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Amotekun: Southwest states gear up for take-off

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– Set to recruit personnel – Osun plans to engage 720 – Public hearing on harmonised bill holds in all six states Monday

The Western Nigeria Security Network otherwise known as Operation Amotekun has inched closer to take-off as the states prepare to recruit operatives for the outfit.
Various states in the region have also acquired operational vehicles including motorcycles as well as communication gadgets among other logistics, and also secured the offices for their operations.

Osun State alone is expected to employ 720 personnel.

The Houses of Assembly have already prioritised the passing of the bill and are only waiting for inputs from more stakeholders at public hearings to be held across the states next week.

In Oyo State, the government has donated a building in Ibadan to serve as the operational headquarters of the security outfit in the state. The building is located in Iyaganku area of the capital city.

The area also houses the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Southwest Zonal Headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Besides, the state has also procured over 20 patrol vans, several buses and motorcycles to be used by Amotekun corps in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Taiwo Adisa, confirmed the preparedness of the state for the take-off of the agency, saying that the building and vehicles had also been equipped with security and communication gadgets.

Adisa said the general template for Amotekun’s operation was ready, pointing out that the passage of the bill by the House of Assembly would clear the way for its implementation.

He added that recruitment and related activities would commence after the bill has been passed into law.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has slated public hearing on Amotekun bill for Monday, February 24.

Once the bill is passed and assented to by the governor, the security agency will take off.

It is entitled Bill for a Law to Establish the Oyo State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps to assist in maintaining Law and Order in Oyo State and related matters.

The Assembly had pledged accelerated hearing for the bill in line with the joint commitment of the six Houses of Assembly in the Southwest Region.

Osun earmarks Olajokun Park for Amotekun operational base

The Osun State Government plans to use the Hassan Olajokun Park at Gbongan Junction in Ayedade Local Government Area as the operational base of the Osun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps.

The Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Mr. Ismail Omipidan, said on the phone yesterday that although government is considering engaging about 720 operatives, the exact number of employees, entry qualifications and other details will be determined by the provisions of the bill.

But he said the government had not procured more operational vehicles apart from the 20 Hilux vans it contributed to the pool of the regional security outfit.

Recruitments for Amotekun begin soon in Ekiti

The Ekiti State Government said yesterday that the recruitment of personnel into the State’s Amotekun Corps would commence as soon as possible.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, told The Nation that the recruitment exercise would commence once the bill was signed into law.

The bill was passed into law penultimate Friday by the State House of Assembly.

According to Oyebode, the recruitment exercise would be thorough to ensure that only people of impeccable character and unquestionable integrity are recruited, saying the composition of the personnel would determine the success of the security outfits.

He said: “You are aware that the House of Assembly just passed the bill, which is still awaiting governor Fayemi’s assent.

“So, Mr. Governor’s assent will come any moment from now. And it’s after his assent that the issue of recruitment will follow. It’s then several other things will be unfolded because they are operational matters.

“Definitely, the headquarters will be in Ado-Ekiti but the base may not be made known now. The full details will be made known after the governor’s assent.”

He said the state has already procured 20 vehicles and other security gadgets to aid the work of the outfit.

Ogun Assembly seeks insurance cover for corps

Members of the Ogun State House of Assembly are keen to provide for ‘befitting and compulsory insurance cover’ for personnel of Amotekun Corps in the bill now before them.

The Bill “HB.NO 035/OG/2020- seeks to Establish the Ogun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps to assist in maintaining law and order in the State and for connected purposes.

The legislators, while debating the bill, said it was targeted at devising a community policing scheme to complement and collaborate with existing security agencies.

They added that the Amotekun Corps, when operational, would reduce crimes to the barest minimum in the state, the South West and the nation at large.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kunle Somorin, told The Nation in Abeokuta that until the process for the establishment of the corps was concluded and the contents of the bill determined, it would amount to guess work to say what should be the qualifications of those that would be recruited into the corps or the take-off date.

But he was confident that by next week, significant progress would have been made, and when the Bill is passed by the state legislators and subsequently signed into law by the Governor, everything about Amotekun Corps in Ogun State would take a definite shape.

Lagos to amend Neighbourhood Safety Corps law to create Amotekun corps

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday commenced the process of amending the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency Law 2019 to accommodate a section for Amotekun Corps.

The House took the first and second reading of the bill at plenary on Thursday and committed the bill to the Committee on Information, Publicity, Security and Strategy to report back to the House sine die

The House is to hold public hearing on the bill on Monday.

