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By Cantona Joseph, Published: March 21, 2026 13:33 (EAT)

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The new pricing which marks the fourth increase in March, is set to take effect from midnight on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

   

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a fresh increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N1,175 to N1,245 per litre, following the Middle East crisis, which has sent crude oil prices rising above $100 per barrel.

In a notice to marketers on Friday, the Refinery noted that its ex-depot (gantry) price would rise from N1,175 to N1,245 per litre, while the coastal price increased from N1,512,648 to N1,606,518 per metric tonne.

The notice explained that the revision reflects global market realities, including fluctuations in crude oil prices and increased shipping costs, which are beyond the Refinery’s control.

The new pricing is set to take effect from midnight on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Marketers with existing supply arrangements backed by valid bank guarantees will still be allowed to lift products at previous rates, provided their guarantees cover the price differential.

The Refinery stated that the corresponding cost difference will be debited to marketers’ trading accounts, with evidence of payment required by March 23.

Following the notice to marketers, the Refinery, in a statement to newsmen, same Friday, noted that Nigeria has retained one of the lowest petrol prices globally despite recent increases driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

“According to GlobalPetrolPrices.com, petrol in Nigeria currently averages $0.88 (N1,191.39) per litre, significantly below the global average of $1.32 (N1,787.08) per litre, based on an exchange rate of N1,353.85 to the dollar. This places Nigeria among the more affordable fuel markets globally, even as international prices continue to rise.

“Across key markets, petrol prices are notably higher, with the United States at $1.075 (N1,455.39), India at $1.095 (N1,482.47), and South Africa at $1.189 (N1,609.73) per litre. Prices rise further in advanced economies, including the United Kingdom at $1.874 (N2,537.11), France at $2.152 (N2,913.49), and Germany at $2.343 (N3,172.07), while Hong Kong records as high as $3.967 (N5,370.72) per litre.

“Nigeria also compares favourably within the West African region, where petrol prices are higher in Togo at $1.192 (N1,613.79), Benin at $1.218 (N1,648.99), Ghana at $1.240 (N1,678.77), and Cameroon at $1.478 (N2,000.99) per litre.

“Analysts attribute this relative stability to the growing impact of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, which has helped moderate domestic price volatility by absorbing a significant portion of the global cost pressures while ensuring consistent product availability. This intervention has become particularly critical as many countries face supply disruptions, rationing, and sharp price spikes following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

“A key insight from the data is that very few countries globally sell petrol below $1 (N1,353.85) per litre without some form of state intervention”, the Refinery noted, explaining the reason for its recent increase.

Despite Nigeria’s transition to a deregulated market following subsidy removal in 2023, Dangote Refinery maintained that it has continued to act as a buffer for the economy.

“While domestic petrol prices have risen by about 35 to 40 per cent since the onset of the crisis, this increase remains lower than in several other markets, with countries such as Cambodia and Vietnam recording hikes of over 67% and 49% respectively”, the statement added.

The development marks the fourth fuel price hike by the Refinery in March. Earlier this month, PMS was increased from around N774 to N875, then N995, N1,175, and now N1,245 per litre.

Israel, Iran Trade Attacks As US Sends 2, 500 Marines To Mideast

More than 2,000 people have been killed since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.

   

Israel and Iran attacked each other on Saturday as the U.S. was sending thousands more Marines to the Middle East, and President Donald Trump accused NATO allies of cowardice over their reluctance to help open the Strait of Hormuz.

Israel also attacked Beirut, saying it was targeting Hezbollah as it steps up airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed Lebanese militia in the deadliest spillover from the war on Iran since Hezbollah fired on Israel in support of Tehran ​on March 2.

More than 2,000 people have been killed since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, while Americans appear increasingly concerned at signs the war could expand further as it enters its ​fourth week.

