Nollywood’s sci-fi genre remains constrained by high production costs and limited investment, but a new generation of filmmakers is attracting growing audience interest. AI and digital tools are opening up new creative possibilities, while filmmakers say greater funding, talent development and industry support are needed to build a sustainable sci-fi sector.
Monday, September 14, 2026
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Nollywood’s sci-fi genre remains constrained by high production costs and limited investment, but a new generation of filmmakers is attracting growing audience interest. AI and digital tools are opening up new creative possibilities, while filmmakers say greater funding, talent development and industry support are needed to build a sustainable sci-fi sector.
Nigeria’s pesticide crisis is poisoning farmers, food and the future
A new regional study has delivered another disturbing warning about Nigeria’s pesticide crisis: approximately 69 per cent of the country’s farmers and farm workers experience unintentional acute pesticide poisoning every year.
Published in Frontiers in Public Health and commissioned by the Pesticide Action Network, the study examined pesticide exposure among farmers and farm workers in six West African countries. Nigeria recorded the second-highest incidence in the region, behind Burkina Faso, where the figure was estimated at 83.8 per cent. The Gambia recorded 51.5 per cent, Ghana 39 per cent, Senegal 30.5 per cent and Côte d’Ivoire 20 per cent. Across the six countries, an average of 48.9 per cent of farmers and farm workers were estimated to experience unintentional acute pesticide poisoning annually.
Acute pesticide poisoning refers to illnesses or harmful health effects experienced shortly after pesticide exposure. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, vomiting, breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, weakness, and eye and skin irritation. Severe exposure may result in unconsciousness or death.
Nigeria’s 69 per cent figure is shocking, but it is not surprising. Evidence from farming communities suggests that it may even understate the true scale of the problem. Many cases are never diagnosed, treated or officially recorded because farmers lack access to functioning healthcare facilities, poison-control services and appropriate laboratory testing.
The study comes shortly after former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo drew national attention to another dimension of Nigeria’s food-safety crisis. Speaking at an Open Day for Gardeners’ seminar in Lagos, Osinbajo disclosed that laboratory analysis had found his wife Dolapo’s freshly squeezed orange juice unfit for human consumption.
According to him, his wife had stopped taking carbonated drinks and adopted fresh orange juice as a healthier alternative. Yet she began experiencing unexplained headaches. The subsequent laboratory test raised troubling questions about the substances used to produce, ripen and preserve fruits sold in Nigerian markets.
The incident should not be dismissed as an isolated case. It illustrates a much wider failure in Nigeria’s management of pesticides, food preservatives and other hazardous agricultural chemicals. Substances such as calcium carbide and highly toxic pesticides are reportedly being used to ripen fruits, preserve produce and control pests, often without adequate regulation, training or consideration for their effects on human health and the environment.
Research cited by Osinbajo found that some fruit sellers admitted using calcium carbide to ripen produce artificially. Another survey among fruit and vegetable retailers in Lagos found significant use of chemicals to preserve produce. Such practices potentially expose farmers, traders, food vendors, consumers and entire communities to dangerous substances that should never enter the food chain.
Evidence from Nigerian farming communities
The Alliance for Action on Pesticides in Nigeria has investigated pesticide use in the country since 2019. The investigations examined the brands used by farmers, their active ingredients and the regulatory status of products available in Nigerian markets.
In one survey involving smallholder women farmers, 94.2 per cent of respondents reported using synthetic chemical pesticides. Among those using pesticides, 85 per cent did not use or have access to appropriate personal protective equipment. 75 per cent reported serious health problems that they associated with pesticide exposure, including headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulties, skin rashes, and irritation affecting the eyes and mouth.
AAPN has also reviewed pesticide brands and agrochemicals listed in the Green Book of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. The assessment indicated that approximately 65 per cent of the pesticides registered in Nigeria could be classified as highly hazardous, while about 58 per cent were not approved for use in the European Union, but were imported to countries in the Global South.
In a 2023 assessment of 104 pesticide brands, AAPN identified active ingredients associated with serious chronic health and environmental hazards, including carcinogenicity, kidney disease, endocrine disruption, immune-system damage, neurological effects and reproductive toxicity.
These findings give a human face to the new regional study. The estimated 69 per cent incidence of acute pesticide poisoning is not an abstract statistic. It represents millions of farmers and agricultural workers who may be repeatedly exposed to toxic substances while producing the food consumed across Nigeria.
By Donald Ikenna Ofoegbu, ICIR
Published in Frontiers in Public Health and commissioned by the Pesticide Action Network, the study examined pesticide exposure among farmers and farm workers in six West African countries. Nigeria recorded the second-highest incidence in the region, behind Burkina Faso, where the figure was estimated at 83.8 per cent. The Gambia recorded 51.5 per cent, Ghana 39 per cent, Senegal 30.5 per cent and Côte d’Ivoire 20 per cent. Across the six countries, an average of 48.9 per cent of farmers and farm workers were estimated to experience unintentional acute pesticide poisoning annually.
Acute pesticide poisoning refers to illnesses or harmful health effects experienced shortly after pesticide exposure. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, vomiting, breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, weakness, and eye and skin irritation. Severe exposure may result in unconsciousness or death.
Nigeria’s 69 per cent figure is shocking, but it is not surprising. Evidence from farming communities suggests that it may even understate the true scale of the problem. Many cases are never diagnosed, treated or officially recorded because farmers lack access to functioning healthcare facilities, poison-control services and appropriate laboratory testing.
The study comes shortly after former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo drew national attention to another dimension of Nigeria’s food-safety crisis. Speaking at an Open Day for Gardeners’ seminar in Lagos, Osinbajo disclosed that laboratory analysis had found his wife Dolapo’s freshly squeezed orange juice unfit for human consumption.
According to him, his wife had stopped taking carbonated drinks and adopted fresh orange juice as a healthier alternative. Yet she began experiencing unexplained headaches. The subsequent laboratory test raised troubling questions about the substances used to produce, ripen and preserve fruits sold in Nigerian markets.
The incident should not be dismissed as an isolated case. It illustrates a much wider failure in Nigeria’s management of pesticides, food preservatives and other hazardous agricultural chemicals. Substances such as calcium carbide and highly toxic pesticides are reportedly being used to ripen fruits, preserve produce and control pests, often without adequate regulation, training or consideration for their effects on human health and the environment.
Research cited by Osinbajo found that some fruit sellers admitted using calcium carbide to ripen produce artificially. Another survey among fruit and vegetable retailers in Lagos found significant use of chemicals to preserve produce. Such practices potentially expose farmers, traders, food vendors, consumers and entire communities to dangerous substances that should never enter the food chain.
Evidence from Nigerian farming communities
The Alliance for Action on Pesticides in Nigeria has investigated pesticide use in the country since 2019. The investigations examined the brands used by farmers, their active ingredients and the regulatory status of products available in Nigerian markets.
In one survey involving smallholder women farmers, 94.2 per cent of respondents reported using synthetic chemical pesticides. Among those using pesticides, 85 per cent did not use or have access to appropriate personal protective equipment. 75 per cent reported serious health problems that they associated with pesticide exposure, including headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulties, skin rashes, and irritation affecting the eyes and mouth.
AAPN has also reviewed pesticide brands and agrochemicals listed in the Green Book of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. The assessment indicated that approximately 65 per cent of the pesticides registered in Nigeria could be classified as highly hazardous, while about 58 per cent were not approved for use in the European Union, but were imported to countries in the Global South.
In a 2023 assessment of 104 pesticide brands, AAPN identified active ingredients associated with serious chronic health and environmental hazards, including carcinogenicity, kidney disease, endocrine disruption, immune-system damage, neurological effects and reproductive toxicity.
These findings give a human face to the new regional study. The estimated 69 per cent incidence of acute pesticide poisoning is not an abstract statistic. It represents millions of farmers and agricultural workers who may be repeatedly exposed to toxic substances while producing the food consumed across Nigeria.
