Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Lagos

  • Customs and NDLEA intercept cocaine consignment at Apapa port in joint operation

    Customs and NDLEA intercept cocaine consignment at Apapa port in joint operation

    In a report by Punch, the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA say they intercepted 30.1kg of cocaine concealed on a vessel at Greenview Terminal, Apapa Port, during a joint operation.

    Authorities said the drugs were packaged in slabs and hidden on board, describing the seizure as part of tightened surveillance at Nigeria’s busiest seaport.

    The bust adds to concerns about maritime smuggling routes and the need for stronger profiling, scanning coverage, and intelligence-led interdiction across port corridors.

    Echotitbits take: Expect follow-up disclosures on arrests, consignee/handler trails, and prosecution. The bigger watch item is whether joint interdiction becomes routine—backed by improved scanning capacity and sustained intelligence-sharing.

    Source: The Punch — January 4, 2026 (https://punchng.com/customs-ndlea-seize-30-1kg-cocaine-at-apapa-port/)

    The Punch January 4, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Petrol market tightens as depot owners raise ex-depot prices toward ₦800/litre

    Petrol market tightens as depot owners raise ex-depot prices toward ₦800/litre

    Reporting by Punch indicates private depot operators in Lagos have raised the ex‑depot price of petrol toward ₦800 per litre, a move that could ripple into higher retail pump prices if sustained.

    Traders and logistics players say the adjustment reflects supply uncertainty and financing/transport costs, while marketers watch whether the change will hold or ease as supply channels stabilise.

    TheCable quoted an industry source warning that “Prices will likely increase in the coming days,” even as another refinery source insisted “Production is still going on, of course.” Tell Magazine similarly noted that operators “increased the ex‑depot price of petrol to about N800 per litre.”

    If ex‑depot prices remain elevated, Lagos commuters and businesses may face another round of transport‑led inflation—so watch depot pricing, supply volumes, and any regulatory guidance.

    Echotitbits take: If ex‑depot prices remain elevated, Lagos commuters and businesses may face another round of transport‑led inflation—so watch depot pricing, supply volumes, and any regulatory guidance.

    Source: The Punch — January 4, 2026 (https://punchng.com/private-depots-hike-petrol-price-to-n800-litre-in-lagos/)

    The Punch January 4, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Zinoleesky explains viral fight clip and pushes back on “fan” narrative

    Zinoleesky explains viral fight clip and pushes back on “fan” narrative

    According to Legit.ng, Zinoleesky addressed a trending video that appeared to show him trading punches with a young man described online as a fan.

    He claimed the encounter followed an escalation, alleging the person had been stoning his car while his family was inside.

    The clip has triggered debate about celebrity safety, boundaries, and the risks that come with public access culture.

    • KanyiDaily (web report): ““Person wey dey stone car wey my family dey inside na fan?””
    • Legit.ng (original report): ““Person wey dey stone car wey my family dey inside na fan?””

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s celebrity-fan culture keeps colliding with real security concerns. If more context footage emerges, it will shape whether public sentiment shifts from “celebrity arrogance” to “personal safety first.”

    Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690798-zinoleesky-addresses-video-exchanging-punches-alleged-fan-person-wey-stone-car/

    Legit.ng
    Jan 3, 2026
    Photo Credit: Legit.ng

  • Massive Cocaine Haul Intercepted at Apapa Port on Marshall Islands Vessel

    Massive Cocaine Haul Intercepted at Apapa Port on Marshall Islands Vessel

    According to The Guardian Nigeria, a joint operation by the Nigerian Customs Service and the NDLEA led to the seizure of 30.1kg of cocaine at the Apapa Port in Lagos. The illicit substance was discovered aboard a vessel flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, hidden within a specialized compartment.

    The interception is being hailed as a major victory in the ongoing war against international drug trafficking syndicates using Nigerian ports as transit hubs. Security agencies have already commenced a deep forensic investigation into the ship’s manifest and the identities of those involved in the logistics chain.

