Nigeria and Benin have stressed the need to overhaul the ECOWAS Standby Force to safeguard democratic transition in the sub-region.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and his Beninese counterpart, Olushegun Bakari, made this known at a ministerial briefing in Abuja.

The briefing was held on the sidelines of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which runs from 10 to 12 December.

Both ministers spoke against the backdrop of the recent thwarted coup in Benin, urging sustained regional cooperation to protect democracy across ECOWAS states.

Mr Tuggar said, “Democratic institutions survive when neighbouring states maintain open channels of communication. We all saw what happened in Benin and the swift reaction.

“The coordination that ensured democracy remained intact in Benin is an example of what should occur whenever democracy is threatened in our region.”

He said the response succeeded due to early communication, rapid action and the involvement of colleagues who helped avert an unconstitutional change of government.

Mr Tuggar added, “The speed of officials like Minister Bakari, and the quick involvement of both presidents, made the decisive difference.”

He emphasised the need for ECOWAS members to pay dues regularly to strengthen the standby force and support regional stability.

Mr Bakari thanked President Bola Tinubu and the presidents of Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Ghana for their prompt support during the crisis.

READ ALSO: West Africa is in a state of emergency – ECOWAS President

He said normalcy returned to Benin due to swift intervention, which allowed the government to defend its democracy and deepen cooperation with neighbours.

“Beninese loyalist forces repelled the initial assault, but the situation required careful handling to avoid needless civilian casualties.

“We sought support not because our army was incapable, but because President Patrice Talon wanted to prevent heavy loss of life,” he said.

Mr Bakari said the Benin army repelled the coup attempt, but the risk of major casualties required a coordinated regional response.

(NAN)

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The President of women in politics forum, Ebere Ifendu, has described as very embarrassing the gale of defections of Nigerian governors into the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television monitored by DAILY POST on Thursday, Ifendu raised the alarm that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat.

She was reacting to the gale of defections by some state governors from their own political parties into the APC.

DAILY POST reports that the governors of Enugu, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom states have all defected to the ruling party.

Reacting, Ifendu said, “It’s an embarrassing situation if I must be honest with you. In politics, we expect that political parties have different ideologies. It’s either you’re a socialist political party like you find in the Labour Party or you are a conservative political party. There must be an ideology.

“And so when you see these people move from one party to the other, you begin to wonder, is it that political parties in Nigeria are not built with ideology? Because when we vote for a political party, we vote based on those things that we believe that the political party is presenting before us.

“And I think that democracy in Nigeria is threatened because people no longer believe in the people they have voted for.

“Let me also say here that a candidate of a political party is carrying the mandate of the party, and not the person’s personal mandate, and so you get elected based on what your party presented, and then you just dump that party to go to another political party. Are we turning to a one party state in Nigeria?

“If there is no opposition, then there is no democracy. So I think it’s very wrong seeing what is happening in Nigeria today.”

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Former Senate President,  Dr. Bukola Saraki, says he is deeply shaken by the death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, deputy governor of Bayelsa state.

Saraki said Ewhrudjakpo’s career in public service showed a man committed to the development of his state.

He said the late deputy governor was widely regarded as a workaholic and a technocrat who brought intellectual rigour to governance.

Saraki described Ewhrudjakpo as “a stabiliser and loyal ally” to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa.

His words: “To lose such a capable hand—a stabiliser and loyal ally — is a devastating blow to my brother, Governor Duoye Diri, and the entire Bayelsa State Government.

“As we mourn his passing, I extend my most heartfelt condolences to Governor Diri, the Ewhrudjakpo family, and the good people of Bayelsa State. I pray that the Almighty grants them the fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.”

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed and passed away earlier today.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, MNIPR, the party described Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a “trusted and faithful party man” and a “hero of political integrity.”

The statement noted that the news of his passing has thrown the PDP National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as well as the party’s members—particularly those in Bayelsa State, into deep shock and mourning.

“Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an honest and consistent politician who believed in and practised politics with principle,” the statement read. “He was a man of conviction rather than convenience; a leader whose life was defined by belief, integrity, and strength of character, virtues he upheld until his final moments.”

The PDP extended its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State, describing the loss as “painful and irreparable,” and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s passing is regarded as a major loss to both the party and the state, given his reputation for principled leadership and dedicated public service.

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A Nigerian traveller sparked conversation online after sharing his harrowing experience landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, only to find the facility plunged into total darkness.

