馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Nigeria Customs intercepts N403.4m foreign vegetable oil shipment
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone C, Owerri, announced the interception of foreign-smuggled vegetable oil valued at N403.4m. Customs Area Controller Bishir Balogun stated that the seizure resulted from intelligence coordination and operational activities. The intercepted items include 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre Super Delicious vegetable oil, 10 jerrycans of 10-litre Super Delicious vegetable oil, 20 cartons of 5-litre Sunflower vegetable oil, and 20 cartons of 3-litre Sunflower vegetable oil. Operatives intercepted two trucks in May along the 9th Mile area of Enugu and another in June 2026 along the Onitsha-Agbor Highway. Balogun emphasized that this seizure targets economic saboteurs whose illegal importation undermines local industry, technology transfer, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. He reiterated the service's commitment to enforcing the NCS Act 2022 and government measures prohibiting foreign vegetable oil importation, warning smugglers that intelligence-led strategies would continue to be deployed to protect public health, national security, and the domestic economy. The confiscated items are currently held as investigations and legal processes proceed.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi commended Japan's Zion Suzuki for his performance in the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F opener. Akpeyi, during his halftime analysis on SuperSport, highlighted Suzuki's concentration and strong saves, stating that his display justified the coaching staff's decision to select him over more experienced players. Suzuki, who made four key saves, was instrumental in Japan's resilience, including a crucial stop against Donyell Malen early in the match. Japan twice equalized, with goals from Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada, after Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville scored for the Netherlands. In contrast to Suzuki's composed performance, Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen had a challenging evening, receiving a low rating after an error led to Japan's late equalizer. Ryan Gravenberch was noted as a strong performer for the Netherlands, assisting both their goals. The draw places Japan second in Group F, behind leaders Sweden.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC governorship candidate in Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, has announced Mustapha Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election. Mustapha Kwankwaso, a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Kano State, is the son of Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and NDC vice-presidential candidate for 2027. The announcement followed consultations with party leaders and stakeholders, with the state chapter of the party initially nominating Mustapha. Ibrahim Shuaibu, spokesperson for the governorship candidate, stated that the selection was strategic, aiming to strengthen the party's commitment to inclusive governance, youth empowerment, economic growth, and effective service delivery. Gwarzo expressed confidence in Mustapha Kwankwaso's experience, leadership qualities, and grassroots appeal, noting his proven experience in public service and youth development. The NDC believes the Gwarzo-Kwankwaso ticket combines competence, experience, and commitment to address Kano State's challenges and will boost the party's political structure and grassroots mobilization efforts. Gwarzo, a former deputy governor, became the NDC's governorship candidate after resigning from Governor Abba Yusuf's government and defecting to the All Progressives Congress.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has lowered the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit petrol by N75 per litre, effective midnight, June 16, 2026. This adjustment follows a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, which had previously impacted energy prices. The new gantry price is N1,175 per litre, down from N1,250, and the coastal price per metric tonne has been reduced from N1,595,790 to N1,495,215. The refinery informed fuel marketers that all outstanding unloaded gantry volumes would be repriced at the new rate. This reduction makes Dangote refinery's petrol the cheapest, with many marketers selling at around N1,240. The price drop aligns with easing global oil market tensions after reports of negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil prices, which had surged during a three-month conflict between the US and Iran, have now retreated. This led to petrol prices in Nigeria rising from about N830 to N1,300 per litre during that period. The PUNCH reported that oil prices continued to decline on Monday following a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, with Brent crude dropping from $83 per barrel. US President Donald Trump announced the signing of the peace deal and a partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, further pushing down oil prices and fueling speculation of more fuel price reductions. While a Dangote Petroleum Refinery official suggested petrol could fall to N900 per litre, they cautioned that the refine