Iranian Shias take part in Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran on March 21, 2026. The Iranian capital has come under near-daily bombardment since a joint US-Israeli attack started the war on February 28, killing top officials, including the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader. (Photo by AFP) /

Vital energy infrastructure in Iran and neighbouring Gulf states has been attacked, sending oil prices up 50% and threatening global economic shock.

Three U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday that 2,500 Marines, along with the amphibious assault ship Boxer and accompanying warships, would deploy to the region, although they did not say what their role would ⁠be.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll ​showed almost two-thirds of Americans believe Trump will order troops into a large-scale ground war, with only 7% supporting such a move.

Two ​officials said there had been no decision on whether to send troops into Iran. Sources had told Reuters that possible targets could include Iran’s coast or Kharg Island oil export hub.

Trump said on Thursday he was “not putting troops anywhere”, when asked about his plans, adding, “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t ​tell you.”

People queue to buy liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders for domestic use, at a gas agency office in Chennai on March 11, 2026. India ordered tighter controls over natural and cooking gas on March 10 following import disruptions caused by the Middle East war, with restaurants warning it could spark widespread closures. (Photo by R. Satish BABU / AFP)

Iran Targets US-UK Base In Indian Ocean

Israel said Saturday’s attacks on Iran included Tehran, Karaj, west of the capital, and the central city of Isfahan.

Before its strikes on Lebanon, the Israeli military said, it issued evacuation warnings for seven neighbourhoods in the southern ​suburbs of Beirut. More than 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon, and over 1 million displaced in the Israeli attacks.

Air raid sirens in Israel warned of incoming missiles from early morning, sending millions to shelters as the ​blasts of interceptions rang out from above. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Israel’s military said search and rescue teams were headed to impact sites in central Israel and asked the public to avoid gatherings in those areas. Iranian missile attacks have killed 19 people in Israel and the Palestinian territories since the war began.

Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the U.S.-British military base Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, demonstrating the reach of its weaponry, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported. The Wall Street Journal said two ​intermediate-range ballistic missiles were launched but did not hit the base.

Natural gas prices in Europe surged as much as 35% this week as Iran and Israel hit some of the region’s most important gas infrastructure.

The EU urged ​members to lower gas-storage targets and start refilling reserves gradually to curb demand, the Financial Times reported on Saturday.

Keep Watching

United Airlines said it would cut its scheduled flights by 5% in the second and third quarters, planning for prolonged higher oil prices.

The Strait of ‌Hormuz, conduit ⁠for around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, has been effectively closed to most shipping.

Trump on Friday called U.S. allies “cowards” for not helping open the strait.

Several allies, who were not consulted before the war, have pledged to join “appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage through the strait, but Germany and France have said fighting must stop first. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would speak to Trump this weekend.

Mourners cry over a body during the funeral of four family members killed overnight by Israeli air strikes that targeted the southern Lebanese coastal city of Tyre on March 12, 2026. (Photo by KAWNAT HAJU / AFP)

Still Unseen, Khamenei Issues Defiant Message

Iran is ready to let Japan-related vessels pass through the narrow waterway, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Kyodo news agency. Japan gets around 90% of its oil shipments via the Strait.

The Trump White House, in an effort to increase supply ​and lower prices, said it would waive sanctions on Iranian ​oil for 30 days to allow the sale of ⁠140 million barrels on tankers. The administration had previously eased sanctions on a similar amount of sanctioned Russian oil.

As Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr to end the fasting month of Ramadan and Iranians marked Nowruz, the Persian New Year, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued a message of defiance.

Khamenei – who did not appear at Eid ​prayers and has not been seen in public since the initial Israeli attack that wounded him and killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – said in his statement ​that Iranians had responded with ⁠unity and resistance and “dealt a disorienting blow to the enemy”.

Amid Khamenei’s long public absence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a press conference on Thursday: “I’m not sure who’s running Iran right now. Mojtaba, the replacement Ayatollah, is not showing his face. Have you seen him? We haven’t.”

Iranians Hold Eid Prayers As Mideast War Rages

The Islamic Republic’s supreme leader traditionally leads the Eid prayers, but Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared in public since his appointment earlier this month, did not attend.

