The Port of Lamu received its first major delivery of heavy machinery ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. The development comes as East African countries seek to reduce their dependence on overseas supplies of refined fuel. Its backers say the project could strengthen regional energy security while supporting wider economic activity.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Video - Dangote refinery fuels East Africa’s energy independence dream
The Port of Lamu received its first major delivery of heavy machinery ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. The development comes as East African countries seek to reduce their dependence on overseas supplies of refined fuel. Its backers say the project could strengthen regional energy security while supporting wider economic activity.
Nigeria to buy 12 US attack helicopters
Nigeria is moving ahead with the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States as Abuja and Washington deepen defence cooperation amid persistent security challenges across the country.
The US Mission in Nigeria said on Tuesday that the planned acquisition demonstrated the growing security partnership between both countries.
“U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation continues to advance our shared efforts to strengthen regional security,” the mission said in a post on X.
“The planned acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters underscores both countries’ commitment to building Nigeria’s defense capabilities and addressing current and emerging threats together.”
The development follows a beam signing ceremony at Bell Textron’s facility in Amarillo, Texas, where the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, led a delegation of the Nigerian Air Force.
The ceremony marked a major step in the implementation of the Nigeria-US defence cooperation programme and Nigeria’s efforts to modernise its armed forces, according to the Nigerian Air Force.
Mr Aneke said the acquisition was an important milestone in the effort to build a more capable and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force.
The NAF delegation also inspected the production line for the helicopters during the visit.
The latest development comes after months of military cooperation between Nigeria and the US, including intelligence sharing, military training, logistical support and joint counterterrorism operations.
In September, the United States delivered military equipment to Nigeria under a foreign military sales agreement. US Africa Command said the delivery was intended to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations and further the bilateral security partnership.
The two countries have also established defence working groups under their 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap to strengthen military collaboration. The initiative followed the deployment of US personnel and surveillance support to assist Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
The US had deployed about 200 military personnel to Nigeria earlier this year as part of an agreement with the Nigerian government to strengthen efforts against terrorism.
Although Nigerian officials initially said the personnel would focus on training, intelligence sharing and other support rather than direct combat, US and Nigerian forces later conducted joint operations against Islamic State targets in the North-east. Most of the US personnel were subsequently withdrawn, while intelligence sharing and other forms of security cooperation continued.
The cooperation has intensified despite diplomatic tensions that followed Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom concerns.
The two governments subsequently established a joint working group to address violence against vulnerable groups and assess bilateral counterterrorism cooperation. In August, Nigerian officials said the group was reviewing progress and discussing the next phase of the security partnership.
The United States continues to warn its citizens about security risks in Nigeria. Its current travel advisory, issued in June, places Nigeria at Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travel because of crime, terrorism, unrest and kidnapping.
Nigeria faces several security crises with various armed groups operating in different parts of the country. Armed groups, including terrorists, have carried out attacks in several states, including Katsina, Sokoto, Borno, Plateau and Benue, killing thousands of people annually and displacing many more.
The US Mission in Nigeria said on Tuesday that the planned acquisition demonstrated the growing security partnership between both countries.
“U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation continues to advance our shared efforts to strengthen regional security,” the mission said in a post on X.
“The planned acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters underscores both countries’ commitment to building Nigeria’s defense capabilities and addressing current and emerging threats together.”
The development follows a beam signing ceremony at Bell Textron’s facility in Amarillo, Texas, where the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, led a delegation of the Nigerian Air Force.
The ceremony marked a major step in the implementation of the Nigeria-US defence cooperation programme and Nigeria’s efforts to modernise its armed forces, according to the Nigerian Air Force.
Mr Aneke said the acquisition was an important milestone in the effort to build a more capable and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force.
The NAF delegation also inspected the production line for the helicopters during the visit.
The latest development comes after months of military cooperation between Nigeria and the US, including intelligence sharing, military training, logistical support and joint counterterrorism operations.
In September, the United States delivered military equipment to Nigeria under a foreign military sales agreement. US Africa Command said the delivery was intended to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations and further the bilateral security partnership.
The two countries have also established defence working groups under their 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap to strengthen military collaboration. The initiative followed the deployment of US personnel and surveillance support to assist Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
The US had deployed about 200 military personnel to Nigeria earlier this year as part of an agreement with the Nigerian government to strengthen efforts against terrorism.
