"Sometimes Love Is Not Enough To Keep A Marriage" - Tiwa Savage

When Nigeria’s generally acclaimed “Queen of Afrobeats” broke down in tears while performing her hit single Somebody’s Son at the WeLoveYa festival in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, it came as no surprise. Tiwa’s case is just a case of a woman who has been too strong for too long. The pressure and the strain simply caught up with her, and she could not keep it all in anymore. She cracked.

If we know nothing about the woman or even the singer known as Tiwa Savage, her overflowing emotions boiling over penultimate Saturday show she’s just an average woman next door who cherishes love and the institution of marriage. She’s far from the run-of-the-mill horny singers who bed every Dick and Harry who come their way. She’s a lover who believes in love. Unfortunately, that has eluded her so glaringly and for too long.

Since her divorce in 2018 from a marriage of four years to music executive Tunji “TeeBillz” Balogun, Tiwa Savage has remained guarded about her romantic life. Though she has been linked to a few high-profile names through rumours and speculation, the singer has consistently emphasised privacy and personal peace. For Tiwa, love is no longer about public validation but about balance, respect, and emotional safety.

Her romance with love again in 2021 didn’t end well, as she became a victim of blackmail. According to her, it was not a sex tape of a woman hot for sex but an act of intimacy taken advantage of.

“I am not going to call it a sex tape, but it’s a tape between me and the person I am dating right now,” she told broadcaster Angie Martinez of Power 105.1 New York.

According to Savage, the unnamed blackmailer obtained the footage after her lover accidentally posted it on Snapchat. Although he quickly deleted it when he realised his error, it had already been caught by a third party, she said.

Tiwa Savage is celebrated globally for her voice, stage presence, and trailblazing role in Afrobeats, but beyond the music, her love life and views on relationships and family have also drawn public interest. Over the years, the singer has spoken candidly about love, marriage, heartbreak, motherhood, and self-worth—often turning her personal experiences into powerful lessons for fans.

Even her ex-husband, TeeBillz, could not fault the singer’s good heart and her commitment to sustaining a happy home and the sanctity of family.

TeeBillz, acknowledging her resilience after their separation, said, “I hurt a woman who genuinely loved me.” His public apology came during the height of their marital crisis.

“She carried the weight of the family while I was broken,” he said, admitting his failures as a husband.

“Tiwa Savage is not just a great artist, she is a great mother,” he added.

The award-winning singer has never shied away from speaking openly about the lessons she learned from her highly publicised marriage to Tunji “TeeBillz” Balogun, particularly during the crisis that surrounded their relationship in 2016.

Recalling that period, Tiwa Savage admitted that love alone could not sustain a troubled union. “I loved blindly. I trusted completely,” she said at the time, describing the depth of her commitment. She later acknowledged that emotional connection does not always guarantee stability, noting that “sometimes love is not enough to keep a marriage,” a statement that resonated widely with fans navigating similar experiences.

Beyond marriage, the singer has increasingly emphasised self-worth and emotional well-being in her conversations about relationships. According to her, love should never come at the expense of personal identity. She has stressed that true affection must not cause lasting pain or self-erasure, adding that walking away from a damaging situation can sometimes be an act of courage rather than failure.

Tiwa Savage has also highlighted the central role of family and motherhood in shaping her values. She has repeatedly described being a mother as her greatest achievement, placing it above fame and career success. For the singer, family is defined not by perfection but by consistency and support, even during difficult moments—a philosophy that reflects her journey toward healing, balance, and lasting happiness.

 

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"I Don't Like Men Who Talk Too Much" - Nollywood Actress Bolade Adeshina

Fast-rising Yoruba Nollywood actress Bolade Adeshina has spoken candidly about her journey into acting, her views on love and relationships, and the principles guiding her growing career in the Nigerian film industry. In an exclusive chat with Potpourri, Adeshina shared strong views shaped by experience. She described real love as sweet when shared with an intentional partner, adding that she has had many experiences that have shaped her outlook. Addressing her biggest red flag in men, the actress stated that she dislikes men who talk too much or disclose unnecessary information.

“My ultimate dream as a woman is to have a happy home with children. My red flag is when a man talks too much and disclose what it is unnecessary

She added that she believes a woman can keep a man who truly wants to be kept. While she expressed empathy toward single mothers, describing such situations as sometimes circumstantial, her view on marriage remains traditional, stating that a woman should be submissive

 The actress also revealed that her passion for acting began in childhood, inspired by iconic Nollywood stars such as Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale and Bukky Wright, with Ronke Odusanya playing a major role in convincing her that she could thrive on screen.

