Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price to N1,200 per Litre

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March 28, 2026

In an update published by Vanguard, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a significant reduction in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N1,200 per litre. This move is expected to provide much-needed relief to the Nigerian downstream sector, which has been grappling with high logistics costs and fluctuating prices.

The management of the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility stated that the price cut is a result of improved operational efficiencies and a commitment to making fuel more affordable for domestic consumers. Industry experts believe this pricing strategy will force other importers and marketers to adjust their rates, potentially stabilizing the retail market across the country.

Daily Post confirmed the price drop, noting “Dangote Refinery reduces petrol price to boost local supply,” while Channels TV reported that “marketers are already adjusting their procurement plans to leverage the lower gantry rates.”

Echotitbits take: This is the “Dangote Effect” in full swing. By undercutting the market, the refinery is positioning itself as the primary price setter for the region, which could finally break the cycle of fuel scarcity and subsidy debates.

Source: The Cable – https://www.thecable.ng/dangote-refinery-reduces-ex-gantry-petrol-price-by-n75-to-n1200-per-litre/ , March 27, 2026

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APC National Convention: Abuja Civil Servants Directed to Work from Home

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Bob Echols’s

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March 28, 2026

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In an update published by The Punch, the Federal Government has ordered civil servants at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja to operate remotely on Friday, March 27, 2026. The directive, issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, is a precautionary measure to manage logistics and security ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention.

The circular noted that all access roads leading to Eagle Square and the surrounding Secretariat phases will be cordoned off to accommodate the influx of over 8,400 delegates. The closure, which extends through Saturday, is intended to prevent total gridlock in the capital’s central business district during the high-profile political gathering.

Daily Post confirmed the scale of the event, reporting that “32 state governors and 8,453 delegates from across the country are expected to participate,” while Premium Times noted that “security agencies have been placed on high alert to ensure a hitch-free exercise at Eagle Square.”

Echotitbits take: This convention is a massive litmus test for the ruling party’s internal cohesion. The decision to shut down the civil service hub for a political event shows just how much the APC’s internal logistics now dictate the rhythm of the nation’s capital.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/apc-convention-fg-orders-workers-to-work-from-home/, March 27, 2026

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Nigeria Squanders N40 Trillion Yearly on Inefficient Electricity Supply

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March 28, 2026

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Figures cited by Daily Post show that Nigeria loses approximately N40 trillion annually due to the country’s persistent and unreliable power supply. The Nigerian Independent System Operator warned that these staggering losses stem from stalled industrial productivity, high operational costs for businesses relying on generators, and a general lack of job creation linked to energy poverty.

The agency highlighted that the current grid instability remains the single greatest bottleneck to the administration’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy. Despite various interventions, the gap between installed capacity and actual distribution continues to drain the nation’s fiscal health and discourage long-term manufacturing investments.

Vanguard echoed these concerns, stating that “unreliable power remains one of the biggest constraints to economic growth,” while ThisDay reported that “manufacturers are spending over 40% of their production costs on alternative energy sources.”

Echotitbits take: Losing N40 trillion a year is equivalent to losing nearly two full national budgets to inefficiency. Until the government moves beyond “commissioning headquarters” to actually fixing the transmission-distribution interface, the $1 trillion GDP goal will remain a pipe dream.

Source: Tribune Online – https://tribuneonlineng.com/nigeria-loses-n40trn-yearly-to-poor-electricity-supply-niso/ March 27, 2026

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Nigeria Faces $345 Million Annual Shortfall in Out-of-School Youth Crisis

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March 26, 2026

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In an update published by The Punch, Education Minister Tunji Alausa has warned that Nigeria requires at least $345 million annually to effectively tackle the country’s growing out-of-school children crisis. Speaking at a policy forum, the Minister emphasized that without this consistent funding, the nation risks losing an entire generation to illiteracy and poverty.

The government is looking to partner with international donors and the private sector to bridge this gap. Alausa noted that the current education budget is insufficient to provide the necessary infrastructure and teacher training required to absorb the millions of children currently roaming the streets.

The Guardian highlighted the Minister’s plea, stating, “Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis demands urgent financial intervention,” while Tribune reported that “the $345m target is essential for the Renewed Hope Agenda’s educational goals.”

