NCC proposes 14-day SIM deactivation notice for subscribers
The Nigerian Communications Commission has proposed that telecom operators must give subscribers a minimum of 14 days’ notice before deactivating their SIM cards over inactivity or post-paid churn. The proposal is contained in a consultation paper titled Stakeholders Consultation Process for the Telecoms Identity Risks Management Platform, dated February 2026 and published on the Commission’s website. The commission also proposed that operators must submit churn data to the new Telecoms Identity Risk Management System. Stakeholders are expected to submit comments on or before March 20, 2026. The document was dated February 26, 2026, and signed by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida.
Source:Punch
March 03, 2026 04:10 UTC
Petrol Price Hike: Will Fuel Hit N1,000
This is largely the effect of the recent hike in global crude oil prices,” Ukadike said. The review became necessary due to changes in global crude fundamentals and replacement costs,” the official said. According to a statement from the group, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals is now operational, producing about 650,000 barrels of refined products daily. The refinery’s N874-per-litre gantry price sets the stage for retail rates that could reach or exceed N1,000, particularly if international tensions continue to push crude oil prices higher. JPMorgan’s projections highlight potential volatility in global energy markets, especially if disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz persist.
Source:Punch
March 03, 2026 04:09 UTC
Dangote refinery raises petrol price to N875 per litre
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased its Premium Motor Spirit gantry price by N101, raising the ex-depot rate from N774 to N875 per litre, heightening concerns over fresh fuel price increases across the country. A senior official at the refinery confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Monday, noting that the adjustment followed recent volatility in global crude oil prices. The review became necessary due to changes in global crude fundamentals and replacement costs,” the official said. The price increase came shortly after the refinery suspended petrol loading operations effective midnight on March 2, 2026, following a sharp surge in international crude oil prices, which crossed the $80 per barrel threshold overnight. Five energy experts, in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Sunday, warned that Nigeria could witness further increases in petrol and diesel prices if crude oil prices climb above $90 per barrel.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 21:24 UTC
US Congress Debates Trump's War Powers Amid Iran Conflict
So some lawmakers now want to reassert the role of Congress, which under the US constitution is the only body that can declare war. –This issue of whether there was an imminent threat from Iran is at the heart of the debate over the war that Trump has now begun with Israel. At a news conference Monday, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth used the word “war” to describe the conflict with Iran, not just a limited military intervention. The 1973 War Powers Act states that Trump must now obtain permission from Congress if he wants to keep fighting beyond a 60-day time limit. Republican congressman Thomas Massie, one of few in Trump’s camp that speaks out regularly to challenge him, condemned the Iran war on Saturday.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 20:34 UTC
One dead as Nigerian tugboat sinks in South Africa
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Photo: Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu via X, July 2025South African authorities have confirmed the rescue of 12 crew members from a Nigerian tugboat that sank off the country’s coast late Saturday night, with one person confirmed dead and five others still missing. The tugboat, identified as LEO, was said to have had 18 persons on board. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed on Monday that the South African Ministry of Transportation had formally notified Nigerian authorities of the incident. “The South Africa Ministry of Transportation informed us of this development.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 20:10 UTC
Oil & Gas Prices Surge Amid Middle East Supply Disruptions
Global oil and gas prices climbed sharply on Monday as Iran continued missile and drone strikes across the Middle East in retaliation for ongoing attacks by the United States and Israel, raising fears of wider disruption to energy supplies. As reported by the BBC, natural gas prices spiked by nearly 50 per cent after state-owned QatarEnergy suspended liquefied natural gas production following alleged military attacks on its facilities. In neighbouring Saudi Arabia, Aramco temporarily shut down its major oil refinery at Ras Tanura after it was hit by a drone. A senior official at the refinery confirmed the development to The PUNCH, noting that the adjustment followed recent volatility in global crude oil prices. Five energy experts, in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Sunday, warned that Nigeria could witness further increases in petrol and diesel prices if crude oil prices climb above $90 per barrel.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 19:17 UTC
'Punch the monkey' makes an appearance on 'SNL' Weekend Update
To close out Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update, Colin Jost introduced the night's final guest: Punch the monkey's mom. It was Sarah Sherman, in a bikini-fitted monkey costume, who portrayed the absentee mama as a trailer-trash harlot. Sherman's "Mama Punch" immediately clarified that she didn’t abandon Punch-kun under tragic circumstances — she simply didn't want him. From there, the segment unfolded exactly how any Sarah Sherman Weekend Update appearance does. Then Punch-kun himself showed up, played by Marcello Hernández, whose sheer cuteness cracked Sherman immediately.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 17:43 UTC
