Dangote Refinery has resumed the purchase of crude oil from the United States after a three-month hiatus, signaling a significant shift in the company’s sourcing strategy. The decision to restart US crude imports follows the resumption of production at Dangote’s refinery and a broader strategy to diversify the company’s crude oil supply sources. This move is expected to support the refinery’s operations and help ensure a steady supply of feedstock for the facility, which is poised to be one of the largest in Africa. Dangote Refinery, which is located in Lekki, Lagos, has long been seen as a game-changer for…
Author: Temitope Nlewemchi
Shell Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle the rampant issue of oil theft and the operation of illegal refineries across the country. In a recent statement, the multinational oil company highlighted the significant impact that these criminal activities are having on Nigeria’s oil production and the broader economy, urging the government to take more decisive action to curb the growing menace. Oil theft, which involves the illegal tapping and siphoning of crude oil from pipelines, as well as the operation of unlicensed refineries, has been a long-standing problem in Nigeria. According to Shell, these…
The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced the successful launch of its new fleet of ferries, now operational with an upgraded card payment system. This new initiative aims to enhance the efficiency, safety, and convenience of water transport within Lagos, providing commuters with a modern, cashless method of fare payment. The new ferries, which are part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to improve the public transportation system, have been equipped with state-of-the-art features designed to ensure smooth and safe travel across Lagos’ waterways. The introduction of the card payment system is expected to simplify fare collection, reduce congestion at…
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a significant shipment of live turtles, along with other contraband goods, in a recent operation aimed at curbing illegal trade and protecting the country’s biodiversity. The operation, which took place at one of Nigeria’s major seaports, highlights the growing issue of wildlife trafficking and the challenges faced by the customs authorities in enforcing stricter border controls. According to the NCS, the live turtles, which were being smuggled in an attempt to bypass wildlife protection regulations, were found among a larger haul of goods that included banned items and improperly declared imports. The turtles,…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a new credit scheme aimed at promoting the purchase of locally produced goods and boosting domestic industries. The initiative, which was announced by the Minister of Trade and Investment, is designed to make local products more accessible to Nigerian consumers by providing affordable financing options. The credit scheme is expected to drive consumption of Nigerian-made products, stimulate economic growth, and create more job opportunities across various sectors. The scheme allows consumers to purchase locally manufactured goods, such as electronics, appliances, clothing, and food products, through installment-based loans with favorable interest rates. This move…
The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has reiterated its commitment to the ongoing modernization of the country’s ports, emphasizing that improvements in infrastructure, technology, and service delivery are critical to boosting the efficiency of the nation’s maritime industry. In a recent statement, the NSC outlined its strategic priorities aimed at transforming Nigeria’s ports into world-class facilities that can support increased trade volumes and foster economic growth. The modernization efforts are part of the government’s broader initiative to enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports, reduce delays, and streamline port operations. The NSC emphasized that modernization is not only about physical infrastructure but…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has emphasized that the full economic potential of artificial intelligence (AI) can only be realized if reliable and actionable data is made widely available. In a recent report, the IMF outlined the importance of data access and quality in fostering innovation and driving growth through AI technologies, stressing that without accurate, consistent, and accessible data, AI’s transformative power could be severely limited. AI has been heralded as a game-changer for global economies, offering the potential to revolutionize industries ranging from healthcare to finance, logistics, and beyond. However, the IMF argues that to unlock AI’s true…
Customers in Band A areas have taken to the streets to protest the inadequate power supply, as many reported receiving only two hours of electricity per day despite paying higher tariffs for better service. The protests, which began in several urban centers, have sparked public outcry over the erratic and insufficient electricity supply, with demonstrators demanding immediate action from both the electricity distribution companies and the government. Band A customers, categorized as those with higher electricity consumption or in more urbanized areas, are supposed to receive more consistent and reliable service in exchange for the premium rates they pay. However,…
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has officially launched the sale of its Utapate crude oil to global refiners, marking a significant milestone in the country’s oil export strategy. The sale is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the international oil market and help maximize the revenue potential from its crude oil reserves. Utapate crude, a high-quality grade of oil produced offshore Nigeria, has garnered interest from refiners worldwide due to its desirable properties, including low sulfur content, making it an attractive option for refineries seeking to meet environmental regulations. NNPCL has outlined plans to increase its crude exports…
The Organized Private Sector (OPS) has raised alarm over the exodus of 61 companies from Nigeria within the last four years, citing a hostile business environment, economic instability, and policy inconsistency as key factors driving the trend. This mass exit has sparked concerns about the country’s investment climate and its implications for economic growth, job creation, and industrialization. According to the OPS, the departing companies include both local and foreign-owned businesses across various sectors, such as manufacturing, technology, and consumer goods. Many cited rising operational costs, fluctuating exchange rates, inadequate infrastructure, and burdensome regulations as reasons for their decision to…