Dangerous chemicals are readily available
Highly hazardous pesticides are not difficult to obtain in Nigeria. They are sold in community shops, village markets and urban agrochemical outlets across the country. In some communities without a functional pharmacy or primary healthcare facility, farmers – even children can still easily purchase dangerous pesticides, sometimes from dealers with limited knowledge of their toxicity, correct application, storage requirements or safe disposal.
Hazardous pesticides have also entered farming communities through agricultural support programmes, farmers’ associations, ministries, donor-supported projects, constituency interventions and donations by politicians and philanthropists. Too often, the emphasis is on distributing products rather than determining whether farmers understand their dangers.
Before any pesticide is handed to a farmer, basic questions must be answered. Has the farmer been trained to apply it correctly? Does the farmer have appropriate protective equipment? Does the farmer understand the required dosage and storage and disposal procedures? Does the farmer know the waiting period between pesticide application and harvesting? Is the product even approved for use on the intended crop?
In far too many cases, the answer is no.
Agricultural extension services, which should provide farmers with reliable information, have deteriorated considerably. Even where extension support exists, pest management is frequently reduced to recommending chemical application. Many extension personnel have not received adequate training in integrated pest management, agroecology and other sustainable practices that can prevent or control pests while reducing dependence on hazardous chemicals.
Public spending reflects this imbalance. In the 2023 federal budget, approximately ₦2.08 billion was allocated to chemical pesticides through the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. By comparison, only about ₦37.4 million was allocated to organic pesticides and biopesticides. Such priorities reinforce a farming system that treats chemical pesticides as the first response rather than the last resort.
Highly hazardous pesticides are not difficult to obtain in Nigeria. They are sold in community shops, village markets and urban agrochemical outlets across the country. In some communities without a functional pharmacy or primary healthcare facility, farmers – even children can still easily purchase dangerous pesticides, sometimes from dealers with limited knowledge of their toxicity, correct application, storage requirements or safe disposal.
Hazardous pesticides have also entered farming communities through agricultural support programmes, farmers’ associations, ministries, donor-supported projects, constituency interventions and donations by politicians and philanthropists. Too often, the emphasis is on distributing products rather than determining whether farmers understand their dangers.
Before any pesticide is handed to a farmer, basic questions must be answered. Has the farmer been trained to apply it correctly? Does the farmer have appropriate protective equipment? Does the farmer understand the required dosage and storage and disposal procedures? Does the farmer know the waiting period between pesticide application and harvesting? Is the product even approved for use on the intended crop?
In far too many cases, the answer is no.
Agricultural extension services, which should provide farmers with reliable information, have deteriorated considerably. Even where extension support exists, pest management is frequently reduced to recommending chemical application. Many extension personnel have not received adequate training in integrated pest management, agroecology and other sustainable practices that can prevent or control pests while reducing dependence on hazardous chemicals.
Public spending reflects this imbalance. In the 2023 federal budget, approximately ₦2.08 billion was allocated to chemical pesticides through the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. By comparison, only about ₦37.4 million was allocated to organic pesticides and biopesticides. Such priorities reinforce a farming system that treats chemical pesticides as the first response rather than the last resort.
The danger does not end at the farm gate
The pesticide crisis is often discussed as though it affects only those who apply chemicals on farms. This ignores the multiplier effect across the food system.
Farmers’ families may be exposed through contaminated clothing, improperly stored products, discarded containers, polluted water and pesticide drift from nearby farms. Traders and processors handle treated produce, while consumers may ingest residues remaining on fruits, vegetables, grains and other foods.
Women farmers may face particularly serious risks because they are often involved in planting, pesticide application, harvesting, processing and food preparation, in addition to caring for sick family members. They can therefore be exposed at several points in the food system. Children may encounter pesticide residues through food, water, contaminated clothing, improperly stored chemicals and discarded pesticide containers.
Farmers sell their produce to traders, who supply markets, processors, restaurants and households. Chemical residues can move along this entire chain. Waterways, soil, beneficial insects and biodiversity may also be damaged by indiscriminate pesticide use and improper disposal.
The question, therefore, is not only how many farmers are being poisoned. We must also ask how many traders are handling contaminated produce, how many communities are drinking from polluted water sources and how many consumers are unknowingly eating food containing unsafe pesticide residues.
When this multiplier effect is considered, pesticide exposure becomes not merely an occupational hazard but a national public-health emergency.
The pesticide crisis is often discussed as though it affects only those who apply chemicals on farms. This ignores the multiplier effect across the food system.
Farmers’ families may be exposed through contaminated clothing, improperly stored products, discarded containers, polluted water and pesticide drift from nearby farms. Traders and processors handle treated produce, while consumers may ingest residues remaining on fruits, vegetables, grains and other foods.
Women farmers may face particularly serious risks because they are often involved in planting, pesticide application, harvesting, processing and food preparation, in addition to caring for sick family members. They can therefore be exposed at several points in the food system. Children may encounter pesticide residues through food, water, contaminated clothing, improperly stored chemicals and discarded pesticide containers.
Farmers sell their produce to traders, who supply markets, processors, restaurants and households. Chemical residues can move along this entire chain. Waterways, soil, beneficial insects and biodiversity may also be damaged by indiscriminate pesticide use and improper disposal.
The question, therefore, is not only how many farmers are being poisoned. We must also ask how many traders are handling contaminated produce, how many communities are drinking from polluted water sources and how many consumers are unknowingly eating food containing unsafe pesticide residues.
When this multiplier effect is considered, pesticide exposure becomes not merely an occupational hazard but a national public-health emergency.
A largely invisible health crisis
The actual number of pesticide-related illnesses and deaths in Nigeria is difficult to establish. Many affected people never reach a hospital. Even when they do, healthcare workers may not recognise or record pesticide exposure as the cause of the illness.
Routine medical screening remains inaccessible to a large part of the population, while poison surveillance, laboratory capacity and national reporting systems are inadequate. Consequently, many cases of acute and chronic pesticide poisoning remain invisible in official statistics.
Pesticides are also frequently used in acts of self-harm because they are cheap, highly toxic and readily accessible. Yet Nigeria still lacks the surveillance and reporting systems required to establish the full relationship between pesticide availability, poisoning and suicide.
The absence of comprehensive national data must not be used as an excuse for inaction. Where surveillance systems are weak, a lack of official statistics may indicate institutional failure rather than the absence of a problem.
The actual number of pesticide-related illnesses and deaths in Nigeria is difficult to establish. Many affected people never reach a hospital. Even when they do, healthcare workers may not recognise or record pesticide exposure as the cause of the illness.
Routine medical screening remains inaccessible to a large part of the population, while poison surveillance, laboratory capacity and national reporting systems are inadequate. Consequently, many cases of acute and chronic pesticide poisoning remain invisible in official statistics.
Pesticides are also frequently used in acts of self-harm because they are cheap, highly toxic and readily accessible. Yet Nigeria still lacks the surveillance and reporting systems required to establish the full relationship between pesticide availability, poisoning and suicide.
The absence of comprehensive national data must not be used as an excuse for inaction. Where surveillance systems are weak, a lack of official statistics may indicate institutional failure rather than the absence of a problem.
A threat to trade and the economy
This is not only a public-health and environmental crisis. It is also an economic and trade crisis.
Nigeria continues to face rejection of agricultural exports because of pesticide residues, aflatoxin contamination and other food-safety failures. Concerns have been raised about pesticide residues in export commodities such as sesame. Every rejected shipment damages the country’s reputation, reduces farmers’ earnings and weakens Nigeria’s ability to compete in increasingly regulated international markets.
At a time when global demand for organic and sustainably produced food is expanding, Nigeria should be investing in traceable production, biological inputs, agroecology and dependable food-safety systems. Instead, the country risks subsidising hazardous chemicals at home while losing access to premium markets abroad.
The health costs are equally serious. Nigeria cannot continue spending scarce public resources on treating cancers, kidney diseases, reproductive disorders and other chronic illnesses while failing to address preventable exposure to hazardous chemicals. Prevention is not only safer; it is also far less costly than treatment.