Total darkness at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The post, which quickly went viral, captured the moment of surprise and frustration as the passenger struggled to navigate the airport without any power.

In his social media post, he recounted the unexpected blackout and expressed disbelief at the lack of preparedness, highlighting how even in a major African hub, basic amenities like lighting and backup systems could fail. 

Reactions poured in from social media users, with some offering humorous takes while others criticised the airport’s management.

Social media reactions

@Wove…: “Everything is possible in Nigeria”

@Engrvirus1: “Na Lunar energy na why”

@Manchi_De_Great: “You should be grateful to God you’re not in the middle of nowhere.”

@Softaesthetics6: “Nigeria the best country in Africa”

@DjLucianovibe: “Nigeria”

@018Salama: “Not even a backup generator?”

Travel experts and frequent flyers have weighed in, calling on airport authorities to prioritise reliable power solutions and contingency planning.

While Murtala Muhammed International Airport remains one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs, travellers say such incidents highlight the need for consistent maintenance, emergency preparedness, and better communication to ensure passenger safety and convenience.

Watch the video below…

Traveler expresses sh0ck after landing to complete darkness at Murtala Muhammed International Airport pic.twitter.com/I75mOlfWeO

— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) December 11, 2025

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The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, has said the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister Nyesom Wike is still his friend regardless of the fact that he and his loyalists have been expelled from the party.

Turaki, in an interview on the Nigeria Right Now Show hosted by Dickson Iregbu, said he does not deny his friends.

The PDP chairman also said the party has set up a legal team to reclaim the 16 state assembly seats in Rivers State.

He added that as much as the Rivers and Osun governors have an inalienable right to defect from PDP, they should have considered the moral implications, adding that those they are going to meet in the new party would be mindful of their character.

Commenting on the activities of the Wike-led camp, Turaki said, “For me, I honestly don’t like speaking about personalities. But the situation that we have found ourselves in now and relative to the question is such that I would have to take exceptions to that. Now, my friend and very good friend Barr Nyesom Wike…. He is my friend. I don’t deny my friends. He has been my colleague, he has been a very good friend but he is no longer a member of the PDP.”

He added that their expulsion from the party can only be overturned by God, adding that the highest organ of the party, national convention, took the decision to expel them from the party.

He said it’s unfortunate that the expelled persons choose to hallucinate and deceive others over their expulsion.

You can’t break the rules of the union and you continue to say you must be a member. Things are not done that way in a decent society. And PDP is a decent organisation,” he said.

On the defection of Rivers and Osun State governors, he said they have the inalienable right to leave the party but that there should be moral considerations.

He said the PDP has done so much for them, adding that leaving the party with ignominy and impunity and that the people they are going to meet will be mindful of the character.

He however said the exit of governors won’t affect the party, adding that it draws its strength from the people.

Reacting specifically to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, the PDP chairman said the APC instigated the crisis in the state, using an APC serving minister to create problems for PDP.

He however expressed regret that the governor eventually ran to the same party that caused the crisis.

Noting that the party will reclaim the legislative seats in Rivers, Turaki, “We have raised a legal team to challenge the seat of the 16 members who defected last week in Rivers State.”

The party chairman admitted that the party made mistakes in the past and said, “We have learnt our lessons. We have made mistakes. I have said this right from the Ibadan convention. This is a new sheriff in town. We will take the party back to the people.”

He said the party has gone to court to seek the reopening of the party’s sealed national secretariat.

The party chairman, who recounted the events that led to sealing of the secretariat, said he expected the police to have done better.

Reacting to speculations of former President Goodluck Jonathan and former presidential candidate Peter Obi’s return to get the PDP presidential ticket in 2027, Turaki maintained that the people will decide.

He however said he has been in touch with Jonathan and Obi, adding that the party has an array of qualified aspirants who can do the job.

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Transport fares from Lagos to the South-Eastern states have begun rising ahead of the annual Christmas migration, with operators warning that prices will continue to increase sharply from December 18 as demand peaks.

A Nairametrics market survey across major Lagos parks shows current fares ranging from N25,500 to N73,500, depending on destination and vehicle type, with projections indicating a 20%–30% increase during the peak travel period.

The South-East—covering Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia—remains one of the busiest outbound corridors from Lagos during the festive season as travellers return home for family visits, social events, and cultural ceremonies.