Although Nigerian officials initially said the personnel would focus on training, intelligence sharing and other support rather than direct combat, US and Nigerian forces later conducted joint operations against Islamic State targets in the North-east. Most of the US personnel were subsequently withdrawn, while intelligence sharing and other forms of security cooperation continued.
The cooperation has intensified despite diplomatic tensions that followed Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom concerns.
The two governments subsequently established a joint working group to address violence against vulnerable groups and assess bilateral counterterrorism cooperation. In August, Nigerian officials said the group was reviewing progress and discussing the next phase of the security partnership.
The United States continues to warn its citizens about security risks in Nigeria. Its current travel advisory, issued in June, places Nigeria at Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travel because of crime, terrorism, unrest and kidnapping.
Nigeria faces several security crises with various armed groups operating in different parts of the country. Armed groups, including terrorists, have carried out attacks in several states, including Katsina, Sokoto, Borno, Plateau and Benue, killing thousands of people annually and displacing many more.
By Kabir Yusuf, Premium Times
AFCON: Guinea-Bissau beat Nigeria with 3-0 win
Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying clash in Bissau on Tuesday.
Franculino Dju opened the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute before Mama Baldé doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage in the 66th minute.
Álvaro Djaló then added a third goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time to complete a disappointing night for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the encounter, while Guinea-Bissau were dangerous on the counter and punished Nigeria’s defensive lapses.
Dju broke the deadlock after curling an effort into the far corner, with Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali unable to keep it out.
Nigeria attempted to respond, with Ademola Lookman forcing Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Djoco Embadje into a save in the first half.
Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams were unable to find a breakthrough as Guinea-Bissau maintained their advantage into the interval.
Nigeria made changes at half-time, with Moses Simon and Moses Usor introduced as the Super Eagles looked to get back into the contest.
However, Baldé extended the hosts’ lead in the 66th minute with a fine finish after cutting in from the left and curling the ball beyond Nwabali.
Eric Chelle subsequently introduced Tolu Arokodare, while Victor Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika also came on as Nigeria searched for a way back into the game.
Nigeria came close through Ilenikhena, but Embadje produced an excellent save to deny the youngster from close range.
Guinea-Bissau held firm before Djaló delivered the final blow with virtually the last kick of the match, making it 3-0.
The defeat leaves Nigeria with work to do in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, after the Super Eagles had opened their campaign with a victory.
With Tanzania, one of the tournament’s co-hosts, already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027, Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau are competing for the group’s remaining qualification spot.
Franculino Dju opened the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute before Mama Baldé doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage in the 66th minute.
Álvaro Djaló then added a third goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time to complete a disappointing night for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the encounter, while Guinea-Bissau were dangerous on the counter and punished Nigeria’s defensive lapses.
Dju broke the deadlock after curling an effort into the far corner, with Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali unable to keep it out.
Nigeria attempted to respond, with Ademola Lookman forcing Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Djoco Embadje into a save in the first half.
Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams were unable to find a breakthrough as Guinea-Bissau maintained their advantage into the interval.
Nigeria made changes at half-time, with Moses Simon and Moses Usor introduced as the Super Eagles looked to get back into the contest.
However, Baldé extended the hosts’ lead in the 66th minute with a fine finish after cutting in from the left and curling the ball beyond Nwabali.
Eric Chelle subsequently introduced Tolu Arokodare, while Victor Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika also came on as Nigeria searched for a way back into the game.
Nigeria came close through Ilenikhena, but Embadje produced an excellent save to deny the youngster from close range.
Guinea-Bissau held firm before Djaló delivered the final blow with virtually the last kick of the match, making it 3-0.
The defeat leaves Nigeria with work to do in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, after the Super Eagles had opened their campaign with a victory.
With Tanzania, one of the tournament’s co-hosts, already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027, Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau are competing for the group’s remaining qualification spot.
Dangote says refinery IPO demand 'enormous' as Kenya project advances
Aliko Dangote said on Tuesday that investor demand for his ongoing Lagos refinery share sale was "enormous", as the Nigerian pressed ahead with plans for a $16 billion refinery in Kenya that would extend his energy empire across Africa.
