Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics and energy expert, Wumi Iledare has explained why Nigerians should not rejoice over Dangote Refinery’s decision to slash its gantry price of petrol by N129 to N699 per liter. He said though the move may result in momentary relief, in the long term Nigerians would pay for the consequences of allowing oligarchy to take over the country’s downstream oil sector. According to him, the price cut portends deeper structural concerns in the downstream oil sector. Iledare disclosed this in his reaction on Friday to the Dangote Refinery petrol gantry price cut. Our correspondent reports that Dangote Refinery reduced its fuel price by 15 percent to N699. However, Iledare cautioned that the growing dominance of a single supplier in Nigeria’s downstream market could pose long-term risks if not properly regulated. According to him, the sector is “fast becoming an oligopoly,” stressing that strong regulatory measures are urgently needed to prevent market concentration from undermining fair competition. “A single dominant supplier setting the pace in a highly concentrated market demands immediate and uncompromising vigilance,” Iledare said, stressing that the price cut should not become a strategy to weaken independent marketers or consolidate market power. He urged downstream and competition regulators to intensify oversight by closely monitoring allocation practices, enforcing transparency, and protecting smaller players whose presence, he noted, is critical to maintaining balance and fairness in the sector. While acknowledging the short-term benefits of the price reduction, the petroleum economist said that without rigorous regulation, such moves could eventually harm affordability and market stability. “This price cut is positive, but without strong oversight, it risks reinforcing the very dominance that undermines long-term affordability,” Iledare said, calling on regulators to “stand firm, stay alert, and defend competition in Nigeria’s downstream sector.” Meanwhile, THENEWSCREDIT reports despite the Dangote Refinery’s price cut, the retail price of petrol in Abuja has remained between N910 per liter and N937. Dangote Refinery had on Friday reduced its ex-depot petrol price to N699 per liter, a move that has stirred reactions across the energy sector and among Nigerians.

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has boasted that N150 million is not enough to buy his shoe. Ayodele made the claims on Sunday during a service at his church in Lagos, on Sunday in reaction to allegations of extortion levelled against him by the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu. He stated that the minister is pained because he knows he will lose another attempt to become the governor of Oyo. Adelabu had petitioned the Department of State Services, DSS, accusing the preacher of blackmail and attempting to extort N150 million from him for “spiritual intercession” to make him governor of Oyo State. Adelabu had accused him of demanding 1,000 pieces of saxophones/trumpets, with the least expensive, fairly used Nigerian-grade costing a total of N50 million, and the imported grade-one from China costing N130 million. The minister revealed that his refusal to yield to Ayodele’s demands led the cleric to make false prophecies intended to malign his reputation and his political ambition. During the church service, the primate described Adelabu as a boy who doesn’t understand what he is saying and dismissed the N150 million claims quoted in the petition, saying, “the shoe I wear, can N150 million buy it?” “I can’t disappoint you. I can only disappoint you when you are not a good person. I carry something bigger than me. “I am not doing prophecies to impress you or invite you to me. I don’t do prophecies for you to come and do enquiries. Take it, or you leave it,” he said.

The immediate past Chairman of Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for next year’s governorship election in Osun State. Oyebamiji emerged after he was affirmed by the 1,660 delegates, having been nominated by one of the aspirants, Mr Kunle Adegoke, SAN, and seconded by another aspirant, Senator Babajide Omoworare. Thereafter, the Chairman of the primary election committee, Governor Monday Okpebholo, asked for a voice vote, and all the delegates affirmed his candidacy. “By the power conferred on me as Chairman of the primary committee, I hereby declare Bola Oyebamiji, AMBO, as the candidate of our party,” he added.

