Petrol Jumps to ₦937 in Lagos, ₦975 in Abuja Amid Middle East Oil Crisis

Nigeria’s fuel market is under renewed strain as escalating tensions in the Middle East push global crude oil prices above $80 per barrel, driving domestic petrol prices toward the ₦1,000 per litre mark. Motorists across the country, from Lagos to Abuja, have woken to sharp increases at filling stations, with pump prices rising almost overnight.

In Lagos, several outlets raised the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from ₦830–₦835 per litre to ₦937, while in the Federal Capital Territory, major retailers including NNPC Limited and MRS Oil Nigeria Plc increased prices from ₦875 to ₦975 per litre. Independent marketers were dispensing fuel at about ₦960 per litre, reflecting the immediate effects of rising international oil prices.

The surge followed a fresh upward review in the ex-depot price by Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, which moved its gantry price from ₦774 to approximately ₦874–₦875 per litre. Industry insiders linked the hike to rising replacement costs and the ongoing surge in crude prices. A senior refinery official confirmed that petrol loading operations were temporarily suspended earlier in the week, further tightening supply expectations and accelerating retail price adjustments.

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The Middle East conflict, particularly involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, has heightened fears of disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route responsible for nearly one-fifth of global crude supply. Analysts warn that prolonged instability in the corridor could push global oil prices to $100 per barrel or higher, with direct consequences for Nigeria’s cost-reflective petrol pricing system.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) described the situation as worrisome, noting that rising crude prices inevitably feed into domestic pump prices, given the current deregulated pricing regime. PETROAN’s National President, Mr Billy Gillis-Harry, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity as a protective buffer. The association also called for consistent crude supply to local refineries and accelerated rehabilitation of the country’s four state-owned refineries to cushion the economy against external shocks.

For Nigerians, the impact has been immediate. Commercial drivers and commuters report that rising fuel costs are forcing them to adjust transport fares, adding pressure to household budgets. “I bought fuel yesterday at ₦875, and this morning it is ₦975. Every increase affects us directly. If we don’t raise fares, we run at a loss,” said Mr. Chinedu Okeke, a driver in Abuja.

Commuters fear the ripple effect of higher petrol costs on everyday goods. “If fuel is almost ₦1,000 per litre, it means fares and prices of essentials will rise. Things are becoming unbearable,” said Mrs. Aisha Ladan, a civil servant in the capital city. Analysts warn that increased transport costs could widen inflationary pressures, as businesses pass on higher operational expenses to consumers.

The psychological impact of petrol nearing the four-digit mark is also significant. For many Nigerians, it represents another milestone in a period already marked by subsidy removal, currency volatility, and persistent price adjustments. Unless global energy markets stabilize or domestic refining capacity is expanded, petrol prices in Nigeria may soon cross ₦1,000 per litre, with broad implications for the economy.

Petrol Jumps to ₦937 in Lagos, ₦975 in Abuja Amid Middle East Oil Crisis

FG Bans Roadblocks, Cash Tax Collection Nationwide

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially banned the mounting of roadblocks and the collection of taxes in cash nationwide, in a decisive move to modernise the country’s tax system, enhance transparency, and streamline revenue collection across federal, state, and local governments.

The announcement was made in Abuja by Mr Olusegun Adesokan, Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, during the signing of the Presumptive Tax Regulations and Implementation Guidelines. Adesokan said the new rules are designed to eliminate informal, coercive, and fragmented tax practices, particularly in the informal sector, and promote fairness and equity in tax administration.

“All forms of cash tax collection by authorities are now prohibited, alongside the use of roadblocks for revenue enforcement,” Adesokan explained, stressing that these reforms signal a nationwide shift toward technology-driven tax collection systems.

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Under the regulations, nano and small businesses with an annual turnover of ₦12 million or less are exempt from taxation, while other informal businesses are subject to a 1% tax on turnover. The reforms encourage the use of digital payments and the integration of operators into the formal economy through a Tax Identification Number (TIN) platform, ensuring uniform tax administration across states.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described the move as a shift from legislative approval of Nigeria’s 2025–2026 tax reforms to full implementation. Edun emphasised that the framework does not raise tax rates but broadens the tax base, prevents arbitrary assessments, protects small businesses, and supports economic growth.

Mr Joseph Tegbe, Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, said the reforms aim to restore order and replace arbitrary practices with transparency. He highlighted that the informal sector employs over 80% of Nigeria’s workforce, yet its contribution to structured public revenue remains low. The guidelines are intended to encourage compliance while strengthening revenue mobilisation for public services.

The ban on roadblocks, a longstanding method for informal tax enforcement, is expected to reduce harassment of traders and motorists, improve ease of doing business, and foster trust in government tax authorities. Observers say the shift to cashless, digital tax collection will curb corruption, enhance efficiency, and integrate informal operators into the formal economy.

FG Bans Roadblocks, Cash Tax Collection Nationwide

NRC Expands Abuja–Kaduna Train Service with Additional Trips 

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced an expansion of services on the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), adding extra daily trips to meet the rising demand of commuters along one of Nigeria’s busiest rail corridors. The revised schedule takes effect Friday, March 6, 2026.

According to NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the expansion is intended to provide more travel options, enhance operational flexibility, and improve service delivery for passengers on the route. He urged commuters to review the updated timetable and plan their journeys accordingly.

The Abuja–Kaduna corridor had previously experienced operational disruptions due to a bomb blast on March 28, 2022, and a derailment on August 26, 2025, which reduced the number of trains in service from three to one. Temporary Speed Restrictions (TSRs) were introduced for safety, and daily trips were adjusted to match the limited rolling stock. With stability now restored, NRC has reinstated and expanded services in response to sustained passenger demand.

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Under the new schedule, passengers travelling between Idu and Rigasa stations will have three trips on Fridays, Sundays, Saturdays, and Mondays, and two trips on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, trains depart Idu at 8:45 a.m. and return from Rigasa at 2:30 p.m. On Fridays and Sundays, departures from Idu are at 7:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., with return trips from Rigasa at 11:30 a.m. On Saturdays and Mondays, services leave Rigasa at 7:15 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and depart Idu at 11:00 a.m., with all trains making scheduled stops at Kubwa.

NRC said the expanded trips are part of its ongoing commitment to improving rail capacity, reliability, safety, and overall passenger experience across the network. The corporation noted that the adjustments will ensure smoother travel, reduce overcrowding, and strengthen connectivity between Abuja and Kaduna for both commuters and business travellers.

With the additional services, NRC aims to restore confidence in rail travel and position the Abuja–Kaduna corridor as a reliable and safe alternative to road transport, particularly for daily commuters and long-distance travellers.

NRC Expands Abuja–Kaduna Train Service with Additional Trips