Dangote, Africa's richest man, earlier this month launched a $1.6 billion initial public offering in the refinery to fund a doubling of its capacity to 1.4 billion barrels per day. The deal is being marketed as a "people's IPO" and would be Africa's largest.
"Demand is there, enormous demand. In fact, I didn't know the depth of our capital markets until now, really, because we have never tested it," he told reporters in Nairobi.
He did not provide specific investor demand figures for the offer, which is scheduled to close on October 13.
The deal, which is underwritten for $400 million by Dangote's lead financial advisers, could raise as much as $2.1 billion if oversubscribed.
Strong demand has temporarily disrupted some financial technology platforms as investors rushed to buy into the refinery, which is widely viewed as a bet on Africa's need for greater refining capacity.
"We expected a wave of retail demand in the IPO, but in reality, it's been more like a tsunami," Richmond Bassey, chief executive of Nigerian financial technology platform Bamboo, which focuses on retail investors, told Reuters.
The platform registered a 350% surge in new accounts in the week before the IPO opened, a rate that was surpassed after the offer launched, he said.
DANGOTE TO REPLICATE LAGOS FACILITY IN KENYA
Construction of a 700,000 barrel-per-day refinery for the East African market, in which regional governments have been offered a 30% stake, is due to begin on Wednesday.
The refinery near Kenya's second deep-water port of Lamu on the country's North coast is expected to cost $16 billion, Dangote said.
Dangote said governments investing in the project, including Kenya and Rwanda, would be allowed to spread payments for their equity stakes over four years.
"We have made it very simple and easy for them to fund their own equity. They are not putting their equity in one day," he said, adding Rwanda had sought a 10% stake, a request that is being discussed.
Other countries besides Kenya and Rwanda have also expressed interest in investing in the refinery, Dangote said, without naming them.
The Lamu refinery will source crude from regional producers, including Kenya, which is racing to begin oil production from its own deposits, as well as from overseas suppliers in the Middle East and the United States, Dangote said.
"You don't go and build a refinery for only one source of crude. You take different types: Middle Eastern crude, American, WTI, so you mix them up," he said.
The facility will also spur industries such as petrochemicals, Dangote said, adding pipelines would be built from the Lamu refinery into one or two countries in the region.
He dismissed criticism of the project, including from conservationists and a group of local residents who have challenged it at Kenya's High Court, saying opposition was driven by traders whose businesses would be disrupted by the refinery.
"Everybody is saying that 'no, we have a way that we used to make money without working hard.' But right now, they will make money still, but they have to work hard," he said.
Dangote, Africa's richest man, earlier this month launched a $1.6 billion initial public offering in the refinery to fund a doubling of its capacity to 1.4 billion barrels per day. The deal is being marketed as a "people's IPO" and would be Africa's largest.
"Demand is there, enormous demand. In fact, I didn't know the depth of our capital markets until now, really, because we have never tested it," he told reporters in Nairobi.
He did not provide specific investor demand figures for the offer, which is scheduled to close on October 13.
The deal, which is underwritten for $400 million by Dangote's lead financial advisers, could raise as much as $2.1 billion if oversubscribed.
Strong demand has temporarily disrupted some financial technology platforms as investors rushed to buy into the refinery, which is widely viewed as a bet on Africa's need for greater refining capacity.
"We expected a wave of retail demand in the IPO, but in reality, it's been more like a tsunami," Richmond Bassey, chief executive of Nigerian financial technology platform Bamboo, which focuses on retail investors, told Reuters.
The platform registered a 350% surge in new accounts in the week before the IPO opened, a rate that was surpassed after the offer launched, he said.
DANGOTE TO REPLICATE LAGOS FACILITY IN KENYA
Construction of a 700,000 barrel-per-day refinery for the East African market, in which regional governments have been offered a 30% stake, is due to begin on Wednesday.
The refinery near Kenya's second deep-water port of Lamu on the country's North coast is expected to cost $16 billion, Dangote said.
Dangote said governments investing in the project, including Kenya and Rwanda, would be allowed to spread payments for their equity stakes over four years.
"We have made it very simple and easy for them to fund their own equity. They are not putting their equity in one day," he said, adding Rwanda had sought a 10% stake, a request that is being discussed.
Other countries besides Kenya and Rwanda have also expressed interest in investing in the refinery, Dangote said, without naming them.
