Manufacturers in Nigeria are increasingly turning to natural gas as a solution to soaring diesel and petrol costs, which have impacted production expenses.

Following the removal of fuel subsidies, petrol prices have surged over threefold, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis in the country.

The federal government, recognising the potential of its vast natural gas reserves—over 200 trillion cubic feet—has initiated a compressed natural gas (CNG) programme aimed at reducing transportation costs by nearly 50 per cent. This initiative encourages the conversion of vehicles to CNG and aims to introduce CNG buses across major cities.

Additionally, the recent commencement of diesel sales by Dangote Refinery has led to a notable decrease in diesel prices, dropping from approximately N1,700 to N1,350 per litre. This reduction is expected to alleviate some financial pressure on manufacturers reliant on diesel for operations.

Industry leaders emphasise that transitioning to natural gas not only addresses immediate cost concerns but also aligns with global sustainability goals.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has urged businesses to adopt sustainable energy practices, as energy costs constitute 30-40 per cent of production expenses.

Commenting on the development, managing director of Tiget Business International Limited, Zheng Wei, said that some Nigerian manufacturers are leveraging improved gas supply around Lagos to boost production despite recurring grid collapses.

Wei, who oversees one of the country’s largest footwear manufacturers, described this shift as vital to sustaining operations amid Nigeria’s power crisis.

Wei noted that, while manufacturers face challenges like inflation, currency instability, and regulatory hurdles, power remains the most critical issue.

According to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), energy costs make up nearly 40 per cent of manufacturers’ expenses, with limited and unstable grid supply disrupting production and reducing output.

To address this, Tiget partnered Clarke Energy to install a 6.6 megawatt Jenbacher gas power plant, sourcing gas from a supplier along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The project included assessments, engineering designs, and maintenance services, enabling Tiget to transition to cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective energy.

“The gas plant is producing cleaner electricity and saving us significant operational costs compared to diesel. It has addressed efficiency issues, making our operations more sustainable,” Wei said.

Managing director of Clarke Energy for sub-Saharan Africa, Yiannnis Tsantilas emphasised that adopting resilient and cost-effective energy solutions is key to sustainable productivity for manufacturers.

He commended Tiget’s leadership for enhancing Nigeria’s economy by improving local market access to quality footwear, reducing unemployment, and increasing investment. Tiget, incorporated in Nigeria in 2020 and based in Sagamu, imports polyvinyl chloride as a key raw material for its footwear products.

The company plans to expand its operations through backward integration and establish offices across Nigeria and Africa. Wei expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential as a regional economic hub, citing its young, talented population and vibrant local market.

However, he acknowledged the challenges of high fuel costs on logistics and competitiveness.

Wei called for investments in refineries to provide feedstock for plastic industries and a stable gas supply to support manufacturers. He argued that these measures would drive industrial growth and enhance Nigeria’s economic stability.

With a population exceeding 220 million, Nigeria’s dynamic market presents significant opportunities. Tiget aims to contribute by producing high-quality footwear that aligns with Nigeria’s rich cultural identity and evolving fashion industry.

About 100 illegal miners suspected to have migrated from the Sahel Savannah region of Africa have been arrested by the Cross River State government for allegedly invading Yakurr local government area communities.

Findings by LEADERSHIP revealed that the illegal miners were apprehended during a sting operation led by the State’s Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Obono (rtd), on Saturday.

The young men suspected to be non-Nigerians stormed the Yakurr communities in numbers but they ran out of luck as they were subsequently overpowered by security operatives who were assisted by some locals while trying to escape from a checkpoint which is a stone throw to Ugep community in Yakurr local government area of the state.

A local, Ephraim Ofem, who claimed to have been around as of the time the suspects were arrested, stated that the suspects were said to have boarded several empty trucks which drove pass through the area from northern part of the state and were bound for Calabar, the state capital.

“I think the young men apprehended by the authorities are between the ages of 20 to 27 years. They were arrested with diggers, shovels, and earth drilling machines.

“These people are not Nigerians even though some claimed to be Nigerians. These guys are suspected to have come from Chad, Niger and probably Sudan.

“They are sponsored by faceless individuals to invade our community. They are not only found here, I am told confidently that they are also in Akamkpa local government area, around the National Park axis, always armed with AK-47 riffles during mineral exploitation,”Ofem claimed.