Echotitbits take: $345 million sounds like a lot, but it is a fraction of what Nigeria loses to corruption and oil theft annually. The challenge isn’t just raising the money; it’s ensuring that the funds actually reach the rural schools where the out-of-school crisis is most acute.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/nigerias-out-of-school-crisis-demands-345m-yearly-alausa/, March 26, 2026

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Court Overturns Central Bank Shake-up of Union Bank Leadership

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March 26, 2026

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Reporting by The Nation indicates that a Federal High Court has voided the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) previous decision to dissolve the board and management of Union Bank. The presiding judge ordered the immediate reinstatement of the affected executives, dealing a significant legal blow to the apex bank’s regulatory intervention strategy.

The court ruled that the procedure used for the shake-up bypassed essential legal requirements, describing the action as “arbitrary.” This development has sent ripples through the banking sector, as it challenges the absolute authority of the CBN to unilaterally remove bank directors without exhaustive judicial or regulatory proof of misconduct.

ThisDay reported that “the court orders immediate reinstatement of Union Bank board,” while Vanguard noted that “this landmark ruling may trigger similar legal challenges from other recently sanctioned financial institutions.”

Echotitbits take: This is a major test for Governor Olayemi Cardoso’s regulatory stance. If the CBN doesn’t appeal and win, it could weaken its ability to discipline “failing” banks in the future, potentially leading to more board-room friction across the Nigerian banking industry.

Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/866739-court-nullifies-cbns-takeover-of-union-bank-says-regulator-acted-beyond-powers.html, March 26, 2026

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Militant Ambush in Kebbi Leaves Ten Security Officers Dead

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March 26, 2026

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Figures cited by Daily Post show that a tragic ambush in the Shanga area of Kebbi State has claimed the lives of nine soldiers and one police officer. The security personnel were responding to a distress call in the village of Giron Masa when they were overwhelmed by armed militants, resulting in burned military vehicles and several injuries.

The Kebbi State government, through its spokesman Yahaya Sarki, confirmed the fatalities and shared images of the aftermath along the dusty forest roads. This attack highlights the persistent danger faced by “first responders” in the North-West who are often lured into traps by well-armed criminal gangs.

The Punch noted that “gunmen killed 10 security officers in a late-night raid,” while Leadership quoted Governor Nasir Idris promising that “the perpetrators of this heinous act will be brought to justice at all costs.”

Echotitbits take: The North-West “banditry” crisis is evolving into a more organized guerilla-style conflict. The use of “distress call” traps suggests the militants have sophisticated intelligence on security movements, necessitating a change in tactical response for rural patrols.

Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nwest/866765-how-10-security-officers-civilians-were-killed-in-kebbi-ambush-official.html, March 26, 2026

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Human Rights Watch Warns of Resurgent Boko Haram Threat Following Maiduguri Blasts

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March 26, 2026

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In an update published by Human Rights Watch, the international community has been alerted to a “deeply alarming” resurgence of Boko Haram following coordinated bombings in Maiduguri. The attacks, which targeted a market and a teaching hospital, resulted in 23 deaths and over 100 injuries, signaling that civilians in the North-East remain dangerously exposed despite government claims of victory.

The military described the events as a “war crime” designed to cause mass casualties and spread panic among the populace. Analysts suggest that the faction known as JAS (Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad) is attempting a comeback after being weakened by internal leadership struggles in previous years.

Daily Post corroborated the carnage, reporting that “the bombings struck crowded public locations,” while Premium Times added that “security forces have launched a fresh manhunt for the masterminds of the coordinated strikes in Borno.”

Echotitbits take: The Maiduguri bombings shatter the relative peace the city has enjoyed. This “comeback” by Boko Haram suggests they have adapted to drone surveillance; expect the military to ramp up urban intelligence-gathering and potentially reinstate stricter curfews in Borno State.

Source: Human Rights Watch – https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/03/26/nigeria-maiduguri-bombings-show-new-threat-to-civilians, March 26, 2026

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Federal Government Targets Aggressive $30 Billion Revenue Goal for 2026

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March 26, 2026

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Reporting by Business Insider Africa indicates that the Nigerian government has set an ambitious fiscal target to generate approximately $30.1 billion (N40.7 trillion) in tax and royalty revenue for the 2026 fiscal year. Dr. Zach Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), disclosed that this drive leans heavily on non-oil tax reforms and improved petroleum royalty collections to narrow budget deficits.

The strategy involves a structural shift in revenue mobilization, aiming to reduce the number of taxes while simplifying compliance for small businesses and informal traders. By streamlining the system, the government hopes to strengthen the social contract and promote economic inclusion for women and youth entrepreneurs.

