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BIG STORY

MAN Faults NPA’s 15% Tariff Hike, Says “It’s Ill-Timed”

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The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has criticized the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) proposed 15 percent increase in tariffs.

On February 6, the NPA announced it had secured approval for a 15 percent tariff increase to improve infrastructure and upgrade equipment. This is the first tariff hike since 1993.

In a statement on Sunday, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, MAN’s director-general, pointed out that the manufacturing sector is already burdened with numerous challenges.

Ajayi-Kadir described the timing of the increase as detrimental, emphasizing that businesses are struggling with rising operational costs, a high rate of foreign exchange (FX), and other economic uncertainties.

He also noted that Nigeria’s current economic situation is marked by rising inflation, FX challenges, and declining industrial capacity utilization.

Ajayi-Kadir stressed that ports, as gateways to international trade, play a crucial role in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of business operations.

“According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 80 percent of Nigeria’s traded goods are transported by sea, with 70 percent of total imports and exports in West and Central Africa destined for Nigeria,” he said.

“This underscores the critical role Nigerian ports play in facilitating trade and industrial productivity.

“For manufacturers, port-related charges constitute significant indirect costs, as most raw materials and industrial machinery are imported through these ports.

“Any increase in charges will have a ripple effect, leading to higher production costs, increased inflationary pressures, and reduced competitiveness of locally manufactured goods.”

Ajayi-Kadir further stated that many businesses are experiencing a downturn due to unsustainable operating costs.

He argued that the increase is poorly timed and could signal a departure from the government’s stated commitment to improving the ease of doing business.

‘UPWARD REVIEW WILL LEAD TO JOB LOSSES, LOW ACTIVITIES’

Ajayi-Kadir warned that the additional strain on industrial activities will likely result in reduced capacity utilization and potential job losses.

“Furthermore, Nigeria must remain competitive in regional trade,” he added.

“Neighboring countries with more efficient and cost-effective ports will become far more attractive alternatives, leading to increased cargo diversion.

“This will not only reduce revenue for the Nigerian government but will encourage smuggling and other untoward trade practices that weaken our economy.”

Ajayi-Kadir suggested alternative methods for increasing port revenue, such as reducing turnaround time for vessels, improving cargo clearing processes, addressing bottlenecks, and focusing on infrastructural development.

“While we acknowledge the need for revenue generation, increasing port tariffs can be counterproductive in the long run,” he said.

The MAN DG called on the NPA to put the proposed 15 percent tariff increase on hold and collaborate with stakeholders to explore long-term revenue generation options.

BIG STORY

Two Criminals Who Robbed, Attempted To Kill Lil-Kesh In Lagos Arrested In Kano

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The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to an armed robbery and attempted murder case in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, described the arrests as a major breakthrough made possible through intelligence gathering and community collaboration.

According to Haruna, the suspects — Mathew Adewole, 25, of Na’ibawa Quarters, and Mukhtar Muhammad, 31, of Unguwa Uku Quarters, Kano — were apprehended on September 11, 2025, at Na’ibawa Quarters.

During interrogation, Adewole reportedly confessed to assaulting one Lil-Kesh, a resident of Bera Estate, Chevron, Lagos, on August 19, 2025. The attack left the victim with severe injuries, including a deep neck wound.

Haruna further disclosed that the suspect compelled the victim to transfer ₦2,120,000 from his bank account via mobile phone to Muhammad’s account.

He added that, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Kano Command has been strengthening its intelligence network and deepening community policing to outpace criminal elements.

The police spokesperson noted that the suspects have since been transferred to the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, praised the officers for their professionalism and acknowledged the role of the public in supporting police operations. He assured that the command will sustain efforts to maintain law and order across the state.

“The command remains committed to maintaining law and order, working closely with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to combating crime,” the statement concluded.

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BIG STORY

How Police Tracked, Arrested Notorious Suspect John Samuel Who Shot, Robbed Gbenga Obama At His Epe Hideout

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Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a notorious armed robber and alleged hired assassin, John Samuel, 28, at his hideout in Epe.

The suspect, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, was picked up on September 19, 2025, around 2:00 pm, after weeks of surveillance.

Report has it that Samuel — recently released from prison on August 18 after serving a six-year jail term for armed robbery — had, the same day, shot and wounded popular Lagos socialite Gbenga Obama at Gbajobi Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja. He then robbed him of a gold necklace and other valuables in broad daylight.

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi B. Oluseyi, described Samuel as “vicious and notorious,” noting that he was known to shoot victims before dispossessing them of valuables.

Oluseyi said CCTV footage of the August 18 incident captured Samuel firing at Obama with an English pistol, before fleeing with an accomplice who waited on a motorcycle. Obama, who sustained serious gunshot wounds, has since been treated and discharged.

The suspect reportedly confessed to selling the stolen jewelry for ₦4 million — far below its market value. Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of his gang.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohudare Jimoh, commended the operatives for their gallantry and assured residents that the suspect would be prosecuted after investigations.

The command reiterated its commitment to the safety of Lagosians, warning that “the state has no hiding place for criminals.”

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BIG STORY

Road To 2027: We’re Ready To Join APC, Says Kwankwaso, Gives Condition

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The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed readiness to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but only on what he described as a “strong condition.”

Kwankwaso’s declaration ends months of speculation about his political future and has heightened tension within the ruling party and the wider political space.

The former Kano State governor made the remarks on Thursday while receiving Buhari Bakwana, a former political aide to ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who visited him alongside APC members from the 44 local government areas of Kano State.

He insisted that any talks of returning to APC or merging with it must clearly define what the NNPP stands to gain.
“If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain,” he said.

Kwankwaso maintained that while the NNPP was open to discussions, it would not accept being “used and dumped.” He reminded the delegation of his role in establishing APC in 2013, saying he and his allies endured political persecution at the time.

“We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join?” he asked.
“We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us.”

The former defence minister also recalled his frustrations with both APC and PDP in past alliances, accusing the two parties of breaching agreements.

“Eight years of APC under the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari gave us nothing, not even appreciation. In PDP, we asked for just a zonal party chairman, but they refused. We left peacefully, and today we are strong and have integrity,” he said.

His latest statement contrasts with his earlier remarks at the NNPP National Executive Council meeting, where he had pledged to remain with the party despite swirling rumours of his impending defection.

Reacting to Kwankwaso’s comments, the State Secretary of APC in Kano, Hon. Zakari Ibrahim Sarina, said the party would welcome him back if he abides by party principles.

“Kwankwaso can’t come to APC to control the party that has national spread. Remember, APC is not NNPP, which he established and controls,” Sarina said.

“We are ready to welcome Kwankwaso back to APC because his return is an added advantage to the ruling party. Another reason the party will be willing to have him is the peace and tranquillity in Kano. We need social and economic development in Kano,” he added.

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