He asserted that cross-border diversion of fuel which has become so lucrative for smugglers because of such price disparity is an economic sabotage that the NCS cannot condone.
metro
JUST IN: 280,135 litres smuggled petrol seized in Adamawa

JUST IN: 280,135 litres smuggled petrol seized in Adamawa
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, has blamed the widespread smuggling of petrol from Nigeria to neighbouring countries on the higher cost of the product in those countries.
The Customs boss also announced in Yola, Adamawa state, the seizure of the product from smugglers amounting to a total 280,135 litres of litres worth N196,524,076 in different parts of the country.
The controller-general was at the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command headquarters of the NCS in Yola on Monday specifically to address the media on activities of Customs’ ‘Operations Whirl Wind’ which was launched two weeks ago to tackle smuggling of petrol from Nigeria.
Breaking down the figures, the Controller-General said that under Operation Whirl Wind, the NCS seized 150,950 litres worth N105,965,391 while the various area commands of the service in their various routine operations intercepted a total of 129,185 litres worth N90,558,685.
He said, “Within seven days of intensive operations (by Operations Whirl Wind), a total of 150,950 litres of PMS (petrol) valued at N105,965,391 has been intercepted at various locations nationwide. “
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On seizures made through routine operations of the various commands of the NCS, the NCS boss explained that federal operating units and marine commands intercepted a total of 129,185 litres of fuel valued at N90,558,685.
He said fuel snuggling out of Nigeria had become so widespread because the average cost of the product in neighbouring countries is much higher than what is applicable in Nigeria.
He explained: “Comparative studies show that fuel prices in Nigeria remain the cheapest when compared to other countries in the West and Central African region. While petrol is sold at an average of N701.99 in Nigeria, it is sold at an average of N1,672.05 in the Republic of Benin and N2,061.55 in Cameroon.
“In other countries around the region, the price of PMS ranges from N1,427.68 in Liberia to N2,128.20 in Mali, averaging N1,787.57.”
metro
Lagos to shut Independence Bridge-Marina road for two months, divert traffic

Lagos to shut Independence Bridge-Marina road for two months, divert traffic
Lagos State Government says it will shut and divert traffic for emergency repairs on the Independence/Mekwen Bridge (inbound Marina/CMS route) for two months.
The state Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the emergency repair of the bridge would take place from Wednesday March 19 to Monday May 26, 2025.
He said the section of the road from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) through Bonny Camp Bridge down to Independence Bridge would be closed to vehicular movement.
“Similarly, the Bonny Camp Underpass Bridge service lane inbound Independence Bridge would not be available for motorists.
However, the service lane from Ahmadu Bello Way to Ozumba Mbadiwe will be open to traffic,” the statement read.
“Motorists heading to Victoria Island from Ahmadu Bello Way are advised to use Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue inbound Akin Adesola Street, and proceed to Falomo Roundabout, then link Obafemi Awolowo Road to access Ring Road to continue their journeys.
“Motorists from Ahmadu Bello Way heading to 3rd Mainland Bridge should go through Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue inbound Akin Adesola Street, then link Alfred Rewane Road to Osborne Road, and connect to Ring Road to reach their destinations.
“Motorists heading to Inner Marina and CMS from Ahmadu Bello Way will be diverted to Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue inbound Akin Adesola Street to connect Falomo Roundabout, then link Obafemi Awolowo Road to access J.K. Randle Road/King George V Road to reach their desired destinations.”
According to the commissioner, motorists heading to Ahmadu Bello Way from Inner Marina/CMS will have through-traffic access.
Osiyemi said the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will manage traffic flow along the affected routes for the duration of the project.
metro
Ex-England star John Fashanu sues police for £100k after arrest in Nigeria

Ex-England star John Fashanu sues police for £100k after arrest in Nigeria
Former England international John Fashanu is suing Nigerian police for £100,000 after his arrest on multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, threat to life, intimidation, and trespassing.
The 62-year-old denies the allegations, which stem from a land dispute involving investors who agreed to pay over £500,000 for his 22-acre plot.
According to The Mirror, Fashanu was arrested after questioning contractors building a fence on his land.
Fashanu claims he, his wife Vivian, and their lawyer were subjected to “arrest, detention and inhuman treatment” for “about three hours” on December 16.
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He further alleged police violated his rights with “subsequent intermittent constraints of his personal liberty” and a “gross unconstitutional violation.”
His lawyer, Mr. Chigbu, confirmed, “All three have perfected their bail conditions. They have all met the requirements to be admitted on administrative bail by police.”
John Fashanu, who played for Norwich City, Wimbledon, and Aston Villa, was a key figure in Wimbledon’s 1988 FA Cup triumph and earned two England caps.
Ex-England star John Fashanu sues police for £100k after arrest in Nigeria
metro
DSS, NIA probe Natasha Akpoti’s attendance at IPU meeting

DSS, NIA probe Natasha Akpoti’s attendance at IPU meeting
Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies have launched an investigation into how Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central attended the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York without official nomination.
According to a report by Premium Times, officials from the Department of State Service (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are reportedly examining the circumstances surrounding her attendance, including who facilitated her participation, how she obtained accreditation, and whether her presence was intended to embarrass the Nigerian government.
The investigation follows concerns that the senator did not receive official clearance from the Nigerian Senate to represent the country at the IPU event on March 11.
According to the IPU’s regulations, participation is generally restricted to official delegates nominated by their respective national parliaments, with details submitted in advance for accreditation. While some individuals may attend as observers, this typically requires explicit approval from both the IPU and the home country’s delegation.
At the meeting, Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns about her recent suspension from the Nigerian Senate, describing it as a politically motivated move aimed at silencing her. She also made allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson stated that the organization would investigate the matter while also considering the Nigerian Senate’s perspective.
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However, Nigerian delegate Kafilat Ogbara, who chairs the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, challenged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, presenting a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. The letter stated that the senator’s suspension was due to violations of Senate standing rules rather than retaliation for her statements against Mr. Akpabio.
During a plenary session last Thursday, Mr. Bamidele questioned the legitimacy of Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attendance at the IPU event, emphasizing that the IPU operates based on established protocols.
“So, if for any reason one of our colleagues, who was not even supposed to be there, found her way to the place, sat on the seat meant for Nigeria, and spoke for herself rather than for Nigeria, you know, that’s another issue altogether,” he stated.
Similarly, Jimoh Ibrahim, chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Activities, issued a statement on Friday asserting that Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan had no official authorization to represent Nigeria at the IPU meeting.
Sources indicate that the DSS and NIA’s inquiry is examining whether Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan obtained unauthorized credentials or was assisted by external facilitators in securing her participation. Investigators are also looking into whether her presence violated IPU regulations or Nigeria’s parliamentary protocols.
Additionally, the probe aims to determine if her statements at the meeting misrepresented Nigeria’s official position and whether any individuals or organizations played a role in facilitating her attendance without the government’s knowledge.
It remains unclear how the security agencies will act once their findings are concluded.
DSS, NIA probe Natasha Akpoti’s attendance at IPU meeting
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