The Amotekun Corps, when operational, is to take charge of security at borders, forests, highways and the nooks and crannies of the state to ensure protection against hoodlums, kidnappers, cattle rustlers, bandits, etc.

The Corps can also collaborate with other security platforms in neighbouring states to ensure strengthening of security network in Lagos and such other states.

The Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni, had informed the House that he received a letter from the state’s Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Moyosore Onigbanjo, on Wednesday on the amendment of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency Law (LNSC), 2019.

The House subsequently took the first and second reading of the Bill entitled a House of Assembly Bill No. 5 Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) Amendment Bill 2020 and for connected purposes.

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu 1)  said that the bill though  an executive one , was predicated on the private member bill that established LNSC, which he said has been working well.

Agunbiade added that the bill incorporated the concept of a more dynamic and strengthened security platform than what currently obtains in Lagos State before.

He said: “The law only needs amendment to energise and strengthen the law owing to various challenges currently confronting the state and the South West region.

“It tries to create a unit out of the LNSC to be referred to as Amotekun Corps to take charge of security in certain areas such as in the forest, highway and other places to protect us against hoodlums, cattle rustling, kidnappers, herdsmen, bandits and others.

“The Amotekun corps is to take charge of security in borders, forest, highways, nooks and crannies of the state to be sure we are protected against hoodlums, herdsmen, cattle rustlers, kidnappers, bandits etc.”

The bill provides for a commander for Amotekun Corps who will be a retired police or army officer, and would bear arms with the approval of the police. “They will cooperate with other security platforms in Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti and Osun States,” he said.

Ondo set to pass bill on Monday

The Ondo State House of Assembly is expected to pass the Amotekun Security bill on Monday.

The lawmakers   cut short their recess last Tuesday to expedite fast track the passing of the bill.

It was committed to the House Committee on Security on Wednesday following a robust debate on the benefits of the bill when passed into law.

The clerk of the Assembly, Bode Adeyelu, had earlier read a letter from the executive on the need to establish the security agency in order to assist in maintaining law and order across the state.

Speaker of the House, Bamidele Oleyelogun commended his colleagues for cutting short their recess for the second time to attend to state matters.

The Speaker urged them to give the bill the desired attention in view of its benefits to the people.

Also, the Majority leader of the House, Jamiu Maito noted that the bill when passed into law would assist in reducing social vices in the state.

The bill was then committed to the House Committee on Security for proper scrutiny.

A public hearing on the bill is to be held on Monday to receive more contributions from the public.

Governor Akeredolu through his Special Adviser on security matter, Alhaji Dokumo said recruitment of personnel for the outfit will commence any moment from now.

Already, the state government had purchased 20 Vehicles and 100 Motorcycles for the use of the security outfit personnel.

The Western Nigeria Security Network was launched in Ibadan by Governors in the South West States, on January 9, as a way of confronting security challenges in the zone.

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Nigeria @65: 12 major achievements Tinubu highlighted in Independence Day speech

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President Bola Tinubu has highlighted some of his administration’s achievement as Nigeria celebrate 65th anniversary of her independence.

In his Independence Day broadcast on Wednesday, the President listed key reforms and economic milestones his administration has recorded in the past 28 months.

Below are the highlights:

1. Record Non-Oil Revenue Growth

Tinubu said his administration has diversified government earnings beyond crude oil.

“We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised N3.65 trillion, 411 percent higher than the amount raised in May 2023.”

2. Improved Fiscal Health

The President stressed that Nigeria’s debt servicing burden has been reduced significantly.

“Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97% to below 50%. We have paid down the infamous ‘Ways and Means’ advances that threatened our economic stability.”

3. Stronger Foreign Reserves

Tinubu noted a boost in external reserves, giving Nigeria a cushion against global shocks.

“Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September — the highest since 2019.”

4. Rising Tax-to-GDP Ratio

According to the President, his government is expanding its tax base without overburdening ordinary Nigerians.

“Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 percent from less than 10 percent. The new tax law will expand the base and provide tax relief to low-income earners.”

5. Nigeria Now a Net Exporter

Tinubu also emphasised that for the first time in years, Nigeria is selling more to the world than it buys.

“Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters… Non-oil exports now represent 48 percent, compared to oil exports at 52 per cent.”

6. Oil Production Rebound

He added that crude output has increased after years of underperformance.

“Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day from barely one million in May 2023… the country has made notable advancements by refining PMS domestically for the first time in four decades.”

7. Stabilisation of the Naira

The foreign exchange reforms, Tinubu said, have curbed volatility.