   

Thousands of Muslims held Eid al-Fitr prayers in Iran on Saturday to mark the end of the Ramadan fast against the backdrop of the Middle East war, state television footage showed.

Iran, a majority-Shia nation, marked the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan a day after most other Muslim countries, which are mainly Sunni.

The Islamic Republic’s supreme leader traditionally leads the Eid prayers, but Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared in public since his appointment earlier this month, did not attend.

The head of the judiciary, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, however, attended the prayer at central Tehran’s Imam Khomeini grand mosque — named after the founder of the Islamic Republic.

For lack of space, many worshippers followed the prayer outside, with state television showing images of crowded areas around the mosque, despite the risk of strikes.

Iranian Shia women take part in Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran on March 21, 2026. The Iranian capital has come under near-daily bombardment since a joint US-Israeli attack started the war on February 28, killing top officials, including the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader. (Photo by AFP)

The Iranian capital has come under near-daily bombardment since a joint US-Israeli attack started the war on February 28, killing top officials, including Mojtaba’s father and predecessor Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iranian Shias take part in Eid al-Fitr prayers, marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran on March 21, 2026. The Iranian capital has come under near-daily bombardment since a joint US-Israeli attack started the war on February 28, killing top officials, including the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader. (Photo by AFP) /

Overnight strikes again targeted several districts of Tehran and its outskirts, as well as the central city of Isfahan, according to the Fars news agency.

Iranian television also showed prayer gatherings elsewhere in the country, including in Arak in the centre, Zahedan in the southeast, and the western city of Abadan.

Iran Is Being Crippled Day By Day, We Have Won — Trump

Iran launched a new wave of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and Israel, meanwhile, after Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei claimed to have dealt a “dizzying blow” to his country’s enemies.

   

President Donald Trump and the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Friday that there is consideration to end the war against Iran, as the Arabian country is being “crippled day by day”.

Trump said he was considering “winding down” military operations against Iran, as the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil shipments to stem a global supply crisis.

Iran launched a new wave of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and Israel, meanwhile, after Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei claimed to have dealt a “dizzying blow” to his country’s enemies.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the United States was “getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East.”

His post was the strongest indication yet that he may be prepared to soon end hostilities that began on February 28.

Smoke rises from the direction of an energy installation in the Gulf emirate of Fujairah on March 14, 2026. Smoke could be seen rising from the direction of a major UAE energy installation on March 14, in what appeared to be the latest strike targeting the Gulf’s petroleum facilities, hours after the US struck Iran’s Kharg Island. Photo by – / AFP

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a post on X shortly after Trump’s message, said: “The President and the Pentagon predicted it would take approximately 4-6 weeks to achieve this mission.”

“Tomorrow marks week 3 — and the US Armed Forces are doing an exceptional job,” Leavitt continued. “Day by day, the Iranian Regime is being crippled, and their ability to threaten the United States and our allies is being significantly weakened.”

Amid growing concern over oil prices and global supply shortages, the US Treasury said it was temporarily lifting sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto vessels.

The authorisation allows for the delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil and other petroleum products loaded onto ships before March 20 and will last through April 19, it said.

“By temporarily unlocking this existing supply for the world, the United States will quickly bring approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets, expanding the amount of worldwide energy and helping to relieve the temporary pressures on supply caused by Iran,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

This handout picture released by the Lebanese Government Press Office on March 13, 2026, shows Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (R) receiving United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the government’s palace in Beirut.  (Photo by Dani Assi / Lebanese Government Press Office / AFP)

‘Dangerous Escalation’ –

Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas normally flows, and the numerous attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East have sent crude oil prices soaring.

A barrel of North Sea Brent crude was up 3.26 percent on Friday to $112.19.

On Wall Street, stocks ended sharply lower after oil prices shot up on fears that lengthy supply disruptions would lead to a global economic downturn.