Systems Consultant, Interpol National Central Bureau, Chikwe Udensi, says the idea of recruiting more policemen will only add to the problem Nigeria is already facing. Udensi made this assertion on Friday during an interview on Arise Television monitored by our correspondent. He said that the police are underfunded, adding that those already working there are totally dissatisfied. “The idea of recruiting more policemen is concerning. That is not the problem. Recruiting additional policemen to the force will only add problems to what we are already facing. The police are underfunded, and those already working there are totally dissatisfied. “If anybody wants to enter the Nigeria Police Force, there’s no attraction there. But I’m concerned about the idea of recruiting more policemen. That’s not the that’s not the problem. “If you have a massive or major problem without solving it and you add more to the problem, you complicate the issues. “We have advised the government. First and foremost, the welfare, the morale, the patriotism, the desire for people to work in the Police Force today is very minimal. Those who are working are totally dissatisfied. “And then the issue of training and provision of the tools and also, but more importantly, before you hire anybody, you consider profiling. “If you have an enemy within, it’s a very major problem and massive problem, and that’s exactly what is even bedeviling our Armed Forces right now. We have criminals, people who ought not to be in the Armed Forces. They are saboteurs. “The problem of having an enemy that comes from inside is a major problem. So it is not the issue of hiring more people. “You are going to compound the problem. If you hire more people, you need to, first of all, provide a proper welfare package,” he said.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has admitted the abduction of 315 school children from a Catholic school in Niger State. The governor made this known on Friday during the inauguration of commissioners, elected local government chairmen and their deputies, where he requested a minute of silence for two parents of the abducted children who reportedly died from shock. Earlier, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the Northern Region and the FCT, Rev. John Hayab, in November revealed that a parent died of a heart attack following the abduction of his three children at St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State. Bago had earlier said that there was no abduction of school children at St Mary’s Catholic School. He granted an interview on TVC where he said that the bandits only came to the school but did not abduct anyone. According to him, the bandits only shot sporadically into the air to scare the children before taking their leave, while the children fled and hid in the bush. Terrorists invaded St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area on November 21 2025, taking away 315 pupils, students and a teacher to an unknown destination in the forest. Fifty of the pupils escaped from the terrorists after two days, while 100 were rescued by the Federal Government and security agencies after nearly two weeks. The governor prayed for the safe return of the remaining 115 abductees and pledged to give political appointments to indigenes of Papiri to ensure that residents of the communities were carried along in the political scheme of things in the state. “Let us put the old aside and embrace a new Niger. We want a new Niger where the son of a nobody can become somebody. It is time to retract our steps. “Three weeks ago, we woke up with the terrifying news of the abduction of our children and teachers, thank God we have rescued 100 and we hope that the remaining are rescued and reunited with their families soon. “In this government, we will engage and appoint people from Papiri into our government,” Bago said. The governor thanked God that Niger State was still united after the incident. “Oh God we beseech you to rescue Niger state, rescue our children and restore unto us lasting peace. Those who chose the wrong path, God please redirect them,” he said. The Secretary to the State Government, Usman Abubakar, in his remarks said the emergence of the appointees and elected chairmen was as a result of their capabilities and pedigree. He urged them to settle quickly and deliver the mandate to the people, especially in strengthening security, improving education and the healthcare sectors. They were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, who was represented by Justice Amina of Court 6, Minna. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, while welcoming the return of the 100 students, immediately renewed efforts to secure the release of the remaining 115 pupils and their teachers, directing security agencies to intensify operations and ensure the safe return of all victims.

A former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has said he will not follow Governor Ademola Adeleke, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Accord Party ahead of the August 8, 2026, governorship election. Oyinlola also alleged that President Bola Tinubu is the unseen force behind the crises rocking the PDP. He spoke on Thursday at the second matriculation ceremony of Alolade Oyinlola College of Health Sciences and Information Technology, Okuku, Osun State, where about 90 students were formally admitted. The ex-military administrator of Lagos State said he would remain in the PDP unless the party ceases to exist, insisting that Tinubu was fuelling internal disputes to smoothen his path to a second term. “I won’t leave PDP unless it goes into extinction. I am not following Demola to Accord (Party). At my age, I can’t be pushed around. I’m gradually leaving active politics. I will be 75 in February (2026). “The problem would have been solved but for the interference of Tinubu. He sees PDP as a major challenge poised on his 2027 ambition. He doesn’t want to run, he wants to walk into the Villa,” Oyinlola said. Attempts to obtain reactions from the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress spokesman, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful, as neither responded to calls or text messages Addressing the matriculating students, Oyinlola, who is the proprietor of the institution, reaffirmed the school’s commitment to providing nationally and globally relevant education in health sciences and information management. He encouraged the students to take their studies seriously, engage their instructors, and build meaningful relationships. He said, *”This institution is built on the core belief that quality health education and sound information management are essential pillars for sustainable development in Nigeria. “Our programmes are designed not only to equip you with technical knowledge and professional competence but also to instil values of integrity, compassion, responsibility and leadership. These qualities are indispensable in the health and information sectors where people’s lives, well-being and futures depend on your expertise and character.”