“The Naira has stabilised… The multiple exchange rates, which fostered corruption and arbitrage, are now part of history.”

8. Social Investment in Vulnerable Households

“Under the social investment programme… N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of the N25,000 each.”

9. Solid Minerals Sector Growth

In mining, Tinubu said coal mining has rebounded, signalling diversification in natural resources.

“Coal mining recovered dramatically from a 22% decline in Q1 to 57.5% growth in Q2, becoming one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sectors.”

10. Transport Infrastructure Expansion

The President maintained that his administration is accelerating work on major rail and highway projects.

“The 284-kilometre Kano-Kastina-Maradi rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion. Work is progressing on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway.”

11. Global Recognition of Economic Reforms

Tinubu said international markets are responding positively.

“Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria… Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2003 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025.”

12. Monetary Policy Confidence

The Central Bank has responded by lowering interest rates.

“At its last MPC meeting, the Central Bank slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, expressing confidence in our country’s macroeconomic stability.”

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Nigeria upholds religious tolerance; there is no persecution, says Tinubu.

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President Bola Tinubu has categorically denied any deliberate religious persecution in the country.

He stated this on Tuesday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, at the book launch on “A decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria authored by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Tinubu insisted there is religious tolerance in Nigeria and Christians and Muslims were coexisting well, stressing that the talk of persecution in the country is false and unfounded.

He said, “There’s no religious persecution in Nigeria. It’s a lie from the pit of hell. I have always believed in good governance, and since I assumed office, I have focused on your welfare. Today, Nigerians can confidently say we have well-equipped hospitals, and we can treat critical illnesses such as cancer.”

There’s report recently that American talk show host Bill Maher had claimed that Christians are being systematically killed in Nigeria.

Maher, in a viral clip from his show Real Time with Bill Maher, alleged that up to 500,000 Christians had been killed in the country, describing the situation as genocide.

The video was circulated by international influencers, including Radio Genoa, an anti-Islamic personality on X.

Speaking further, the President assured Nigerians that they will soon start experiencing prosperity under his administration.

Tinubu said, “Nigeria’s economy just turned a corner, and you will receive prosperity; those talking negatively about this country should stop saying so.

 

“Just be patient, as all Nigerians will feel the prosperity in due time; don’t be corrupt.”

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BREAKING: Crisis Erupts as Dangote Refinery Halts Petrol Sales in Naira; PENGASSAN Orders Gas Supply Cut

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…….Group cautions against sabotage of Dangote Refinery

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has ordered its members across key oil and gas companies to halt supply of crude oil and gas to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The order followed the alleged sack of 800 workers by Dangote Petroleum Refinery last Thursday.

In a memo by the General Secretary of PENGASSAN, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, to Branch chairmen in TotalEnergies, Renaissances, Chevron, Shell Nigeria Gas, Oando, and Seplat Producing Nigeria Unlimited. PENGASSAN directed the immediate shutdown of valves and suspension of all crude loading operations to the facility.

FERA refutes PENGASSAN’s allegations against Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN clash over fate of 800 workers
Planned sale of oil, gas assets could plunge economy into crisis – PENGASSAN, NUPENG, warn FG
Group cautions against sabotage of Dangote Refinery

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has suspended the sale of petrol in naira, a move that has unsettled fuel marketers and heightened concerns over possible pressure on pump prices and the foreign exchange market.

In an email sent to customers at 6:42 pm on Friday, the refinery announced that the suspension will take effect from Sunday, September 28, 2025. The decision, it explained, was triggered by the depletion of its crude-for-naira allocation.

The statement, by the Group Commercial Operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and titled “Suspension of DPRP PMS Naira Sales – Effective 28th September 2025”, advised customers with pending naira-based transactions to request refunds.

Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN clash over fate of 800 workers
Read Also: Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN clash over fate of 800 workers

It reads in part: “We write to inform you that Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has been selling petroleum products in excess of our Naira-Crude allocations and, consequently, we are unable to sustain PMS sales in Naira going forward.

“Kindly note that this suspension of Naira sales for PMS will be effective from Sunday, 28th of September, 2025. We will provide further updates regarding the resumption of supply once the situation has been resolved.

“All customers with PMS transactions in Naira who would like a refund of their current payments should formally request the processing of their refund.”

This is not the first time the refinery has halted naira transactions. In March 2025, it briefly suspended sales of refined products in the local currency, also citing inadequate crude-for-naira allocations. That earlier decision triggered concerns about the dollarisation of fuel sales and pushed petrol pump prices to nearly ₦1,000 per litre.

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