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  • Dangote Targets London Listing as Cement Giant Plans Global Expansion

    Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has revealed plans to list Dangote Cement on the London Stock Exchange later this year as the company pushes for expansion and fresh international investment.

    The proposed move would see Dangote Cement secure a secondary listing in the United Kingdom, while also selling about 10 per cent of its shares to outside investors.

    Dangote confirms London plans

    Speaking to the Financial Times, Dangote said discussions around a dual listing had been ongoing for years but recent changes in the UK market made the move more attractive.

    “We want to do a dual listing. We’ve been thinking about it for seven to 10 years,” Dangote said.

    He added that London became a preferred option after the UK relaxed some of its listing requirements.

    “We ended up saying London is good as they have brought down the minimum listing requirements,” he stated.

    Dangote Cement currently has a market valuation of nearly $13 billion on the Nigerian Exchange.

    Banks reportedly selected

    According to reports, the cement company has already selected major financial institutions to advise on the planned listing.

    The banks reportedly include Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Standard Bank.

    The listing is expected to take place around September, depending on market conditions and investor interest.

    This would revive earlier attempts by Dangote Cement to enter the London market after previous plans failed to materialise.

    Expansion drive gathers pace

    Dangote also disclosed that the company plans to increase its annual cement production capacity from 60 million tonnes to 100 million tonnes by 2030.

    He said new plants are already being developed in Nigeria to support export operations.

    “In Nigeria, work had already started on a plant for 6 million tonnes, with another 6 million tonnes of capacity to follow,” he said.

    Dangote Cement currently operates in 11 African countries and remains Africa’s largest producer of building materials.

    The company’s shares have reportedly gained more than 70 per cent this year.

    Refinery boosts wealth

    Dangote’s growing fortune has also been linked to the performance of his refinery business in Lagos.

    Bloomberg recently estimated his net worth at $35.4 billion, making him the richest person in Africa and the only African on Forbes’ list of the world’s 100 richest people.

    The billionaire also revealed plans to sell up to a 15 per cent stake in the Dangote refinery through an initial public offering in Lagos later this year.

    Arsenal dream postponed

    Dangote also revisited his long-standing interest in buying English football club Arsenal.

    According to him, he had to choose between completing his refinery project and pursuing ownership of the London club.

    “I asked myself, do I want to complete these projects or do I want to go and buy Arsenal?” he said.

    “I realised that, look, I have missed the boat.”

  • FG Unveils ₦250bn Hostel Expansion Plan Across 50 Tertiary Institutions

    The Federal Government has unveiled a major intervention plan worth over ₦250 billion to address the growing accommodation crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed the development in Abuja on Wednesday during the inauguration of governing boards, rectors and principal officers of several federal education agencies and institutions.

    FG targets hostel shortages nationwide

    Alausa said the intervention, approved under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, would support the construction and expansion of hostel facilities across federal tertiary institutions.

    According to him, at least 50 institutions will receive ₦2 billion each to build student hostels with a minimum capacity of 500 bed spaces per project.

    “We are spending ₦2 billion each to build hostel accommodation in at least 50 tertiary institutions,” the minister said.

    “The ₦2 billion will deliver 500 bed spaces to each of these institutions. These funds have been mobilised via TETFund.”

    He described the initiative as the largest single-year investment in student accommodation infrastructure in Nigeria’s history.

    Additional ₦80bn planned through PPP

    The minister further disclosed that another ₦80 billion would be invested through Public Private Partnerships across 24 federal tertiary institutions.

    According to him, the arrangement will provide between 1,200 and 1,500 bed spaces per institution.

    “TETFund will come up with one billion in counterpart funding and the rest will come up with three billion. So, total four billion per institution,” he explained.

    The projects are expected to ease pressure on existing hostel facilities and improve student welfare nationwide.

    Alausa charges education leaders

    Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Alausa urged the newly appointed board members and institutional heads to prioritise transparency, accountability and innovation.

    He said the government’s education reforms are focused on expanding access, improving quality, integrating technology and aligning education with national development goals.

    “I urge you to lead with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.

    “Your mandate is clear, build strong academic programmes, invest in faculty development, promote impactful and solution-oriented research, ensure student welfare, and foster strategic partnerships.”

    New appointments announced

    Among those inaugurated were Professor Babatunde Salako as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Modupe Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council (NECO), and Shofoyeke David as Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration.

    Others include Dr Bongfa Bonfa as Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam, Plateau State, and Professor Tijani Kalli as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama.

  • 2027: NDC Breaks Silence on Alleged Jonathan Presidential Pact

    The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports linking the party to an alleged agreement with former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    The party said consultations regarding its presidential ticket were still ongoing and no final decision had been reached.

