The Plateau State government has introduced a new online portal for business registration. The move is designed to make it easier to register and track businesses, as well as to improve the state’s commercial environment. What the New System Does Simplifies Registration: The new digital platform replaces the old, manual system, making the process faster and more accessible for businesses, no matter where they are located in the state. Reduces Errors: By moving the process online, the government aims to minimize human error and create a more efficient system. Boosts Investor Confidence: According to Mohammed Salihu Nyalun, Commissioner for Commerce…
Author: Elvis Eromosele
The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), a leading body of oil and gas exploration professionals in Nigeria, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The association is highlighting its significant contributions to the country’s energy sector over the last five decades. A Legacy of Impact During a press conference, Johnbosco Uche, NAPE’s president, outlined the association’s key achievements: Policy Influence: NAPE has served as a respected voice in national energy discussions, advocating for policies and regulatory reforms that support the oil and gas industry. Academic Partnerships: Through its University Assistance Program (UAP), NAPE has partnered with over 60 universities to provide…
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, The company slashed the price of the product by N30.00, from N850 to N820 per litre, effective from Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, said in a statement on Tuesday. He quoted that as part of its unwavering commitment to national development, Dangote Petroleum Refinery assures the public of a consistent and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products. The statement added: ”In line with our dedication to operational excellence and sustainable energy solutions,…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved new board members for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). The appointments were announced by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy. Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Idris Olorunnimbe has been named the new Chairman of the NCC. He previously served on the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) board, where he focused on youth employment and entrepreneurship programs. Dr. Aminu Maida will continue in his role as the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held since his appointment in…
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) is facing a significant challenge: a severe shortage of medical staff to care for a large number of inmates with mental health conditions. During a public hearing in Abuja, the NCoS revealed that 8,246 inmates in its facilities nationwide are currently living with mental health issues. The Scope of the Crisis Impact of Incarceration: Dr. Glory Essien, the Assistant Controller General of Corrections in charge of Medical Services, explained that the sudden loss of freedom can trigger psychological distress in some individuals, causing a rapid decline in their mental well-being. Staffing Shortage: Despite a system…
Nigeria’s oil production is on the rise. For the second consecutive month, the country has surpassed its production target set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). According to OPEC’s latest Monthly Oil Market Report, Nigeria’s average daily crude oil production reached 1.507 million barrels per day (bpd) in July 2025. This is a slight increase from the 1.505 million bpd recorded in June. Key Takeaways Surpassing Targets: This marks the second month in a row that Nigeria has exceeded its OPEC production target. Africa’s Top Producer: With this new output figure, Nigeria remains the leading oil producer…
By Michael Owhoko, Ph.D Who will restore Warri back to its glorious days? A city that was once the pride of all Wafarians, is now a shadow of itself, rusty and reeking with aroma of poverty occasioned by systemic decline with people cocooned in deprivation and squalor. Warri is allusively known as Wafi, making the people and residents of the city identified as Wafarians. I was close to tears during my recent visit where I toured the length and breadth of Warri, covering Deco Road, Okumagba Avenue, Okere Road, McCiver, Odion Road, Market Road, Cemetery Road, Iyara, McDermott Road, Warri-Sapele…
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has issued a serious warning: excessive debt servicing by states is quietly draining funds needed for essential services and infrastructure. In its latest report, NEITI calls this a “silent fiscal emergency,” urging states to adopt more responsible borrowing and transparent financial management. The Cost of Debt Significant Deductions: NEITI’s report found that between 10 per cent and 30 per cent of monthly allocations from the federal government are being deducted directly to service state debts. These funds, which largely come from oil and gas revenues, are meant for grassroots development. High-Debt States: Kaduna leads…
The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has issued a new directive that is reshaping how Nigerian companies do business. The new rule requires companies to demand a Pension Clearance Certificate (PCC) from all vendors and service providers. This is part of a broader effort to ensure employers are properly contributing to their employees’ pension funds. What You Need to Know The Directive: PenCom’s directive, issued in May 2025, gave Licensed Pension Fund Operators (LPFOs) a six-month deadline to enforce PCC compliance across their entire business network. The Law: This rule is based on the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, which states…
The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has signed a landmark deal with four companies to build new sugar estates. This initiative is a major step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported sugar. The goal is to increase Nigeria’s annual sugar production by 400,000 metric tonnes. Each of the four operators will develop a facility with a 100,000-tonne capacity. Key Details of the Agreement Participating Companies: The four operators are Brent Sugar (Oyo State), Niger Foods (Niger State), Legacy Sugar (Adamawa State), and UMZA (Bauchi State). Government Support: The NSDC will provide these companies with project development support and cover key…