This is not only a public-health and environmental crisis. It is also an economic and trade crisis.
Nigeria continues to face rejection of agricultural exports because of pesticide residues, aflatoxin contamination and other food-safety failures. Concerns have been raised about pesticide residues in export commodities such as sesame. Every rejected shipment damages the country’s reputation, reduces farmers’ earnings and weakens Nigeria’s ability to compete in increasingly regulated international markets.
At a time when global demand for organic and sustainably produced food is expanding, Nigeria should be investing in traceable production, biological inputs, agroecology and dependable food-safety systems. Instead, the country risks subsidising hazardous chemicals at home while losing access to premium markets abroad.
The health costs are equally serious. Nigeria cannot continue spending scarce public resources on treating cancers, kidney diseases, reproductive disorders and other chronic illnesses while failing to address preventable exposure to hazardous chemicals. Prevention is not only safer; it is also far less costly than treatment.
Regulation without enforcement is not enough
NAFDAC has taken important steps, including announcing restrictions on substances such as paraquat and atrazine and conducting enforcement operations in some markets. However, banned and restricted products reportedly remain available.
Regulations mean little when enforcement agencies lack sufficient personnel, laboratories, logistics and operational funding. The Federal Government cannot underfund NAFDAC and still expect it to monitor thousands of manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers and markets across the country effectively.
The same applies to agricultural extension agencies, environmental regulators, customs authorities and public-health institutions. Agencies cannot fulfil their mandates without the financial, technical and human resources required to conduct inspections, test products, enforce regulations and educate the public.
Responsibility must also extend beyond regulators. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security must stop treating pesticide procurement and distribution as routine agricultural support. The Federal Ministries responsible for health, environment, finance and budget planning must recognise pesticide exposure as a cross-sectoral national emergency.
State ministries of agriculture must rebuild extension services and train personnel in integrated pest management. Legislators must scrutinise pesticide-related budget lines and stop using dangerous agrochemicals as constituency gifts.
Agro-dealers must be trained, licensed and held accountable for the products they sell. Manufacturers and importers must disclose the hazards associated with their products and accept responsibility for environmental contamination and human harm.
Countries and multinational corporations should not export to Nigeria chemicals that they have prohibited or severely restricted within their own jurisdictions. Nigeria must not be treated as a dumping ground for pesticides considered too dangerous for use elsewhere.
Farmers’ associations, civil society organisations, research institutions and development partners also have a responsibility to examine the products they distribute or promote. A pesticide does not become safe simply because it is supplied through a government programme, donor project or farmers’ cooperative.
NAFDAC has taken important steps, including announcing restrictions on substances such as paraquat and atrazine and conducting enforcement operations in some markets. However, banned and restricted products reportedly remain available.
Regulations mean little when enforcement agencies lack sufficient personnel, laboratories, logistics and operational funding. The Federal Government cannot underfund NAFDAC and still expect it to monitor thousands of manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers and markets across the country effectively.
The same applies to agricultural extension agencies, environmental regulators, customs authorities and public-health institutions. Agencies cannot fulfil their mandates without the financial, technical and human resources required to conduct inspections, test products, enforce regulations and educate the public.
Responsibility must also extend beyond regulators. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security must stop treating pesticide procurement and distribution as routine agricultural support. The Federal Ministries responsible for health, environment, finance and budget planning must recognise pesticide exposure as a cross-sectoral national emergency.
State ministries of agriculture must rebuild extension services and train personnel in integrated pest management. Legislators must scrutinise pesticide-related budget lines and stop using dangerous agrochemicals as constituency gifts.
Agro-dealers must be trained, licensed and held accountable for the products they sell. Manufacturers and importers must disclose the hazards associated with their products and accept responsibility for environmental contamination and human harm.
Countries and multinational corporations should not export to Nigeria chemicals that they have prohibited or severely restricted within their own jurisdictions. Nigeria must not be treated as a dumping ground for pesticides considered too dangerous for use elsewhere.
Farmers’ associations, civil society organisations, research institutions and development partners also have a responsibility to examine the products they distribute or promote. A pesticide does not become safe simply because it is supplied through a government programme, donor project or farmers’ cooperative.
Safer alternatives are possible
The belief that Nigeria must choose between producing enough food and protecting people from poison is both false and dangerous. The choice is not between eating contaminated food and starving. The real choice is between continuing a poorly regulated and chemically dependent agricultural system and building a safer, more productive and sustainable food system.
Safer alternatives already exist. Nigerian farmers and enterprises are practising agroecology, integrated pest management, biological pest control, organic production and other forms of sustainable agriculture. Local companies are also producing safer pest- and weed-management products.
What remains inadequate is the policy support, public investment, farmer education and market development required to make these alternatives accessible and affordable at scale.
Nigeria needs a properly funded national programme to progressively phase out highly hazardous pesticides and replace them with safer alternatives. This must be supported by stronger surveillance, effective market inspections, improved poison-control services, regular testing of food and water, public disclosure of enforcement findings and substantial investment in agricultural extension.
The government must redirect subsidies and agricultural budgets towards integrated pest management, biopesticides, agroecology, farmer field schools and locally produced alternatives. No pesticide should be distributed through a government programme, constituency project or donor intervention without proper training, protective equipment, clear instructions and arrangements for collecting expired products and empty containers.
Above all, Nigerians must reject the fatalistic idea that illness and death are unavoidable costs of food production. Farmers deserve protection. Consumers deserve safe food. Communities deserve uncontaminated water and soil. Nigerian businesses deserve access to international markets without repeated rejection of their products.
The evidence is already before us. The warning signs are visible on our farms, in our markets, in our hospitals and in the rejection of our agricultural exports. We can no longer pretend that we do not know.
Nigeria must act before today’s pesticide crisis becomes an irreversible public-health, environmental and economic catastrophe.
The belief that Nigeria must choose between producing enough food and protecting people from poison is both false and dangerous. The choice is not between eating contaminated food and starving. The real choice is between continuing a poorly regulated and chemically dependent agricultural system and building a safer, more productive and sustainable food system.
Safer alternatives already exist. Nigerian farmers and enterprises are practising agroecology, integrated pest management, biological pest control, organic production and other forms of sustainable agriculture. Local companies are also producing safer pest- and weed-management products.
What remains inadequate is the policy support, public investment, farmer education and market development required to make these alternatives accessible and affordable at scale.
Nigeria needs a properly funded national programme to progressively phase out highly hazardous pesticides and replace them with safer alternatives. This must be supported by stronger surveillance, effective market inspections, improved poison-control services, regular testing of food and water, public disclosure of enforcement findings and substantial investment in agricultural extension.
The government must redirect subsidies and agricultural budgets towards integrated pest management, biopesticides, agroecology, farmer field schools and locally produced alternatives. No pesticide should be distributed through a government programme, constituency project or donor intervention without proper training, protective equipment, clear instructions and arrangements for collecting expired products and empty containers.
Above all, Nigerians must reject the fatalistic idea that illness and death are unavoidable costs of food production. Farmers deserve protection. Consumers deserve safe food. Communities deserve uncontaminated water and soil. Nigerian businesses deserve access to international markets without repeated rejection of their products.
The evidence is already before us. The warning signs are visible on our farms, in our markets, in our hospitals and in the rejection of our agricultural exports. We can no longer pretend that we do not know.
Nigeria must act before today’s pesticide crisis becomes an irreversible public-health, environmental and economic catastrophe.
Africa’s biggest oil refinery opens to public ownership, sparking excitement among retail investors
Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote opened his refinery to public ownership Monday with plans to raise $1.6 billion from retail investors across the continent in Africa’s biggest initial public offering, or IPO.
Dangote, Africa’s richest man, dubbed the IPO one “for the people” and said he wants everyone to be able to own a share. Retail investors can buy shares in the sprawling Lagos-based refinery for 5,250 naira ($4) per share with a minimum purchase of 10 shares. Dangote retains 87% ownership of the refinery, Africa’s largest.