Travel agents in Nigeria have filed a formal petition with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), raising concerns over foreign airlines’ practice of selling tickets in dollars instead of the local currency, the naira. This move, they argue, is not only in violation of Nigeria’s financial regulations but also places an unfair financial burden on travelers and travel agents alike. The petition highlights the rising frustration among passengers who face inflated costs due to unfavorable exchange rates. Travel agents claim that the airlines’ decision to price tickets exclusively in foreign currency is discriminatory and has made air travel prohibitively expensive…
A prominent travel firm has announced plans to slash ticket prices, aiming to make travel more accessible and encourage increased tourism. This move comes as part of the company’s strategy to attract more customers and stimulate the travel industry, which is recovering from global disruptions in recent years. The price reduction initiative will apply to both domestic and international destinations, providing travelers with more affordable options to explore their dream locations. The firm has emphasized that the initiative is designed to benefit budget-conscious travelers, families, and even business professionals looking to cut costs on travel expenses. “We believe travel should…
A leading airline has called on travel agents to promote Egypt as a top-tier tourist destination, emphasizing the country’s unique blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. With a renewed focus on boosting global tourism, the airline aims to position Egypt as a must-visit location for travelers seeking diverse experiences. Known as the “cradle of civilization,” Egypt offers a rich tapestry of historical sites, including the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings. These landmarks, steeped in ancient history, remain some of the most sought-after attractions for tourists from around the world. The airline highlighted…
The Auditor-General (AG) has revealed a staggering N4.6 billion in unapproved expenditures within a ministry formerly overseen by Governor David Umahi. This revelation, stemming from a detailed audit, has raised serious concerns about financial mismanagement and accountability in public office. According to the audit report, the funds were spent without proper authorization, bypassing established procedures for approval and documentation. The irregularities occurred during Umahi’s tenure as the minister overseeing the ministry in question. While specific details of the expenditures remain under review, the AG highlighted several instances where the funds were diverted or spent on projects lacking requisite approvals. The…
The IARC Summer School 2025 offers a unique five-day training program in Lyon, France, for those involved in cancer prevention and control. This opportunity includes travel expenses, accommodation, and fee waivers for selected applicants. Participants can choose from two modules: “Introduction to Cancer Epidemiology” or “Implementing Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.” – Host Country: France – Duration: 5 days – Eligibility: Open to all nationalities – Deadline: January 6, 2025 – Application Link: https://training.iarc.who.int/summer-school-in-lyon-calls/ This is an excellent opportunity to enhance your career in cancer research while learning from international experts.
CERN’s Summer Student Program offers an outstanding chance for Bachelor’s and Master’s students to work on advanced projects in the fields of physics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics. Running for 8 to 13 weeks from June to September 2025, this program provides a comprehensive learning experience through hands-on projects, lectures from world-leading experts, and exposure to CERN’s cutting-edge facilities. – **Fully funded** with a daily stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance. – Mentorship from top researchers and the opportunity to contribute to world-class scientific projects. – Housing assistance and integration into CERN’s dynamic international community. Who Can Apply? Open to…
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, offers a highly competitive 9-week summer internship for students with a strong IT background. The CERN openlab Summer Student Program provides a unique opportunity to work on advanced IT projects in the field of particle physics, along with an enriching lecture program. Program Overview Running from June to August 2025, the program is open to students of all nationalities who are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The internship offers a hands-on experience in IT research, with the chance to contribute to groundbreaking scientific work. Benefits The program is fully funded, providing a…
The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers a prestigious, fully funded summer internship program for international students. The program, which runs for three months, provides an excellent opportunity for students to engage in research at one of Switzerland’s leading academic institutions. Program Overview The EPFL Summer Internship invites students to work alongside world-renowned researchers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This immersive experience enables participants to enhance their research skills, collaborate on cutting-edge projects, and experience Swiss culture firsthand. Students will receive support to cover living and accommodation expenses, making this a comprehensive and accessible…
The ETH Zurich Student Summer Fellowship (SSRF) offers an exciting opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain hands-on research experience in Switzerland. This fully funded, two-month internship, which runs during the summer, is open to students worldwide who are interested in a variety of fields, including computer science, data management, machine learning, and more. Program Overview The ETH Zurich SSRF is designed for students who want to pursue research in innovative areas like machine learning, computer systems, and data security. Participants will be mentored by leading researchers at one of Europe’s most prestigious institutions, gaining invaluable experience while contributing…
The RISE Summer Internship program in Germany is an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate students from around the world to gain valuable research experience at top German universities and research institutions. Sponsored by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), this internship offers an immersive, hands-on experience in science and engineering fields, with a focus on areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and engineering. Program Overview The RISE program is a fully funded, 10-week summer internship that allows students to collaborate with leading researchers in their field of interest. The program aims to provide an in-depth research experience, allowing participants…