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Face -Off: Nigerians Back Dangote Against PENGASSAN

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Many Nigerians have opposed the planned disruption of fuel supply nationwide following the strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in protest against the dismissal of some employees at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

 

This is just as the federal government has invited the leadership of PENGASSAN and the management of Dangote Refinery to an emergency meeting in Abuja today over their dispute.

The Labour ministry’s spokesperson, Patience Onuobia, in a statement yesterday, said the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, appealed to the union to reconsider its planned strike, warning that it could have far-reaching consequences for the economy and national security.

“A strike will not only lead to heavy revenue losses by the country but also cause more hardship and difficulties for Nigerians. Consequently, it will have adverse impacts both on economic stability and national security.”

The rift between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery escalated over the weekend after the union accused the company of terminating the employment of hundreds of staff members who had joined the association.

The union claimed that the workers were being victimised for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association and alleged that the refinery had replaced some of the dismissed staff with expatriates.

PENGASSAN, in a circular signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, after an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Saturday, directed members in all oil and gas installations nationwide to down tools from Sunday, September 28.

Okugbawa said last night , that the strike and the meeting by the FG, with the union would be part of the meeting on Monday but added that the association had made its position known.

Meanwhile,many citizens took to the social media yesterday to express their views on the dispute.

Ben Owoleke, a power sector expert, on X said PENGASAN does not have any gas. “The gas belongs to Nigerian Government, those union guys are just employees working for Nigeria to earn their wages. Only Nigerian government should stop gas supply to Dangote Refinery. Two, the gas supply to Dangote is not free. Whether sold by NNPCL or other oil companies, Dangote pays for it. Three, it is from the payment made by Dangote Refinery that Nigeria and other coys earn some of their revenues which they use as allocation for salaries across states and LGs, also to pay salaries including the salaries of some of these saboteurs and of course, to do infrastructure and other services!”

On X (formerly Twitter), @MrGhata said: “The best way to solve and dispute is by dialogue not by compounding the problem. PENGASSAN should look at the bigger picture, not their pockets.”

@TomolaGroup: “The refinery drama in Nigeria keeps exposing the same problem. half-truths, blame games, and no accountability. Until transparency is prioritized, ordinary Nigerians will keep paying the price.”

@IamSpeacial_Kay: “We shouted monopoly would be a problem, now it’s playing out. When only one refinery holds all the power, the people have no choice but to suffer. This is the ugly face of monopoly when one man controls the market, the people pay the price.”

@thekanoblog: “Nigerians must open their eyes! Dangote’s refinery was supposed to bring relief, yet every time the people are close to breathing, forces within the government and their allies rise to frustrate it.

“Why is it that whenever progress comes for the masses, the powerful try to crush it? This is not about Dangote alone – this is about the deliberate punishment of ordinary Nigerians. We must demand accountability, because true leadership should protect the people, not sabotage their hope.”

@Sizzymirah: “Stop shifting post @DangoteGroup

You unlawfully sacked your staff for joining union. Didn’t you think of a Dialogue before taking such steps? Just stop this victim card you’re trying to play here. You think O&G is like other industries you can throw people out with poor welfare?”

On Facebook, Sajos Yusuf Illiya, said: “This problem would have long been solved if PENGASSAN were forward thinking. That much they enjoy from monopoly has been broken and they are refusing to evolve.”

Dagunduro Samuel: “Why would Dangote dismiss and sack the Nigerians’ staff simply for wanting to join a union? Don’t they have the right to belong to a union under Nigeria law?”

Taofik Tafa: “PENGASSAN, NUPENG, DAPPMAN, etc shouldn’t be allowed to ruin Dangote refinery the way they’ve ruined NNPC refineries.”

Jabes Simon: “They have a hiding motive towards this issue. Dangote can relocate to Iceland and live for 100 years without an issue. Why didn’t they shut down when ASUU was on strike? They’re not after Nigerians but rather their pockets.”

The Concerned Nigerian Consumers Forum have also asked the federal government and the Department of State Services to investigate the alleged attempts by the PENGASSAN to sabotage the Dangote Refinery.