The refinery’s scale and potential returns, especially at a time when global oil prices have risen following the U.S.-Iran war, have generated excitement among retail investors.
“I will be a fool not to partake in it and see how it goes. I am placing a lot of emphasis on his name and on the refinery being the biggest in Africa,” Titi Adetoye, an Abuja-based operations manager who hopes to buy up to 1,000 shares, told The Associated Press.
Production began at the $19 billion refinery in 2024 as Nigeria, one of Africa’s top oil producers, continues to struggle with local refining capacity.
The Dangote refinery has transformed the energy-rich country of more than 210 million people from an importer of refined oil into an exporter.
“It is going to be a game-changing IPO for Nigeria’s markets,” said Mohammed Saidu, head of research and investment analysis at Lagos-based TrustBanc. Saidu said he predicted there would be millions of new investors from the IPO.
The IPO has raised questions about Dangote retaining significant ownership and the refinery’s purported valuation after the offering. At $49 billion, the valuation is more than twice what it cost to build it. The refinery’s officials have denied that its valuation is inflated.
“It is not something someone can classify as people-driven if you still own 87% of the refinery and there are many ways that narrative breaks down,” Joachim McEbong, a senior West Africa analyst at Control Risks, said.
Nigeria has relied for many decades on foreign refining of its oil due to decrepit state-run refineries, many of which operate below capacity or have remained stagnant for years due to poor maintenance.
The Dangote refinery reached its full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day earlier this year. Dangote announced plans last year to increase capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day, a move its officials say will make it the world’s largest refinery by surpassing India’s Jamnagar refinery.
Dangote has also set out to expand into East Africa, and has proposed building a refinery in Kenya by 2030.
Dangote, Africa’s richest man, dubbed the IPO one “for the people” and said he wants everyone to be able to own a share. Retail investors can buy shares in the sprawling Lagos-based refinery for 5,250 naira ($4) per share with a minimum purchase of 10 shares. Dangote retains 87% ownership of the refinery, Africa’s largest.
The refinery’s scale and potential returns, especially at a time when global oil prices have risen following the U.S.-Iran war, have generated excitement among retail investors.
“I will be a fool not to partake in it and see how it goes. I am placing a lot of emphasis on his name and on the refinery being the biggest in Africa,” Titi Adetoye, an Abuja-based operations manager who hopes to buy up to 1,000 shares, told The Associated Press.
Production began at the $19 billion refinery in 2024 as Nigeria, one of Africa’s top oil producers, continues to struggle with local refining capacity.
The Dangote refinery has transformed the energy-rich country of more than 210 million people from an importer of refined oil into an exporter.
“It is going to be a game-changing IPO for Nigeria’s markets,” said Mohammed Saidu, head of research and investment analysis at Lagos-based TrustBanc. Saidu said he predicted there would be millions of new investors from the IPO.
The IPO has raised questions about Dangote retaining significant ownership and the refinery’s purported valuation after the offering. At $49 billion, the valuation is more than twice what it cost to build it. The refinery’s officials have denied that its valuation is inflated.
“It is not something someone can classify as people-driven if you still own 87% of the refinery and there are many ways that narrative breaks down,” Joachim McEbong, a senior West Africa analyst at Control Risks, said.
Nigeria has relied for many decades on foreign refining of its oil due to decrepit state-run refineries, many of which operate below capacity or have remained stagnant for years due to poor maintenance.
The Dangote refinery reached its full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day earlier this year. Dangote announced plans last year to increase capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day, a move its officials say will make it the world’s largest refinery by surpassing India’s Jamnagar refinery.
Dangote has also set out to expand into East Africa, and has proposed building a refinery in Kenya by 2030.
By Ope Adetayo, AP
Friday, September 11, 2026
Nigeria begins local production of insecticide-treated mosquito nets
Nigeria has commenced local production of insecticide-treated mosquito nets as part of efforts to strengthen malaria prevention and reduce reliance on imported health products.
The new facility, Health Textiles Nigeria FZE, is the first in the country to manufacture dual-active ingredient insecticide-treated nets, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The ministry announced the development in a press release posted on its X account on Thursday and signed by its Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako.
The facility, owned by Vestergaard Sarl, will produce “PermaNet® Dual,” a mosquito net designed to address the growing challenge of insecticide resistance and prequalified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2023.
The health ministry noted that at full capacity, the facility is expected to produce about 10 million nets annually and create more than 600 jobs.
The new facility, Health Textiles Nigeria FZE, is the first in the country to manufacture dual-active ingredient insecticide-treated nets, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The ministry announced the development in a press release posted on its X account on Thursday and signed by its Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako.
The facility, owned by Vestergaard Sarl, will produce “PermaNet® Dual,” a mosquito net designed to address the growing challenge of insecticide resistance and prequalified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2023.
The health ministry noted that at full capacity, the facility is expected to produce about 10 million nets annually and create more than 600 jobs.
Malaria burden
The development comes as Nigeria continues to bear a substantial share of the global malaria burden.
WHO estimates that 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths occurred globally in 2024, with the African Region accounting for about 95 per cent of cases and deaths.
Nigeria accounted for 31.9 per cent of malaria deaths in the African Region in 2024, according to WHO.
Malaria is transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and remains preventable and curable. WHO identifies insecticide-treated mosquito nets as one of the key tools for preventing mosquito bites and reducing malaria transmission.
The development comes as Nigeria continues to bear a substantial share of the global malaria burden.
WHO estimates that 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths occurred globally in 2024, with the African Region accounting for about 95 per cent of cases and deaths.
Nigeria accounted for 31.9 per cent of malaria deaths in the African Region in 2024, according to WHO.
Malaria is transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and remains preventable and curable. WHO identifies insecticide-treated mosquito nets as one of the key tools for preventing mosquito bites and reducing malaria transmission.
New facility targets resistance
According to the ministry, the new facility is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to produce essential malaria prevention commodities locally while addressing the growing challenge of resistance to insecticides.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said the investment aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), particularly its focus on strengthening the country’s healthcare value chain through investment, local production and domestic capacity.
“This investment demonstrates what is possible when government policy, private-sector investment and technology transfer come together to unlock Nigeria’s healthcare value chain,” Mr Pate said.
He said the commencement of local production would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture essential health products and contribute to a more resilient health system.
“About 80 employees have already been recruited and are undergoing training in manufacturing excellence, product quality, occupational health and safety, and regulatory compliance,” the ministry added.
According to the ministry, the establishment of the facility follows a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Vestergaard and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), aimed at strengthening local production capacity for essential health products.
According to the ministry, the new facility is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to produce essential malaria prevention commodities locally while addressing the growing challenge of resistance to insecticides.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said the investment aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), particularly its focus on strengthening the country’s healthcare value chain through investment, local production and domestic capacity.
“This investment demonstrates what is possible when government policy, private-sector investment and technology transfer come together to unlock Nigeria’s healthcare value chain,” Mr Pate said.
He said the commencement of local production would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture essential health products and contribute to a more resilient health system.
“About 80 employees have already been recruited and are undergoing training in manufacturing excellence, product quality, occupational health and safety, and regulatory compliance,” the ministry added.
According to the ministry, the establishment of the facility follows a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Vestergaard and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), aimed at strengthening local production capacity for essential health products.
Benefits of facility
The National Coordinator of PVAC, Abdu Mukhtar, said the development demonstrates how investment, technology transfer and government policy can translate into productive capacity and skills development.
He said the training of Nigerian professionals and commencement of production represented the kind of outcome the initiative seeks to replicate across other areas of the healthcare value chain.
Vestergaard’s Chief Executive Officer, Amar Ali, said the company was pleased to commence production in Nigeria and thanked the federal government for its support.
Mr Ali said the facility would combine Vestergaard’s manufacturing expertise with “Nigerian talent to produce dual-active ingredient insecticide-treated nets locally.”
The ministry said the first commercial orders from the facility are expected to be fulfilled in the coming months.
