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Smuggling Of Petrol Persists Despite Subsidy Removal, Says Nigeria Customs
Smuggling Of Petrol Persists Despite Subsidy Removal, Says Nigeria Customs....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Despite the elimination of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) confirmed on Thursday, September 28, that the smuggling of this product to the West African coast continues.
The acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, affirmed this during a World Press Conference held in Abuja to mark his 100 days in office. Adeniyi stated that an NCS intelligence report has revealed that Nigeria’s petrol is favored over that of other West African countries, not only because of its lower cost but also due to its superior quality.
Adeniyi did acknowledge that while smuggling of petroleum products out of the country still occurs, there has been a reduction in such incidents. He further disclosed that the NCS has reevaluated its strategies to combat petrol smuggling.
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The Customs chief referred to statistics from a report presented to him from Seme Border before the press conference, which indicated a decline in the smuggling of petroleum products. Adeniyi expressed, “The issue of smuggling petroleum products isn’t solely about the comparative cost; sometimes, smugglers and their customers consider the quality of the PMS. However, our seizure reports show a significant reduction in incidents. We are working toward complete control and management of fuel smuggling across our borders. We are currently reviewing our strategies. Just before I came to this press conference, I was dealing with a report from Seme Border about the weekend’s activities.”
Responding to questions about whether the NCS could achieve its 2023 revenue target, Adeniyi expressed confidence that despite revenue shortfalls recorded in the first half of the year, the NCS would surpass the revenue target of N3.6 trillion in 2023. He attributed these shortfalls to uncertainties, currency fluctuations, and the impact of general elections in the first half of 2023. Adeniyi revealed that the NCS had revised its strategies, achieving a monthly average revenue collection of N343 billion in July and August, as opposed to the previous monthly average of N200 billion.
Adeniyi remained optimistic that if the service could maintain the momentum observed in July and August, it would exceed the N3.6 trillion 2023 revenue target, which represented a 70.13% increase in revenue collection. He emphasized the commitment to minimize deviations from the target, especially considering substantial shortfalls in the first half of the year.
To address trade facilitation challenges, Adeniyi mentioned that the NCS is collaborating with the National Committee on Trade Facilitation under the guidance of the World Customs Organization. This collaboration will conduct a time release study in a pilot port from January to March 2024. The goal is to scientifically determine the duration required to clear goods in Nigeria’s ports, identify and understand delays, and implement measures to address them. Adeniyi encouraged stakeholders to support this project, aiming for a scientifically conducted study widely accepted by all parties involved.
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‘How Did She Win?’ – OK Movement Questions Natasha’s Kogi Central Mandate.
The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement has responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following her criticism of the group’s call for an investigation into her distribution of millions of naira to constituents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan had criticised the Movement for urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate her cash empowerment programme, which she claimed was funded through a Federal Government budgetary allocation.
However, speaking in an interview with Punch, the Director-General of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, John Ughulu, said the senator’s response failed to address the concerns raised by the group.
Ughulu maintained that elected public officials needed continuous orientation on their constitutional duties, ethical responsibilities and accountability to the people.
He said the widely discussed cash distribution had raised concerns about the possible misuse of public office and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to him, if investigations establish that the money was distributed to influence voters ahead of an election, the action could amount to advance vote buying and should be examined under relevant electoral laws.
Ughulu stated:
“What Nigerians witnessed in the widely discussed money distribution incident raises serious questions about the abuse of public office and the integrity of our electoral process.
“If the circumstances establish that the money was distributed to influence voters ahead of an election, the matter could amount to advance vote buying and should be investigated under the relevant provisions of Nigerian electoral law.”
The movement’s director-general also challenged Akpoti-Uduaghan to clarify whether similar cash distributions formed part of her election campaigns, arguing that the circumstances surrounding her emergence as a senator also warranted scrutiny.
He said:
“The election that brought Senator Natasha into the National Assembly was decided by the people. Therefore, an important question must be asked: Was the same practice of distributing money to influence voters involved in securing her electoral victory?
“That question deserves a factual answer, not an emotional reaction.”
The group further rejected suggestions that its criticism was politically motivated, insisting that its position on electoral accountability applied to politicians across party lines, including candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Ughulu stressed that the movement would not overlook alleged electoral misconduct involving individuals within its political camp while condemning similar actions by members of other parties.