Effort to get the State’s Security Adviser to speak on the development failed as his telephone line was not reachable at press time.

However, reacting to the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Cross River State, SP Irene Ugbo, said, “Yes, it’s true that the illegal miners had been arrested by the Cross River State government.

“They are going to be profiled and those without papers would be repatriated back to wherever they are coming from.”

President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with the Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his 60th birthday on Sunday January 12, 2025. 

President Tinubu commended Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering dedication and political consistency, beginning from his membership of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011.

Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said Aiyedatiwa’s steadfastness throughout the party’s metamorphosis and final transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) exemplifies his loyalty, dedication, and commitment”.

Aiyedatiwa became deputy governor of Ondo State in 2021 but by a stroke of fate, he became the acting Governor and was ultimately sworn in as Governor in 2023, succeeding his mentor, late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

“Aiyedatiwa’s impressive political trajectory is a testament to the potential and possibilities in Nigerian politics”, Tinubu remarked.

He further recognised the Governor’s unprecedented landslide electoral victory in 2024, which has allowed him to continue raising standards in key areas such as health and education, directly improving the lives of citizens.

Tinubu further commended Governor Aiyedatiwa’s invaluable contributions as a Commissioner representing Ondo State at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“His deep understanding of grassroots development has played a crucial role in strengthening the institution to better serve its purpose,” the statement added.

As Governor Aiyedatiwa marks this milestone, President Tinubu prayed for God’s blessings, while wishing him good health, wisdom, and a long life.

Abraham Daniel, a former Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC) pastor, has made serious allegations against the church.

Daniel alleged that the miracles performed by the Senior Pastor, Paul Enenche, the church's leader, are not genuine.

In an interview with Kaa Truths, Daniel disclosed his reasons for leaving the church, citing frustration over what he described as the church's flawed approach to "healing and deliverance."

He said after every healing and deliverance service, they often have more people seeking healing than those who initially attended for it.

He likened the atmosphere during the services to a high-pressure situation, comparing it to the chaos of a stadium crowd reacting to the presence of a dangerous animal.

“When people see the crowd, they do the unthinkable. It’s like hearing there’s a lion nearby; even a crippled might jump the fence,” he said.

He further explained that the massive crowds at Dunamis services often compel people to act out of desperation.

He said, "I would tell you that healing is capital no. And it is with due respect to him and to Dunamis Church, I have nothing to lose or gain. The miracles are not real, they don't happen.

"Let let me tell you give you an instance. One major reason why I left is the frustration I had. After healing and deliverance service, we have more people that need healing than people that came for healing. I don't know whether you got me."

A Nigerian sprinter, Ejowvokoghene Divine Oduduru, who specialized in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash, has disclosed that he attempted to commit suicide four times.

Oduduru who disclosed this in a post shared on his Facebook page, holds personal bests of 9.86 seconds for the 100 m and 19.73 seconds for the 200 m. The latter is a Nigerian national record.

In October 2023, a disciplinary tribunal of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) handed Divine Oduduru, a six-year ban for breaching two anti-doping rules.

AIU had in a statement announcing the ban said that issued a four-year ban for the possession of prohibited substances and the attempted use of a prohibited substance and an additional two years for “aggravating circumstances”.

He was also ordered to pay $3000 to the World Athletics for its expenses regarding the case.

However, in a post shared on his Facebook, Oduduru said that he had been quiet all this time because of his mental health, thanking his lovely fans who had been supporting him right from the beginning of his career.

He announced that he was working to come back and would be granting interview to tell his side of the story.

He wrote: "Thanks to everyone, to my lovely fans who have been supporting me right from the beginning of my career.

"I know a lot of you have been waiting to hear from me about the issue that happened. I have been quiet all this time due to my mental health.

"I attempted suicide 4 times, just wanted to end everything, because all this things that happened is still a shock to me. After all the years of sacrifice.

"I will be granting interviews and I am working on coming life on my Instagram to tell my side of what happened."

Controversial comedian, Oluwaseyitan Aletile, also known as Seyi Law, has mocked Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, after skit maker Mr Macaroni vowed to continue snubbing him.

DAILY POST reports that Mr Macaroni recently sparked mixed reactions after declaring that he would continue to snub Sanwo-Olu while responding to an X user who called him out for snubbing the governor.