    NDC denies zoning presidential ticket

    Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the party’s Deputy National Spokesman, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, stated that the NDC had neither zoned its presidential ticket nor entered into any pact with Jonathan.

    “The NDC is a party that believes in merging ideas and consultations across boards,” he said.

    “I can categorically tell you that we have not zoned the presidential ticket. Consultations are still ongoing since politics is a dynamic game.”

    His remarks come amid growing speculation that the former president could emerge as a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

    ‘High-profile politicians joining party’

    Abdulsalam disclosed that the NDC was already attracting interest from several influential political figures across different parties, including members of the ruling APC.

    According to him, former governors, ex-ministers and lawmakers are making moves towards the party ahead of the next election cycle.

    “As I speak to you, we are still expecting high-profile personalities, including former governors, ex-ministers, serving and former lawmakers, even from the ruling party,” he said.

    “The NDC is the beautiful bride that everybody wants to have right now.”

    Party reacts to Jonathan rumours

    Reacting directly to reports surrounding Jonathan, Abdulsalam described the claims as speculation without any formal backing from the party leadership.

    “This is another rumour making the rounds that former President Jonathan wants to pitch his tent in our party,” he stated.

    “There is no concrete move like that in the hierarchy of our party, and such a decision has not been taken.”

    Despite the denial, the spokesman noted that Jonathan remains constitutionally qualified to contest if he decides to return to active politics.

    “But I can tell you that everything is still possible in the case of former President Jonathan,” he added.

    “He is a Nigerian who is eminently qualified to fly the flag of the party on any platform of his choice. But as of today, we have no pact with him.”

  • 3 Dead, Several Hospitalised as Rare Hantavirus Outbreak Hits Luxury Cruise Ship

    A rare hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch-flagged luxury expedition cruise ship, MV Hondius, has triggered international concern after at least three people died and several others tested positive across multiple countries.

    The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed Ushuaia, Argentina, in early April for an Antarctic voyage before crossing the Atlantic toward the Canary Islands through routes including Saint Helena and Cape Verde.

    Health authorities say the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, one of the few known variants capable of limited human-to-human transmission.

    Three deaths confirmed

    According to reports from global health agencies, at least eight cases have been identified so far, including five laboratory-confirmed infections and several suspected cases.

    Among the fatalities are a Dutch couple and a German national.

    The first victim, a Dutch man believed to be in his 70s, reportedly developed symptoms including fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea before dying onboard around April 11.

    His wife later died in South Africa, while a German woman also succumbed to the illness.

    One patient is currently said to be in critical condition in South Africa, while others are receiving treatment or recovering in hospitals across the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and South Africa.

    Passengers evacuated as investigations intensify

    The ship reportedly carried about 147 passengers and crew members from at least 12 nationalities, including Americans, Britons and Canadians.

    Around April 24, nearly 30 passengers disembarked in Saint Helena and travelled independently to various countries before extensive contact tracing began.

    Following growing concerns, three passengers were evacuated from the ship between May 6 and May 7 while the vessel was near Cape Verde.

    Two were hospitalised in stable condition in the Netherlands, while another asymptomatic passenger travelled to Germany.

    Authorities later cleared the ship to continue its journey toward Tenerife in the Canary Islands after no fresh symptomatic cases were reported onboard.

    Health agencies monitor possible transmission

    Investigators believe the outbreak may have started through exposure to infected rodents, possibly in South America or onboard the vessel, before limited human-to-human transmission occurred among close contacts.

    The Andes strain is considered unusual because most hantaviruses spread only through contact with rodent urine, saliva or droppings.

    Health experts stressed that the virus is not airborne like COVID-19 and currently poses a low risk to the wider public.

    Symptoms usually appear between one and eight weeks after exposure and can progress rapidly from flu-like illness to severe respiratory complications.

    Global response underway

    The World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, UK Health Security Agency, US CDC and several national governments are now involved in monitoring and contact tracing efforts.

    Authorities in the United States are reportedly monitoring several passengers who returned to states including Texas, Georgia, California, Arizona and Virginia, although no active symptoms have been confirmed among them.

    Passengers and crew onboard the vessel were advised to use protective equipment, including masks, while investigations continue.

    Health experts maintain that there is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission or signs of a broader pandemic threat.

  • Senate Drama: Oshiomhole Demands Akpabio’s Resignation Over Leadership Rule Clash

    There was fresh drama in the Senate after Senator Adams Oshiomhole publicly called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio following a heated clash over controversial amendments to the Senate Standing Rules.

    The confrontation, which unfolded during plenary on May 6, 2026, exposed growing tensions within the Red Chamber ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

    Controversial amendment sparks uproar

    The crisis began after the Senate amended portions of its Standing Orders, particularly Orders 4 and 5, to tighten eligibility for key leadership positions.

