Energy crisis grips Nigeria amid US-Israel war in Iran
Rising oil prices, spurred on by the war in Iran, have exacerbated Nigeria's energy crisis. What effect is the Iran war having on oil prices in Nigeria? Since the outbreak of the war in Iran, prices of petrol in Nigeria have surged multiple times. The increase in oil prices has prompted depot operators across key supply hubs to halt purchases of fuel. "The revision reflects the surge in global crude oil prices," Arise reported, citing a market source.
Source:The Guardian
March 15, 2026 15:41 UTC
Oyo State launches public toilet project to end defecation
The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has intensified its campaign to end open defecation in the state. Ademola Aderinto said the initiative formed part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to improve sanitation, promote public health, and end open defecation in line with the agenda of UNICEF and the Oyo State Government. Aderinto explained that Oyo State is projected to end open defecation by 2031, adding that all residents and visitors in the state must comply with and support the government’s efforts to achieve the target within the stipulated timeline. “The provision of public toilet facilities in busy locations such as markets is a strategic step by the government to eliminate open defecation and protect environmental and public health. He also commended the management of Open Public Spaces for supporting the government’s environmental agenda and contributing to the collective effort to maintain a cleaner and saner Oyo State.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 15:25 UTC
Wike-backed Faction Vows to Rebuild PDP in Ekiti
The Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has pledged to rebuild the party in Ekiti State and restore it to winning ways ahead of the 2027 general election. We have all it takes to achieve that.”A member of the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee, Bisi Kolawole, emphasised that plans were underway to rebuild the party’s fractured structure and reposition it for future political success. He said, “The next step is to bring all party members together for reconciliation,” adding that efforts are ongoing in that direction. PDP National leaders continue efforts to reconcile the two factions in the state—the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee and the Wike-backed National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Samuel Anyanwu. In Ekiti, while Fayose leads the Wike-backed faction, the party’s governorship candidate for the June 20 election comes from the Turaki faction.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 14:27 UTC
Pope renews call for peace in the Middle East
Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal for peace in the Middle East on Sunday, calling for an end to the war and the reopening of dialogue. “Dear brothers and sisters, for two weeks the peoples of the Middle East have suffered the atrocious violence of war,” the US pontiff said at his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican. “Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and countless others have been forced to flee their homes. “On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and of all women and men of goodwill, I address those responsible for this conflict,” he said in Italian. “Violence can never lead to the justice, stability, and peace that people await,” he said.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 12:53 UTC
Bandit attack in Plateau prompts military operation warning
The Plateau State Government has alerted residents of Kanam Local Government Area to a military operation against bandits in the Garga axis following a security incident on Friday. The Kanam Development Association of Plateau State had on Saturday raised the alarm over the attack on security personnel, including local vigilantes, by bandits in the council area. According to the group, the security agents, who were part of a patrol team, were ambushed in the Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area on Friday. The government condemned the attack and commended security personnel and local vigilantes who lost their lives confronting the attackers. “The administration of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, remains resolute in its determination to safeguard the lives and property of all citizens.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 12:51 UTC
Four die, others injured in Lagos expressway crash
FILE PHOTO: An official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority. Four passengers have died while four others sustained serious injuries in a road crash involving a truck and a commercial minibus along the Lekki–Epe Expressway in Lagos State. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq. LASTMA added that the driver of the truck and his motor boy fled the scene after the crash. PUNCH Online reports that this latest tragedy highlights an increase in road crashes in Nigeria.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 12:43 UTC
5 key things to know about Tinubu’s UK state visit
President Bola Tinubu will arrive in the United Kingdom on Wednesday for a state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between both countries. According to the statement, the visit will showcase the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the UK and further deepen cooperation between both countries. He noted that Nigeria remains the only African country whose leader has been hosted on a state visit by the British government five times. Economic ties between both countries were further strengthened through the UK–Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership signed in 2024. Expected engagementsDuring the visit, Tinubu is expected to hold bilateral talks with Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 12:35 UTC
Fenerbahçe president reveals details of failed Lookman deal
Atletico Madrid will face Getafe FC in a Spanish LaLiga match on 14 March 2026. EPA/ZIPIby Staff ReporterFenerbahçe president Sadettin Saran has revealed why Nigerian International Ademola Lookman chose Atletico Madrid as his destination following failed negotiations with the Turkish giants. Lookman became one of Africa’ most sought-after players in recent years, following his exploits with Atalanta in Serie A. While Lookman was linked with a move to Fenerbahçe, the exciting attacker ended up at Atletico Madrid as Saran revealed his former side requested a letter of financial guarantee regarding their finances. But later they asked for a letter of guarantee, saying they could not get their money from Turkish clubs.