In a statement yesterday by Olabisi Taiwo and Justice Alikor, president and secretary, respectively, the forum expressed concern over PENGASSAN’s threat to picket the refinery because of the alleged mass sackings.

It warned that such action could plunge the country back into scarcity of petroleum products, trigger economic instability and cause national embarrassment.

“Who benefits if the refinery fails?” the forum asked. “Certainly not the Nigerian people, but fuel importers and rent seekers who profit from chaos,” the forum stated.

“The government must send a clear message: industrial blackmail will not be tolerated.

“Nigerians have suffered enough from fuel queues and economic hardship. The Dangote refinery is our best chance at energy independence, and we must not allow vested interests to destroy it,” the forum said.

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BINATONE Announces Special One Month Black Friday Deals!

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Global Appliances Nigeria Limited, manufacturers of Binatone products has, announced an exciting Black Friday deals.

 

The company’s Managing Director, Mr Prasun Banerjee, said the offer cut across Its Full Range of Smart Home Appliances.

“Binatone, one of Africa’s most trusted appliance brands for over 52 years, is delighted to announce its Black Friday Mega Sales offering amazing discounts across all key supermarkets and leading electronic stores nationwide” Mr Banerjee said in a statement.

The promotion will be from November 6th to december 6th, 2026.

During this period, Mr Banerjee said customers will have a full month to enjoy unbeatable prices on a wide range of Binatone products.

“From energy solutions to kitchen essentials, Binatone will bring exceptional value and innovation to every Nigerian home this festive season,” he added.

According to him, this year’s Black Friday promotions will feature exciting offers across multiple categories stressing that Shoppers can enjoy great discounts on stand fans equipped with mosquito-repellent and air-freshness features, including the newly introduced AD 1601 AC/DC Fan, which can be linked to a solar panel for clean, free air.

“The rechargeable fan range, available in three models with replaceable lithium-ion batteries, recharges in just four hours and provides up to ten hours of cooling—enough to last the whole night,” Mr Banerjee added.

For kitchen lovers, he said the KC6000 Yam Pounder/Fufu Maker promises quick, hygienic, and effortless meal preparation while the air-fryer series, available in three models, requires just a teaspoon of oil to make crispy, tasty, and healthy fries.

“Binatone’s cool-touch kettles, models CEJ 1799 and CEJ 1700T, come with elegant digital displays and are designed for safety and convenience, he added.

To protect valuable home appliances, he disclosed that Binatone’s power range offers stabilizers in 2 KVA and 5 KVA capacities and surge-voltage protectors in 13 A30 A ratings—ideal for air conditioners.

“The company’s newly launched Power Stations, available in 1.8 KVA and 2.4 KVA variants, provide portable, plug-and-play power with solar-charging capability, ensuring reliable backup power for homes, small offices, and outdoor use”

He disclosed that customers will also find irresistible discounts on Binatone’s dry and steam irons, garment steamers, and microwave ovens thar are perfect for everyday household needs.

“The breakfast-essentials range features pop-up toasters, sandwich makers, and juicers designed to make mornings easier,” he stated. He announced that the high-powered blender collection includes durable, unbreakable jugs capable of smoothly blending hard nuts and beans.

“Additionally, Binatone has introduced the Tefal Cookware Range, offering premium non-stick pots and pans for healthy cooking, along with Freeplay solar-powered lanterns and torches, ensuring every home remains bright and energy-efficient

“Binatone’s Black Friday celebration is our way of thanking loyal customers for their trust over the years,” Mr Banerjee added.

“We are bringing quality, affordability, and innovation together, thus making this season the perfect time to upgrade your home.

”All Binatone products comes with a two-year warranty, giving customers additional peace of mind and assurance of lasting quality.

“Don’t miss these amazing Black Friday offers, available for a limited time at all major supermarkets, electronic stores, and online platforms across,” he stated.

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Wema Bank’s Top 21 Hackaholics 7.0 Grand Finale Finalists Emerge

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Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, has unveiled the Top 21 finalists for Hackaholics 7.0, who will compete at the grand finale scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026, in Lagos. Themed Festival of the Future, the grand finale will bring together innovators, technology leaders, startup founders, investors and key players in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem for an immersive celebration of ideas, technology and the possibilities shaping the future.