It said domestic production would help expand Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture a critical malaria prevention commodity while strengthening the country’s healthcare value chain.
The National Coordinator of PVAC, Abdu Mukhtar, said the development demonstrates how investment, technology transfer and government policy can translate into productive capacity and skills development.
He said the training of Nigerian professionals and commencement of production represented the kind of outcome the initiative seeks to replicate across other areas of the healthcare value chain.
Vestergaard’s Chief Executive Officer, Amar Ali, said the company was pleased to commence production in Nigeria and thanked the federal government for its support.
Mr Ali said the facility would combine Vestergaard’s manufacturing expertise with “Nigerian talent to produce dual-active ingredient insecticide-treated nets locally.”
The ministry said the first commercial orders from the facility are expected to be fulfilled in the coming months.
It said domestic production would help expand Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture a critical malaria prevention commodity while strengthening the country’s healthcare value chain.
By Mariam Ileyemi, Premium Times
U.S. Lands C-17 in Nigeria with Military Supplies Ahead of $346M Arms Deal
In September 2026, a heavy U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft landed in Lagos and Kainji, Niger State to transfer defense equipment directly to the Air Force authorities in Nigeria.
The logistical mission was executed under an official Foreign Military Sales agreement between the two armed forces to reinforce Nigerian-led counter-terrorism operations.
Emphasizing the cooperative nature of the arrangement, official military reports published by Africom noted that "U.S. military support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria is by its invitation and rooted in respect for Nigerian sovereignty".
U.S. military aircraft transfers defense package to Nigeria under sales agreement
The cargo delivery follows an approved Foreign Military Sales deal valued at an estimated $346 million.
Official Defense Security Cooperation Agency documentation shows the package includes 1,002 general-purpose 500 lb bombs, over 1,500 computer control groups for Paveway II precision laser-guidance systems, and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II rockets equipped with high-explosive warheads.
Detailing the strategic goals of the supply agreement, the agency stated that "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa".
Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported that the munitions will improve operational capability "to meet current and future threats through operations against terrorist organizations and to counter illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea,"
DSCA also reported that "The proposed sale of this equipment will not alter the basic military balance in the region".
The cargo delivery follows an approved Foreign Military Sales deal valued at an estimated $346 million.
Official Defense Security Cooperation Agency documentation shows the package includes 1,002 general-purpose 500 lb bombs, over 1,500 computer control groups for Paveway II precision laser-guidance systems, and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II rockets equipped with high-explosive warheads.
Detailing the strategic goals of the supply agreement, the agency stated that "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa".
Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported that the munitions will improve operational capability "to meet current and future threats through operations against terrorist organizations and to counter illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea,"
DSCA also reported that "The proposed sale of this equipment will not alter the basic military balance in the region".
By Awogbemila Temitope, Business Insider Africa
Dangote refinery buys 16 million Nigerian barrels as Iran war tightens global oil supply
Four industry sources told Reuters that the purchases were assembled through Nigerian National Petroleum Company allocations and additional cargoes acquired through tenders.
The volume is equivalent to approximately 520,000 barrels per day and would provide most of the crude required by Dangote’s 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery during October.
The final quantity could rise if the refinery makes further purchases. Dangote did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
The volume is equivalent to approximately 520,000 barrels per day and would provide most of the crude required by Dangote’s 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery during October.
The final quantity could rise if the refinery makes further purchases. Dangote did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
Dangote’s growing claim on Nigerian crude
NNPC is expected to supply eight cargoes of Nigerian oil to the refinery in October, matching the monthly record reached in April, May and August. The state oil company will also provide one cargo of US WTI Midland crude.
Dangote reportedly bought a second WTI Midland cargo and enough additional Nigerian oil through a spot tender to lift its confirmed October purchases to at least 16 million barrels.
The purchases show the refinery’s increasing ability to rely on domestic supply after repeatedly importing crude from the United States, Libya and Guyana.
Kpler data cited by Reuters showed that Dangote received about 565,000 barrels of Nigerian crude per day in August, nearly twice its average of approximately 280,000 barrels per day in 2025.
That shift supports Nigeria’s long-standing aim of refining more of its oil at home. However, it also leaves traders with fewer Nigerian cargoes to sell abroad at a time when global buyers are competing for crude produced outside the Middle East.
Iran conflict changes the market
The purchases carry consequences beyond Nigeria because the Iran conflict has disrupted traditional oil flows and strengthened demand for West African grades.
Chinese refiners have already bought more than 20 million barrels from Angola, the Republic of Congo and other alternative suppliers as they attempt to replace constrained Iranian and Russian supplies.
Dangote is now competing in that same market while requiring enough crude to run one of the world’s largest single-site refineries.
The refinery’s chief executive, David Bird, said this week that damage to Middle Eastern production and refining infrastructure could keep global fuel markets tight even after fighting ends.
Dangote plans to spend $14.3 billion to expand its capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2029. At that scale, its demand for crude could rival the output of some OPEC members.
Purchase comes before record IPO
The crude acquisition was disclosed days before the order book for Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals’ IPO is expected to open.
Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission approved an offer intended to raise approximately $1.63 billion (₦2.15 trillion) through the sale of 4.1 billion shares at ₦525 each.
The offer is expected to open on 14 September and would become Africa’s largest IPO if completed as planned.
Reliable crude access is therefore more than an operational matter. It is central to the refinery’s production, earnings and valuation as Dangote seeks money from millions of prospective investors.
NNPC is expected to supply eight cargoes of Nigerian oil to the refinery in October, matching the monthly record reached in April, May and August. The state oil company will also provide one cargo of US WTI Midland crude.
Dangote reportedly bought a second WTI Midland cargo and enough additional Nigerian oil through a spot tender to lift its confirmed October purchases to at least 16 million barrels.
The purchases show the refinery’s increasing ability to rely on domestic supply after repeatedly importing crude from the United States, Libya and Guyana.
Kpler data cited by Reuters showed that Dangote received about 565,000 barrels of Nigerian crude per day in August, nearly twice its average of approximately 280,000 barrels per day in 2025.
That shift supports Nigeria’s long-standing aim of refining more of its oil at home. However, it also leaves traders with fewer Nigerian cargoes to sell abroad at a time when global buyers are competing for crude produced outside the Middle East.
Iran conflict changes the market
The purchases carry consequences beyond Nigeria because the Iran conflict has disrupted traditional oil flows and strengthened demand for West African grades.
Chinese refiners have already bought more than 20 million barrels from Angola, the Republic of Congo and other alternative suppliers as they attempt to replace constrained Iranian and Russian supplies.
Dangote is now competing in that same market while requiring enough crude to run one of the world’s largest single-site refineries.
The refinery’s chief executive, David Bird, said this week that damage to Middle Eastern production and refining infrastructure could keep global fuel markets tight even after fighting ends.
Dangote plans to spend $14.3 billion to expand its capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2029. At that scale, its demand for crude could rival the output of some OPEC members.
Purchase comes before record IPO
The crude acquisition was disclosed days before the order book for Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals’ IPO is expected to open.
Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission approved an offer intended to raise approximately $1.63 billion (₦2.15 trillion) through the sale of 4.1 billion shares at ₦525 each.
The offer is expected to open on 14 September and would become Africa’s largest IPO if completed as planned.
Reliable crude access is therefore more than an operational matter. It is central to the refinery’s production, earnings and valuation as Dangote seeks money from millions of prospective investors.
By Ayodeji Adegboyega, Business Insider Africa
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Boko Haram reportedly reach secret three-month ceasefire
The Nigerian government has been involved in a secret ceasefire with Boko Haram for the past three months, according to an investigation by The New Humanitarian, in a development that could mark a rare pause in years of fighting in northeastern Nigeria.
The reported truce began in June after negotiations that secured the release of 360 civilians abducted from Ngoshe village, in the foothills of the Mandara Mountains near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, The New Humanitarian reported.
Three people with contacts among Boko Haram members, including some senior figures, independently told the organisation that the ceasefire had been in effect since June and was likely to be extended for another 40 days.
