President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has criticised the crude supply practices of international oil companies, insisting that Nigeria has no justification for importing crude or refined petroleum products if existing laws are properly enforced. Speaking during a visit by the South South Development Commission (SSDC) to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Complex in Lagos, Dangote said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) already establishes a framework that prioritises domestic crude supply. However, he noted that operators continue to exploit loopholes that undermine the intent of the law. Dangote stated that several oil companies routinely divert Nigerian crude…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Definition: Climate-smart and sustainable farming refers to agricultural practices that increase productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, all while conserving natural resources for future generations. Key principles Increase productivity: Use improved, high-yield and drought-tolerant seed varieties. Apply soil-friendly inputs like organic manure, compost, and biofertilizers. Use products like Super Gro to improve fertilizer and water use efficiency. ALSO READ [EXPLAINER] The real secrets behind profitable avocado farming Enhance resilience: Practice crop rotation and intercropping to maintain soil health. Adopt rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation systems. Grow climate-resilient crops suited to local conditions. Reduce emissions: Minimize…
In 2020, cigarette smoking among men showed striking global variation, with some countries reporting alarmingly high rates. Indonesia led with the highest prevalence, where 71.4% of men aged 15 and older smoked any tobacco product. Myanmar followed closely at 68.5%, while Bangladesh and China reported 52.2% and 49.4%, respectively. Asian countries notably dominate the higher end of the male smoking spectrum, reflecting deep-rooted cultural and social norms around tobacco. Other countries with high male smoking rates include Egypt (48.1%), Malaysia (43.8%), Turkey (42.1%), and Sri Lanka (41.4%). In Eastern Europe and Russia, male smoking rates hover around 40%, with Russia…
Kaduna state government has strengthened its private sector collaboration as the Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmad received a delegation from the Saudi Arabia–based Muslim World League Headquarters on cardiac hospital project. The delegation, led by Dr. Abdurrahman Huwarai, briefed the Commissioner on the purpose of their visit, which was to assess progress on the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art cardiac hospital and to reinforce the organisation’s partnership with the Kaduna State Government. Dr. Huwarai highlighted the scope of services the centre will provide, noting that the facility—now 60% equipped—will position Kaduna State as a leading hub for advanced cardiac services…
Dangote Group has announced a series of strategic technical partnerships to support the next phase of expansion of its fertiliser operations in Nigeria, as well as the development of new fertiliser plants in Ethiopia. The collaborations mark a major stride in the Group’s long-term plan to strengthen regional food security, boost agricultural productivity and enhance Africa’s position in the global fertiliser market. Through the new partnerships, Dangote Group will increase its urea production capacity in Nigeria from the current three million metric tonnes to nine million metric tonnes annually. The existing two production trains deliver three million metric tonnes, and…
Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, has reportedly been arrested by armed men following gunfire near the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau. Witnesses said shots were heard around 13:00 GMT, and hundreds of residents fled on foot or in vehicles seeking safety. The takeover comes just days after a presidential election in which the main opposition candidate, Fernando Dias, was disqualified. Both Embaló and Dias have claimed victory, and official results were expected later this week. The unfolding events have raised fears of political instability in the West African nation. Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political turmoil, with multiple…
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.664 trillion to the State House of Assembly. Presenting the bill during plenary in Asaba, Oborevwori said: “I wish to announce a budget proposal of N1.664 trillion for the services of Delta State Government in 2026.” He said the proposal comprises N499 billion (30% of the total budget) for recurrent expenditure and N1.165 trillion (70%) for capital expenditure. The governor added that the 2026 budget size represents an increase of N685 billion, or 70 per cent, over the 2025 appropriation. He said the major funding sources would…
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Wednesday presented a N517.5 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly for approval. Presenting the Appropriation Bill tagged “Budget of Strategic Consolidation” in Lafia, the governor commended the legislature for its consistent support in passing previous budgets. Sule said the theme of the 2026 budget aligns with his administration’s development agenda to consolidate ongoing infrastructure projects, strengthen connectivity, and enhance the state’s economic competitiveness. He said N212.79 billion, representing 41.12 per cent of the budget, is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while N304.75 billion—58.88 per cent—goes to capital…
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, on Wednesday signed the N897.8 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law. The bill, signed at the Katsina Government House, is tagged ‘Building Your Future 3’. The governor commended the state House of Assembly for passing the budget within 21 working days. Radda noted that the budget—comprising 18 per cent recurrent expenditure and 81 per cent capital expenditure—reflected the legacy of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He said the structure of the budget, with its low recurrent spending, aligns with the fiscal discipline championed by the late president, who also served as governor of the…
The Dangote Group has announced a strategic partnership with Honeywell International Inc. to support the next phase of expansion at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, enabling a capacity upgrade to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028. Under the agreement, Honeywell will provide advanced catalysts, equipment, and process technologies to help the refinery process a wider range of crude grades while enhancing product quality and operational efficiency. Honeywell — a global Fortune 100 industrial and technology company — has been a key technology partner to Dangote since 2017 through its UOP division, which supplies proprietary refining systems, catalyst regeneration units, high-performance…