NEWS
Tinubu Applauds UK-Backed Lebara’s Entry, Says Nigeria Open for Digital Investment
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the entry of UK-backed Lebara Nigeria into the Nigerian telecommunications market, declaring that the development reinforces Nigeria’s openness to digital investment and innovation.
In a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the company’s launch as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms and digital transformation agenda.
Tinubu noted that the telecommunications sector continues to play a strategic role in national development, recording a 5.78 per cent year-on-year growth in the third quarter of 2025 and contributing over 14 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
According to him, investments such as Lebara’s are crucial for deepening financial inclusion, expanding digital access, creating employment opportunities, and accelerating economic growth.
The President commended the leadership of the company, particularly its Chief Executive Officer, Teniola Stuffman, for their commitment to delivering inclusive and affordable digital services to Nigerians.
He also acknowledged the support of the British High Commission, represented at the launch by Deputy High Commissioner Johny Baxter, stating that the collaboration highlights the enduring economic and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Lebara Nigeria formally signalled its entry into Africa’s largest telecom market during a private soft launch and networking reception in Lagos, held in partnership with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade and the British High Commission.
The company had earlier laid the groundwork for its commercial operations by unveiling its dedicated 0724 number series and securing full interconnectivity with major mobile network operators — a key regulatory requirement ahead of rollout.
Speaking at the Lagos event, Stuffman described Nigeria as a nation of immense talent and ambition, stressing that the company’s entry is driven by the need to provide more inclusive, affordable, and globally connected digital access.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a stable, transparent, and investment-friendly business climate, urging sustained collaboration between government and private investors to advance Nigeria’s digital economy.
NEWS
Abuja Building Collapses Hours After FCTA Sealing
A building has collapsed in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, just hours after the Development Control Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) sealed the structure and directed occupants to vacate the premises.
The building reportedly collapsed at about 8pm on Monday, September 7, 2026, prompting an emergency response as personnel of the Federal Fire Service and other responders moved to the scene.
ALSO READ: Panic at Oko Polytechnic as Three-Storey Students’ Hostel Collapses
Three ambulances were stationed at the location as rescue teams worked to determine whether anyone was trapped beneath the rubble and to evacuate any possible casualties.
The FCTA’s Development Control Department had earlier sealed the building and ordered occupants to leave the premises before the collapse.
The cause of the collapse remained unclear as of the time of the report, while rescue operations were still ongoing.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of ageing and distressed buildings in Abuja, particularly structures that have previously been flagged by regulatory authorities.
Further details on possible casualties and the circumstances surrounding the collapse are expected as emergency operations continue.
NEWS
‘Everybody Will Have Stakes’ — Dangote Unveils Refinery IPO
President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has declared that Nigerians from all walks of life will have the opportunity to own stakes in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery through its Initial Public Offering.
Dangote made the statement on Monday during the official signing ceremony for the refinery’s IPO in Lagos.
“What we are trying to achieve is to make sure our drivers, cooks, servants, and everybody have the opportunity of having stakes in the refinery,” Dangote said.
SEE ALSO: Dangote Reveals Date for Much-Awaited Refinery IPO
The IPO will see the refinery offer 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ₦525 per share, giving investors an opportunity to become shareholders in one of Africa’s biggest industrial projects.
The official application list is scheduled to open on September 14, 2026, and will close on October 9, 2026, after 25 days.
Investors can subscribe to a minimum of 100 shares valued at ₦52,500, with subsequent subscriptions available in multiples of 50 shares.
The landmark signing ceremony was attended by prominent figures in Nigeria’s business and financial sectors, including Zenith Bank Chairman, Jim Ovia, and Heirs Holdings Chairman, Tony Elumelu.
Located in the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos, the Dangote Refinery has a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, making it Africa’s largest single-train refinery.
The refinery, which was commissioned in May 2023 after nearly a decade of construction, attracted an investment of approximately $20 billion.
According to details of the IPO, proceeds from the public offer will be used to support a major expansion of the facility, with the company targeting an increase in processing capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day.
If achieved, the expansion would make the facility the largest operating oil refinery in the world, surpassing India’s Jamnagar refinery complex.
At ₦525 per share, the refinery has an estimated market valuation of about $47 billion, while a fully subscribed IPO could increase the total market capitalisation of the Nigerian Exchange by an estimated 30 to 40 per cent.
The company has also proposed paying dividends in US dollars, with foreign exchange earnings from refined petroleum products and petrochemical exports expected to support the dividend plan.
The public offering follows a $2.5 billion private placement completed in July as Dangote Industries seeks to raise additional capital for the refinery’s expansion.
NEWS
New NSCDC Boss Takes Charge in Osun, Promises Stronger Security
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed Toma Enya as the new Commandant of the Osun State Command.
Enya’s deployment was approved by the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, according to a statement issued by the Corps’ spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, on Monday in Osogbo.
The new commandant, who was transferred from the Ekiti State Command, officially assumed office on Monday, taking over from Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo.
SEE MORE: Osun Accord, Adeleke Strategise for Legislative Elections
Following the handing-over ceremony at the command headquarters, Sotiyo led Enya to the Government Office in Abere, where they were received on behalf of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, by the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi.
Speaking during the visit, Enya pledged to strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing under his leadership.
He also assured that the command would remain committed to ensuring adequate protection of lives and property across the state.
Adewusi welcomed the new commandant to Osun and assured him of the state government’s support to enable the NSCDC to effectively discharge its statutory mandates and contribute to the security and development of the state.
Enya becomes the 18th NSCDC commandant in Osun State.
He hails from Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Enya has served the Corps in various operational, investigative and administrative capacities, gaining extensive experience in security operations and management.
The NSCDC said he has also attended several professional courses within and outside Nigeria, further enhancing his expertise in security architecture, leadership and administration.





