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Protest Rocks Kaduna Over Dangote–PENGASSAN Face-Off

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Large crowds of demonstrators took to the streets of Kaduna on Monday in a show of solidarity with the Dangote Refinery, accusing an influential oil importation cartel and sections of the labour movement of plotting to derail Nigeria’s push for local fuel production.

The protesters, operating under the umbrella of Partners for National Economic Progress (PANEP), said their march was part of a broader campaign themed “National Unity Against Sabotage: Reclaiming Our Petroleum Sector for the People.”

They began their procession at Murtala Mohammed Square and moved through major city routes including Ali Akilu Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, and Muhammadu Buhari Way, waving placards with bold inscriptions such as “Protect Local Refining,” “End Fuel Import Cartel,” and “Support Dangote Refinery.”

SEE ALSO: Industrial Action: Dangote Refinery Accuses PENGASSAN, Others of Evading Service of Court order

Speaking during the rally, Igwe Ude-Umanta, one of the organisers, explained that the Kaduna protest was a continuation of a nationwide mobilisation that started in Abuja on October 2.

“This struggle is against the cartel that destroyed our public refineries, killed the textile industry, and now wants to strangle the Dangote Refinery. We will not let them succeed. The days of holding Nigeria hostage are over,” Ude-Umanta said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

He compared the current situation in the oil industry to the downfall of Kaduna’s once-vibrant textile sector, blaming both on sabotage and policy manipulation.

“Kaduna used to be a textile hub before the same pattern of sabotage destroyed it. Today, they want to replicate that in our petroleum sector by frustrating local refining. We will resist them,” he declared.

The group also accused the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of siding with the cartel, alleging that its recent actions were harmful to the economy.

“Countries that place tariffs are not stupid; they are protecting their economies,” Ude-Umanta stated, urging the Federal Government to either ban fuel importation or impose heavy tariffs to protect local refiners.
“Importers are frightened by the prospect of local refining exposing price manipulation and corrupt practices.”

Another speaker, Dahiru Maishanu, condemned PENGASSAN’s conduct, saying the union’s recent activities had gone beyond normal labour agitation.

“What PENGASSAN did was not unionism, it was sabotage. The Federal Government should have arrested their leadership to serve as a deterrent. We cannot allow people to hide under labour unions to commit crimes against our economy,” Maishanu asserted.

The protesters called on President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, to intervene and ensure a level playing field for local refiners.

“President Tinubu must stamp his feet,” the group said in a statement read at the event.
“Local refineries must receive crude at the same price offered to foreign refiners. That is key to sustaining the refinery and boosting investor confidence.”

Maishanu also accused the oil importation network of deliberately blocking the sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) produced locally, describing the move as an attempt to preserve their monopoly.

“They are punishing Nigerians to protect their greed. How can importers compete with producers? They are scared because local refining will expose their fraud and end their control over pricing,” he alleged.

According to the group, the Dangote Refinery’s early operations have already had a positive impact on the prices of petrol and diesel, a development they say benefits ordinary Nigerians.

“If we allow them to kill Dangote Refinery, no investor will ever risk bringing money into this country again. We must protect this refinery as our own,” Maishanu warned.

The protesters concluded by urging the Federal Government to “crush every enemy of Nigeria’s economic progress” and to take decisive policy actions that would secure the country’s refining capacity.

Their demonstration came on the heels of a labour dispute between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery management. The disagreement stemmed from allegations by the union that the refinery had unfairly dismissed or transferred union members while hiring foreign workers to replace them — claims the company denied.

Negotiations between both parties, which initially broke down on September 29, later resumed at the Office of the National Security Adviser after mediation by the Minister of Labour, Muhammad Dingyadi, eventually producing a breakthrough after an all-night session.

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FCT Police Chief Inspects Worship Centres, Commends Residents for Peaceful Conduct

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Governors Contributing To Political Violence

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, has inspected security deployments at churches across the territory, urging officers to maintain professionalism and vigilance during religious activities.

The inspection was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Sanusi conducted the inspection on November 8, 2026, to assess the operational readiness of personnel deployed to worship centres and evaluate security arrangements for residents and worshippers.

SEE ALSO: October 1 Protests: FCT Police Call For Increased Vigilance Among Residents

The exercise followed a similar inspection of mosques across the FCT on Friday, November 6, as the Command sustained efforts to strengthen security around religious centres.

During the visits, the police commissioner charged officers to remain professional and responsive in the discharge of their duties.

He also commended residents for their peaceful and orderly conduct following mosque and church services, noting that public cooperation remained essential to maintaining security and public order across the territory.

The commissioner urged residents to continue cooperating with the police and other law enforcement agencies, remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station.

He further encouraged residents to utilise the Command’s emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08061581938, to report security concerns.

Adeh said the Command’s Public Relations Office remained open and accessible to members of the public for enquiries, complaints, information and other security-related matters.

The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and worshippers and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.

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2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally

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Who is Senator Kashim Shetima, Tinubu's running mate

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.

SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election

One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.

The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”

Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.

The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”

 

 

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Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award

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Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.

She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.

Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”

In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”

Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.

READ ALSO: “8216;The Panic Is Real” Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC

In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.

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