Author: Opalim Lifted

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the nationwide distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general election, with low turnout observed at several collection centres in Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan. Checks by Chronicle NG on Friday showed that while distribution had commenced at some locations, other centres had yet to begin the exercise. INEC had announced October 9 as the start date for PVC collection, urging eligible voters to collect their cards ahead of the elections. The commission’s chairman, Joash Amupitan, had also disclosed that Nigeria’s national register of voters had grown to more than…

Nigeria does not currently have enough unallocated crude oil to fully supply the Dangote Refinery and meet the needs of other domestic refiners, Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele has said. Oyedele made the disclosure on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, amid growing calls for the Federal Government to introduce a production subsidy to support local refineries. He said Nigeria’s daily crude oil production of about 1.8 million barrels does not translate into an equivalent volume available to the Federal Government because of contractual obligations, production costs and royalty payments. Why Nigeria Cannot Supply All of Dangote’s…

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government’s 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited stations, describing it as a temporary measure that fails to address Nigeria’s rising cost of living. Atiku spoke on Friday at the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where he accused the Bola Tinubu administration of failing to provide lasting economic relief after nearly four years in office. He questioned why the government had adopted a temporary fuel discount after previously rejecting his proposal for…

Royal Mail has announced plans to cut 2,500 head office and support jobs by the end of 2027 as the British postal service battles falling letter volumes, rising competition and mounting pressure to improve delivery performance. The proposed cuts represent about two per cent of the company’s 131,000-strong workforce. However, frontline postal workers, including posties and drivers, will not be affected by the restructuring. Royal Mail said the reductions would be achieved through voluntary redundancies and employees choosing to leave the company, rather than compulsory job losses. Chief executive Alistair Cochrane said the changes were designed to improve efficiency and…

Nigeria’s economic recovery is gathering pace, but improved government revenues and stronger macroeconomic indicators have yet to translate into better living conditions for citizens, the Federal Government and the World Bank have said. Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has sarcastically congratulated Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, for acknowledging that the administration’s economic reforms have increased poverty and hardship among Nigerians. Bwala admitted that more Nigerians had fallen into poverty following the introduction of the reforms but maintained that the government had made significant progress since implementing the measures. Economic Growth Must Improve Living…

The police have warned worshippers against publicly disclosing personal achievements during church testimonies after foiling an alleged plot to kidnap a female cleric in Abuja. Four church members were arrested over an alleged plan to abduct Prophetess Elizabeth, who was reportedly targeted after sharing a testimony about her achievements. Adamu Muazu, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), gave the warning on Thursday while parading the suspects. He said the alleged attack was planned for after an evening church service. Police Warn Against Security Risks During Testimonies Muazu cautioned worshippers against assuming that everyone in…

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele has said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited’s petrol retail discount is not a fuel subsidy and will not reduce funds accruing to the Federation Account. Oyedele explained that the discount differs from a government-funded subsidy because it is taken from NNPC Retail Limited’s profit margin rather than public revenue. In a statement on Friday, the minister said the arrangement would provide relief for motorists without reversing the Federal Government’s decision to end the petrol subsidy regime in 2023. How NNPC’s Petrol Discount Works Oyedele said every fuel marketer adds a retail margin to the…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has extended its petrol sales discount across its retail stations nationwide until October 31, 2026, as Nigerians grapple with rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict. The company said the initiative aims to provide direct relief to households, businesses and the wider economy amid elevated global crude oil prices and their impact on domestic petrol costs. In a statement issued by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, NNPC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to ease the financial burden on Nigerians. The company acknowledged that rising petrol…

Everton owners The Friedkin Group (TFG) are exploring the potential sale of a controlling stake in the club less than two years after completing their takeover in a deal believed to be worth more than £400 million. The American investment group, which took control of Everton in 2024, announced the development in a statement, saying the club had reached a point where it was time to consider its next chapter after prioritising financial stability, investment and the opening of its new stadium. “The Friedkin Group is exploring new investment options for Everton Football Club, including the potential sale of a…

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has insisted that the club’s titles are “absolutely not” tainted by the Premier League financial charges, expressing confidence that the club will win its appeal against the verdict. Maresca reaffirmed his faith in City’s owners and management during a news conference on Friday, as questions about the case dominated proceedings ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield. The Italian rejected suggestions that the club’s achievements had been undermined by the ruling, saying he knew “exactly the effort that the club put in to achieve” its titles. An independent commission found Manchester City…