The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced a remarkable surge in the nation’s rig count, which has climbed from just eight in 2021 to 69 rigs in 2025. The development, according to the NUPRC’s Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, reflects renewed investor confidence and robust activity in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector. Akinkuotu noted that despite inheriting major challenges from the pre-Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) era, the commission has exceeded revenue targets, attracted $39.98 billion in new investments, and boosted both rig count and crude oil production. “The latest rig count of 69 comprises 40 active…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a major resurgence of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) disease in 2025, with over 445,000 suspected and confirmed cases and 155 deaths recorded across 40 countries between January and September. The global total includes both locally transmitted and travel-imported cases, with some WHO regions recording significant increases compared to 2024. However, others are reporting fewer cases, making the overall global trend uneven. Despite this, WHO warns that the potential for further spread remains high, given the scale of ongoing outbreaks worldwide. Health experts attribute the resurgence to infected travellers introducing the virus into new areas,…
The real value of the U.S. dollar has dropped dramatically over the last 60 years, losing approximately 86 percent of its purchasing power. This decline means that a dollar today buys significantly fewer goods and services than it did in the mid-20th century, reflecting the persistent impact of inflation and currency depreciation. The data shows that in 1972, one dollar had full value, but by 2022, it had declined to just 14 cents in “real value,” indicating an 86 percent drop. This decline in real value corresponds to rising inflation rates over the decades, with current inflation hitting the highest…
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, has awarded fully funded Master’s scholarships to 11 young graduates from Borno North. The beneficiaries, drawn from all 10 Local Government Areas of the zone, were selected on merit after securing Second Class Upper degrees in STEM fields and passing a competitive aptitude test. ALSO READ Opay: 20 AAU students benefit from N1.2bn national scholarship scheme ALSO READ Lassa fever deaths hit 166 in Nigeria, fatality rate now worse than 2024 ALSO READ Nigeria to begin local HIV drug production by 2026 They will study in India under a two-year…
The Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining strategic reforms under the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) 3.0, with a focus on ensuring year-round nationwide operations. MOFI’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Armstrong Takang, stated this in Abuja on Tuesday in a statement signed by the Executive Director, Portfolio, Mr. Tajudeen Ahmed. Takang said the reforms aim to boost fertiliser availability, improve cost efficiency, and enhance traceability to curb hoarding and diversion. He stressed that a key priority is accelerating local sourcing to gradually increase the share of domestically produced inputs, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s agro-industrial…
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the withdrawal, suspension, and cancellation of 101 pharmaceutical products. A statement on its official X handle on Tuesday, said the pharmaceutical products are no longer permitted for manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use within Nigeria. Read the full list of the products The full list of the products posted on its website, covers hundreds of items across medicines and health products from antimalarials (various artemether/lumefantrine formulations) and cardiovascular drugs (valsartan products) to insulin/growth-hormone injectables (Norditropin), diabetes medicines (Januvia/Janumet), inhalers and eye drops. The list includes some…
The Argus Fertilizer Africa Awards are set to celebrate outstanding achievements across the continent’s fertilizer value chain, spotlighting individuals, companies, and initiatives driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in agriculture. Judged by some of Africa’s most influential changemakers, the awards aim to recognise trailblazers whose work is shaping the future of agriculture and strengthening food security across the continent. The awards will cover diverse contributions to the industry, from pioneering agritech solutions and impactful distribution models to leadership in sustainability and regional collaboration. Organisers say the initiative is designed not only to reward excellence but also to inspire peers and elevate…
Recent tests have uncovered a serious health risk in cosmetics: cadmium, a toxic heavy metal linked to kidney and lung damage, bone weakening, nervous system disorders, and increased cancer risk, was detected in every lipstick sample tested. Given the widespread daily use of lipstick worldwide, this discovery is especially alarming. What the studies say Studies finding elevated cadmium in lipsticks A 2024 study of 12 lipsticks sold in Ghana found cadmium (Cd) concentrations in most samples exceeded the U.S. FDA’s acceptable limit of 3 mg/kg. PMC+1 In the same study, the health risk assessment showed that for “heavy users,” the…
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has condemned the strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and NUPENG, describing it as a “guerrilla tactic” designed to hold Nigerians to ransom. The management also challenged the two unions to publish 10-year audited accounts. In a statement issued yesterday, the refinery dismissed as “tissues of lies” PENGASSAN’s claims of mass sack, which the union cited as justification for its strike directive. It described the action as “an act of terror” with the potential to jeopardize the lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on petroleum products…
Guinea fowl are like the funky cousins of chickens—loud, quirky, and super useful. They’re great at eating bugs (especially ticks), they’re tough birds, and they add a wild touch to any farm or backyard. Let’s talk about the different types in simple, human-style language: Pearl guinea fow The most popular one! It has dark feathers with tiny white dots all over—like someone sprinkled pearls on it. Super vocal and great at pest control. Lavender guinea fowl Soft grayish-blue feathers that look dreamy. People love it for its pretty color and chill vibe. White guinea fowl Pure white feathers. Looks fancy…