FG blames technical hitch for February salaries delay
The Federal Government has blamed a technical hitch for the delay in the payment of February salaries to treasury-funded workers, announcing that disbursement had commenced nationwide. In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation said it had started paying affected workers after resolving the issue that disrupted the schedule. “The Office explained that the delay in the payment of the February 2026 salaries was due to a technical hitch, and it has been tackled, and necessary measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence.”The clarification followed concerns among federal workers over the late payment of their February salaries, which are typically credited before the end of the month. The OAGF also disclosed progress on outstanding wage awards, stating that part of the arrears had been cleared. The unions accused the government of withholding funds meant for workers, alleging that relevant agencies were prepared to process payments once the Ministry of Finance released the required funds.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 17:35 UTC
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Nigeria: ICPC Lists Seized Items in El-Rufai Raid
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has listed electronic devices alleged to be capable of intercepting telephone communications and sensitive security documents among items seized during a search of the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the agency says in court filings. According to an affidavit filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, ICPC operatives …
Source:The Guardian
March 02, 2026 17:33 UTC
US issues security alert to citizens in Nigeria over Iran hostilities
Protestors hold portraits of Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as they gather to protest against the US and Israel attack of Iran and the killing of the Supreme leader in front of Israel Consulate in Istanbul on March 1, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)The United States government has issued a security alert to its citizens in Nigeria following escalating hostilities between the US and Iran. In a statement on Monday, the US authorities warned Americans abroad to remain vigilant in the wake of ongoing military operations involving Iran. Department of State Security Updates for US Citizens’ WhatsApp channel for further information. He also called on Iranian citizens to take control of their government once military operations were concluded.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 17:19 UTC
‘Uncomfortable truth’ about Punch the monkey’s heartbreaking story going viral
A psychologist has discussed the 'uncomfortable truth' about Punch the monkey’s heartbreaking story going viral. The psychologist addressed the 'selective empathy' discourse regarding Punch's story (Anadolu / Contributor / Getty Images)Another commented: "Humans are so performative. "On selective empathy, I do not think most people care more about animals than humans," Dannielle said. That is why it hits so hard, so fast, and why it spreads," Dannielle explained, noting that there is also an 'uncomfortable truth' at bay too. The psychologist made sure to note that welfare varies widely between zoos, and not every animal shows these behaviours.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 16:40 UTC
Police Council Confirms Olatunji Disu as Substantive IG
The National Police Council has unanimously endorsed the appointment of Olatunji Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police. “Yes, they have unanimously endorsed Disu as IGP,” Onanuga saidPUNCH Online reports that Monday’s gathering began at about 2:15 pm when Tinubu arrived at the Council Chamber. The meeting is in compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, which requires the Police Council to consider the appointment. “The Police Council Meeting is on Monday,” one of the sources said. Disu, 59, has been serving in an acting capacity since his appointment on Wednesday following Egbetokun’s exit.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 16:23 UTC
Executive order: FG begins direct remittance of oil revenues to FAAC
The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of Executive Order 9 of 2026, which mandates the direct remittance of oil revenues to the Federation Account Allocation Committee. This followed the directive of President Bola Tinubu on the remittance to FAAC and the inaugural meeting of the implementation committee for the executive order. “For this reason, the Committee approved a defined transition period for the operationalisation of direct payments by contractors of profit oil, royalty oil, and tax oil into the Federation Account. During the transition period, the Committee will issue clear, standardised guidance to ensure an orderly changeover,” the statement added. The minister added that the committee would continue to provide coordinated guidance and timely updates as implementation progresses.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 14:44 UTC
Israel PM Netanyahu’s office targeted, says Iran Guards
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Mondaythat their missile attacks have targeted the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the headquarters of the Israeli air force commander. “The office of the criminal prime minister of the Zionist regime and the headquarters of the regime’s air force commander were targeted,” the Guards said in a statement carried by Fars news agency. It said Kheibar missiles were used in the attack. Meanwhile, Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, appointed Revolutionary Guards General Majid Ebnelreza as acting defence minister after his predecessor was killed in Israeli-US strikes. “By order of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Revolutionary Guards general Majid Ebnelreza has been appointed as acting defence minister,” said deputy for presidential communications Mehdi Tabatabaei in a post on X.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 13:21 UTC