Adeshina explained that despite her early love for acting, she was unable to pursue the dream initially due to her upbringing, as her father is a clergy and she was deeply involved in church activities. She later left her hometown to further her education and spent years as an entrepreneur before finally deciding to follow what she described as her “main dream” — acting. According to her, one of her most memorable film experiences was Eni Akoko, where she endured real physical intensity on set, an experience that further strengthened her resolve and passion for the craft.

Speaking on success in the entertainment industry, the actress stressed that while beauty can open doors, talent is what sustains a career. She maintained that she would always prioritise talent over physical appearance, noting that beauty can be enhanced with money, but skill and dedication remain the true foundation of longevity. She also advised aspiring actors to respect themselves and others, continuously sharpen their skills, and remain prayerful.

Culled from The Punch Newspapers 

 

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Islamic Scholars Gather In Lagos To Propagate Sound Islamic Beliefs

Daaru Na’im Academy for Shariah Sciences, an Islamic organisation,  has convened an international conference in Lagos, bringing together scholars, government officials, and traditional leaders from across the globe to discuss the importance of sound Islamic faith in addressing social instability.

According to a statement from the organization, the 17th conference, themed “The Jurisprudence of the Sound Creed (Fiqh al-‘Aqīdah) and Contemporary Challenges,” featured over 20,000 participants, including ambassadors, heads of Islamic affairs, and academic scholars from Nigeria, the US, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

In his opening remarks, the Director-General and Chief Imam of Daaru Na’im, Sheik Imran Eleha, emphasised the need for sound Islamic belief to address contemporary challenges facing societies.

“We are gathered here to examine the significance of sound Islamic belief for various African societies and countries in light of the changes, practices, and behaviours witnessed in contemporary communities, some of which contradict the principles of correct Islamic creed,” he said.

Eleha also called on Islamic scholars to unite and prioritise collective scholarly engagement to uplift Islam and Muslims in Nigeria.

The conference features special lectures and academic papers presented by distinguished scholars, including Prof Abdur-Razaq Alaro and Muneerud-Deen Ariyady.

Eminent personalities, including the Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, attended the conference, according to the statement.

The representative of the President of the Islamic Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Abubakar Muhammad, described the gathering as “superb” and “truly an international program with representatives from all over the world.”

Focusing on the theological theme, Muhammad explained that the conference was rooted in the foundational principles of Islam.

He said, “The bedrock and the foundation of religion is the creed, the oneness of Allah, and that is what the conference is emphasising. All subsequent teachings shared here will aim at spiritual development and rectification, specifically focusing on cleansing, standardising, and clarifying what a Muslim should know and do first, even before he says Allahu Akbar—to be a good Muslim, one who recognises and worships Allah alone without associating partners with Him.”

Speaking at the event, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, stated that Islam is a religion of peace, love, and unity.

He explained that his role as a crowned king during times of struggle was to shed light on the doctrine of kingship and clarify related misconceptions.

The Olofin of Isheri Land, Oba Ibrahim Bello, called for more collaborative efforts among Yoruba kings, noting that promoting Islam should be a top priority.

He also praised Eleha for gathering Islamic scholars from across the world to propagate Islam meaningfully.

 

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Court Jails Former Lagos State Director For Stealing N48 Million

A Lagos State Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced a former Director in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Olawale Solomon Feleti, to two years and five months’ imprisonment for stealing ₦48,992,271.73.

Justice Rahman Oshodi convicted the 64-year-old after finding him guilty on five counts of stealing preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC had alleged that Feleti dishonestly converted the sum of ₦48,992,271.73, belonging to Access Bank Plc, to his personal use.

According to the prosecution, the convict exploited a system glitch during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 to gain unauthorised access to the bank’s credit card platform.

The anti-graft agency told the court that Feleti made multiple withdrawals, sometimes accessing up to ₦43,000 per transaction, despite knowing he had no authorisation to do so.

It was alleged that between July 2 and July 10, 2020, he fraudulently withdrew ₦12,528,598, while additional sums of ₦6,808,480 were withdrawn between May 22 and July 1, 2020.

The EFCC said the offences were contrary to and punishable under Section 287(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In his judgment, Justice Oshodi held that Feleti’s actions were calculated, noting that he carried out several transactions despite being fully aware that he had no legal access to the funds.

