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Yoruba Council rallies support for Tinubu’s energy reforms, seeks end to fuel imports
Yoruba Council rallies support for Tinubu’s energy reforms, seeks end to fuel imports
The Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba L’Agbaye) has declared full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to end Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, describing the practice as a “grave threat” to national energy security and economic stability.
In a joint statement with the Nigeria Coalition Group (NCG) and several allied civil society organisations, the Council — led by its President, Aare Oladotun Hassan, Esq. — announced plans to hold a National Day of Solidarity Rally on Wednesday, November 12, in Lagos, in support of the administration’s reforms in the oil and gas sector.
The coalition urged President Tinubu to urgently address the persistent disputes within the industry, warning that entrenched interests and policy inconsistencies were undermining the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and stalling the nation’s march toward energy self-sufficiency.
“We strongly call for the immediate suspension of the issuance of petroleum importation licences, as certain oil interests are working assiduously to sabotage local refining and frustrate Nigeria’s energy independence,” Hassan said.
The group also raised alarm over what it described as “malicious narratives” being propagated by powerful figures within the petroleum sector, accusing them of obstructing much-needed reforms and attempting to derail national progress.
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While commending President Tinubu’s commitment to industrial revival, the Yoruba Council warned that continued issuance of fuel import licences through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) contravenes Section 317 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and poses serious risks to Nigeria’s energy future.
The coalition demanded a comprehensive forensic audit of oil unions, multinational operators, and regulatory agencies, with particular attention to cases of alleged sabotage, financial irregularities, and collusion.
“We urge the President to order a thorough investigation into the finances and activities of unions, multinationals, and regulatory bodies in the petroleum sector,” the statement read.
To boost local refining, the Council proposed the adoption of a Crude Exploration Nationalisation Policy Synergy Scheme, designed to increase crude supply to domestic refineries, protect indigenous investors, and create more jobs for Nigerian youths.
“We propose that crude oil supply to local refineries be increased by at least 100 percent to guarantee steady operations and promote energy sufficiency,” it added.
The coalition further called for higher trade tariffs — or an outright ban — on imported petroleum products, arguing that protective measures were necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s refining sector and align national policy with global best practices.
Condemning recent threats of industrial action in the oil and gas industry, the group described any disruption to crude or gas supply as “economic sabotage” capable of worsening fuel scarcity and destabilising the economy.
The coalition also lauded private-sector investments in local fuel distribution and infrastructure expansion, calling them patriotic efforts that align with Nigeria’s long-term energy goals.
“We are aware of several attempts by vested interests to frustrate the government’s stabilisation efforts; hence our call for prompt investigation by relevant security and financial intelligence agencies,” the Yoruba Council stated.
The Council urged Nigerians to participate actively in next week’s solidarity rally to reaffirm national unity and demonstrate support for President Tinubu’s reform-driven agenda toward achieving energy independence.
Yoruba Council rallies support for Tinubu’s energy reforms, seeks end to fuel imports
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VIDEO: Tinubu Approves 27 Road Projects Worth N3.9 Trillion Across 15 States
VIDEO: Tinubu Approves 27 Road Projects Worth N3.9 Trillion Across 15 States
- Minister Umahi Announces Completion of 118km Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway Section
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved 27 road projects valued at over N3.9 trillion across 15 states, marking one of the most significant infrastructure interventions in the country’s recent history.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the Federal Government’s infrastructure development programme. The projects span Adamawa, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba, and Yobe states.
Speaking on the development, Umahi stated that the approvals reflect the administration’s commitment to bridging Nigeria’s infrastructure gap and stimulating economic growth through strategic road construction and rehabilitation.
“The President has demonstrated unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure. These approvals are not just about roads; they are about connecting communities, enabling commerce, and saving lives,” Umahi said.
According to the Minister, the largest single project under the approval is the re-award of the 409-kilometre dual carriageway project in Niger State, valued at N1.8 trillion, to Aliko Dangote under the tax credit scheme. The project is expected to significantly improve connectivity in the North-Central region and facilitate the movement of goods and services.
Other major projects approved include N276 billion for the dualisation of the Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road, N265 billion for the reconstruction of the Iseyin-Eruwa-Agbesi Road connecting Oyo and Kwara states, and N217 billion for the dualisation of the old alignment Ijaye to FGC to Ilorin Road with a spur to Akinmorin.
In the South-East, the Federal Government approved N116 billion for the 21-kilometre Abakaliki-Afikpo Road in Ebonyi State and N86 billion for the reconstruction of the Enugu-Abakaliki Road with a flyover. The government also approved N86 billion for the Adikpo-Ajayi-Tese-Akpa-Otukpo Road connecting Benue and Cross River states.
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The South-West region received significant attention with the approval of N110 billion for the Ogbomoso-Oko-Illupu Road linking Oyo and Osun states. Additionally, N98 billion was approved for the construction of the 30-kilometre Idi-Araba-Ayede-Olodo Road in Oyo State, N82 billion for the rehabilitation of Igbeti Road, N74 billion for the Igbeti-Soro-Kishi Road, and N15.5 billion for the 13-kilometre Badeku-Jaiye Road in Oyo State.
Ekiti and Ondo states will benefit from the N34 billion, 18-kilometre Ikere-Ekiti-Ijare Road project, while the rehabilitation of the Kabba-Ifaki-Ado Ekiti Road connecting Kogi and Ekiti states received N24.7 billion.
In Lagos State, N15.7 billion was approved for the construction of Pacific Road linking Igbe Laara to Ikorodu, a project expected to ease traffic congestion in the densely populated Ikorodu axis.