Two of the sources said attacks had stopped in communities around Ngoshe, which have repeatedly been targeted by the armed group.
The reported truce began in June after negotiations that secured the release of 360 civilians abducted from Ngoshe village, in the foothills of the Mandara Mountains near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, The New Humanitarian reported.
Three people with contacts among Boko Haram members, including some senior figures, independently told the organisation that the ceasefire had been in effect since June and was likely to be extended for another 40 days.
Two of the sources said attacks had stopped in communities around Ngoshe, which have repeatedly been targeted by the armed group.
Truce followed mass abduction
The 360 villagers were abducted in March during a Boko Haram attack on a nearby army base, according to The New Humanitarian.
The negotiations that led to their release reportedly included a payment of five billion naira ($3.7m) by the Nigerian government.
The alleged payment has become controversial in Nigeria, with the government denying that it paid a ransom.
The New Humanitarian said it contacted government, defence and army spokespeople to verify the reported ceasefire but received no response before publication.
Al Jazeera has not been able to independently verify the reported ceasefire or the alleged payment.
The reported agreement does not include Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a rival armed group that operates in northeastern Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region.
Fighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP has continued, according to The New Humanitarian.
The 360 villagers were abducted in March during a Boko Haram attack on a nearby army base, according to The New Humanitarian.
The negotiations that led to their release reportedly included a payment of five billion naira ($3.7m) by the Nigerian government.
The alleged payment has become controversial in Nigeria, with the government denying that it paid a ransom.
The New Humanitarian said it contacted government, defence and army spokespeople to verify the reported ceasefire but received no response before publication.
Al Jazeera has not been able to independently verify the reported ceasefire or the alleged payment.
The reported agreement does not include Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a rival armed group that operates in northeastern Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region.
Fighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP has continued, according to The New Humanitarian.
Government publicly rejects talks
The reported ceasefire comes despite the Nigerian government’s public rejection of negotiations with Boko Haram, which is designated as a “terrorist organisation” by the Nigerian authorities.
President Bola Tinubu has instead focused on expanding the military’s capacity to fight armed groups. In July, he announced plans to recruit 30,000 additional personnel and create four new army divisions.
Behind the scenes, however, there have been repeated attempts to establish dialogue with Boko Haram, according to The New Humanitarian, citing security officials, diplomats and mediators familiar with previous efforts.
Those efforts have included ceasefire arrangements that eventually collapsed.
Conflict researcher Malik Samuel told The New Humanitarian that the latest reported agreement should not necessarily be interpreted as the beginning of a lasting peace process.
“It could be just a temporary, tactical ceasefire that benefits both sides, but doesn’t really affect the trajectory of the war,” Samuel said.
The current arrangement could also allow Boko Haram to strengthen its position, with two sources warning that the group could use the pause to move equipment into the Mandara Mountains, The New Humanitarian reported.
Boko Haram has carried out attacks and kidnappings in northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries around the Lake Chad region since 2009. The group has since fractured into several factions, while ISWAP operates as a separate and rival armed group.
The reported ceasefire comes despite the Nigerian government’s public rejection of negotiations with Boko Haram, which is designated as a “terrorist organisation” by the Nigerian authorities.
President Bola Tinubu has instead focused on expanding the military’s capacity to fight armed groups. In July, he announced plans to recruit 30,000 additional personnel and create four new army divisions.
Behind the scenes, however, there have been repeated attempts to establish dialogue with Boko Haram, according to The New Humanitarian, citing security officials, diplomats and mediators familiar with previous efforts.
Those efforts have included ceasefire arrangements that eventually collapsed.
Conflict researcher Malik Samuel told The New Humanitarian that the latest reported agreement should not necessarily be interpreted as the beginning of a lasting peace process.
“It could be just a temporary, tactical ceasefire that benefits both sides, but doesn’t really affect the trajectory of the war,” Samuel said.
The current arrangement could also allow Boko Haram to strengthen its position, with two sources warning that the group could use the pause to move equipment into the Mandara Mountains, The New Humanitarian reported.
Boko Haram has carried out attacks and kidnappings in northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries around the Lake Chad region since 2009. The group has since fractured into several factions, while ISWAP operates as a separate and rival armed group.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Soldier injured as military repels ISWAP attack on military base
The Nigerian military says one soldier sustained an injury during a failed Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attack on a military base in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The soldier whose identity was not disclosed sustained gunshot injury to his left arm, and was being treated, according to a statement by Mohammed Goni, the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force in the North-east.
Mr Goni, a Nigerian Army captain, stated that the terrorists attempted to overrun the military base on Monday, but were resisted by the ground troops, including members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The ground troops, he said, were assisted by the air component of operation Hadin Kai, which provided Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) during the attack.
This coordinated response forced the terrorists to retreat “with casualties.”
“As the terrorists attempted to escape following the fierce resistance from ground troops, the air component conducted precision strikes on identified hostile elements, disrupting their withdrawal and further frustrating their efforts to regroup,” Mr Goni said.
The military spokesperson added that “military positions across Pulka remained securely under the control of the security forces.”
He paid tribute to the members of the CJTF who “played an important supporting role during the operation by providing useful local information and assisting the troops in maintaining situational awareness.”
Mr Goni said troops further carried out an “operation” to determine extent of battle damage, recover abandoned weapons, and obtain intelligence that could help track down fleeing terrorists.
The military spokesperson said the coordinated response “demonstrated the effectiveness of joint efforts in confronting terrorist threats across the theatre.”
“Troops remain firmly deployed and on heightened alert across the area, with aggressive patrols, surveillance and other offensive and defensive operations continuing to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement and action,” he said. “The military will sustain pressure on the terrorists while taking necessary measures to safeguard the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.”
He advised the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to troops.
ISWAP, a second breakaway faction of Boko Haram has intensified attacks on military bases in recent years. But a joint operation involving Nigerian and US troops has decimated the group’s ability to carry out frequent attacks as it used to.
Even as it is weakened, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) warned that the group could carry out attacks to avenge the killings of its top commander, Abubakar Mainok and other fighters.
Mr Mainok was killed alongside some fighters by US and Nigerian troops following what the presidency described as months-long tracking in Abuja and Lake Chad region.
The soldier whose identity was not disclosed sustained gunshot injury to his left arm, and was being treated, according to a statement by Mohammed Goni, the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force in the North-east.
Mr Goni, a Nigerian Army captain, stated that the terrorists attempted to overrun the military base on Monday, but were resisted by the ground troops, including members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The ground troops, he said, were assisted by the air component of operation Hadin Kai, which provided Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) during the attack.
This coordinated response forced the terrorists to retreat “with casualties.”
“As the terrorists attempted to escape following the fierce resistance from ground troops, the air component conducted precision strikes on identified hostile elements, disrupting their withdrawal and further frustrating their efforts to regroup,” Mr Goni said.
The military spokesperson added that “military positions across Pulka remained securely under the control of the security forces.”
He paid tribute to the members of the CJTF who “played an important supporting role during the operation by providing useful local information and assisting the troops in maintaining situational awareness.”
Mr Goni said troops further carried out an “operation” to determine extent of battle damage, recover abandoned weapons, and obtain intelligence that could help track down fleeing terrorists.
The military spokesperson said the coordinated response “demonstrated the effectiveness of joint efforts in confronting terrorist threats across the theatre.”
“Troops remain firmly deployed and on heightened alert across the area, with aggressive patrols, surveillance and other offensive and defensive operations continuing to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement and action,” he said. “The military will sustain pressure on the terrorists while taking necessary measures to safeguard the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.”
He advised the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to troops.
ISWAP, a second breakaway faction of Boko Haram has intensified attacks on military bases in recent years. But a joint operation involving Nigerian and US troops has decimated the group’s ability to carry out frequent attacks as it used to.
Even as it is weakened, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) warned that the group could carry out attacks to avenge the killings of its top commander, Abubakar Mainok and other fighters.