Fresh blasts hit Tehran on Friday, and Israel accused Iran of attacking holy sites in Jerusalem after a strike left a crater in the Old City near the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Saudi Arabia said it “intercepted and destroyed” more than 20 Iranian drones in the east of the kingdom early Saturday, while Israel said a new wave of missiles had been fired from Iran.

Iranian attacks continued meanwhile on energy infrastructure in the Gulf.

On Friday, drone attacks hit Kuwait’s giant Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, causing a fire that was later brought under control, a day after a direct hit on Qatar’s vital Ras Laffan natural gas facility.

People queue to buy liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders for domestic use, at a gas agency office in Chennai on March 11, 2026. India ordered tighter controls over natural and cooking gas on March 10 following import disruptions caused by the Middle East war, with restaurants warning it could spark widespread closures. (Photo by R. Satish BABU / AFP)

In other developments, the Israeli military said it had launched a wave of strikes on Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, early Saturday, targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, after calling on residents of several areas to evacuate.

Turkey lashed out at Israel, meanwhile, for striking Syrian army camps in southern Syria, calling it a “dangerous escalation.”

Syria has so far avoided being dragged into the regional war.

Shia Muslims holding portraits of Iran’s slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shout slogans during an anti-US-Israel protest after Friday prayers in New Delhi on March 6, 2026. The United States and Israel started striking Iran on February 28, killing Iran’s supreme leader and top military leaders, and prompting authorities to retaliate with strikes on Israel and across the Gulf. (Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP)

‘We Have Won’

Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday he was not looking for a truce with the Islamic Republic.

“I think we have won,” he said. “I don’t want to do a ceasefire. You know you don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.”

Trump, after slamming NATO allies as “cowards,” said other nations would have to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not!” he posted.

“If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated.”

Trump said the United States wanted to talk to Iran, but “there’s nobody to talk to” because of the killing of Iran’s former supreme leader and other top officials.

Iran’s new supreme leader has not appeared in public since being named to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei.

In a written statement to mark Nowruz, the Persian New Year, Mojtaba Khamenei said Iranians have “dealt him (the enemy) a dizzying blow so that he now starts uttering contradictory words and nonsense.”

“At the moment, due to the particular unity that has been created between you, our compatriots… the enemy has been defeated,” Khamenei said.

Trump has repeatedly said he does not plan to send ground troops into combat with Iran, but The Wall Street Journal reported that an additional 2,200 to 2,500 US Marines were headed to the region.

Trump would not confirm a report by the Axios news outlet that he was considering an occupation or blockade of Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait.

US forces hit Kharg with strikes that Trump said had “totally obliterated” all military targets on the island, but Washington has so far avoided hitting its oil infrastructure.

Gov Eno Assures Of Power, Maritime Sector Reforms In Akwa Ibom

He gave the assurance at the Victor Attah International Airport while fielding questions from Government House Correspondents on his return from the United Kingdom, where he accompanied President Tinubu on a State visit.

   

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to furthering reforms and investment in the power and maritime sector of the State to boost the economy.

He gave the assurance at the Victor Attah International Airport while fielding questions from Government House Correspondents on his return from the United Kingdom, where he accompanied President Tinubu on a State visit.

The Governor said that the trip allowed him to meet with investors, especially in the power sector, and assured the Akwa Ibom people of a positive outcome from the interaction.

He noted that his administration has taken strategic steps towards transforming the power sector, while also working hard to realise its vision on the Ibom Deep Seaport.

“We expect something good from the interaction. It takes a lot of work, whether it is Ibom Deep Seaport or Power; it takes a lot of work.

“We have made giant strides in reforming the power sector, but it takes a while, it is not a walk in the park, it is precept upon precept.”

The Governor expressed regret over the current national power outage, expressing his administration’s commitment to changing the narrative for good.

On the Ibom Deep Seaport,  Governor Eno urged Akwa Ibom people to exercise patience as his administration remains focused and committed to ensuring that the dream is achieved for the benefit of the State.