* Earlier, the Chairman of Council of the institution, Prof. Sola Akinrinade—represented by Dr. B. O. Oginni—commended the proprietor for engaging qualified staff and creating an enabling environment for effective learning. He also urged students to be good ambassadors of the college and avoid conduct that could tarnish its reputation. “Do not use social media to demarket your College. Whenever the image of the College is presented negatively on social media, you are also being affected negatively. Unexpected things happen everywhere in the world. When you see unexpected things, please report to the College authorities,” Akinrinade told the students.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, praised public and civil servants in the state for their support, dedication, and commitment to the growth of Oyo State. He spoke during the 2025 Public Service Week and 2024 Merit Award Ceremony for Public/Civil Servants, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, Makinde said his administration has been fortunate to work with individuals who have shown great dedication to the progress and development of the state. The governor emphasised that both elected officials and career officers must collaborate in the interest of the state, adding that this has been the case in Oyo. He congratulated award recipients for their meritorious service and urged them to continue striving for excellence. Makinde also commended the Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, for promoting gender balance in the workforce, particularly through the introduction of a female football team in state sporting activities. While thanking the workforce for their support, the governor urged them to guide their children towards better opportunities. “Soji Eniade served under the All Progressives Congress. But when I learnt that he would chair this event, I said, well, in this state, for governance, we don’t know the Peoples Democratic Party, we don’t know APC. Wherever we get the best to serve our state, we will take them. So, thank you, my brother, for accepting the chair of this occasion. “Let me say this because a lot of you may not know. Soji Eniade’s dad and my dad were in Teachers’ Training College together. Where I am going is that we are both children of primary school teachers. So, you don’t have to be something for your children to become something. Both our parents came from humble backgrounds, but they gave us an education. That is the difference. They gave us education and supported our careers. “I listened attentively to my brother’s lecture. One thing I picked from it is that public and civil servants have two legs: career civil servants and us. “Career civil servants don’t want to let in our elective officials. But in my six-plus years here, we have been extremely lucky to work with a set of civil servants who have shown dedication and commitment to the state. “That is why when they talk and ask, ‘What exactly are we trying to achieve by 13th month salary, by paying salaries on the 25th of every month?’ it is not like we didn’t face economic headwinds over the past six-plus years. It is because we enjoyed your support. “So, these two legs must continue to work together in the interest of the state. For me and this administration, we will continue to prioritise your welfare and well-being. “So, for those who have won awards, congratulations to you and more power to your elbows. Don’t relent. And for those who missed winning an award, strive to do better. Your time will also come.” The governor further stated that the cooperation of the workforce has allowed his administration to rebuild the state’s infrastructure and other key areas that had deteriorated over the years. “My message today is simple. Each time I come into the Secretariat and see the upgrades being done, I think of the people who built these structures. They were meant to be maintained, but we left them, and they deteriorated. “When we came in 2019, we started patching roads. But in 2020, the rains destroyed some repairs. Most of these roads were built over 40, 45, or 50 years ago, so they were at the end of their lifespan. We decided to reconstruct them to last another 25–30 years, ensuring subsequent administrations won’t need to touch them. “Inside the Secretariat, construction work was also long overdue. Our reconstruction ensures that for the next four or five administrations, these roads won’t need repair. “Regarding government events, since our administration began, functions have been held at either the International Conference Centre at UI or Professor Ogunlesi Hall. There was no state banquet hall. That is not pace-setting. The Government House Banquet Hall is almost ready and will host its first event on February 3, celebrating Oyo State at 50. “On security, we all have roles to play. Security agencies cannot be everywhere, but with information from our communities, we can act decisively. Two days ago, at the expanded security council meeting, we decided to formally incorporate non-state actors from our neighbourhoods into the state security architecture. I am soliciting your support.” Makinde was later honoured by the state Civil/Public Service for his worker-friendly policies since assuming office in 2019. The Head of Service described the governor as a “labour-friendly leader who recognises Public Service as the engine of development.” The event chairman, and former Head of Service, Soji Eniade, stressed the need for synergy, cooperation, and mutual understanding between elected officials and career officers, noting that the Public/Civil Service rests on these two pillars for smooth governance. He commended the governor for providing quality leadership and a good working environment, while lauding Head of Service Olubunmi Oni for raising administrative standards. The Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe, said the workforce has enjoyed unprecedented benefits under Makinde’s administration over the past six years. In her welcome address, Head of Service Mrs Oni praised the governor for his commitment to the welfare and development of the workforce and for institutionalising the Public Service Week as a platform for growth and excellence. She highlighted achievements such as appointing Permanent Secretaries, General Managers, and Executive Secretaries across key agencies; implementing an N80,000 minimum wage; regular payment of salaries; recruitment of over 20,000 workers; and conversion of officers to desired service cadres. She also noted the governor’s commitment to training officers locally and internationally, creating a conducive work environment, and constructing a resource centre, among other accomplishments. The event was attended by the state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Chief Judge Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice M.O Ishola; Chief of Staff Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff Kazeem Adeniyi; Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; labour union leaders; and other dignitaries.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has urged proponents of a proposed New Oyo State to first resolve internal disagreements before pushing their demand further at the national level. He gave the charge on Thursday while receiving the Committee on the Creation of Ibadan and New Oyo States at his Oke Aremo Palace in Ibadan. The visit came amid renewed calls from the Olubadan stool for the establishment of an Ibadan State, a demand that has recently gained stronger public attention. Oba Ladoja noted that while the case for an Ibadan State is straightforward, the agitation for a New Oyo State faces more complex hurdles. He pointed to long standing rivalries over what the state should be called and which town should host the capital. He put it simply. “Iseyin is interested in becoming a state capital. Agunrege is interested. Oyo is interested. Ogbomoso is not talking. All these towns, including virgin lands, are qualified to become state capitals.” He reminded the delegation, led by Engr Francis Adedayo and Prof Saheed Malik, that any meaningful progress must be built on agreement, not competition. “If truth must be told, you need to build consensus. You need compromise,” he said. The monarch also stressed the need for proper representation. Oke Ogun, he said, has ten local governments, while Ogbomoso has four, yet their voices were noticeably faint in the current push. “How much of Oke Ogun and Ogbomoso representation do we have here? You cannot wish them away.” His remarks echoed a growing concern among observers that without unity among the stakeholders, the New Oyo State agitation may struggle to match the coherence and momentum behind the Ibadan State campaign. See also Igangan Residents Raise Alarm over Return of Killer-Herdsmen Backing the Olubadan’s position, Dr Ojelabi Morakinyo from Ibarapa added that there has never been any tension between Ibadan and Ibarapa and that both zones have shared a long, cordial history. According to him, their alignment should not be in doubt. Thursday’s meeting drew notable figures including the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi, and the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barrister Sulaiman Ajewole.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has again reduced its petrol gantry price, slashing the ex-depot rate from N828 to N699 per litre. Real-time market data published on Petroleumprice.ng on Friday showed that the refinery implemented another major downward review, cutting the Premium Motor Spirit benchmark price by N129 per litre — a 15.58 per cent reduction. An official of the refinery, who spoke to THENEWSCREDIT on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, also confirmed the adjustment. He said, “The refinery has reduced petrol gantry price to N699 per litre.” The new price took effect on December 11, 2025, marking the 20th petrol price adjustment announced by the refinery this year. The latest reduction comes barely five days after the refinery’s Chairman, Aliko Dangote, restated his commitment to keeping domestic fuel prices “reasonable and competitive” despite global volatility and persistent smuggling along Nigeria’s borders. Speaking after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu on December 6, Dangote said prices would continue to fall as the refinery ramps up output and competes directly with imported products. Dangote said, “Prices are going down. The reason why prices have to go down is that we have to also compete with imports. “But luckily for us now, the smuggling has reduced, not totally. “There is still quite a lot of smuggling because the price we have in Nigeria is about 55 per cent lower than the price of our neighbouring countries.” The billionaire said petroleum products (diesel and petrol) “will continue to be sold in the market at a very reasonable price”. “We are not here to make our $20 billion back quickly; it’s a long-term investment,” Dangote said. Market trackers on Petroleumprice.ng also reported fresh reductions across several private depots following the refinery’s latest review. According to the platform, Sigmund Depot reduced its ex-depot price by N4 to N824 per litre, while Bulk Strategic also posted a marginal drop of N3. TechnoOil implemented one of the sharpest decreases with a N15 cut. Other depots, including A.A. Rano, NIPCO and Aiteo were also captured adjusting their rates slightly as the market reacted to the new Dangote pricing template.