Mr Mainok was killed alongside some fighters by US and Nigerian troops following what the presidency described as months-long tracking in Abuja and Lake Chad region.
By Yakubu Mohammed, Premium Times
Video - Nigeria joins IEA as an Association country
Nigeria has received approval to join the International Energy Agency as an Association country, strengthening cooperation on global energy issues. The move comes as Nigeria faces major challenges in expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity and clean cooking solutions for millions of people. Energy expert Kelvin Emmanuel discusses what Nigeria's admission to the IEA could mean for the country's energy sector and its role in global energy governance.
Video - Nigeria to step up efforts to tackle gas flaring
Gas flaring, or the burning of natural gas released during oil extraction, costs the country billions of dollars each year. Residents of communities in oil-producing also say the practice damages their health, environment and livelihoods, despite efforts to reduce it. President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria LNG to cut gas flaring and make better use of the country's gas resources. But residents remain skeptical that the directive will solve the problem.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Video - Nigerian game show revives interest in indigenous languages
In Nigeria, a game show called Masoyinbo is turning one of the country’s most widely spoken indigenous languages into prime-time entertainment. Masoyinbo means “Do not speak English." Contestants, including those from the diaspora, are tested on their Yoruba language skills and cultural knowledge.
Friday, September 4, 2026
Video - Nigerian terrorist groups turn to new funding methods
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit says terrorist groups are using deceased people’s bank accounts, social media and fake charity campaigns to raise and move funds. The money is routed through master accounts and remittance platforms to recipients in Nigeria, making it harder to trace.
Dozens die in Nigeria oil theft attempt after inhaling toxic fumes
An attempt to steal oil from a loading vessel in Nigeria’s oil-producing Rivers state left at least 37 people dead, most of them from inhaling toxic fumes, an advocacy group said Friday.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center said the victims were simultaneously siphoning crude products into their boats from an “illegal tapping point” on Thursday. It caused them to inhale toxic fumes at high pressure, it said. Many are still missing, according to the report, quoting a network of volunteers.
The Nigerian police confirmed the incident on Friday but gave no death toll and said an investigation was underway.
“The Rivers State Police Command can confirm the deaths. The victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil,” Blessing Agabe, Rivers State police spokesperson, said.
Oil theft is common in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer, where decades of oil exploration have led to high levels of poverty and environmental degradation.
The Nigerian government said oil theft causes several billion dollars in losses annually and has been clamping down on the practice.
By Dyepkazah Shibayan, AP
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center said the victims were simultaneously siphoning crude products into their boats from an “illegal tapping point” on Thursday. It caused them to inhale toxic fumes at high pressure, it said. Many are still missing, according to the report, quoting a network of volunteers.
The Nigerian police confirmed the incident on Friday but gave no death toll and said an investigation was underway.
“The Rivers State Police Command can confirm the deaths. The victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil,” Blessing Agabe, Rivers State police spokesperson, said.
Oil theft is common in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer, where decades of oil exploration have led to high levels of poverty and environmental degradation.
The Nigerian government said oil theft causes several billion dollars in losses annually and has been clamping down on the practice.
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Uber to exit Nigeria after 12 years of operations
Ride-hailing company Uber Technologies will cease operations in Nigeria on September 2, ending its 12-year presence in Africa's most populous country, the company said in a notice to customers on Wednesday.
Uber decided to wind down its Nigerian business after a review of operations, it said without disclosing further details on the reasons for the move.
Competition in Nigeria's ride-hailing market has intensified in recent years, with operators facing challenges including rising fuel costs, inflation and currency volatility that have increased operating expenses and put pressure on drivers and platforms.
"After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026," the company said in a message to users.
The San Francisco-based company's entry into West Africa's largest economy began with its Lagos launch in 2014 before expanding to other cities in the country to meet growing demand for app-based transportation.
Uber said its help centre would remain available until September 23 to assist users with outstanding account-related issues.
Uber did not say how many drivers or riders would be affected by the closure or whether any assets would be sold.
An Uber spokesperson said in an emailed statement on Thursday that the company had also stopped operations in Uganda.
Users attempting to book rides on the app in Uganda on Thursday received a message alerting them of none available.
Uber decided to wind down its Nigerian business after a review of operations, it said without disclosing further details on the reasons for the move.
Competition in Nigeria's ride-hailing market has intensified in recent years, with operators facing challenges including rising fuel costs, inflation and currency volatility that have increased operating expenses and put pressure on drivers and platforms.
"After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026," the company said in a message to users.
The San Francisco-based company's entry into West Africa's largest economy began with its Lagos launch in 2014 before expanding to other cities in the country to meet growing demand for app-based transportation.
Uber said its help centre would remain available until September 23 to assist users with outstanding account-related issues.
Uber did not say how many drivers or riders would be affected by the closure or whether any assets would be sold.
An Uber spokesperson said in an emailed statement on Thursday that the company had also stopped operations in Uganda.
Users attempting to book rides on the app in Uganda on Thursday received a message alerting them of none available.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Video - Nightlife thrives in deeply religious northern state of Nigeria
Nightlife thrives in deeply religious northern state of Nigeria Sokoto state is known as the “Seat of the Caliphate” for its role in the birth and propagation of Islam in the region.
2 Baby Gorillas & 4 Chimpanzees Among 48 Wild Animals Rescued In Wildlife Trafficking Bust In Nigeria
Two baby gorillas and four chimpanzees are among 48 wild animals and birds recovered in Nigeria after authorities uncovered a suspected wildlife trafficking operation that led to the arrest of three individuals.
Officers with the Nigeria Customs Service Kano/Jigawa Area Command located the animals along the Kano–Daura Road at approximately 8:30 p.m. on August 25, 2026, after receiving intelligence about the suspected trafficking activity.
Nigeria Customs reported that the three men allegedly made several attempts to bribe the officers involved in the operation. The officers rejected the alleged bribes and continued with the operation, which resulted in the arrests and recovery of the wildlife.
The suspected trafficking operation involved a wide range of species, including threatened and endangered wildlife. Among those rescued were two baby gorillas, four chimpanzees, four caracals, seven red patas monkeys, two galagos, also known as bush babies, one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet, and 19 greater bustards.
The animals and the three suspects were later transferred to the Special Wildlife Office at Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters as the investigation continued.
Nigeria Customs cited Section 55(1)(i) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, in connection with the operation, along with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Gorillas and chimpanzees are protected under CITES Appendix I, which includes species threatened with extinction and provides the Convention’s highest level of protection.
The illegal wildlife trade continues to exploit wild animals for profit, putting vulnerable species at risk and taking animals away from the lives they deserve in the wild.
World Animal News and Peace 4 Animals applaud the officers involved in this operation for taking action to protect these precious animals from further exploitation. These baby gorillas, chimpanzees, and all wild animals deserve to live protected from harm — wild and free.
Nigeria confirms planned withdrawal of US troops sent to help tackle insecurity crisis
Nigeria on Tuesday confirmed the planned withdrawal of around 200 U.S. troops sent to help the West African country tackle its complex security crisis.
The deployment was made in February following an escalation in tensions between Nigeria and the U.S. following accusations of Christian genocide.
According to the Nigerian government, the U.S. troops assisted in training and intelligence gathering and took part in a joint operation in which a top Islamic State leader was killed.
“The relationship between Nigeria and the United States remains strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial. The deployment of United States personnel was tied to specific operational and counterterrorism objectives,” Nigerian military spokesperson Samaila Uba said.
He said the withdrawal is a part of the engagement and some parts of the security partnership will continue.
Nigeria is facing a serious security crisis. Jihadist groups and other criminal groups carry out several attacks across the country. Since President Bola Tinubu came to power, the crisis has worsened, spreading southward.
Analysts say that despite the deployment of troops and U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims on the security crisis, little has changed on the ground. Last week, scores of people were abducted in the central region of the country.
The deployment was made in February following an escalation in tensions between Nigeria and the U.S. following accusations of Christian genocide.
