Author: Akintayo Adams

Nigeria’s Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) import has increased to 2.3 billion litres from September 11 to December 5, 2024, despite the coming on stream of Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries. This is according to an available document from the Nigerian Ports Authority. Continued fuel importation comes despite commitment by oil marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to halt imports. Dangote Refinery, with a 650,000-barrel-per-day production capacity, and Port Harcourt refinery commenced production and truckout of PMS on September 15 and November 26, 2024, respectively. However, data from NPA showed that fuel importation has persisted despite the ramp-up of…

Netflix has firmly denied reports that it is exiting Nigeria. The streaming giant emphasized its commitment to investing in Nigerian stories and continuing to delight its audience in the country. This comes after Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan claimed at the 2024 Zuma Film Festival that Netflix had quietly stopped commissioning new Nigerian originals. Afolayan mentioned that while his project “Anikulapo” was spared, other Nollywood projects were canceled. However, Netflix reassured that it remains dedicated to the Nigerian market and will continue to support local content. Get instant and latest news updates via our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter, or Google News online channel.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State rebuked APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje on Wednesday over his claim that the party will take over the South-West. Makinde suggested Ganduje was distracted when he said Oyo and Osun states were next for the APC. Following APC’s victory in Ondo State, with Lucky Aiyedatiwa retaining his seat as governor, Ganduje declared that APC would win all the states in the South-West, emphasizing that Osun and Oyo were next. However, Makinde countered this, stating that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the people of Oyo and Osun are prepared to reject the APC. He…

Namibia has made history by electing its first female president, 72-year-old Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in a tightly contested election that has sparked controversy and opposition rejection. The ruling SWAPO party, which has governed the mineral-rich nation since independence in 1990, declared victory last week, with Nandi-Ndaitwah securing 57 percent of the vote. Her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), garnered 25.5 percent, according to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). Despite her historic win, the election has been fraught with allegations of irregularities and logistical challenges. The November 27 polls were marred by technical failures, including…

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun presented the 2025 budget to the State House of Assembly today. The budget, titled the “Budget of Hope and Prosperity,” amounts to N1.055 trillion. It includes N600.98 billion for capital expenditure and N453.56 billion for recurrent expenditure. Key allocations in the budget are as follows: Governor Abiodun highlighted several capital projects, including the renovation of general and state hospitals, procurement of laboratory and medical equipment, and the construction of various metro rail lines. The budget aims to balance fiscal responsibility with improved public service delivery, addressing issues like unemployment and poverty while investing in long-term…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has disclosed that foreign digital companies, including Google, Meta, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Microsoft, as well as other social media platforms operating in Nigeria, paid N2.55 trillion ($1.5 billion) in taxes to the Federal Government in the first six months of 2024. NITDA revealed this in a statement, commending tech giants for adhering to the code of practice. Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that these companies were now paying their taxes, leading to a significant increase in government revenue. Hadiza Umar,…

The OBIdient Movement has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Police Force, demanding the immediate release of human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi. In a statement signed by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement, the group condemned the arrest as an abuse of power and a violation of Farotimi’s fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. The statement emphasized the need for the Nigerian authorities to ensure Farotimi’s immediate and unconditional release, guaranteeing the protection of his rights throughout the process. The OBIdient Movement also threatened to organize massive protests across the…

The MOBO Awards 2025 nominations are out, and several Nigerian artists have been acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to music. The awards ceremony, which honors Black music and culture, is scheduled for February 18, 2025, at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle. Notably, Ayra Starr and Tems are among the Nigerian artists nominated. They are contenders in both the Best African Music Act in Association with Loco Music and the Best International Act categories, underscoring the expanding influence and global appeal of African music. Best African Music Act in Association with Loco Music Best International Act Album of the Year Best…

Forbes has named american rapper Sean Carter, also known as Jay-Z, the greatest rapper of all time. The publication recently released its 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time list, honoring the best in the hip-hop industry. Jay-Z topped the list, with Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, J. Cole, and Tupac securing the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th spots, respectively. Completing the top 10 are Drake, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Nas, and Eminem. Other notable names on the list include Andre 3000 (11), The Notorious B.I.G (12), Missy Elliott (13), Chuck D (14), A$AP Rocky (15), Lil’ Kim (16), Tyler, the Creator…

South African singer Tyla has surpassed Beyoncé’s record for the most-streamed album by a black female artist released in 2024. Tyla’s self-titled debut album achieved this milestone by amassing 1.565 billion streams on Spotify, surpassing Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter,’ which had 1.564 billion streams. The album is now the most-streamed album by a female African artist of all time. Its lead single, ‘Water,’ has nearly a billion streams on Spotify and won the Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammy Awards. Despite this success, Tyla’s album and its deluxe version were overlooked in the nominations for the 67th Grammy…