News

Fear, Desertion Grip Abuja as Protests Cause Major Roads to Empty

Published

8 months ago

August 1, 2024

editor

Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, has witnessed a significant downturn in activity as fear and uncertainty grip residents in the wake of recent protests. Major roads, once bustling with commuters and business activities, have become eerily deserted.

Abuja City Journal reports indicate that several key roads, including major arteries leading to government buildings including Federal Secretariat and commercial centers, were heavily affected. Businesses in these areas have either closed their doors or reduced operations significantly in response to the unrest.

Residents and workers in the affected zones have been urged to stay indoors as a precautionary measure. The city’s public transportation system has been disrupted, with many bus and taxi services suspended due to the ongoing unrest. The usually vibrant streets of Abuja are now marked by an unsettling calm, with only sporadic traffic and a noticeable absence of pedestrian movement.

Security forces have been deployed in large numbers to monitor the situation and ensure public safety. Checkpoints have been established at strategic locations to control access and prevent any further escalation of the protests. Despite these measures, the fear of potential violence has kept many residents away from the streets.

In response to the protests, local authorities have called for calm and urged dialogue to address the issues raised by the demonstrators. However, the immediate impact has been a significant decrease in economic activity and a pervasive sense of insecurity throughout the city.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts from both security agencies and community leaders to restore normalcy and address the underlying grievances that sparked the protests. As Abuja grapples with the current unrest, the focus will be on finding a resolution that can bring stability and reassure residents of their safety.

News

US Turns to Dangote Refinery for Jet Fuel Supply

Published

3 minutes ago

March 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

The United States has turned to Nigeria’s Dangote Oil Refinery to meet soaring demand for jet fuel as consumption hits a two-year high.

Reports from Reuters reveal that six vessels carrying 1.7 million barrels of jet fuel from Dangote have already arrived at US ports this month, with another shipment expected in the coming days.

The refinery, Africa’s largest, is now a major supplier in the Atlantic Basin, reshaping global fuel trade.

The surge in US demand comes as maintenance work at a key refinery in New Jersey disrupts domestic supply.

Analysts say this has created an opening for Nigerian exports, though high US fuel stockpiles may limit future shipments.

With air travel expected to peak this summer, Dangote’s role in the market could help stabilize fuel prices. However, concerns remain over economic uncertainties that could affect travel demand in the months ahead.

News

Senate Confirms Nwakuche as New Correctional Service Chief

Published

6 minutes ago

March 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Sylvester Nwakuche as the new Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.

The confirmation, which took place during Tuesday’s plenary session, was endorsed by lawmakers after a report from the Senate Committee on Interior, led by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the weight of Nwakuche’s new role, stating that much is expected from him in securing the country’s correctional facilities.

He expressed confidence that Nwakuche’s leadership would help curb the rising cases of jailbreaks.

This confirmation comes in the wake of a recent jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, where 12 inmates escaped, leading to the tragic death of a correctional officer.

With his appointment now sealed, Nwakuche faces the urgent task of strengthening security measures and restoring public trust in Nigeria’s correctional system.

News

Nigeria Takes Flight Toward Safer Skies

Published

9 minutes ago

March 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

On March 25, 2025, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) unveiled a bold initiative to enhance aviation safety by adopting the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) State Safety Programme (SSP).

This groundbreaking move promises to elevate safety standards across the nation’s aviation landscape.

During a pivotal meeting in Abuja, Capt. Chris Najomo, NCAA’s Director General, underscored the importance of implementing the SSP.

“We have been going through this process for a long time,” he stated, emphasizing the careful development of regulations designed to protect air travel in Nigeria.

Horatius Egua, stepping in for Capt. Najomo, detailed the SSP’s mission: to close existing gaps in safety practices and elevate overall measures in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The program aims to create a robust framework tailored to national needs while meeting international safety standards.

Mrs. Sonia Freitas, representing ICAO, echoed the need for collaboration, thanking stakeholders for their engagement.

She acknowledged the potential challenges ahead but assured that the long-term benefits would transform aviation safety not just in Nigeria but throughout Africa.

With the NCAA collaborating with the ICAO-West and Central Africa Regional Office, Nigeria is poised to set a precedent for safety protocols across the continent.

This initiative marks a significant leap forward in securing safer skies for all.