The court further held that the convict showed no genuine remorse and failed to accept responsibility for his actions.

Justice Oshodi consequently found him guilty on all five counts and sentenced him to two years and five months’ imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.

The court also ordered Feleti to pay restitution of ₦3 million to the court and ₦45,991,271.73 to Access Bank Plc.

In addition, the judge directed him to pay a fine of ₦5 million, noting that full restitution could warrant consideration of a non-custodial sentence if the bank formally notified the court.

The judge ordered that the custodial sentence commence on January 5, 2026, at a maximum security facility, and further directed that Feleti’s name be entered into the Lagos State offenders’ registry maintained by the Lagos State Judiciary.

 

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Braille Has Continued To Shape Inclusive Societies Across Generations And Continents - ESDI

As part of the activities marking this year’s World Braille Day, Empathetic Solutions for Disabilities Initiative (ESDI) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the promotion of Braille literacy, accessible education, and inclusive policies. 

In a press statement from the organization and signed by  its Executive Director, Clive Eyimearelu Otaigbe, ESDI  said it was joining the global community to commemorate World Braille Day, a day set aside to honour one of the most transformative inventions in human history—Braille—and to reaffirm the fundamental principle that literacy is a right, not a privilege.

, ESDI  noted that for millions of blind and visually impaired persons worldwide, Braille represents far more than a system of raised dots, adding that  it is a gateway to education, independence, self-expression, economic participation, and dignity. 

“Developed in the early 19th century by Louis Braille, who lost his sight at a young age, the Braille system revolutionized access to written communication for persons with visual impairments and continues to shape inclusive societies across generations and continents,” ESDI stated in the release.

It added that Louis Braille’s innovation, conceived at just 15 years of age, remains a powerful reminder that disability does not limit potentials, emphasizing that with the right tools and opportunities, persons with disabilities can thrive, lead, and contribute meaningfully to national development. 

“In Nigeria, Braille has played—and continues to play—a critical role in empowering blind and visually impaired citizens to pursue education, professional careers, and civic engagement.

“On this important day, ESDI reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the promotion of Braille literacy, accessible education, and inclusive policies. Through strategic advocacy, community-based programs, institutional partnerships, and public enlightenment, the Initiative works to ensure that Braille remains central to learning environments, public services, and information access across Nigeria,” it stated.

It further stated, “World Braille Day is not only a celebration; it is a call to action. ESDI urges policymakers, educational authorities, schools, families, and community leaders to prioritize inclusive education, invest in accessible learning materials, and uphold the rights of persons with visual impairments. An inclusive Nigeria is one where no one is left behind and where access to information is guaranteed for all.

“As we celebrate Braille, we celebrate resilience, equality, and the right of every visually impaired Nigerian to read, learn, grow, and lead.”

ESDI noted  that Braille changed the world and added that, through purposeful advocacy and action, it will continue to change lives.

 

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Why Anthony Joshua Survived The Accident - Pastor Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, popularly known as ‘Daddy GO’, has described Anthony Joshua’s survival in a fatal road accident as an act of divine mercy.

Adeboye made the remarks on Sunday during the church’s monthly thanksgiving service while reflecting on the role of God’s mercy in preservation. He cited the former two-time world heavyweight champion’s recent accident as a clear example.

Joshua narrowly escaped death after swapping seats moments before a horrific car crash on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The Lexus SUV in which he was travelling collided with a stationary truck, leaving Joshua with minor injuries but claiming the lives of two of his close associates, his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele.

Quoting from Lamentations 3:22–23, Adeboye said, “It is by the mercies of the Lord that we are not consumed. We are alive because of the mercies of the Lord, not because of cleverness.

“I read in the newspapers yesterday that our boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, exchanged seats with someone before the accident. The people he exchanged seats with died. I don’t know why, but the mercy of God said someone would still be alive today.”

Anthony Joshua has since paid an emotional tribute to Ghami and Ayodele in a social media post, mourning the loss of two integral members of his team.

 

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Rape And Other Sexual Offences: Police Invite Pastor Chris Okafor For Interrogation

The Lagos State Police Command has invited the Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor, to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, over allegations of multiple rape and other offences likely to cause a breach of public peace.

The police said Okafor was served with an invitation letter and is expected to appear before the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID by 10 am on Monday.

In a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Adebisi, said the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations against the cleric.

“The Lagos State Police Command has invited Pastor Chris Okafor, Senior Pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, in connection with allegations of multiple rape, other sexual offences, and several other conduct likely to cause breach of public peace and breakdown of law and order in the State,” she said.

