Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz for commercial ships, military vessels still prohibited
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil trade, is now "completely open" for commercial ships. This decision is contingent on a ceasefire in the Middle East holding, though it was unclear whether he referred to the 10-day truce between Lebanon and Israel or an earlier two-week truce between Iran and the United States. Iran had previously linked the reopening of the waterway to an extended ceasefire in Lebanon. A senior Iranian military official clarified that only civilian vessels would be permitted passage through designated routes with the approval of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy, while military vessels remain prohibited. US President Donald Trump welcomed the announcement but stated that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a peace deal with Tehran is finalized. Following Iran's announcement, oil prices, which had surged due to supply disruptions, significantly decreased.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority NMDPRA has reassured the public regarding the availability and pricing of aviation fuel, also known as Jet A1. The agency stated that Nigeria possesses a combined national sufficiency of 74 days of aviation fuel, comprising inland and refinery stock, indicating a stable supply. This announcement aims to alleviate anxieties among airline operators and industry stakeholders concerning recent price fluctuations. The NMDPRA clarified that aviation fuel is fully deregulated, with prices determined by market forces. It noted that the current ex-gantry price at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is N1,879 per litre, which is slightly below the international indicative supply cost of N1,900 per litre in Lagos as of April 16, 2026. A nationwide price survey conducted by the NMDPRA on April 17, 2026, revealed retail prices ranging from N1,960 to N2,800 per litre, depending on location and logistics. The authority dismissed reports suggesting a price of N3,300 per litre as inaccurate and misleading. The NMDPRA affirmed its commitment to monitoring supply and pricing to prevent disruptions or exploitative practices. This reassurance comes amidst threats from airline operators to suspend operations due to rising fuel costs, which they described as "astronomical and artificial." The Federal Government has appealed to domestic airlines to reconsider their plans and any fare increases, with Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo conve
High Chief Simeon Oguntimehin, the Traditional Prime Minister of the Ondo Kingdom and a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria ICAN, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, at the age of 90. His family, through his daughter Mrs. Omonike Omonubi, announced his death, describing it as a peaceful transition after a life dedicated to his community, profession, and country. As Lisa Fiwagboye, he was a key adviser within the Ondo Kingdom's traditional council, known for his wisdom and commitment to preserving customs. Beyond his traditional roles, Oguntimehin was a distinguished professional, serving as ICAN President from 1995 to 1996, where he championed professional ethics and reforms. He also contributed to public service as a board member of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission from 2007 to 2011 and was the first Chairman of the Ondo State Public Accounts Committee in 1978. He received the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger, and held titles including Justice of the Peace and Knight of St. Christopher. Tributes from colleagues, traditional rulers, and professional bodies have recognized his integrity and service. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi claimed he was forced out of the Peoples Democratic Party by former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan. Amaechi stated in an interview on Channels Television that he was "literally chased out" of the PDP due to political disagreements, with the Jonathans taking over the political structure in Rivers State. He attributed this to his role as chairman of the Governors' Forum. Amaechi, who also served as former Minister of Transportation, mentioned experiencing a similar situation in the All Progressives Congress, stating he was "chased out of APC." He revealed having multiple discussions with Jonathan regarding their differences, including issues concerning party primaries and governance. Amaechi emphasized the importance of inclusive governance in Nigeria, advocating for policies that protect diverse interests and allow everyone a voice in the economy.
Professor Sunday Obeka, the Vice Chancellor of Wesley University, Ondo State, has urged all levels of government and stakeholders to prioritize community health development in Nigeria. Speaking at the university's maiden International Conference on Community Health, Professor Obeka emphasized the need for greater government attention and improved budgetary allocation to the community health sector, particularly in rural areas. The conference, themed “Community health in a globalised society: prospects, challenges and way forward,” aimed to advance research, training, and innovation in primary healthcare, attracting participants from Nigeria and internationally. Dr. Bashir Idris, Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, commended Wesley University for hosting the conference and praised Professor Obeka's leadership, pledging continued collaboration between the board and the university for the training and development of community health practitioners.