5 Major News Headlines Across Nigeria – 28 September 2025

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

1. Dangote Refinery Halts Petrol Sales in Naira as Crude Allocation Falls Short

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced it will suspend the sale of petrol in the local currency, the naira, starting today, 28 September 2025. The company attributed this decision to the exhaustion of its crude-for-naira allocation, a mechanism introduced to reduce dollar dependency and stabilise domestic fuel supply.

For months, industry insiders have expressed concerns over the refinery’s growing exports of diesel, aviation fuel, and other petroleum products while local marketers struggled to access petrol at affordable rates. Analysts fear the suspension could force fuel importers and marketers to purchase petrol in dollars, potentially worsening Nigeria’s ongoing foreign exchange pressures and escalating inflationary trends already troubling the economy.

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2. Oil Workers’ Union Orders Halt to Gas and Crude Supplies Following Mass Layoffs

Tensions escalated further in the oil and gas sector yesterday when the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) directed its members across the upstream industry to stop all gas and crude supplies to the Dangote Refinery.

The union’s drastic measure followed allegations of mass dismissals of Nigerian workers, reportedly replaced by foreign staff, sparking outrage among labour leaders. PENGASSAN’s directive includes shutting off pipelines and halting vessel loadings to the refinery until the matter is resolved.

Experts warn this development could deepen the emerging fuel supply crisis, especially as the refinery is already suspending local petrol sales in naira. The combined effects may lead to shortages, higher pump prices, and increased production costs for downstream operators nationwide.

3. Nnamdi Kanu to Face Terrorism Trial as Court Dismisses Application

In a landmark ruling yesterday, a Nigerian court ordered separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu to face trial on terrorism-related charges after rejecting his legal team’s bid to have the case struck out.

The judge ruled that prosecutors had provided sufficient evidence for the trial to continue, pointing out that previous rulings from the Supreme Court had already reinstated the charges.

Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has long denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated. His continued detention and trial remain a central point of tension in Nigeria’s South-East, where separatist agitations and security concerns have persisted for years.

4. Rivers State Emergency Rule Lifted After Six Months of Federal Control

After six months of political turmoil and federal intervention, emergency rule in Rivers State has officially been lifted, restoring governance to the state’s elected leaders.

The emergency administration, led by retired naval officer Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, was imposed amid violent political clashes, a failed impeachment attempt against the governor, and attacks on critical oil infrastructure.

In a national broadcast, President Bola Tinubu announced that security and political stability had been restored, allowing constitutional rule to resume fully. Political observers, however, remain cautious, urging all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation to prevent a relapse into crisis.

5. Shell and Agip Acquire TotalEnergies’ Stake in Bonga Oilfield in $510m Deal

Nigeria’s oil and gas sector recorded another milestone as Shell and Agip finalised the acquisition of TotalEnergies’ 12.5 per cent stake in the Bonga offshore oilfield for $510 million.

Under the terms of the deal, Shell now holds a 67.5 per cent stake after purchasing 10 per cent, while Agip acquired 2.5 per cent. The buyers will also take on all associated liabilities, including decommissioning responsibilities and community development commitments.

Energy analysts believe the transaction reflects a strategic realignment of offshore investments, as companies seek to consolidate operations amid evolving global energy demands.

These five stories collectively paint a picture of a volatile but evolving landscape in Nigeria’s economic, political, and security environment. From the Dangote refinery disputes to the Rivers State political transition and the Bonga oilfield deal, each headline carries implications for governance, energy security, and regional stability.

As developments unfold, Akahi News will continue to provide in-depth analysis, ensuring readers remain informed about issues shaping Nigeria’s future.

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