According to the statement, the invitation followed several complaints bordering on alleged sexual offences and other conduct capable of leading to a breakdown of law and order in the state.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (DC SCID) to carry out a thorough investigation into the several criminal allegations against Pastor Chris Okafor.

“The Pastor has been duly served with an invitation letter through his legal representative and is expected to cooperate fully with the Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, in the ongoing investigation into the allegations of capital offences and other serious crimes against him,” the statement read.

The police said adequate security had been provided for the alleged victims and encouraged them to come forward to report at the SCID, Panti, where investigations have commenced.

The command assured that the identities of victims and witnesses would be kept confidential and fully protected throughout the investigation.

It also called on members of the public with credible information or evidence relevant to the case to assist the police, either through the SCID or the Police Public Relations Department.

The police reiterated that the investigation would be conducted professionally and without bias, stressing that no individual would be shielded based on status or influence.

“The Lagos State Police Command is committed to maintaining law and order, public peace, safety, and ensuring that all allegations of criminal acts against anyone, no matter how highly placed or lowly placed, are discreetly investigated according to law, regardless of the status of the individuals involved, and no sentiment will be allowed to prevail. Justice must prevail in the whole episode,” the statement concluded.

The invitation follows earlier reports that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police had directed the SCID to look into serious allegations against Okafor after claims circulated online accusing him of involvement in murder and other criminal acts.

The matter began in mid-December 2025, when multiple allegations surfaced on social media against Okafor. The allegations quickly gained public attention amid widespread outrage online.

One of the most prominent claims came from Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who posted several videos on Instagram on December 14, 2025, alleging that she had been in a long-term sexual relationship with the pastor that began in 2017 and lasted nine years.

She accused him of breaking promises of marriage, sharing explicit content and contributing to the breakdown of her previous marriage.

In response to the growing controversy and viral claims, Okafor stood before his congregation on New Year’s Day and apologised for past “mistakes,” kneeling at the pulpit and seeking forgiveness, though he did not go into specific details about the allegations.

Amid the fallout, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria reportedly considered sanctions against him, and Okafor also stepped down from his pastoral duties as the scandal continued to draw attention on and off social media.

 

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World Braille Day: Literacy, Productivity And The Right To Read

Article By Ayoola Efunkoya

On World Braille Day, I find myself reflecting not only on what Braille means to me personally, but on what it continues to mean for blind people’s productivity, dignity, and full participation in society—especially in a rapidly digitising world.

Recently, I shared a radio news report of my coverage of the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Alumni Association of the FCT School for the Blind. Alongside the link to the online story, I also shared the audio file of the report as broadcast on radio. The response was encouraging, but it came with an unexpected undercurrent of curiosity.

A number of people—some sighted, but strikingly more blind people—asked how I was able to read the script I recorded.

Did I memorise it?

Was I listening to my laptop with a screen reader and repeating what it said through an earpiece?

These questions revealed something unsettling: even within the blind community, the assumption that a blind journalist can simply read is no longer taken for granted.

So let me be clear. I Brailled my script. And I read it.

That simple fact opens a much bigger conversation—about literacy, efficiency, and why Braille remains indispensable in education, work, and public life.

Braille and Real Literacy

Braille is not an assistive add-on or a nostalgic tool from a pre-digital era. Braille is literacy. While screen readers and audio technologies are powerful and necessary, listening is not the same as reading.

Braille allows blind people to engage with text at the same depth as print readers: understanding spelling, punctuation, formatting, emphasis, and structure. These elements matter in journalism, law, education, science, administration, and policy work. They matter wherever precision and clarity are required.

Without Braille, blind people are often pushed into passive consumption of information. With Braille, we become active producers of knowledge.

Braille and Productivity Across Human Endeavour

Access to Braille significantly improves productivity and efficiency in many fields.

In journalism and media, Braille enables accurate script reading, editing, and fact-checking without reliance on audio playback speeds or repeated listening.

In education and academia, Braille supports deep reading, note-taking, examinations, mathematics, and scientific notation—areas where audio alone is insufficient.

In law and public administration, Braille allows blind professionals to review legal texts, draft documents, and navigate structured information with confidence.

In science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Braille codes make equations, symbols, and data accessible in ways speech cannot fully replicate.

In music, theology, finance, and software development, Braille supports accuracy, speed, and independent verification of information.

Productivity is not just about access to information; it is about control over information. Braille provides that control.