Current fares across major parks 

A pricing review conducted in Jibowu, Mile 2, Iyana Ipaja, and Ikorodu Garage, complemented by online checks, shows the following fares for 15-seater and 7-seater buses as of December 11, 2025:

Notes: 

• Lower fare ranges are generally offered by smaller transport companies without AC or extensive branch networks.
• Higher fare ranges are provided by leading operators offering AC, bus TV, padded and well-spaced seats, and scheduled departures.

What to expect during the peak period 

Fares from Lagos to the South-East are expected to rise as the peak festive period approaches, typically starting around December 18. A ticketing clerk at Peace Mass Transit, Ikorodu Garage Terminal, explained that price increases are gradual, usually by N1,000 to N1,500 at a time, until they reach the peak range.

For example, in December 2024, the average fare for a 15-seater bus from Lagos to the South-Eastern states, which normally charged about N32,000, settled around N41,500, according to the experience of a ticketing clerk for a transport company operating out of Mile 2.

Based on historical trends and insights from transport operators, fares during the peak period from around December 18 onwards are expected to increase by 20% to 30% and would remain at these levels until the second or third week of January.

For 15-seater buses, the lower end of fares could rise to around N30,600, while the upper end could reach N67,600. For 7-seater buses, the lower end could be about N55,000, with the upper end reaching around N93,600 for larger, more comfortable vehicles where departures run on schedule. For top 15-seater companies, fares are expected to range between N54,000 and N67,600.

Factors driving fare increases 

The sharp rise in fares during the festive season is driven primarily by the economics of demand and supply. With many people competing for a limited number of seats, transport companies adjust prices to balance high demand with the available capacity of vehicles, ensuring operations remain profitable.

Return trips to Lagos from the South-East often operate under capacity during this period. A park manager of a mid-level transportation company at Iyana Ipaja told Nairametrics,

“When buses return from the East, they often carry very few passengers. The high fares during this period help offset the cost of running nearly empty trips.”  

Operators across several parks confirmed this trend.

Operational costs further contribute to fare increases. The hot weather during December accelerates wear and tear on vehicles, particularly tyres, which cost around N40,000 each for second-hand replacements. A staff member of a transport company at Ojota who chose to remain anonymous said, “We often have to replace multiple tyres in December because of the harsh conditions, and this adds to our expenses.”

Fuel is another significant factor. A 7-seater bus cannot complete a Lagos–South-East trip on a single full tank of 130 litres and must refuel after leaving Lagos. Prices in towns east of Lagos often exceed N1,000 per litre, compared with N880–N900 per litre in Lagos, adding to operational costs.

Chibuike Amadi, a manager of a Jibowu-based transportation company with a fleet of 7-seater vehicles, told Nairametrics, “Refuelling after Lagos is unavoidable, and the higher fuel prices in the East add to our costs, which is one of the factors contributing to higher fares during December.” 

Alternatives to road transport to the South-East 

Options beyond road travel are limited. There are currently no rail services connecting Lagos to the five South-Eastern states — Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Abia, and Enugu — leaving air travel as the main alternative.

Meanwhile, airfares this December have surged by 200% to over 300%, with tickets from Lagos to cities like Enugu, Owerri, and Aba exceeding N350,000. This spike, which occurs every festive season, is driven by late bookings and high demand. Airlines also use a “bucket” pricing system, where early buyers pay less while prices rise as flights fill.

Structural factors add to costs. With only 0.02% of the population flying, Nigerian airlines cannot achieve economies of scale. Limited aircraft, a weak naira, high fuel costs, and multiple aviation charges further push fares up.

Given this, road transport remains the most accessible and practical option. Buses and smaller vehicles provide affordable, flexible travel with scheduled departures and varied comfort levels, making them the backbone of inter-state journeys from Lagos to the South-East.

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Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has been confirmed dead after collapsing in his office on Thursday evening in Yenagoa.

According to multiple reports, the deputy governor suddenly slumped while at work and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.

Medical personnel reportedly pronounced him dead shortly after he arrived at the hospital.

Sudden collapse linked to workload

Although the state government has yet to release an official cause of death, early reports suggest that the collapse may be connected to a heavy workload in recent weeks.

Attempts to reach his media aide, Doubara Atasi, were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable.

Political tension before his death

Before his sudden passing, Mr Ewhrudjakpo had kept his distance during Governor Douye Diri’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in October.

Governor Diri stated at the time that he would not pressure his deputy to join the ruling party, adding that he would continue to engage him for a positive resolution.

