Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In its relentless pursuit against crude oil theft, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed the discovery of 83 illegal refineries and the arrest of 22 suspects within the past week in the Niger Delta. The disclosure came through the NNPCL’s official communication channel on Tuesday, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to combat illicit activities in the region.  In addition to the illegal refineries, the company identified 15 unauthorized pipeline connections during the same period. In a documentary shared on its platform, the NNPCL reported a staggering 211 incidents of oil theft and vandalism between January 6 and 12,…

The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that the Federal Government is poised to save N8tn annually through the recent fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification policies. Speaking at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry 2024 Economic Outlook and Budget Analysis, Oyedele emphasized the need to utilize these savings for the benefit of the average Nigerian. Highlighting the substantial savings, Oyedele stated, “The Nigerian people made sacrifices due to the fuel subsidy removal, amounting to N4tn savings annually.  With the naira floatation, an additional N4tn is being saved. This totals…

Daud Olatunji Equity investors in Dangote Group’s listed companies have experienced significant gains, surpassing N1.2tn within the first two trading sessions of the week.  This surge in stock value is attributed to increased market interest following the initiation of production at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced the commencement of diesel and aviation fuel production on Friday, further amplifying investor enthusiasm.  Notable companies within the conglomerate, including Dangote Cement Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, and NASCON Allied Industries Plc, have witnessed positive market trends. In August, plans for a merger between Dangote Sugar Refinery, NASCON Allied Industries,…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has questioned the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, regarding her alleged involvement in a N585.2 million fraud linked to the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu. Madein faced over six hours of interrogation at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja on Monday.  An anonymous anti-graft source disclosed that she was questioned about the transfer of N585.2 million from the National Social Investment office account to the UBA account of Bridget Oniyelu, the accountant of the Grants for Vulnerable Groups under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. The AGF, however, was…

The Bodija Area of Ibadan, Oyo State, witnessed a devastating explosion on Tuesday, leading to fears of at least 10 casualties and 15 hospitalizations. Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed on Tuesday, that the explosion was caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners in one of the houses in Bodija. Governor Makinde, who visited the scene Tuesday night, emphasized that preliminary investigations by security agencies implicated illegal miners. Despite ongoing investigations, the Governor assured that anyone found responsible for the tragic incident would be held accountable. The blast not only claimed lives and left many injured but also caused significant damage…

In a shocking turn of events, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, the Olu of Owode-Egba in Ogun State, is under intense scrutiny after a video surfaced showing him openly abusing the country’s currency during his wife’s 60th birthday celebration. The one minute and thirty seconds clip quickly went viral, sparking outrage among Nigerians. The monarch, who presides over residents grappling with various diseases, including cholera, was captured spraying naira notes at the extravagant event.  This action has not only drawn criticism but has also led to calls for accountability from the public. One concerned protester expressed dismay, stating, “This is Oba Sowemimi…

By Oguntoye Sodiq In a significant development following the 2023 presidential election, Alhaji Lamidi, the Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has publicly called on former presidential candidate Peter Obi to seek forgiveness from President Tinubu, the Judiciary, and the Nigerian people.  This call for apology comes in response to Obi’s claims of winning the election, which the LP argues lack substantial evidence. In a press statement released on Tuesday, Abayomi Arabambi, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, conveyed Alhaji Lamidi’s emphasis on the necessity for Peter Obi to apologize to the nation’s judiciary.  The LP alleges that Obi…

Mr Umar Babangida, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  on Tuesday, revealed how top government officials aided Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) Ltd.’s directors in the alleged $9.6 billion scam against Nigeria. Babangida, who was the 2nd prosecution witness (PW2) in the ongoing trial of fleeing James Nolan, an Irish national, told Justice Obiora Egwuatu of a Federal High Court, Abuja in his testimony. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anti-graft agency had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/9/2022, sued Micad Project City Services Ltd. and Mr Nolan as 1st and 2nd…

In a proactive move to prevent potential building collapses in 2024, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) disclosed that it sealed more than 700 buildings across the state for various contraventions in 2023. Leading an enforcement team through Ikeja Local Government area, Mr. Kehinde Osinaike, the General Manager of LASPPPA, emphasized the importance of curbing physical planning infractions to align with the state’s vision for well-planned urban development. Osinaike acknowledged the commitment of the state government to the sustainable growth of Lagos, emphasizing the need for a well-organized urban environment for the benefit of all residents. Highlighting the…

In a surprising turn of events, the academic gowns designated for distribution to post-graduate students at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) were reported stolen after a bus transporting them was vandalized. This incident comes amidst preparations for the university’s 54th convocation ceremony, where 340 graduands are set to receive first-class degree certificates. Graduates had previously been required to pay N15,000 for the collection of these gowns. However, frustration arose among many students who, after a considerable wait, found the school unable to provide the academic attire. In a brief communication via text message and email, the management of the university’s…