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NLC Backs NUPENG’s Strike as Tanker Drivers Reject Industrial Action

*Western Zone of IPMAN to shut down operations

Ejiofor Alike, Peter Uzoho in Lagos and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has placed its branches and affiliates on a nationwide alert to mobilise for a united front of resistance against alleged Dangote Group’s anti-worker agenda, stressing that it will support the proposed industrial action by the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

This is as the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a critical branch of NUPENG, have launched a fierce attack on the union’s national leadership, calling for immediate arrest of key executives over what they described as “reckless and destabilising” actions that threaten Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Similarly, truck drivers under the umbrella of Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) have also opposed the industrial action called by NUPENG from tomorrow, describing the action as a disservice to the country.

Also, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Western Zone, yesterday said it would shut down operations from Monday to protest what it described as attempts to monopolise the downstream sector.
NLC in a statement signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, condemned what it described as the anti-union, anti-worker, and monopolistic practices of the Dangote Group and its affiliates.

It said that NUPENG’s complaint was not the first one it will be receiving against Dangote group.
“We have received several from other unions with jurisdictions over the companies owned by the group. All of them verges on the same acts of impunity and unfair labour practices”.

“We call on Dangote group and entities within the group to cease all anti-union, anti-workers practices.
“We place the entire Nigerian workers, state Councils and industrial unions in Nigeria on red alert.
“We demand the immediate unionization of not just Dangote Refinery but all the other entities within the group,” the union said.

Meanwhile, in a statement jointly signed by Chief Blessing Dafinone (Warri PTD) and Comrade Joseph Dagogo-Jack (Port Harcourt) branch, the drivers accused NUPENG’s President, Williams Akporeha and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale of mismanaging the union, alleging intimidation of its members and undermining national economic progress.

“This strike threat is insensitive and wicked. A responsible union explores negotiation, not sabotage,” the statement read. “NUPENG leaders are economic saboteurs using the union to pursue personal interests.”
The PTD also accused the leadership of NUPENG of corruption, claiming the union has become a shadow of its former self, plagued by lawsuits, factionalism, and administrative failure.

The PTD also advised the federal government, National Assembly, and security agencies to intervene decisively, including arresting NUPENG leaders to prevent further unrest.
“No union is above the law. NUPENG must not be allowed to destroy the peace and progress in the oil sector,” they warned.

The tanker drivers hailed Dangote and Dantata as patriotic businessmen modernising the industry and aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a related development, truck drivers under the umbrella of DTCDA, have also opposed the industrial action called by NUPENG from tomorrow, describing the action as a disservice to the country.

In a statement issued after its National Executive Council’s meeting held in Abuja over the weekend, which was signed by its National President, Enoch Kanawa, DTCDA stated that any action against the smooth flow of petroleum products in the country was a disservice, flagrant abuse of the power of unionism and should be condemned by all Nigerians and the general public.

DTCDA said it had reviewed the purported threat by NUPENG to embark on strike, arguing that “That while not joining issues with the NUPENG as there is no basis for that, we as stakeholders in the Nigerian transport industry deem it fit to put issues in their proper perspectives so that the public are not being manipulated and taken for a ride because the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the freedom of Association for persons to voluntarily choose who and whom to associate or partner with.”

“More so that the Nigerian economy is fully deregulated.

DTCDA is an association and not a union. It is an organisation of all drivers both in the wet and dry cargo of the transport sector of which Dangote drivers, MRS and other drivers of established transport companies are members. It will cater for the general welfare of their drivers in terms of health, insurance and Pension Benefits especially post-retirement.

“The DTCDA is open to all drivers who subscribe to the objectives of the Association and who are desirous of a better working life during and after retirement. This is to give them and their families a guaranteed future.”

Meanwhile, IPMAN of Western Zone yesterday said it would shut down operations from Monday to protest what it described as attempts to monopolise the downstream sector.

The resolution was reached at a zonal council meeting which brought together council members, officers, depot chairmen and secretaries across the five depots in the South-west.

The Chairman of the zone, Chief Oyewole Akanni, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan after the meeting.

He said that the strike was in solidarity with NUPENG over job security concerns for PTD.

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*Western Zone of IPMAN to shut down operations Ejiofor Alike, Peter Uzoho in Lagos and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has placed its branches and affiliates
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NEMA Confirms 231 Persons Dead, 607 Injured, 315,762 Affected in 2025 Flood in 86LGAs, 25 States

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed 231 persons dead, 607 injured and 315,762 affected by floods this year.
The agency also added that 114 persons were missing as a result of the flood, which affected 86 local government areas (LGAs) in 25 states.

The data by the agency also indicated that 113,367 persons were displaced with 40,493 houses destroyed and 46,304 farmlands affected.
The updated 2025 flood dashboard released by NEMA yesterday also indicated that 10 states were most impacted by the flood.

The 10 most impacted states are: Lagos, 52,013; Adamawa, 51,713; Akwa Ibom, 46,233; Imo, 29,242; Taraba, 26,722; Rivers, 22,345; Delta, 14,057; Abia, 11,907; Borno, 8,164; and Kaduna, 7,334.
According to the data from the agency, children were the most affected.
The data reads: “143,683 children; 100,079 women; 60,408 men; 11,592 elderly, and 2,265 disabled persons have so far been affected by this year’s flood.