The North-East region also received substantial allocations, with N83 billion approved for the Jimeta-Mayo Belwa Road project in Adamawa State, N71 billion for the construction of the 52-kilometre Dabban-Makina Road in Niger State, and N62.99 billion for the Tungo-Karamti Road with five bridges between Adamawa and Taraba states.
The rehabilitation of the Yola-Hong-Mubi Road phase 2 received N58 billion, while phase 2 of the Yola-Fufore-Gurin Road project in Adamawa State, covering 20 kilometres, received N15.246 billion.
Plateau State will benefit from N92 billion for the rehabilitation of the Baban-Lamba-Sharan phase 2 Road, while Yobe State received N15 billion as augmentation for a 32.2-kilometre road project in Gashua originally awarded in 2022.
In Kwara State, the government approved N21 billion for a flyover bridge at Oko-Olowo Junction, while the rehabilitation of sections 1 and 2 of the Ilorin-Omorin-Ebe-Kabba-Obajana Road in Kwara and Kogi states received N104 billion.
Umahi also disclosed that the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway, valued at N137 billion, has been completed. He expressed optimism that work on the remaining 164-kilometre section would be completed by November.
The Minister also announced the approval of the full business case for the operation and maintenance concession for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. He directed the immediate commencement of reconstruction of the failed sections of the Ibadan axis using concrete technology to ensure durability.
“We are not just building roads; we are building a foundation for sustainable economic development. The use of concrete technology on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will ensure that the road serves Nigerians for decades to come,” Umahi added.
He noted that the projects would generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the affected states and boost economic activities in the regions.
The Minister urged contractors handling the projects to adhere strictly to specifications and timelines to ensure timely delivery of the projects.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved 27 road projects valued at over N3.9 trillion across 15 states, marking one of the most significant infrastructure interventions in the country's recent history.
Elegbeje Ado | Khaki | Piper | Joshua Kimmich | Charles Okocha | Niger NYSC pic.twitter.com/xcpPsUkfAE
— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) June 30, 2026
VIDEO: Tinubu Approves 27 Road Projects Worth N3.9 Trillion Across 15 States
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Breaking: Third Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Violence Arrives in Lagos
Breaking: Third Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Violence Arrives in Lagos
The third batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa touched down in Lagos on Tuesday, as the Federal Government continued efforts to bring home citizens caught in the wave of anti-immigration protests and xenophobic attacks that have unsettled parts of the Southern African nation.
The evacuees arrived aboard an Air Peace aircraft, which landed at the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 10:54 a.m.
The latest evacuation comes amid growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa following weeks of demonstrations targeting undocumented migrants and businesses owned by immigrants. The unrest has disrupted livelihoods and heightened fears among many Nigerians living in the country.
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The Federal Government, through its diplomatic missions and relevant agencies, has been coordinating the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians who indicated their willingness to return home. Air Peace has been providing the evacuation flights as part of the humanitarian effort.
The ongoing repatriation follows renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals—particularly Africans from countries including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Somalia—have repeatedly come under attack during anti-immigration campaigns.
Over the years, similar outbreaks of violence have led to deaths, destruction of businesses and strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, prompting repeated calls for stronger protection of migrants and lasting solutions to xenophobia.
Breaking: Third Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Violence Arrives in Lagos
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FG Overhauls NYSC After 53 Years, Approves Civilian Leadership, Skills-Based Service Scheme
FG Overhauls NYSC After 53 Years, Approves Civilian Leadership, Skills-Based Service Scheme
The Federal Government has approved the most far-reaching overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) since its establishment 53 years ago, paving the way for a civilian-led, skills-driven service scheme designed to equip graduates for employment, entrepreneurship and national development.
The landmark reform, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), will see the NYSC transition from military operational leadership to civilian management, while the military will retain responsibility for the security of corps members. The reforms also introduce specialised career streams, expanded vocational training and a new orientation camp structure aimed at producing a workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
To fast-track implementation, FEC directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to reflect the approved changes.
Speaking on the reform, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the review was necessary to reposition the scheme as a modern institution focused on youth empowerment, skills development and productivity.
She explained that the reforms would strengthen Nigeria’s human capital by aligning the NYSC with the country’s economic priorities.
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According to her, the review covers virtually every aspect of the scheme, including registration, deployment, security considerations, orientation camp activities and post-service opportunities.
Under the new model, corps members will undergo a redesigned six-week orientation programme. The first two weeks will focus on civic responsibility, national values and leadership development. The next two weeks will cover career mapping, financial literacy, business planning and access to finance, alongside a structured career engagement programme with employers and public institutions.
The final two weeks will be dedicated to specialised training based on each corps member’s academic background, career interests and chosen service stream.
Bala Usman disclosed that the government has created 11 specialised NYSC streams from which participants will choose during registration.
The streams include Agric Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, Legal Corps, Public Service Corps, Infrastructure Corps, Green Corps, Enterprise Corps, Creative Economy Corps, and Paramilitary and Security Corps.
She said each stream would offer targeted training designed to prepare graduates for careers in critical sectors of the economy.
According to her, the reform represents the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since its creation in 1973 and reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the scheme into a platform for building skilled manpower capable of driving economic growth.
The NYSC was established by Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973, in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War to foster national unity, integration and reconciliation among Nigerian youths.
The scheme is currently headed by Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu but will, under the approved reforms, transition to civilian operational leadership once the necessary legal amendments are completed.
FG Overhauls NYSC After 53 Years, Approves Civilian Leadership, Skills-Based Service Scheme
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