    Under the amendment, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before an election would qualify to contest for positions such as Senate President, Deputy Senate President and other principal offices.

    The move effectively shut out first-term lawmakers and several incoming politicians believed to be eyeing leadership positions in the proposed 11th Senate.

    Critics within the chamber reportedly viewed the amendment as an attempt to protect certain political interests ahead of 2027.

    Akpabio, Oshiomhole clash during plenary

    Tension escalated when Oshiomhole repeatedly raised a point of order during the adoption of votes and proceedings, insisting that the records did not accurately reflect agreements reached during a closed-door session.

    Akpabio ruled him out of order, switched off his microphone and warned him against disrupting proceedings.

    “Senator Oshiomhole, for the last time, if you become unruly in this Senate, we will use the same rules to remove you from the Senate,” Akpabio reportedly said.

    Despite the warning, Oshiomhole persisted, leading to a tense exchange before other lawmakers intervened.

    Oshiomhole attacks Akpabio’s leadership

    Speaking after plenary, Oshiomhole criticised Akpabio’s handling of the amendment process and accused him of running the Senate in an autocratic manner.

    The former Edo State governor reportedly called on Akpabio to resign, describing the process that led to the amendment as flawed and rushed.

    He also argued that lawmakers were denied the opportunity for extensive debate before the controversial changes were adopted.

    Senate reverses amendment

    Amid mounting backlash and constitutional concerns, the Senate later rescinded the controversial amendment and reverted to the previous rules.

    Lawmakers argued that parts of the new provisions could conflict with the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 52.

    The development has further highlighted growing political tensions within the ruling APC and renewed speculation over succession battles ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Isaac Fayose Slams Reno Omokri Over UK-Nigeria Petrol Price Comparison

    A fresh debate has erupted online after social commentator Isaac Fayose publicly criticised Reno Omokri over his recent comparison of petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    Fayose reacted in a viral video circulating across social media, accusing Omokri of ignoring the realities of low wages and rising living costs in Nigeria.

    Fayose questions fuel affordability in Nigeria

    The businessman argued that comparing fuel prices in both countries without considering purchasing power was misleading.

    According to him, Nigerians earning the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage cannot comfortably afford petrol reportedly selling around ₦1,400 per litre.

    Fayose stressed that after deductions for feeding, rent, transportation and other expenses, many workers would struggle to buy enough fuel to sustain daily activities.

    ‘UK workers earn more’

    He also compared Nigeria’s wage structure with that of the United Kingdom, insisting that workers abroad earn significantly more despite paying higher fuel prices.

    Fayose said higher salaries and better living conditions in the UK make fuel purchases less burdensome for residents there.

    The social commentator maintained that focusing only on pump prices without considering income levels creates a false narrative about affordability.

    Fayose accuses Omokri of defending government

    During the emotional video, Fayose also accused Omokri of defending government policies in order to remain in favour politically following his recent ambassadorial appointment.

    He repeatedly questioned why Nigerians should continue paying high fuel prices amid worsening economic hardship and rising inflation.

    The criticism comes after Omokri claimed petrol costs in England had risen to about ₦3,200 per litre, arguing that fuel price increases are a global issue and not unique to Nigeria.

  • FG Warns Lagos, Rivers, 17 Other States Over Imminent Flash Flooding

    The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned that 19 states across Nigeria may experience flash flooding following heavy early rains.

    NiMet issued the advisory on Thursday, stating that dry and hardened soil surfaces could increase runoff and prevent rainwater from properly soaking into the ground.

    19 states listed in NiMet advisory

    The agency listed the affected states as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa.

    According to NiMet, the weather condition may trigger flooded roads, traffic disruptions, destruction of homes and farmlands, as well as damage to public infrastructure.

    The agency also warned of possible blocked drainage systems, power outages, telecommunication disruptions and increased risks of injuries and water-borne diseases.

    Residents advised to stay alert

    NiMet urged residents in vulnerable areas to clear blocked drainages and remain updated with weather and flood alerts.

    Motorists and pedestrians were also warned against driving or walking through flooded roads and waterways.

    “An informed community is a prepared community. Know the risks and act early,” the agency stated.

    FG had earlier raised nationwide flood concerns

    The latest advisory comes weeks after the Federal Government warned that over 14,000 communities across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory could face severe flooding in 2026.

    The earlier flood-risk alert included states such as Lagos, Rivers, Kogi, Benue, Bayelsa, Delta, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and several others across the country.

    Authorities have now called on emergency agencies, state governments and relevant stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and response measures ahead of peak rainfall periods.