A Catholic priest, on Thursday, gave a chilling testimony before the Federal High Court in Abuja, recounting how terrorists armed with explosives attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, on June 5, 2022, killing 40 members of his congregation. Testifying in the trial of five alleged Al Shabab members accused of orchestrating the attack, the priest, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, revealed that the attackers detonated at least three explosives inside the church. He told the court that the service was nearing its conclusion when gunfire erupted, sending worshippers into panic and chaos. Speaking from behind a protective shield, the priest said he was assigned to “lead the community in worship, which is known as the holy mass” when the violent outbreak occurred. The attack coincided with the final moments of the First Pentecost Sunday service, which had attracted a large congregation. Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mr. Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, the priest, identified in court as PW-1 and simply referred to as “SSA,” described June 5, 2022, as a day etched in his memory due to the trauma he endured. He said: “This is so because it was the day when the violent attack was launched on us, myself and all the worshipping community of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. “It was an incident which led to the death of over 40 persons among us. While some of us became maimed, some of us, till this point, have permanent physical injuries. “I recall that the attack was towards the end of the worship that day. I was the priest assigned to lead the community in worship, which is known as Mass. “Towards the end of the mass, I was performing the last rites, and the people of God had started singing the recessional hymn, the closing hymn. “Suddenly, I heard a loud sound. I looked into the congregation, facing them. There was already a commotion, which, for me, I thought was somebody who had fallen. “But I sighted two men from our congregation; these men were members of our community. “They quickly locked the main entrance door, and another elder in the church came to me in the sanctuary and said to me, ‘Father, we are under attack.’ “From this point, I heard the sporadic shooting of guns. This was still outside the church. This elder told me, ‘Father, you have to leave.’” The priest explained that he initially hesitated to leave the sanctuary, largely out of concern for the children, who affectionately called him father. “Taking my leave from the sanctuary, some adults and I moved some of these children into a safe place; this is an attachment to the church. “When I was in this place (the safe place), I continued to hear the continuous shooting of guns and the use of about three explosives. “The third explosive landed very close to the safe place, where I was with the children, with the effect of which looked like the opening of the ground. “The effect was like the ground opening to swallow us immediately. So, the attack continued. After a while, some of our church members came into this place (safe place) and notified us that those who came to attack us had left. Moving out with the children, I saw my choir master shot in the chest. “He called me to pray for him. I did, but I told him I have to move him to the hospital. When I got out, I saw some already dead on the floor. “So, I shouted that if there are any of us who could still drive, let us begin to move our brothers and sisters to the hospital.” When asked if he could determine the exact number of casualties immediately after the attack, the priest explained: “It was with that violent attack that I understood that proverb that says, ‘The one struck or hit by a vehicle does not wait to take note of the vehicle’s number plate.’ So, I could not immediately count the number of those that were dead. “Personally, I went two times to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, to take the casualties to the hospital. “By the time I came the second time, there were already ambulances, both from FMC Owo and St Louis Catholic Hospital, Owo, also moving the casualties to these two hospitals. “The second time I got to FMC, the emergency ward was filled up with these casualties. The casualties were those that were killed and injured. “With the wailing, weeping and crying from people, I could not even drive again. The care and healing of those injured continued.” He added that he later provided a statement to the Department of State Service (DSS) in Akure, Ondo State. During cross-examination by defence lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad, the priest said he could not determine the number of attackers due to the chaos and his priority to save victims, particularly the children. “With the commotion in the church and my desire to rescue the victims, especially the children, as quickly as possible, I could not and I did not identify or recognise those who carried out the attack. Therefore, I don’t know their number,” he said. Trial Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned proceedings to January 13 and 14, 2026, for further hearing.