He added:
“We cannot condemn alleged electoral malpractice under the present administration while appearing to tolerate similar conduct from individuals within our own political space. The same standards of integrity, transparency and accountability must apply to everyone.
“The OK Movement will not make exceptions for anyone. This applies equally to NDC candidates and candidates of every other political party. Anyone involved in electoral manipulation, vote buying, result falsification or any attempt to undermine the will of the electorate should expect lawful scrutiny and accountability.”
Ughulu also warned that the movement would explore legal options to demand accountability if the EFCC or other relevant agencies failed to investigate credible allegations.
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‘I Funded Obasanjo, PDP But Lost My Business’ – Orji Kalu Reveals What Happened.
Senator representing Abia North in the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu, has spoken about what he described as betrayal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Kalu made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday night.
The former Abia State governor alleged that he provided financial support to Obasanjo and the PDP at a time when the party was struggling financially, but was later abandoned by the same political platform.
According to Kalu, despite his contributions to the party and Obasanjo’s political activities, his businesses suffered as a result of the political fallout.
He said:
“I wasn’t the only one with money; to be honest, people like the former vice president Atiku Abubakar had money, Yomi Edun had money, and many other people, and in the end, TY Danjuma brought in a lot of money to the party.
“So I was the one funding the meetings, aircraft, paying honorariums to people, cooking food, and the rest of them. For me, it was a joyful thing to make sure that we had a strong party to drive away the military, and that was the PDP.
“I was very happy, but I became a fool before the PDP because after bringing all the money, they turned against me.
“I could have been a governor whether on their platform or another platform; I gave them lifeline when people had no money, I brought in the money to fund the party. Before big weights like Danjuma started bringing in money to support the party, I started bringing money, started funding like Obasanjo when he came out of prison; he was in my house in Victoria Island, and I funded him, started funding his aircraft, started hiring and bringing my aircraft to take him, so they didn’t do anything for me; what I got in return was the killing of my businesses.”
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‘Not In This Life Or The Next’ – Nkechi Blessing Rules Out Reconciliation With Ex-Husband
Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has dismissed reports suggesting that she has rekindled her relationship with her former partner, Opeyemi Falegan.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the actress clarified that she had only forgiven Falegan and agreed to settle their differences following years of public disagreements.
Nkechi made the clarification in a series of posts shared on her Instagram page.
In one of the posts, the actress stressed that she was not back with any of her former partners and urged the public to stop spreading claims of a possible reunion.
She explained that Falegan had been making efforts to resolve their differences since January 2026. However, she insisted that he must publicly apologise for his previous remarks before she would consider making peace with him.
According to her, Falegan eventually fulfilled her request, while she also offered him an apology.
In her statement, Nkechi wrote:
“For the very last time and for those that cares to listen, I DR. Nkechi Blessing Sunday is not back with any of my Ex’s both past, present and future ex… Let it be known 📌
“To Whom it May concern… I don tire to explain myself, like we are supposed to remain enemies for life? This man have been trying to make peace since January this year and I said to him you must go back to that same online and apologize before I hear anything. He did exactly what I asked. I also apologized to him and everybody bear their father name, nothing like coming back together, not in this life or the next life.. KALLAS!!!!!
“FORGIVENESS DOES NOT MEAN RECONCILIATION!!! I have come to understand that growth is not just about moving forward, but also about making peace with the things that once broke you. Five years ago, a lot was said, a lot happened, and emotions were displayed publicly. But five years is a long time to carry hurt, anger, or resentment.
“Today, I choose peace. I choose forgiveness. I choose to let go of everything that no longer deserves space in my heart. However, I want to make something very clear: Making peace with someone from my past does not mean I want that person back in my present.
“Forgiveness is not a relationship announcement. Being cordial does not mean rekindling old flames. And letting go of bitterness does not mean reopening doors that life has already taught me to close. Some chapters are better left closed, not because there is hatred, but because there is growth.
“I can genuinely wish someone well without wanting to share my life with them again…. So please, let’s not mistake maturity for romance or peace for a reunion….. No bad blood, no bitterness, no going backwards. Just two adults choosing peace after years of unnecessary negativity.
“I have forgiven, I have healed, and most importantly, I HAVE MOVED ON 😊🤝❤️Some people belong in your memories, not your future. And that’s perfectly okay….”
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