Validation of this fiscal direction was found in The Punch, which noted that “these reforms represent far more than legislative changes; they represent a structural shift,” and Daily Post, which reported that “the NRS is projecting record collections to stabilize the national currency and restore investor confidence.”

Echotitbits take: This $30 billion target is a “make-or-break” move for the Tinubu administration’s fiscal sustainability. While reducing the number of taxes is a welcome relief for SMEs, the success of this plan hinges entirely on the NRS’s ability to digitize collection and prevent leakages in the informal sector.

Source: Business Insider Africa – https://africa.businessinsider.com/markets/nigeria-targets-dollar30-billion-tax-revenue-in-2026-as-lawmakers-seek-clarity/eqe4jcc, March 26, 2026

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Biola Bayo Apologizes to Iyabo Ojo Over Controversial Interview Fallout

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March 26, 2026

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According to The Nation Nigeria, Nollywood actress and talk show host Biola Bayo has issued a formal apology following a controversial interview that sparked a heated feud with fellow actress Iyabo Ojo. The friction began after an episode of Bayo’s show featured comments that Ojo and her supporters deemed insensitive regarding the ongoing legal and social battles in the industry.

Biola Bayo expressed regret for any “misunderstanding” or “pain” the interview may have caused, emphasizing that her platform is intended to “educate and inspire,” not to tear down colleagues. The public apology comes after days of back-and-forth “subbing” on Instagram, which threatened to divide the Nollywood community.

Iyabo Ojo, known for her vocal advocacy and “no-nonsense” approach, had previously criticized the interview for giving a platform to “misinformation.” While some fans have accepted Bayo’s apology, others remain skeptical, citing the competitive nature of celebrity talk shows in the digital age.

The situation remains fluid as other industry figures, including Lizzy Anjorin, have reportedly weighed in, adding more layers to the drama. The apology is seen as a strategic move by Bayo to protect her brand’s reputation as she prepares for new projects.

* Legit.ng reported that “Lizzy Anjorin has threatened to take action” against Bayo despite the apology, suggesting the drama is far from over.

* Punch Newspapers noted that “Iyabo Ojo’s camp has yet to formally respond,” keeping fans on edge about a potential reconciliation.

Echotitbits take: In the world of Nollywood “YouTube journalism,” the line between a good interview and a “messy” one is thin. Biola Bayo’s apology is a smart fire-containment move, but in Nollywood, these “beefs” have a habit of resurfacing whenever someone needs to promote a new movie. Watch Ojo’s Instagram—her silence usually means a long “receipt-filled” video is coming.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/i-only-did-my-job-biola-adebayo-apologises-over-baba-ijesha-interview/ March 25, 2026

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Latto Confirms Pregnancy in New “Business and Personal” Music Video

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March 26, 2026

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In a report by The Source, Atlanta rapper Latto has officially ended months of social media speculation by revealing her pregnancy in the music video for her new single, “Business and Personal.” The “Big Energy” star debuted her baby bump in a series of high-fashion looks, blending her signature “baddie” aesthetic with a softer maternal glow.

The revelation has sent the US Hip-Hop community into a frenzy, with fans and fellow artists flooding her comments with congratulations. Latto had previously teased the news by wearing oversized clothing and avoiding full-body shots in recent public appearances.

The video also addresses the balance between her thriving career and her private life, a theme reflected in the song’s lyrics. While Latto has not officially confirmed the identity of the father, internet sleuths have long linked her to a high-profile Atlanta rapper, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.

This “business move” of using a music video for a major life announcement has become a staple in modern celebrity culture, ensuring maximum streaming numbers alongside the viral news.

* Official Charts noted that Latto’s new track is expected to “skyrocket in the R&B/Hip-Hop rankings” following the viral announcement.

* Billboard confirmed the news via a social media post, quoting fans who called the reveal “the most stylish pregnancy announcement of the year.”

Echotitbits take: Latto is at the peak of her powers, and this reveal is a masterclass in PR. By tying the news to a music video, she’s converted “gossip” into “revenue.” The “who’s the father” mystery will keep her in the headlines for weeks, perfectly timing her transition into the “Rap Mom” era.

Source: The Source — https://thesource.com/2026/03/24/today-in-hip-hop-history-chi-ali-released-his-debut-album-the-fabulous-chi-ali-34-years-ago/ March 24, 2026

Photo Credit: The Source

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