According to the Nigerian government, the U.S. troops assisted in training and intelligence gathering and took part in a joint operation in which a top Islamic State leader was killed.
“The relationship between Nigeria and the United States remains strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial. The deployment of United States personnel was tied to specific operational and counterterrorism objectives,” Nigerian military spokesperson Samaila Uba said.
He said the withdrawal is a part of the engagement and some parts of the security partnership will continue.
Nigeria is facing a serious security crisis. Jihadist groups and other criminal groups carry out several attacks across the country. Since President Bola Tinubu came to power, the crisis has worsened, spreading southward.
Analysts say that despite the deployment of troops and U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims on the security crisis, little has changed on the ground. Last week, scores of people were abducted in the central region of the country.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Video - Fuel subsidies emerge as key issue ahead of Nigeria's elections
Petrol subsidies have become a major campaign issue in Nigeria ahead of January's general elections, with candidates divided over how to address the country's cost-of-living pressures. President Bola Tinubu's government removed the subsidy in 2023, triggering a sharp rise in fuel prices and broader economic challenges. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is seeking the presidency, says he would restore the subsidy if elected.
Nigerian extradited to US for fatal sextortion of minor
A Nigerian, Adebola Adekunle, indicted for the sextortion of a minor, has been extradited from Nigeria to the United States to face prosecution.
The US Department of Justice said Mr Adekunle was extradited from Nigeria to the US to face prosecution for the financially motivated extortion of a minor in Mississippi, which led to the victim’s death.
In a statement on Monday, the US State Department said Mr Adekunle was arrested in Nigeria in 2023 and extradited three years later.
He was “arrested in Nigeria in August of 2023, as part of a wider operation with the FBI to apprehend sexual extortionists targeting minors in the US and extradited on Thursday, August 27, 2026.”
The agency also noted that Mr Adekunle is facing a three-count federal indictment for the “sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, the production of child sexual abuse material, coercion and enticement of a minor, and interstate threats with intent to extort.”
He appeared before a federal court in Oxford, Mississippi, for an initial appearance last month.
According to the Department of State, Mr Adekunle is facing up to life in prison, and mandatory minimum prison sentences on at least two charges.
“The child exploitation resulting in death count carries a mandatory 30-year prison sentence, if found guilty of that charge,” it said.
“Several weeks ago we announced an undercover operation dealing with child exploitation, which resulted in 70 arrests. Unfortunately, here we are again in an unrelated child victimisation case. This time a child died,” US Attorney Scott Leary said.
This is the latest US sextortion case involving Nigerians. Many Nigerians have been extradited to America for sexual extortion schemes and cybercrimes, including wire fraud and money laundering.
In February 2026, Afeez Adewale was extradited from Nigeria to the US over his alleged involvement in a sextortion scheme that authorities said contributed to the death of a young American man.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that he was charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
In May, a Nigerian identified as Samuel Ugberase was extradited for his role in a romance scam and money laundering scheme.
Mr Ugberase was accused of using online romance scams to deceive victims into sending money under false pretences.
Prosecutors said he and his co-conspirators, who include a naturalised Nigerian, Oluwadamilare Kolaogunbule, used fake identities, fabricated stories and false promises to manipulate victims.
How sextortion scammers in Nigeria targeted my son
The US Department of Justice said Mr Adekunle was extradited from Nigeria to the US to face prosecution for the financially motivated extortion of a minor in Mississippi, which led to the victim’s death.
In a statement on Monday, the US State Department said Mr Adekunle was arrested in Nigeria in 2023 and extradited three years later.
He was “arrested in Nigeria in August of 2023, as part of a wider operation with the FBI to apprehend sexual extortionists targeting minors in the US and extradited on Thursday, August 27, 2026.”
The agency also noted that Mr Adekunle is facing a three-count federal indictment for the “sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, the production of child sexual abuse material, coercion and enticement of a minor, and interstate threats with intent to extort.”
He appeared before a federal court in Oxford, Mississippi, for an initial appearance last month.
According to the Department of State, Mr Adekunle is facing up to life in prison, and mandatory minimum prison sentences on at least two charges.
“The child exploitation resulting in death count carries a mandatory 30-year prison sentence, if found guilty of that charge,” it said.
“Several weeks ago we announced an undercover operation dealing with child exploitation, which resulted in 70 arrests. Unfortunately, here we are again in an unrelated child victimisation case. This time a child died,” US Attorney Scott Leary said.
This is the latest US sextortion case involving Nigerians. Many Nigerians have been extradited to America for sexual extortion schemes and cybercrimes, including wire fraud and money laundering.
In February 2026, Afeez Adewale was extradited from Nigeria to the US over his alleged involvement in a sextortion scheme that authorities said contributed to the death of a young American man.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that he was charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
In May, a Nigerian identified as Samuel Ugberase was extradited for his role in a romance scam and money laundering scheme.
Mr Ugberase was accused of using online romance scams to deceive victims into sending money under false pretences.
Prosecutors said he and his co-conspirators, who include a naturalised Nigerian, Oluwadamilare Kolaogunbule, used fake identities, fabricated stories and false promises to manipulate victims.
By Beloved John, Premium Times
Related stories: Nigerian extradited to US for sextortion, death of an American
Nigeria's oil refining just grew 43.94% and Aliko Dangote is the only reason
Nigeria's oil refining sector grew 43.94% in the second quarter, its strongest quarterly expansion on record and close to ten times the pace of the wider economy.
The figure comes from the National Bureau of Statistics, which published its second-quarter gross domestic product report on Monday, Aug. 31. The release covers rebased quarterly estimates for the four quarters of 2025 and the first two of 2026. Rebasing updates the reference year a statistics agency uses to measure the size of an economy, which changes the comparison but gives a more current picture of what the country actually produces.Nigeria's overall GDP grew 4.43% over the same period. Refining grew at almost ten times that rate.
Aliko Dangote's refinery is the reason. Maintenance and expansion work completed in February lifted its crude distillation capacity from 650,000 barrels a day to 700,000, above the plant's original nameplate figure, and the additional throughput has fed straight into the national accounts.
The scale of what it consumes shows in the crude allocation numbers. Domestic supply to Nigerian refineries reached 97.4% of requirement in the second quarter, with 53.7 million barrels delivered between April and June, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. Dangote alone required 63 million barrels. Producers offered it 68.1 million, and the refinery accepted 52.6 million, roughly 78% of what was put in front of it.
That is a transformation from the first quarter, when just 28.5 million barrels reached all domestic refineries combined despite 61.9 million being allocated and 68.7 million offered.
The refining acceleration has been building. Growth ran at 37.46% in the first quarter of 2025 and 43.94% in the second quarter of 2026, well above the 19.42% and 12.33% recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2024 under the rebased series, when full-year growth was 14.08%.
The rest of the oil sector moved more modestly. Crude production averaged 1.72 million barrels a day in the second quarter, up from 1.68 million a year earlier and 1.55 million in the first quarter. The oil sector as a whole grew 7.31% year on year, down sharply from 20.46% in the same quarter of 2025 but well ahead of the 2.57% recorded in the first quarter, and expanded 10.91% against the previous quarter. Its share of real GDP rose to 4.16% from 4.05% a year earlier.
The non-oil economy grew 4.31% and still accounts for 95.84% of output.
What the refining growth is producing is exports rather than import substitution alone. Nigeria's seaborne petroleum product exports reached 350,000 barrels a day in the second quarter, against an annual average of 46,000 in 2023, according to the United States Energy Information Administration. Total seaborne shipments averaged 561,000 barrels a day. Europe took about 130,000 barrels a day, up from 40,000 in 2025 and 15,000 in 2023. Other African markets took nearly 120,000, and Asia and Oceania around 110,000.
The refinery's own position is that too much of the domestic market remains closed to it. It told the market last week that imported petrol supplied about 43% of Nigerian demand in July under licences issued by the regulator, and that surplus product has to be exported because it cannot be sold at home.
By Adedotun Elijah Oyeniyi, Billionaires Africa
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