PORT HARCOURT – As Rivers State prepares for the end of emergency rule and the restoration of full democratic governance, the Rivers Elders Council has urged political leaders to embrace genuine peace for the progress of the state. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Professor Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule are set to resume their constitutional duties. In a statement on Wednesday, the council’s chairman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, said this moment offers an opportunity for Rivers people to reflect on past challenges and work toward lasting peace, unity, and development. The elders…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
TOKYO — Japan’s exports to the United States fell sharply in August, plunging 13.8 percent year-on-year, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs continued to weigh on trade. According to data released by Japan’s finance ministry on Wednesday, auto exports dropped 28.4 percent, while auto parts fell 7.1 percent. The auto sector, which makes up about one-third of Japan’s exports to the U.S., has been hit hard by a 27.5 percent levy imposed earlier this year. The decline marked the steepest drop in more than four years, Bloomberg reported. Japan’s trade surplus with the U.S. also fell nearly 50 percent to…
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has assured that all financial matters related to the 2025 Hajj have been fully reconciled, dismissing reports of delays in preparations for the 2026 exercise. In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the commission’s Principal Information Officer, Malam Shafii Mohammed, said refunds due to pilgrims from the 2025 Hajj have been settled in full. “Nineteen states that requested reconciliation of pilgrims’ Hajj fare refunds have been duly settled. Refunds from previous years have also been cleared, except in cases where some states are yet to formally initiate reconciliation with the commission,” Mohammed…
Oil prices edged lower on Wednesday after climbing more than 1% in the previous session, as traders weighed geopolitical risks against expectations of U.S. monetary policy easing. Brent crude futures fell 8 cents, or 0.1%, to $68.39 a barrel at 7:30 a.m. WAT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped 6 cents, or 0.1%, to $64.46. The benchmarks had settled higher on Tuesday amid growing concerns that Russian supplies could be disrupted. According to Reuters, three industry sources said Russia’s state pipeline operator, Transneft, warned producers they might be forced to cut output following Ukrainian drone strikes on export…
LONDON — The United Kingdom and the United States have signed a $42 billion “Tech Prosperity Deal” to coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump’s second state visit to Britain. The agreement is aimed at boosting cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and civil nuclear projects. The pact, announced ahead of a day of royal ceremonies at Windsor Castle hosted by King Charles, is designed to support economic growth, scientific research, and energy security on both sides of the Atlantic. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the deal as transformational. “This agreement has the potential to shape the future of millions…
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for suspending the four per cent Free on Board (FoB) levy on imports, describing the move as a major relief for the aviation industry. In a joint statement signed by AON President, Dr. Abdulmunaf Sarina, and Vice President, Dr. Allen Onyema, the operators also commended the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, for his role in upholding the President’s vision of a business-friendly environment. According to AON, the suspension demonstrates Tinubu’s commitment to protecting critical sectors and fostering sustainable economic growth. The…
U.S. President Donald Trump, has arrived in the United Kingdom for a historic second state visit. Trump and First Lady Melania landed at London Stansted Airport on Tuesday evening aboard Air Force One. They were welcomed by U.S. and British officials before being flown by helicopter to Winfield House, the U.S. ambassador’s official residence in Regent’s Park. The visit, set to last two days, will include meetings with King Charles at Windsor Castle, military parades, and a possible flypast by British and American F-35 jets. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that more than 1,300 personnel and 120 horses will take…
President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana has appointed Mr. Farouk Gumel, Vice Chairman (Africa) of Tropical General Investment (TGI) Group, as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Botswana Sovereign Wealth Fund Limited. Gumel previously served as Chairman of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). The announcement was made during the official launch of the new multi-billion-dollar Sovereign Wealth Fund at the Presidential Office in Gaborone. President Boko described the initiative as central to Botswana’s economic transformation. “The launch of the Botswana Sovereign Wealth Fund represents an investment in the future of our country. It is about creating…
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector to support one another rather than engage in conflicts that could harm the nation’s economy. Ndume made the appeal following tensions between Dangote Refinery management and the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN). NUPENG recently staged an industrial action that led to the shutdown of oil depots, alleging that Dangote Refinery refused to allow its truck drivers to join the union—a claim they said violated the Trade Union Act. DAPPMAN, representing fuel…
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has urged the National Assembly to halt the deduction of 50 per cent of its internally generated revenue (IGR), warning that the move is crippling the agency’s ability to meet statutory obligations, expand capacity, and fulfil international commitments. NAMA’s Managing Director, Engr Farouk Umar, highlighted during a four-day retreat of the House Committee on Aviation in Abuja that without financial reforms, modernising Nigeria’s aviation sector would remain difficult. In a statement, NAMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Dr Abdullahi Musa, said Umar called for full enforcement of Section 9(2) of the NAMA…
The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), has approved the appointment of Emmanuel Odo as the Acting Clerk of the Senate. The decision was taken on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, during the Commission’s 10th meeting in Abuja. In a statement, NASC’s Deputy Director of Information and Spokesperson, Emmanuel N. Anyigor, confirmed the appointment, which takes immediate effect. Executive Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Saviour Enyiekere, in the appointment letter he signed, said: “This is in exercise of its powers as provided in Section 6(b) of the National Assembly Service Act, 2014.” He added that Odo’s elevation was in recognition of his…
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that its competitive reform agenda in the oil and gas sector has attracted $18.2bn worth of Field Development Plans (FDPs) for 2025, a milestone it says reflects renewed investor confidence in the country’s upstream industry. Chief Executive of the Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed this on Tuesday at the Africa Oil Week in Accra, Ghana, where he presented a paper titled Nigeria’s Competitive Reform Agenda for Unlocking Potentials in Upstream Oil & Gas. According to NUPRC’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, the 28 Field Development Plans approved this year…