“We have made our point very clear. We are engaging investors on the Ibom Deep Seaport. We just finished paying for the feasibility studies of that Seaport. It takes processes to get things done.

“I appreciate the enthusiasm, and I want the Seaport like yesterday. I want power like yesterday. But we would like to go through these processes, and I am sure we are doing it, and I know that by the grace of God, we will get there.

“We are moving inch by inch on where we ought to be on the Ibom Deep Seaport and the power sector. Things don’t happen overnight, but we have good engagements, and people are showing interest,”  the Governor concluded.

FG Advances $20bn Nigeria-Europe Gas Pipeline Plan

The proposed pipeline, still at an early development stage, is being advanced by a consortium of global industry players and will be subject to extensive technical, commercial, and regulatory processes, with stakeholders expressing optimism that it could redefine Nigeria’s role in the global energy market while deepening ties with Europe.

   

The Federal Government said it has progressed in its plan on the proposed transcontinental gas pipeline aimed at delivering its vast natural gas to European markets.

The proposed pipeline, still at an early development stage, is being advanced by a consortium of global industry players and will be subject to extensive technical, commercial, and regulatory processes, with stakeholders expressing optimism that it could redefine Nigeria’s role in the global energy market while deepening ties with Europe.

A Friday statement by Louis Ibah, spokesperson for the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, noted that the move is aimed at strengthening energy security and unlocking long-term economic value.

The proposed pipeline, described as a transformative gas corridor, is designed to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually from Nigeria’s southern reserves through Chad and Libya, before extending subsea to Sicily, Italy, and into the broader European market.

The minister, Ekpo, had joined key industry stakeholders in London, United Kingdom, for discussions on the proposed pipeline.

He described the engagement as both timely and historic, adding that Nigeria is poised to attract investors into its gas sector.

“Nigeria is set for investors to take advantage of this natural gas. The Petroleum Industry Act and the executive orders by Mr President for the petroleum sector have set a conducive environment to attract investments to the sector.

“We must be intentional in the utilisation of our resources. So long as we have these reserves, we must take advantage of them and better the lives of those in the region,” Ekpo said.

The minister further noted that, with appropriate financial backing in place, he sees no obstacle to the project coming to fruition.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, accompanied by the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, and the Company’s Executive Vice President (Gas, Power, and New Energy), Olalekan Ogunleye, on a tour of the starting point of the landmark Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project, recently.

Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energies at NNPC Limited, Olalekan Ogunleye, assured Nigeria’s policy alignment and investment readiness, noting that the national oil company is focused on unlocking value across the gas value chain.

“The NNPCL, as the national oil company of Nigeria, has a clear Gas Master Plan, and Mr President’s gas-led initiatives are designed to drive investments across the value chain.

“The NNPC’s strategy is firmly aligned with the President’s agenda, and we are focused on creating investable opportunities, removing bottlenecks, and partnering with credible investors. Simply put, the NNPCL is ready for business,” he said.

On his part, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Netoil Inc., Roger Tamraz, who is spearheading the project, framed the pipeline as both commercially viable and strategically critical to Europe’s energy future, pointing to strong market demand and available financing structures.

Other consortium partners echoed similar sentiments, with the Chief Executive Officer of Unicorn, Alain Bolo, harping on the project’s potential to reduce gas flaring and position Nigeria as a dominant supplier to Europe.

The Project Director at Netoil, Henry Erimodafe, described it as a “strategic win-win” capable of unlocking jobs, investments, and long-term value.

Army Recovers 74 Terrorist Bodies In Ongoing Operations — DHQ

In a statement signed by the Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, the feat was recorded from March 13 to March 19.

   

Defence Headquarters said troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the Nigerian Army have recovered not less than 74 terrorist bodies following intensified ongoing operations in the North-East.

A Friday statement highlighting its operations in the region noted that the Army killed several terrorists and foiled what it described as a complex drone-assisted attack.

Signed by the Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, the feat was recorded from March 13 to March 19.