    Vanguard supported this report, highlighting that ‘Customs and NDLEA are stepping up vigilance at maritime gateways’ following several high-profile busts. BusinessDay also cited the development, quoting officials who noted that ‘illicit trade must be shunned’ to protect Nigeria’s international trade reputation.

    Echotitbits take: The use of a foreign-flagged vessel suggests a sophisticated international ring. While the seizure is commendable, the real challenge lies in prosecuting the high-level financiers behind these shipments, who often hide behind layers of corporate shell companies.

    Source: Vanguard — https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/customs-ndlea-intercept-30-1kg-cocaine-on-marshall-islands-flagged-vessel-at-lagos-port/amp/
    Vanguard January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • DDG’s Lagos take—‘Nigeria feels safer than America’—sets off a fresh debate

    DDG’s Lagos take—‘Nigeria feels safer than America’—sets off a fresh debate

    2026-01-02 09:00:00

    According to PM News Nigeria, rapper DDG said the United States is more dangerous than Nigeria, pushing back on what he described as exaggerated fear narratives.

    The comment split reactions online: supporters praised the outsider perspective while critics said it glosses over complex security realities.

    The clip adds to a growing trend where celebrity travel content shapes perception almost as much as official advisories.

    • Daily Post (Outlet): “gun violence and gangsterism is not common in Nigeria as in America.”
    • TheCable Lifestyle (Outlet/X): “Nigeria is nowhere near as dangerous as America.”

    Echotitbits take: Pop-culture voices can move travel sentiment quickly—especially for diaspora audiences deciding whether to visit. Still, a single visitor’s experience isn’t a national security assessment. Watch next for more on-the-ground posts from DDG (and others) that either reinforce his point or add nuance when real-life frictions show up.

    Source: PM News Nigeria — January 1, 2026 — https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/01/01/nigeria-is-safer-than-america-rapper-ddg/

    PM News Nigeria
    2026-01-01
    Photo Credit: PM News Nigeria

  • Lagos boat capsizes near Nigerdock with fatalities as agencies launch rescue response

    Lagos boat capsizes near Nigerdock with fatalities as agencies launch rescue response

    2026-01-01 06:50:00
    Reporting by Vanguard indicates at least six passengers died and others were rescued after a passenger boat mishap near the Nigerdock axis of Lagos waterways.

    In an update published by the outlet, agencies including LASWA and NIWA were described as part of the search-and-rescue response alongside marine police.

    The incident renews attention on enforcement of safety protocols—lifejacket compliance, passenger manifests, and operator licensing.

    Punch also reported the incident and cited Lagos waterways authorities on the casualty count and rescue operations.

    The Guardian Nigeria likewise carried the update, reporting fatalities and describing a multi-agency response on the waterways.

    Echotitbits take:

    Water transport is growing, but safety enforcement is lagging. Watch for sustained inspections, penalties for non-compliance, and standardized manifest/lifejacket rules that are actually enforced beyond the news cycle.

    Source: Vanguard — January 1, 2026 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/6-dead-4-rescued-in-lagos-boat-mishap/)

    Vanguard 2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • NNPC stays in the black as price war pushes pump price under ₦800

    NNPC stays in the black as price war pushes pump price under ₦800

    2026-01-01 06:05:00
    According to Punch, NNPC Ltd reported ₦502bn profit after tax for November 2025, extending its profitability streak amid shifting market conditions.

    Reporting by the outlet indicates gas output and infrastructure availability supported performance, even as upstream volumes remained constrained.

    The same report linked the downstream “price war” to NNPC retail cuts that pushed PMS prices below ₦800/litre in some locations, intensifying competition.

    TheCable also reported the monthly performance, quoting the profit figure and noting output movement in November 2025.

    APA News similarly referenced the update and quoted language attributing results to improved gas production and stronger trading performance.