Reacting, Seyilaw stated that Mr Macaroni is not to blame, emphasising that Sanwo-Olu pretends not to recognize him whenever they meet, yet he requests handshake from Mr Macaroni.

On his X handle, he wrote, “Nobody should blame Macaroni for the way he speaks to Gov. @jidesanwoolu. Gov. BOS will see me and act like he doesn’t know me, but he will be begging Macaroni for a handshake. Everybody get out.”

Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has admitted that he is still struggling financially despite being in the film industry for over two decades.

Appearing on African Voices Changemakers, the popular CNN magazine program, the ‘Gladiator’ actor said he’s underpaid.

“I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in the filmmaking business for over two decades with two Oscar nominations and many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid,” he said.

On racism in Hollywood, Hounsou said, “I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars because they thought that I had just come off the boat and the streets. Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect.

“So, this conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon.”

Nigerian Afrobeat superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is set to release his highly anticipated fifth studio album titled “5ive” in March.

The music star, who took to his social media platforms to announce the dropping of the album in March to his fans and music lovers, also hinted at the album’s thematic richness and creative depth.

The singer promised his fans that he would continue the artist’s legacy of producing chart-topping hits while exploring fresh musical directions.

“Afrobeats can’t be brought up without my name. Impossible,” he said.

The genre-defying pioneer has brought his sound to the attention of millions, and with his new album ‘5ive’ coming in March, he truly has the world at his feet,” he wrote.

According to the singer, afrobeat cannot be brought with his name, as he expressed his excitement over the project.

“This album is a reflection of my journey—where I have been and where I am going. ‘Funds’ is just the beginning of what I believe will be a special project for my fans and African music”.

The  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 5ive marks Davido’s return after the immense success of his previous albums ‘A Better Time’ released in 2020 and ‘Timeless’ released in 2023.

Both songs solidified his position as a global ambassador of Afrobeats and it is poised to dominate charts and streaming platforms upon release of the ‘5ive’.

The singer has continued to prove that his influence in shaping the global afro beats narrative is unmatched

Former Commissioner for Rural and Community Development in Kano State, Abbas Sani Abbas, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), adding to the increasing number of defectors from the party.

Abbas announced his defection from the NNPP during a visit to the Kano residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Friday night.

In the past six months, hundreds of leaders of the NNPP from across the 44 local government areas of Kano State have dumped NNPP and the Kwankwsiyya movement together with thousands of their supporters.

Tagged the ‘Barau Tsunami’, the defection galore saw thousands of NNPP members thrashing their red caps, the symbol of the Kwankwsiyya movement in Kano State and embracing the APC.

Following the calls by some NNPP leaders that the Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf should take charge of governance firmly in the state, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Bichi, and five commissioners including Abbas were sacked last month.

During his visit to the Kano residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Abbas announced his defection, pledging to work towards the success of the APC across Kano State and beyond.

Senator Barau, who is the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, received Abbas together with the APC Chairman in Kano State, Prince Abdullahi Abbas (Ɗan Sarki, Jikan Sarki) and other party leaders.

Barau assured Abbas, a dedicated grassroots mobiliser, of the APC’s unwavering commitment to building a better future for the people of Kano State and all Nigerians.

While stressing that APC is big enough to accommodate all lovers of the country, he said they would continue to promote the values of good governance, inclusivity, and service to humanity.

Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has debunked rumour of his death, describing it as a means of derailing the self-determination struggle.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Olayomi Koiki, the activist reassured his supporters that he is alive and in good health.

Sunday Igboho noted that the false reports originated from the Seyi Tinubu Youth Battalion Facebook page.

The statement issued on Friday read, “We want to assure the general public and supporters of the Yoruba Nation movement that Dr. Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho is alive, well, and in high spirits.

“There is no truth to the rumors being spread by certain individuals and groups trying to mislead the public. This is a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image and derail the ongoing self-determination struggle.

“Let it be known that our mission for the self-determination of the Yoruba people remains strong and unshaken. We call on our supporters to remain vigilant and focused on our collective goal.”

Sunday Igboho recently said corruption and insecurity were some of the reasons why many Nigerians no longer take pride in their citizenship.

He added that Yoruba youth, enriched by global exposure, are eager to transform the Yoruba nation into a modern, prosperous society like those in Europe.