The late deputy governor had also approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from proceeding with an alleged plot to impeach him for remaining in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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By Udeme Akpan, Energy Editor

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, has said that   Nigeria’s oil output, excluding Condensate, dropped by 0.7 percent   to 1.486 million barrels per day, bpd in November from 1.496 million bpd produced in October 2025.  

The Organisation does not consider Condensate, which Nigeria produces about 196,028 bpd, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC.

OPEC disclosed this in its December 2025 Monthly Oil Market Report, MOMR,   insisting   that the figures for November were based on data obtained from secondary sources,   indicating that Nigeria did not meet OPEC’s 1.5 million bpd quota.

When data obtained from direct sources were considered, OPEC disclosed that Nigeria produced 1.436 million bpd in November 2025, up from 1.401 million bpd in October 2025.

The current 1.486 million bpd showed a marginal increase from 1.417 million bpd recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.

Reacting in an interview with Vanguard, yesterday, Wumi Iledare, Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics and Executive Director, Emmanuel Egbogah Foundation, said: “That Nigeria’s crude oil output (excluding condensates) for November 2025 at 1.486 mbpd—just slightly below October’s 1.496 mbpd and still short of the 1.5 mbpd target is not too surprising.

“The reasons are familiar: insecurity, a mature basin with no major new discoveries, and the failure to offer fresh hydrocarbon blocks for bidding. Governance gaps remain overwhelming, and policy uncertainty continues to weaken investor confidence.

“The selective implementation of the PIA must stop. Nigeria urgently needs a clearly designated leader with institutional authority to drive the sector. 

Too many proxy drivers will not work.   I cannot recall the last time Nigeria met its OPEC quota.”

Meanwhile, the NUPRC has set a production target of more than 2.5 million barrels of oil per day (MBOPD) in the coming years.

Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC, highlighted the significant strides made by the Commission since its establishment in 2021, noting that Nigeria’s active rig count, which stood at 16 as of 2021, has now increased to 40 under the Commission’s oversight.

The post Nigeria’s oil output drops to 1.486m bpd in November- OPEC appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has unveiled FutureMakers, a new national programme aimed at grooming young innovators aged 5 to 16 and positioning Nigeria for long-term technological advancement.

The initiative was launched on Thursday at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, described FutureMakers as a strategic investment in the nation’s next generation of scientists, engineers and creative thinkers.

Halilu said the programme will inspire children to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges by cultivating creativity, critical thinking and early exposure to science and technology.

“Today, we take another step toward securing Nigeria’s long-term innovation future. FutureMakers is designed to identify, nurture and empower young innovators between the ages of 5 and 16 years. Early exposure creates lifelong innovators, and Nigeria is joining that league through this programme”, he said.

He explained that the initiative is part of NASENI’s long-term strategy to build technical confidence early, prepare young people for careers in STEM, entrepreneurship and leadership, and strengthen the national innovation ecosystem from the ground up.

“This is our way of securing Nigeria’s innovation stability over the next 30 to 50 years,” Halilu added, calling on parents, teachers, partners and the private sector to support young talents by encouraging creativity, sponsoring competitions and funding prototypes.

Special Adviser to the EVC on Commercialisation and Efficiency, Anas Balarabe Yazid, said the programme is about more than robotics, coding, engineering and design thinking. He described FutureMakers as a platform that nurtures belief in children even before the world sees their potential.

“It is about investing in their talent before their CV exists and creating an experience that stays with them for life, the moment they realise they can build things, solve real problems and be makers of the future,” he said.

In her presentation, the Head of the NASENI Innovation Hub, Mrs Rachael Oluwabusola Perez-Folayan, announced that 60 children will participate in the first cycle of the programme, which runs from December 2025 to February 2026. Participants will be selected from the six geopolitical zones.

She said top winners from each zone will receive prizes worth up to N5 million, including a scholarship and an exclusive study tour abroad with the NASENI EVC.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi, praised the agency for the initiative and commended mentors, teachers and parents supporting the effort.

“As we launch FutureMakers, let us renew our collective commitment to building a nation where creativity is elevated, ideas are supported, and every child’s potential is allowed to thrive. What we are doing today will inspire a new generation”, he said.

Students from Aflon Digital Academy, Kuje, and Government Secondary School, Idu-Karmo, Abuja attended the event, marking the first public unveiling of the programme designed to shape Nigeria’s innovation future.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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