fund that accrued to the State during his eight-year tenure. Mulade, in an open letter addressed to the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukayode, and dated 20th October 2025, stated that the diverted 13 per cent oil derivation funds was meant for the development of host communities and it would be "unjust and inhuman" to deprive them of their rightful entitlement. The Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom also raised concerns of fears by host communities of the EFCC's lack of will to prosecute the former governor due to his joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) political party. Mulade called on the anti-graft agency...

ABUJA — The popular Eda Building Materials Plaza in the Jabi area of Abuja has been shut down after police fired tear gas to disperse protesters, leaving customers and traders caught in the ensuing chaos. The protesters, who were demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, had converged in the area chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu” before police officers arrived at the scene. Eyewitnesses said officers fired multiple tear gas canisters into the plaza, unable to distinguish between protesters and traders, causing panic as people scrambled for safety. Several individuals reportedly sustained minor injuries. The protest, which had earlier moved through the Berger and Utako areas, culminated at Jabi before the police action. Before reaching Berger, the group had initially gathered around the Maitama area near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), where security operatives also used tear gas to disperse them. Following the inci...

Police have reportedly apprehended Aloy Ejimakor, lawyer to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Ejimakor announced the development in a post shared on his 𝕏 handle on Monday. He disclosed that the police arrested him along others persons participating in the protest. According to him, they are currently being held at FCT Command CID. He wrote: “ We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Steeet, Gariki 2, Abuja.” Ejimakor had earlier accused the police of using teargas to disperse protesters who gathered in Abuja on Monday. He said the incident left him with irritation in his eyes and throat. He wrote, “ I’m in front of Transcorp Hilton with a mammoth crowd that gathered for #MNKOct20 and the police just exploded teargas. My eyes and throat hurt. They’re scattering everywhere. It was reported that the protesters converged on Monday to demand the release...

The convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore is leading a protest in Abuja in front of the Trancorp Hilton Hotel.  The protest tagged: #freeNnamdiKanuNow march is being monitored by the police who have barricaded the area to prevent further movement by Sowore and his group.  Details shortly…

A human rights organisation, Journalists for Defence of Human Rights (JDHR), has condemned the killing of Oghenekaro Ugochukwu Bonny, who was visiting a friend along with two others on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate in Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. The group is calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. This was contained in a statement on Thursday by Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and Okakuro Akpokona Omafuaire, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, in Warri. According to multiple eyewitness reports, the incident occurred on October 12, 2025, at Plantation City Estate near Otokutu Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area. The soldier, alongside colleagues, reportedly assaulted Ugo during a dispute over whether he should enter the estate gate. The confrontation escalated, and witnesses say the soldier stabbed Ugo, who later died in hospital. Rights ac...

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has resumed full operations, raising the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol, by seven per cent, from ₦820 to ₦877 per litre. Market checks showed that oil marketers purchasing two million litres and above would continue to enjoy a relatively lower price compared to depot owners. Despite the increase, the refinery’s price remains cheaper than the ₦890–₦900 per litre currently charged by many private depots. According to data released by Petroleumprice.ng on Thursday, major depot operators such as Pinnacle and Rainoil pegged their rates at ₦890 and ₦885 per litre, respectively. Similarly, Optima and Matrix adjusted their depot prices to ₦880 and ₦890 per litre. The Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Olatide Jeremiah, explained that Dangote’s huge capacity continues to influence market trends. “The downstream sector continues to witness the price war. With its huge size and capacity, the 650,000 barrels per day...

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, performed the groundbreaking for the construction of the N21.3 billion Ugbolu–Okpanam Road in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state. Oborevwori described the 12 -12-kilometre road project as another milestone in his administration’s aggressive infrastructure renewal drive under the MORE Agenda. He said, “Today’s groundbreaking marks another significant milestone in furtherance of this administration’s MORE Agenda. Our infrastructure plan, as clearly outlined in the Agenda, is anchored on the prudent allocation of resources toward the delivery of reliable, high-quality, and durable road infrastructure across Delta State. “The Ugbolu–Okpanam Road aligns with Goals 9 and 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which promote resilient infrastructure, inclusive industrialization, and sustainable cities. “This project will link Ugbolu and Okpanam communities, expand connectivity between Ibusa and Ak...

The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has commended High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his remarkable commitment to improving security in Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. In a press statement by its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the IPF described Tompolo's gesture as a demonstration of his firm commitment to promoting peace, security, and progress in Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria.  The group's leadership lauded Tompolo's philanthropic efforts, which they say portrayed his dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the country. Recall that Tompolo promised continued support for the Delta State Security Trust Fund after making a handsome donation at the event held at the government house yesterday.   "The unprecedented donation and firm commitment to peace and security in the country by High Chief Tompolo are shining examples of his leadership and dedication to the development of Delta State, ...

  Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, formally launched the Delta State Security Trust Fund and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous state through public-private partnership in security management.   The event, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, brought together captains of industries, security chiefs, community leaders, and top government officials, including the Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, who chaired the occasion; Zenith Bank Founder and Chairman, Mr. Jim Ovia, CON, who served as Special Guest of Honour; and the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo who served as Chief Launcher with a donation of N10 billion.   Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said the Security Trust Fund established by law in 2013 was designed as a collaborative platform for mobilizing resources from the ...