According to him, the successes underscore the military’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and maintaining law and order nationwide.

A follow-up exploitation operation led to the recovery of 74 terrorist bodies and a cache of arms, including 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, and an RPG tube.

Onoja said the troops also repelled “a major terrorist assault in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno,” killing dozens of fighters, including senior commanders.

“Troops also thwarted multiple infiltration attempts across Bama, Gujba, and Kaga local government areas, while key logistics suppliers and informants were arrested.

“Coordinated air and ground operations also repelled attacks in Baga, Damboa, Buratai, and Njimtilo, degrading ISWAP capabilities,” he said.

Onoja added that troops intercepted suspected gunrunners in Taraba, recovering ammunition, cash, and motorcycles. He said troops also rescued abducted victims in Plateau and Benue, while illegal mining activities were disrupted in the FCT and adjoining areas.

“These operations demonstrate the Armed Forces’ resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and ensure the safety of citizens,” he said.

In the Niger Delta, Onoja said the military intensified its crackdown on oil theft and criminal activities, recording multiple arrests and recoveries. He said troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal oil bunkering sites and intercepted large quantities of stolen petroleum products.

He added that operations in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states led to the arrest of suspects involved in kidnapping, illegal refining, and drug trafficking.

“Troops dismantled illegal refining sites, seized over 3,000 litres of illegally refined products, and intercepted vehicles and boats conveying stolen fuel,” he said.

Onoja further stated that anti-drug operations resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of illicit substances.

In the South-East, he said troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralised suspected terrorists and recovered improvised explosive devices in Imo. He added that clearance operations also led to the arrest of suspected cultists and recovery of weapons in Ebonyi and Cross River.

INEC Urges Discipline In Osun, Ekiti Elections

Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made the call in his message to Muslim faithfuls as the world marks the end of the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr.

   

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on its staff and Nigerians to uphold accountability, discipline, and integrity as preparations are in top gear for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made the call in his message to Muslim faithful as the world marks the end of the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr.

The message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, Amupitan, noted that the end of Ramadan represented “a victory of the spirit over the self” and should inspire renewed commitment to credible electoral processes.

He described the Ekiti and Osun elections as tests ahead of the 2027 general polls.

The INEC chairman urged the commission’s staff across the country to adopt a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, noting that professionalism remains non-negotiable.

“The lessons of Ramadan—patience, integrity, and empathy—are the very virtues we require as we approach the critical milestones of 2026. Discipline must translate into a renewed commitment to electoral integrity,” he said.

Amupitan added that such commitment was essential to tackling voter apathy and rebuilding public confidence in the electoral system.

Ondo election… Photo: Channels TV/Sodiq Adelakun

He also highlighted the coincidence of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season, describing it as a symbolic moment of unity and shared responsibility.

“Seeing both faiths within the Commission engaged in simultaneous fasting and intercession reinforces my belief in our shared humanity,” he said.

He maintained that the forthcoming governorship elections would serve as a “litmus test” for the commission’s reforms and readiness for the 2027 general elections.

The INEC chairman described the current period as pivotal in the country’s democratic journey, calling on both staff and the public to reflect the values of Ramadan beyond the festive season.

“The conclusion of the fast is not just a celebration, but a foundation for renewed commitment to service, integrity, and national development,” he said.

According to him, the convergence of the two religious observances underscores the importance of collective responsibility in strengthening the country’s democracy.

The chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to staff welfare, citing recent initiatives, such as the reintroduction of institutional gatherings, like Iftar, to boost morale.

The INEC collation centre for the Edo State governorship election. Photo by Channels TV’s Sodiq Adelakun

He noted that improving working conditions was critical to ensuring staff remain motivated and resistant to external pressures.

“With a workforce of over 14,000, we recognise that a motivated workforce is the best defence against external political pressure,” he stated.

Amupitan further disclosed that the commission is operating under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates stricter compliance with technological innovations.

These, he noted, include deploying the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal to enhance transparency and credibility in elections.

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