“Some States affected are: Abia, FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto states.
The key challenges identified in the aftermath of the flood incidence are resource shortage, inaccessibility, community resistance and security risk.

“Resource shortage accounts for 69 per cent of the challenges,16 per cent inaccessibility, 7 per cent community resistance and 6 per cent security risk.”
The priority needs of the affected persons according to NEMA include; food, shelter, WASH, health, livelihood, nutrition, education, protection and security.

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Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed 231 persons dead, 607 injured and 315,762 affected by floods this year.The agency also added that 114 persons
The post NEMA Confirms 231 Persons Dead, 607 Injured, 315,762 Affected in 2025 Flood in 86LGAs, 25 States appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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In Joint Operation, Troops Eliminate over 30 Insurgents in North-east, Recover Weapons from Armed Herders in Benue

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday said that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (AC OPHK), in collaboration with surface forces, eliminated over 30 insurgents during a decisive joint operation.
This is just as troops killed one armed herder during clearance operations, in Logo LGA of Benue State, and recovered weapons.

A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, stated that the decisive joint operation was a demonstration of the troops’ unwavering commitment to defending the nation.
This comes as the Nigerian Army Resource Centre bade farewell to its former Director General, Major General Garba Wahab (rtd.), in a colourful send-off ceremony in Abuja.

Ejodame said the operation, conducted on Friday, took place at Dar-el-Jamal village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, following reports of a heavy insurgent engagement against friendly forces.

“Acting swiftly on the situation report, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai deployed an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Air Interdiction (AI) mission. En route, the aircrew established contact with ground forces in Banki, who confirmed that reinforcements were already moving to support troops.

“On arrival at Dar-el-Jamal, the aircrew visually identified friendly forces before ISR scans revealed insurgents fleeing northwards from the town towards nearby bushes.

“In a series of three precise and successive strikes, the fleeing terrorists were decisively engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of over 30 insurgents. Shortly afterwards, reinforcement troops arrived at the location, secured the area, and stabilised the situation,” he said.

Ejodame further revealed that this coordinated success highlights the seamless synergy between air and ground forces, underscoring the effectiveness of joint efforts in counterinsurgency operations.
This, he said, also reinforces the Nigerian Armed Forces’ resolve to dismantle terrorist networks, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace to the North-east and beyond.

He reassured the public that the NAF, working closely with sister services and other security agencies, will continue to take deliberate and collaborative actions to ensure the safety and security of all citizens across the country.
In a related development, the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke killed one armed herder during clearance operations in Logo LGA of Benue State.

A military source revealed that an AK-47 rifle, 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and other items were recovered.

According to the source, troops also responded to clashes in Kwande and Guma LGAs, diffusing tensions and evacuating an injured farmer to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the former Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General Wahab (rtd.), bowed out of office in style.

Speaking at the send-off ceremony organised in his honour, the former Director General said that the culture of the environment is pivotal in developing military strategy.

In his valedictory speech, General Wahab said: “I was asked to describe an event, and the person interviewing me was the Commandant of the school. I was looking down, and he said he couldn’t believe or trust me because I wasn’t looking him straight in the eye. I told him that, in my culture, you don’t look your supervisor in the eye—it is considered a sign of defiance. In your culture, it’s acceptable; in mine, it’s not.

“Sometimes, what is wrong in one place might be right in another.”

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Linus Aleke in Abuja The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday said that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (AC OPHK), in collaboration with surface forces, eliminated over 30 insurgents
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Ahmad: Tinubu Approved N158bn to Empower 650,000 Youths With Technical, Vocational, Digital Skills

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, yesterday disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved N158 billion for the advancement of education in Nigeria.
Ahmad stated this in Sokoto at the 42nd convocation and 50th anniversary of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

According to her, the approved amount will be utilised to enhance the country’s education sector, with a focus on technical and vocational education training (TVET).
This initiative, she said, will empower at least 650,000 youths with technical, vocational, and digital skills required to meet emerging industrial and labour needs.

The minister explained that the federal government’s investment in education was a demonstration of its commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian youth.
She further disclosed that the provision of electricity to some select universities in the country through the rural electrification agency is a testament to this commitment. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, is one of the beneficiaries of the initiative, which is expected to improve the learning environment and enhance academic productivity.

As part of the celebration, the university conferred honorary degrees on two distinguished personalities: Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa and former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (rtd.).
Emeritus status was also bestowed on Prof. Dejo Abdulrahman.
The university also named some of its infrastructure after notable individuals.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, who was in attendance, commended the federal government’s effort to boost the education sector.

He emphasised the importance of education in driving economic growth and development, and pledged his administration’s support to the university’s mission to provide quality education to its students.

In a surprise move, Aliyu announced a special gift of a Hajj seat to the best graduating student.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Garba Bashir, highlighted the achievement of the university as a centre of excellence, research, and community service.

He acknowledged the contributions of past administrators, staff, students, and stakeholders who have shaped the institution into what it is today.

The 42nd convocation and 50th anniversary of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto was a celebration of academic excellence and a testament to the university’s contribution to the development of Nigeria.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including government officials, academics and business leaders.

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Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, yesterday disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved N158 billion for the advancement of education in
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