The Lamu refinery will source crude from regional producers, including Kenya, which is racing to begin oil production from its own deposits, as well as from overseas suppliers in the Middle East and the United States, Dangote said.
"You don't go and build a refinery for only one source of crude. You take different types: Middle Eastern crude, American, WTI, so you mix them up," he said.
The facility will also spur industries such as petrochemicals, Dangote said, adding pipelines would be built from the Lamu refinery into one or two countries in the region.
He dismissed criticism of the project, including from conservationists and a group of local residents who have challenged it at Kenya's High Court, saying opposition was driven by traders whose businesses would be disrupted by the refinery.
"Everybody is saying that 'no, we have a way that we used to make money without working hard.' But right now, they will make money still, but they have to work hard," he said.
By Duncan Miriri, Reuters
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Odemwingie reveals how Nigeria’s men Olympic team ended up wearing Falcons’ kits in 2008
Former Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie has revealed the remarkable story of how Nigeria’s unexpected run at the 2008 Beijing Olympics left Samson Siasia’s U-23 side scrambling for match kits.
Speaking during a conversation with Super Falcons captain Rashidat Ajibade on her Rash for Christ podcast, Odemwingie recalled how the team’s progress caught even their own delegation off guard.
According to the former West Bromwich Albion forward, officials had apparently expected Nigeria to make an early exit and had already sent the squad’s main supply of kits back home.
The players, however, kept advancing, and by the time Nigeria reached the knockout stages, the team had to find an alternative, eventually turning to kits belonging to the women’s team.
“At the Beijing Olympics with Siasia, we had to wear the girls’ kits for the second round and the rest,” Odemwingie recalled.
“Apparently, they thought we were not going to get far. They sent all the kits back home to give away or whatever. The Falcons, I think they didn’t make it through the next stage, they now left their kits.”
The Americans noticed
The unusual situation did not escape the attention of Nigeria’s opponents.
Odemwingie said players from the United States noticed that the Nigerians appeared to be wearing the same outfits repeatedly and joked about it.
“Then we made it out of the group and the American team is saying, ‘You guys are wearing the same clothes all the time’. They laughed at us.”
With limited options, some Nigerian players resorted to buying plain white T-shirts themselves.
“Some of us went to buy plain white T-shirts.”
Yet the wardrobe problem did little to affect Nigeria’s performances on the pitch.
The team continued its impressive run through the tournament, reaching the gold medal match against Argentina.
The unusual situation did not escape the attention of Nigeria’s opponents.
Odemwingie said players from the United States noticed that the Nigerians appeared to be wearing the same outfits repeatedly and joked about it.
“Then we made it out of the group and the American team is saying, ‘You guys are wearing the same clothes all the time’. They laughed at us.”
With limited options, some Nigerian players resorted to buying plain white T-shirts themselves.
“Some of us went to buy plain white T-shirts.”
Yet the wardrobe problem did little to affect Nigeria’s performances on the pitch.
The team continued its impressive run through the tournament, reaching the gold medal match against Argentina.
Silver despite the chaos
Nigeria ultimately finished with the silver medal after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Argentina in the final, with Ángel Di María scoring the only goal.
The Beijing campaign remains one of Nigeria’s memorable Olympic football runs, but Odemwingie’s recollection provides a lighter glimpse behind the scenes.
The players had to deal with an administrative miscalculation that left them short of their own kits, yet they continued progressing deep into the competition.
What began with officials seemingly preparing for an early exit ended with Nigeria playing for Olympic gold.
And somewhere along the way, the Super Eagles had to borrow the Falcons’ kits and improvise with plain white T-shirts.
It was an unusual chapter in an otherwise memorable silver-medal campaign.
By Gbemidepo Popoola, Premium Times
Nigeria ultimately finished with the silver medal after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Argentina in the final, with Ángel Di María scoring the only goal.
The Beijing campaign remains one of Nigeria’s memorable Olympic football runs, but Odemwingie’s recollection provides a lighter glimpse behind the scenes.
The players had to deal with an administrative miscalculation that left them short of their own kits, yet they continued progressing deep into the competition.
What began with officials seemingly preparing for an early exit ended with Nigeria playing for Olympic gold.
And somewhere along the way, the Super Eagles had to borrow the Falcons’ kits and improvise with plain white T-shirts.
It was an unusual chapter in an otherwise memorable silver-medal campaign.
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