Braille in Public Spaces and Everyday Life

Braille’s relevance extends well beyond professional settings. In inclusive societies, Braille is embedded into public infrastructure.

Braille belongs on:

Building directories and room numbers

Elevator buttons and floor indicators

Public restroom signage

ATM machines and payment terminals

Hospital and pharmacy labels

Transportation hubs—airports, train stations, and bus terminals

These features are not symbolic gestures. They enable independent navigation, privacy, safety, and efficiency. Where Braille is present, blind people move freely. Where it is absent, dependence is imposed.

Why Braille Is Still Struggling in Nigeria and Africa

Despite its proven value, Braille faces persistent challenges across Nigeria and much of Africa.

Policy implementation remains weak. Accessibility provisions exist on paper but are rarely enforced, particularly in public buildings and services.

Teacher training is inadequate. Many educators of the blind lack strong Braille proficiency themselves, leading to poor instruction and learner frustration.

There is an over-reliance on audio technology, often promoted as a replacement rather than a complement to Braille, reinforcing the false narrative that Braille is obsolete.

Braille materials and devices remain expensive and scarce, from slates and embossers to refreshable Braille displays.

Perhaps most concerning is a growing internalised bias—even among blind people—that Braille is difficult, outdated, or unnecessary.

What Needs to Change

The future is not a choice between Braille and technology. The future is integration.

Governments must enforce accessibility standards that mandate Braille in public infrastructure and invest in teacher training and local Braille production.

Educational institutions must treat Braille as foundational, especially for children and newly blind adults.

Technology developers must continue to embed Braille into digital ecosystems, not sideline it.

And blind people ourselves must reclaim Braille unapologetically—as a tool of power, not a burden.

A Living Legacy

Braille is a proper noun for a reason. It carries the legacy of Louis Braille, and it continues to evolve through digital formats, modern embossing, and refreshable Braille displays. Societies that understand its value ensure that innovation strengthens Braille rather than displacing it.

On this World Braille Day, the message is simple and urgent:

Braille is not the past.

Braille is not in competition with technology.

Braille is literacy, productivity, independence, and dignity.

As long as blind people continue to learn, work, report, and lead, Braille will remain essential—not just for us, but for any society that claims to value inclusion.

Ayoola Efunkoya is a Nigerian journalist and accessibility consultant.

 

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Channel The New Tax Regime To The Empowerment Of Persons With Disabilities - CITAB Urges Federal Government

A clarion call has been made to the federal government to Channel the new tax regime to the empowerment of the entire disability community across Nigeria, including individuals with visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities. The call is coming from the Center for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB), a disabilities-focused NGO based in Lagos.

This was contained in a statement released from CITAB and signed by its CEO, Comrade Jolomi George Fenemigho.  

The NGO commended the tax reforms for aiming to strengthen revenue collection and alleviate the tax burden on low-income earners but also noted that for these reforms to achieve true justice, a sizeable portion of the revenue from the new tax regime must be invested to empower the entire disability community across Nigeria.

CITAB highlighted the urgent need for specific tax revenue allocations to support social programs and initiatives that address the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. 

“Taxation is not solely about collecting resources, but about distributing them to uplift every citizen. We call on the government to ensure that a share of these funds meaningfully supports all Nigerians with disabilities, whether by subsidizing assistive devices, improving accessible infrastructure, or investing in inclusive education and employment,” the statement read in part.

It further added, “At present, essential tools such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, screen readers, communication devices, and accessible public transportation remain prohibitively costly or unavailable for many Nigerians with disabilities. CITAB believes that dedicating tax revenues to comprehensive government-backed subsidies and programs could help remove these barriers, opening the door to greater independence, opportunities, and participation for all.”

“To this end, Comrade Fenemigho outlined the following key recommendations for the implementation of the 2026 tax framework. Subsidization of Assistive Technologies Introduction of a dedicated fund, drawn from tax revenues, to make a wide range of assistive technologies both affordable and accessible, including mobility aids, hearing and visual devices, communication tools, and more.

“Exemption on Disability Related Imports Complete removal of Value Added Tax VAT and customs duties for all imported equipment, devices, and adaptive technologies designed for persons with any form of disability.

“Accessibility Compliance Across Public Services As government services and tax systems become increasingly digital and automated, it is critical that all platforms, facilities, and communication channels be designed with accessibility in mind for people with all types of disabilities. Incentives for Inclusive Employers Tax credits and.

incentives for companies providing accessible workplaces and demonstrating clear commitment to hiring and supporting persons with disabilities, regardless of their particular needs,” the statement read.