    Echotitbits take:

    If NNPC keeps pricing aggressively to defend market share, watch for tighter station supply cycles, margin compression across marketers, and renewed debate on how “deregulated” pricing should work when the biggest player also plays stabilizer.

    Source: The Punch — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/nnpc-posts-n502bn-profit-cuts-petrol-below-n800-litre/)

    The Punch 2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Pastor Chris Okafor issues public apology as Doris Ogala controversy intensifies

    Pastor Chris Okafor issues public apology as Doris Ogala controversy intensifies

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Reporting by The Nation indicates Pastor Chris Okafor publicly apologised amid a fast-moving dispute involving actress Doris Ogala, after days of social media backlash and legal threats escalated online.

    The story has blended celebrity culture, religion and policing into one combustible storyline, especially after Ogala’s detention and the public interventions that followed her release.

    The Guardian reported that Okafor apologised broadly while still disputing parts of the claims, saying he was sorry to those offended and willing to make restitution.

    The saga continues to ripple because it touches reputational damage, alleged relationship claims and the limits of online accusation-versus-proof culture.

    The Guardian quoted Okafor: “I am sorry to everyone I have offended… To Doris Ogala, I also say sorry,” while The Nation reported the apology came amid allegations and counter-claims that have kept the issue trending.

    Echotitbits take: Public sentiment is moving faster than verified facts. Watch for court filings, formal police statements, and whether parties shift from social narratives to documented evidence.

    Source: Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/100049883156816/posts/i-acknowledge-my-past-mistakes-and-i-sincerely-apologise-to-doris-ogala-i-am-kne/1520113579661399/ – December 29, 2025
    Facebook 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • Tinubu’s Eyo appearance puts Lagos culture—and tourism politics—back in spotlight

    Tinubu’s Eyo appearance puts Lagos culture—and tourism politics—back in spotlight

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    According to PUNCH, President Bola Tinubu attended the 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos and used the moment to emphasize culture as a lever for tourism and destination branding.

    The event, held at Tafawa Balewa Square, also honored notable late Lagos leaders and featured traditional processions that draw local and diaspora audiences.

    Stakeholders see the festival’s revival as part of Lagos’ broader push to convert heritage into year-round tourism revenue and global attention.

    GazetteNG reported Tinubu describing the carnival as “a great rekindling of our culture,” while The Nation quoted him saying, “The Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos.”

    Echotitbits take: Beyond pageantry, Lagos can turn cultural “peaks” into consistent visitor flows with safety planning, transport coordination, and curated diaspora packages. Watch for how the state markets Eyo alongside other heritage assets in 2026.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/tinubu-joins-lagos-eyo-festival/)

    The Punch December 28, 2025
    https://punchng.com/tinubu-joins-lagos-eyo-festival/

  • Balogun high‑rise inferno: China‑returnee confirmed among victims as rescue winds down

    Balogun high‑rise inferno: China‑returnee confirmed among victims as rescue winds down

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    From PUNCH reports, emergency responders confirmed that three bodies—including a China-based trader—were recovered from the rubble of the fire-ravaged Great Nigeria Insurance House near Balogun Market, Lagos Island.

    Officials said the blaze, which started on upper floors of the high-rise commercial building, escalated into a complex rescue-and-recovery operation involving multiple agencies working amid structural risks.

    Authorities urged traders and nearby occupants to keep off the immediate area as assessments continued, while families waited for updates on missing persons.

    Premium Times reported LASEMA warning that “The fire continues to spread vertically,” while Peoples Gazette quoted officials saying teams were working “under challenging conditions because of the building’s height.”

    Echotitbits take: Lagos’ dense, older commercial corridors need stricter fire-code enforcement, warehouse-use regulation, and rapid-access equipment—especially for high-rise markets. Watch next for demolition decisions, compensation claims, and the fire-cause investigation.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/lagos-fire-trapped-china-returnee-two-others-recovered-dead/)

    The Punch December 28, 2025
    https://punchng.com/lagos-fire-trapped-china-returnee-two-others-recovered-dead/