  • Carter Efe Challenges Wizkid to Celebrity Boxing Fight, Says Singer’s Son Should Watch

    Notable streamer Carter Efe has sparked fresh reactions online after publicly challenging Afrobeats star Wizkid to a celebrity boxing match.

    The challenge was made during a recent livestream featuring KCee and E-Money, where Carter Efe spoke about seeking a new opponent after his earlier bout with Portable.

    Carter Efe names Wizkid as next target

    During the livestream, Carter Efe insisted that Wizkid should be his next opponent, even adding a provocative twist involving the singer’s family.

    “The person I want to fight with now is Wizkid and I want his son, Boluwatife, to be there too. Let him come and collect the championship from me if he is man enough,” he said.

    The statement immediately triggered reactions across social media, with many describing it as controversial and unnecessary.

    Old tensions resurface

    The challenge also appears to reopen old grievances between both personalities.

    Carter Efe had previously released a tribute song titled Machala in honour of Wizkid but later accused the singer of not acknowledging or supporting him after the project.

    Wizkid, however, has consistently remained silent on the matter and has not publicly responded to any of Carter Efe’s claims over the years.

  • Peter Obi Stops Airport Fight, Calms Drivers During Heated Parking Clash

    Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stirred reactions online after a video surfaced showing him intervening in a dispute between two drivers at an airport.

    The incident reportedly happened while Obi was leaving the airport and noticed two men engaged in a heated confrontation over parking and vehicle clamping.

    Obi steps in to restore calm

    According to eyewitness accounts shared online, the former Anambra State governor immediately instructed his driver to stop after noticing the argument.

    “Without hesitation, Peter Obi instructed his driver to stop. He stepped out of the vehicle, approached them calmly, and pleaded with them to embrace peace instead of conflict,” a witness stated.

    The intervention reportedly helped de-escalate the situation and prevented further tension at the scene.

    Video sparks reactions online

    The viral clip has generated mixed reactions across social media, with supporters praising Obi’s calm approach and willingness to engage directly with ordinary Nigerians.

    Others described the gesture as another example of his hands-on public style.

    Not his first public intervention

    This is not the first time Obi has been seen carrying out similar acts in public spaces.

    In December 2025, he was spotted directing traffic during a major gridlock in Anambra State, where he stood on the road helping motorists navigate congestion.

    Months earlier, he also attracted attention after serving food to attendees at an event in Imo State.

    At the time, critics described the act as political branding, but Obi explained that many of the less privileged guests requested that he personally serve them.

  • Senate Reverses Controversial Rule Amendment After Oshiomhole-Akpabio Clash

    The Senate on Thursday reversed its earlier amendment to key sections of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 after concerns emerged that the changes could conflict with the 1999 Constitution.

    The reversal followed a heated controversy that had rocked the red chamber over eligibility rules for principal leadership positions.

    Senate retreats after constitutional concerns

    Lawmakers rescinded the amendments to Orders 2(2) and 3(1), restoring the previous provisions.

    The earlier amendment had restricted principal offices to senators serving at least a second term, effectively shutting out potential contenders in the incoming 11th National Assembly expected to commence in June 2027.

    Among those believed to be affected were Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Hope Uzodimma and Kabiru Marafa.

    Oshiomhole, Akpabio clash over amendment

    The controversy intensified on Wednesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed during plenary.

    Oshiomhole repeatedly attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings, prompting warnings from the Senate President.

    At one point, Akpabio threatened to order Oshiomhole out of the chamber if he continued disrupting proceedings.

    Despite the tension, the Senate initially went ahead with the amendment.

    Senate Leader moves rescission motion

    During Thursday’s plenary, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to reverse the changes, arguing that fresh constitutional reviews revealed possible conflicts with Section 52 of the Constitution.

    “Certain provisions introduced under Order 2 Subsection 2 and Order 3 Subsection 1 may give rise to constitutional inconsistencies,” he said.

    Bamidele added that the Senate retained the authority to revisit and correct earlier decisions in order to protect parliamentary integrity.

    Barau backs reversal

    Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, described the motion as necessary and straightforward.

    “This is just for us to go in conformity with the constitution,” Barau said.

    He commended the Senate Leader for quickly identifying the issue before it escalated further.

    Oshiomhole faults rushed process

    Reacting after the reversal, Oshiomhole criticised the process that led to the initial amendment.

    “The way we rushed the rules because certain people wanted certain things concluded is one flaw to this process,” he said.

    He urged the Senate to allow more robust debates before taking major decisions in the future.

    Bamidele, however, cautioned senators against turning legislative proceedings into unnecessary drama, insisting that disruptions during previous sittings overshadowed important parliamentary business.