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Efficient Use Of Ships By Navy Led To Success In Fight Against Crude Oil Theft, Piracy — Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari says the efficient use of ships by the Nigerian navy has significantly helped in the fight against crude oil theft, and piracy among other marine crimes.

Buhari, who spoke at the 2023 presidential fleet review in Lagos on Monday, said the achievements of the Nigerian navy were great pride to the country.

“The Nigerian navy’s efforts in indigenous shipbuilding in line with the nation’s local content development plan is yielding positive results,” he said.

“Our naval engineers were wholly responsible for building three seaward defence boats namely NNS Andoni, NNS Karaduwa and NNS Oji.

“In December 2021, I equally performed keel laying foundations for the construction of two seaward defence boats, which will be ready by 2024. At this rate, I do not doubt that the NN will soon commence the construction of larger ships for itself and other navies in the region and beyond.

“This achievement is a great pride to Nigeria and an impressive contribution to national development.”

Speaking further, the president said, “The navy has put these vessels into effective use as evident in successes recorded in the fight against resource theft, counter-drug operations and piracy.

“As you are aware, piracy reduced significantly over the past seven years, which culminated in delisting Nigeria from the list of piracy-prone countries by the International Maritime Bureau in March 2022,” Buhari said.

“Furthermore, the application of technology to secure the maritime domain has supported intelligence-driven deployment of these ships.

Buhari also commended the arraignment and persecution of “mt heroic idun”, after the detection and arrest for attempting to load crude oil at the Bonny offshore in August 2022 without authorisation among others.

“This successful conviction further confirms the navy’s resolve to protect resources for economic prosperity, ” he added.

On his part,  Auwal Gambo, chief of naval staff (CNS), said the induction of the fleet would reduce crimes and boost the socio-economic impact of the country.

“It is noteworthy that the recapitalisation of the fleet has enhanced the Nigerian navy maritime security framework and repositioned it to effectively combat maritime crimes,” Gambo said.

“These achievements are attributable to the sustained presence of Nigerian navy ships at sea, increased regional and international synergy as well as active maritime domain awareness.

Gambo also said the support of the president has made the acquisition of additional vessels as well as several air assets to be possible.

“Undoubtedly, the transformation of the Nigerian navy within the eight years of Mr President’s tenure in office has repositioned the navy for better service delivery and actualisation of its constitutional mandate,” he said.

“The induction of these platforms into the NN fleet will lead to further decline in maritime crimes thereby boosting socio-economic activities within the Nigerian maritime environment.”

The fleet inaugurated includes, a new helicopter NN410 manufactured in Italy, NNS KADA, a landing ship transport, built in Sharjah United Arab Emirates and NNS IBENO, donated by the Peoples Republic of China.

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Lagos Assembly Debunks Abuja House Rumour, Warns Against Election Season Propaganda

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The Lagos State House of Assembly has described as misleading and mischievous the widespread misinformation that it budgeted for the purchase of houses in Abuja for its members in the 2026 Appropriation Law.

This rebuttal is contained in a statement jointly signed by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, and Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, Chairman, House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget.

Describing the report as a deliberate and disturbing falsehood being peddled by patently ignorant people, the statement reads, “There is no provision whatsoever in the 2026 Budget for the purchase of houses in Abuja or anywhere else for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The report is a complete fabrication and a product of political mischief intended to misinform the public.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly does not operate in Abuja. Our constitutional responsibilities, constituencies, and legislative duties are entirely within Lagos State. It is, therefore, illogical, irrational, and irresponsible for anyone to suggest that legislators would appropriate public funds for personal housing outside their jurisdiction.”
The statement emphasized that the budget is already in the public domain and accessible for scrutiny by discerning Lagosians and Nigerians alike. It reiterated that the Lagos State Government operates a transparent budget that speaks to the needs of the people and the demands of a megalopolis.
“We view this rumour as part of a wider attempt at election-season propaganda, designed to erode public trust, sow discord, and malign democratic institutions.”

The chairmen further clarified that the 2026 capital expenditure of the House of Assembly is less than 0.04% of the total CAPEX of the state, which clearly demonstrates the culture of prudence, accountability, and fiscal responsibility that guides the legislature. However, they noted, “Historically, the House does not even access up to its approved budget in many fiscal years.”

They stressed that the Assembly remains fully committed to excellence, transparency, good governance, and the collective welfare of the people of Lagos State, in line with the objectives of the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity.
“We therefore challenge those behind this harebrained allegation to produce credible evidence or retract their statements forthwith. Failure to do so may attract appropriate legal actions.
“We urge Lagosians and the general public to disregard this baseless rumour and always verify information from official and credible sources.”

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Lagos Partners MTN To Redevelop Obalende Under-bridge Into Eco-Friendly Bus Park

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The Lagos state government has partnered with MTN Nigeria to redevelop the Obalende under-bridge into a modern transport hub to be known as Y’ELLO bus park.

Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources, announced the project in an X post on Tuesday.

Wahab said the redevelopment would transform the previously degraded space into a functional, secure, and community-centered facility.

According to him, the new bus park will feature an organized and regulated transport terminal, a recycling drop-off station, a road camp for officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and security agencies, over 60 public toilet facilities, kiosks, and other amenities for commuters and residents.

He said the project prioritizes safety, health, and aesthetics, noting that solar-powered lighting will improve night-time visibility, enhance closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage, and help curb criminal activities in the Obalende axis.

The commissioner added that a biodigester system will be installed to manage wastewater sustainably, while a dedicated recycling station will discourage illegal waste disposal.

Wahab said the redevelopment will also include solar panels to support energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, as well as tree planting to improve air quality and beautify the environment.

He described the project as part of the state government’s efforts to reclaim public spaces and make them functional, sustainable, and safe for residents.

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JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Increases Petrol Price By N100, MRS To Sell At N839

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased the ex-gantry price of its premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, to N799 per litre.

The price of the product was increased by N100, from N699 per litre to N799 per litre, effective on December 12, 2025.

In a statement on Tuesday, the refinery said MRS retail outlets will now sell the product at N839 per litre — up from N739 per litre.

“With the festive period concluded, PMS prices have been modestly realigned to sustainable levels to support long-term market stability and affordability,” the refinery said.

“Under the current alignment, the PMS gantry price is N799 per litre, while MRS retail outlets are selling at N839 per litre.”

The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to market stability and an uninterrupted nationwide supply of petrol.

“During the recent festive period, the Refinery implemented a deliberate and temporary price support intervention to cushion Nigerians at a time of heightened household spending,” the plant said.

Despite the price reduction, the refinery accused “many filling stations” of failing to “reflect the new price at the pump,” thereby denying Nigerians the benefits of the slash.

“As a domestic producer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to shield the Nigerian market from import-related volatility and external supply disruptions, while remaining a stabilising force in the downstream petroleum sector,” the plant said.

Dangote refinery reaffirmed its commitment to providing energy security, price stability, and long-term value for Nigerians.

Speaking on the development, David Bird, chief executive officer (CEO), said the refinery is currently supplying about 50 million litres of petrol to the domestic market daily, with nationwide distribution running smoothly.

He explained that the refinery’s flexible design allows it to process different types of crude and intermediate feed stocks, making it possible to maintain petrol supply even during scheduled maintenance.

Bird added that this ensures that domestic fuel availability remains stable and uninterrupted.

“This marked the second consecutive festive season in which the Refinery absorbed significant costs in the national interest, including logistics support in 2024 and a price reduction in 2025 to promote affordability and market calm.”

 

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