NEWS
Lifting of Petrol from Dangote Refinery Marks Industrialisation – FG

The Federal Government has hailed the commencement of petroleum product lifting from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, describing it as a significant step towards national industrialisation and self-sufficiency in refining.
Mr Anthony Chiejina, Head, of Communications, Dangote Group, in a statement, said that trucks from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd.
(NNPCL) had begun transporting petrol from the refinery located in Ibeju-Lekki, on Sunday in Lagos.Leading the government delegation, Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, also described the development as a landmark moment that revitalises Nigerians’ confidence in domestic industrialisation and refining capabilities.
“This marks Nigeria’s return to local refining and supply of petroleum products, a significant milestone after decades of import reliance,” Edun said.
The minister, accompanied by Dr Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, said that this initiative would ensure Nigeria’s energy security and independence.
He highlighted the benefit of alleviating persistent fuel scarcity and long queues at gas stations, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of adding value to raw materials before export.
Edun further acknowledged Tinubu’s role in establishing the free trade zone concept during his tenure as Lagos State governor.
“This achievement strengthens Nigeria’s energy security and supports the government’s policy of promoting domestic investment.
“President Tinubu’s vision was to ensure no raw material leaves Nigeria without added value. I commend President Tinubu for facilitating the supply of crude to local refineries in naira and for his role in this achievement,” he added.
Edun also commended Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Ltd., and his team for restoring Nigeria’s position as a producer of refined products, nearly three decades after the country ceased local refining.
He commended Dangote’s patriotism and unwavering commitment to bringing the refinery project to fruition despite initial doubts. (NAN)
Foreign News
Trump Tells Iran to Make Nuclear Deal ‘Before it is too Late’

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to conclude an agreement with Washington on its controversial nuclear programme, amid a series of Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities and military leaders.
“There is still time to make this slaughter come to an end,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,” Trump continued.
“JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”Observers consider it unlikely that Iran’s leadership would opt for a diplomatic approach in light of the Israeli attacks.
Israeli media reported that Tehran had retaliated with an attack involving about 100 drones, all of which were shot down.
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump wrote.
“The U.S. makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come and they know how to use it,” Trump wrote. (dpa/NAN)
NEWS
Nigeria Condoles India over Tragic Plane Crash

The Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of theMinistry.Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.”The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN)NEWS
Benue Speaker Advises Youth to Participate Actively in Politics

The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the economic and political development of the country.Dajoh gave the advice in his Democracy Day message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, in Makurdi.
The speaker urged youths to show more interest in the economic and political development of the country. He said that they had the required education, exposure, and numerical strength to make a positive impact on both the economy and governance. Dajoh assured the youths that the assembly under his leadership would continue to enact laws to protect democracy and the rule of law.The speaker urged Nigerians to be more determined in ensuring that democracy worked in the country.He said that democracy remained the best option for the country.The speaker added that through the determination of the citizens and their active participation in the democratic process, Nigeria would be a great country.He saluted the heroic deeds of patriots who worked assiduously to actualise democratic rule in the country, especially the symbol of the June 12 struggle, the late M.K.O. Abiola.According to him, only a truly great, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria could be a befitting compensation for their sacrifices.He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for their roles in upholding democratic principles.Dajoh said that more sacrifices were required from the citizens to ensure that the country got the best of democracy. (NAN)