The Federal Government has requested the assistance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to address severe financial losses in Nigeria’s power sector caused by energy theft, infrastructure vandalism, and unpaid electricity bills. Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, made this appeal on Tuesday during an official visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Tegbe explained that the ministry lacks the legal authority to prosecute individuals responsible for stealing electricity and vandalizing power assets, rendering a robust partnership with the anti-graft agency essential. He further highlighted that corporate entities consuming electricity while evading bill payments cost the nation billions of naira annually. The persistent destruction of electrical poles, cable theft, and other critical equipment continues to plague the sector, a grievance frequently raised by electricity distribution companies (DisCos). Consequently, Tegbe emphasized the necessity of inter-agency cooperation to safeguard installations, stop power theft, and enforce bill compliance, while expressing backing for the EFCC’s mandate to prosecute economic crimes targeting the power industry.

In response, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede characterized energy theft and vandalism as forms of revenue fraud and direct economic sabotage. Olukoyede committed the commission to collaborating with the Ministry of Power to enhance sector enforcement and announced plans to implement Fraud Risk Assessment and Control measures across ministry projects to curb financial leakage and economic offenses.

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, stated during a Tuesday interview on Arise TV that Nigerians should not anticipate a steep drop in petrol prices solely due to domestic large-scale refining. He clarified that local petrol prices remain tied to international market dynamics and crude oil costs, noting that his facility purchases crude at prevailing market rates—including substantial premiums—preventing it from selling products below sustainable market value.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Addressing public concerns over high pump prices, Dangote noted that pricing is relative, pointing out that petrol remains significantly costlier in neighboring countries. He highlighted that a large volume of the petrol produced locally is smuggled across borders because prices in neighboring nations are 30% to 50% higher than in Nigeria. Recalling that the refinery acquired crude for up to $124 per barrel in May, he stressed that the company cannot absorb the losses, declaring, “We can’t go now and subsidize everything.” Despite these challenges, he reassured the public that the refinery will maintain domestic supply without shortages or fuel queues.

Challenges Facing Industrialization and Manufacturing

Shifting to broader economic issues, Dangote blamed high borrowing costs—specifically a 30% interest rate—for stifling industrial growth and new investments, stating that industrialization under such conditions is nearly impossible. He cautioned that under current downstream realities, another major refinery investment is unlikely to emerge in their lifetime, urging the government to deliberately protect productive domestic industries to generate jobs, collect taxes, and drive economic activity.

Furthermore, Dangote warned that relying on imports essentially exports local jobs while importing poverty. He concluded by pointing out that inconsistent government policies and inadequate electricity supply continue to hinder manufacturers, emphasizing the unfeasibility of running industrial production on diesel.

In 2026, Nigerian passport holders have access to visa-on-arrival facilities in various global destinations, enabling eligible travelers to finalize their entry paperwork at designated airports, border crossings, or other authorized points of entry. This arrangement eliminates the requirement to secure a conventional visa from an embassy prior to departure; however, conditions differ by country, with some locations necessitating online registration, pre-authorization, or supplemental documentation prior to boarding.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Current data highlights the following eleven destinations where Nigerian citizens can secure a visa upon arrival:

• Burundi: Permits Nigerian travelers to acquire a visa upon arrival for visits lasting up to 30 days.

• Cambodia: Provides a visa-on-arrival option alongside an electronic visa (eVisa), though visitors are advised to verify allowed durations and authorized ports of entry prior to departure.

• Comoros: Grants visa-on-arrival access to Nigerian citizens, with current guidelines permitting stays of up to 45 days.

• Djibouti: Offers a visa-on-arrival pathway permitting stays up to 90 days, alongside an alternative eVisa choice.

• Iran: Includes Nigerian nationals among eligible groups for visa-on-arrival entry, though travelers should double-check the latest prerequisites before setting out.

• Lebanon: Allows Nigerians to receive a visa on arrival, subject to specific conditions such as presenting a return ticket, accommodation records, and proof of adequate financial means.

• Madagascar: Extends visa-on-arrival privileges for stays reaching up to 90 days, while also making an eVisa available.

• Maldives: Issues a 30-day visa on arrival to Nigerian citizens, provided they meet standard entry prerequisites, display valid travel documents, and show evidence of financial sufficiency.

• Mauritius: Grants a visa on arrival valid for up to 14 days for Nigerian visitors, per current travel guidelines.

• Mozambique: Welcomes Nigerian passport holders with a visa on arrival permitting a stay of up to 30 days.

• Timor-Leste: Permits Nigerian citizens to obtain a visa upon arrival, contingent upon the nation’s active immigration rules.