 

The Top 21 finalists are: Dynalimb, Harthiq, Acceede, Vhorde, URI, Trarrk, SocialSign, RaverPay, All-Arbitrates, CitizensGage, Craft-Planet, FOID, PayByPalm, Niteonn, Nexa-AI, Neural-Forge, MamaAlert, JolliFlow, Becca, CropiQ and Middleman.

Hackaholics is Wema Bank’s youth and start-up-focused initiative, designed to provide young innovators with a platform to transform creative, technology-driven ideas into practical solutions to real-world challenges and gain a competitive edge in the global technology and digital space. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has recorded over 21,000 applicants, engaged more than 50,000 participants, supported over 10,000 startups across three countries and developed more than 100 solutions from scratch.

The 7th edition, which commenced on July 1, 2026, attracted 5,329 participants and generated 1,632 innovative ideas and solutions across seven pitch-centre locations: Uyo, Kano, YabaTech, Benin, Ibadan, Enugu and Lagos. Following the nationwide tour, 59 participants emerged from the various centres, with the Top 21 selected through a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process.

The Hackaholics 7.0 grand finale week will feature a three-day programme of strategic engagement and innovation-focused activities. On Wednesday, November 4, the finalists will participate in the Pre-Pitch, where they will present refined versions of their solutions. This will be followed by the Ecosystem Tour on Thursday, November 5, powered by Wema Bank, offering participants the opportunity to visit leading institutions within the technology and innovation ecosystem, interact with industry professionals and gain practical insights ahead of the final competition. The programme will culminate in the grand finale on Friday, November 6, where outstanding innovators will be recognised and celebrated.

Through Hackaholics, Wema Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem by identifying emerging talent, creating opportunities for young innovators and supporting the development of solutions to real-world challenges. The initiative reinforces the Bank’s role in empowering the next generation of innovators and building an ecosystem where ideas can thrive and possibilities become reality.

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Sanusi Warns FG Against Spending Without Restraint

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Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has implied that the Federal government may not be able to achieve it’s economic reform dream if it maintains it’s present expenditure rate, declaring that Nigeria could not pursue fiscal consolidation while continuing to spend without restraint.

 

Speaking virtually to the audience at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference, organised by the Oxford Global Think Tank, on Tuesday, the monarch said reform must go beyond removing fuel subsidies and liberalising the exchange rate, describing it as a comprehensive package that needed to address many other areas.

He said government needed to make clear spending priorities, choosing between roads, electricity, agriculture, and technology based on available resources.

The Emir also raised concerns about the size of government expenditure, saying Nigeria could not pursue fiscal consolidation while continuing to spend without restraint.

He said the World Bank had pointed out that in the first half of this year Nigeria’s debt service consumed 124 per cent of federal government revenue.

Sanusi warned that the country needed to urgently address the sustainability of its debt and pursue structural reforms that had not yet been made.

The former CBN boss said every $10 billion spent on roads was $10 billion taken away from electricity and agriculture, stressing the need for deliberate choices.

Sanusi acknowledged that Tinubu’s economic reforms had produced measurable progress, citing improvements in GDP growth, inflation, and foreign reserves.

He said GDP growth has risen from an average of 0.9 per cent under the previous administration to 4.5 per cent, describing the change as progress that deserved recognition.

“I think moving from an average growth rate of 0.9 per cent to 4.5 per cent is progress. Moving from inflation of over 30 per cent to 14.5 per cent is progress.”

“Moving from the point where in 2023 the central bank’s reserves were maybe negative to where we are now having reserves of $55 billion is progress.”

He, however, stressed that issues such as poverty, hunger, maternal mortality, malnutrition, education and healthcare remained serious concerns that the reforms has not yet addressed.

Sanusi said the government should have designed social safety net policies to soften the impact of reforms on vulnerable Nigerians from the beginning.

The former CBN boss also advised the government to tolerate constructive criticism,warning the Federal Government against treating every comment about it’s workings as an attack on President Bola Tinubu.

“It’s not every time people talk about poverty or talk about difficulty that they’re just enemies of the government or making an attack on the president. That is not how to respond to economic distress,” he said.

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