In conclusion, CITAB applauded the exemption of Nigerians earning ₦800,000 or less from personal income tax, but also implored the authorities to recognize the extraordinary cost of disability that millions of Nigerians face daily. “By dedicating tax revenues to inclusive support for all persons with disabilities, the government would be investing not only in fairness, but in unleashing the full potential of every Nigerian. We are ready to build and contribute when we have equitable access to the right resources,” it added.

 

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Private depots Take Advantage Of Halt In Dangote Refinery, Hike Petrol To N800/Litre In Lagos

Private petroleum depots across Lagos and other key fuel trading hubs have raised the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to as high as N800 per litre.

Data obtained from petroleumprice.ng on Saturday showed that the average cost of petrol at private depots increased sharply within 48 hours, tightening margins for marketers and raising fresh concerns over an imminent spike in retail pump prices nationwide.

In Lagos, Dangote depot, which consistently offers the lowest petrol price sold PMS at N703 per litre on Friday, up from N702.50 on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. While the increase at Dangote was marginal, other private depots recorded steeper adjustments.

Eterna and Integrated depots raised petrol prices to N800 per litre on Friday, compared with N726 per litre at Shellplux and AIPEC earlier in the week, indicating a jump of N74 per litre within two days.

Similarly, Aiteo and Lister depots sold petrol at N780 per litre, up from N750–N760 band recorded on Wednesday.

The impact was more pronounced in Warri, one of the country’s key petroleum logistics hubs.

While Matrix Energy and other major depots sold petrol at N800 per litre on Wednesday, prices climbed to as high as N805 per litre by Friday, according to the report.

The Warri market reacted faster due to tighter supply lines and higher transportation costs, especially as marketers reposition volumes ahead of anticipated scarcity.

Last December, Dangote Petroleum Refinery reduced its petrol gantry price, slashing the ex-depot rate from N828 to N699 per litre.

The new price took effect on December 11, 2025, marking the 20th petrol price adjustment announced by the refinery this year.

Market operators linked the price surge to the shutdown of the petrol unit at the Dangote Refinery, which had recently become a major domestic supplier of PMS, helping to moderate prices following the removal of fuel subsidies.

Commenting, the Chief Executive Officer of petroleumprice.ng, Jeremiah Olatide, said the latest increase was a calculated response by importers seeking to recover losses recorded in December.

He explained that importers were hit hard by the aggressive price slash by the Dangote Refinery, which sold petrol at about N699 per litre, forcing many private players to sell below their landing costs.

“This price uptick is a deliberate move by importers to recoup losses from the massive price slash by the Dangote Refinery in December,” Olatide said.

He added that marketers were already factoring in potential supply tightness in January due to the ongoing upgrade at the Dangote Refinery, a development they believe could limit domestic supply temporarily.

“Importers are postulating that there may be supply constraints in January because of the refinery’s plant upgrade, and they see this as an opportunity to make up for December losses,” he noted.

According to him, some depot operators are deliberately holding back volumes in storage, waiting to sell at prices above their landing costs once any supply disruption emerges.

“They are keeping products in tank, hoping to sell above their landing cost as soon as there is a supply glitch,” Olatide said.

However, he cautioned that the strategy may not hold for long, noting that the Dangote Refinery could respond aggressively once supply normalises.

“We will see how the new pricing plays out, but there will likely be a fightback from the refinery,” he added.

With Dangote’s supply temporarily curtailed, private depot owners have begun repricing available stock, citing replacement costs, foreign exchange volatility and uncertainty around import schedules.

The petroleumprice.ng report also noted that Brent crude closed at $60.20 per barrel on Friday, while the naira continued to weaken at the parallel market, trading at N1,495/$, compared with N1,475/$ on Wednesday, further adding pressure to fuel pricing.

Depot price movements typically precede changes at filling stations, and industry watchers warn that the current trend could push retail petrol prices beyond N700 per litre in several cities if sustained.

Petrol marketers said margins had been compressed by logistics costs, financing challenges and volatile exchange rates, making depot price increases difficult to absorb without adjusting pump prices.

Since the full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, petrol prices in Nigeria have been determined by market forces, including crude prices, exchange rates, logistics and supply availability.

The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, had raised expectations of price stability through local refining. However, its temporary petrol unit shutdown has exposed the fragility of supply dynamics, especially as imports remain costly.

 

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