Source:The Guardian
March 15, 2026 11:02 UTC
Why B’Haram, ISWAP are after military bases
In one of the attacks, ISWAP claimed it killed a senior military officer and two junior soldiers. The group claimed responsibility for an attack on a military base in Marte LGA, killing three military officers and injuring several others. The military base in Jakana town of Konduga LGA was also attacked by ISWAP on March 5. ISWAP attacked a military base in Mainok town of Kaga LGA, killing an undisclosed number of military officers. The group further attacked military bases in Kawuri and Dalori communities in Konduga LGA, burning down the bases and driving away military personnel.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 10:18 UTC
Reconciliation: Wike, PDP govs’ camps hold talks Monday
Reconciliation movesAgainst this backdrop, the governors’ camp, alongside the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees and the Wike-aligned Caretaker Committee, signalled their readiness for genuine reconciliation. You know, the Bauchi State Governor, who earlier declined the idea of reconciliation with the Wike group, is now open to reconciliation. He noted that the reconciliation committee would comprise representatives from both factions to ensure fairness in the process. Anyanwu, however, insisted that there was no going back on the planned national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30. We only have one PDP now, under the leadership of the chairman of the National Caretaker Committee.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 08:10 UTC
2027: President seeks executive–legislative collaboration
Details have emerged on why President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday. Those present at the meeting included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma. The meeting took place shortly after plenary sessions were held at both chambers of the National Assembly. The President met with the leadership of the National Assembly and reminded them of the need to put their houses in order. Some of the disagreements reportedly centred on aspects of budget implementation and ongoing debates on constitutional amendments currently being considered by the National Assembly.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 06:12 UTC
Morning recap: Nigerians injured as Iran rains missiles on UAE, why B’Haram, ISWAP target military bases
Nigerians were among more than 140 residents injured after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the United Arab Emirates, raising fresh fears for thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf nation. The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed on Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones fired from Iran, describing the attack as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions. “As usual with the terrorists during the Ramadan period, they believe that when they die, they are going to heaven. So, they are ready to commit any offence or get killed because they feel they will be rewarded,” he said. The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed on Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones fired from Iran, describing the attack as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 06:05 UTC
Tata Punch EV First Drive Review - Upper Cut for Rivals
The 2026 Tata Punch EV has received an update, and this isn’t just a cosmetic nip-and-tuck. 2026 Tata Punch EV Design ChangesThe changes at the front are subtle but certainly noticeable. 2026 Tata Punch EV Features and EquipmentThe Punch EV continues to punch above its weight when it comes to equipment. The Punch EV now uses an integrated 6-in-1 EV drive unit including the motor, gearbox, charger, and DC converter. (All prices are ex-showroom)2026 Tata Punch EV Review VerdictOverall, the Punch EV facelift makes a very strong case for itself.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 04:54 UTC
Labour Party Confirms No Boycott for 2027 Elections
The Labour Party has said it has no plan to boycott the 2027 general elections, noting that it is instead concentrating on correcting lapses that undermined its performance in the 2023 polls. Responding to a question on whether the Labour Party would align with IPAC’s position, Usman said the party would not adopt a “bandwagon” approach, stressing that every political party has its own priorities and challenges. She said, “Every political party has its peculiarities. What bothers another political party may not be what is bothering the Labour Party at the moment. “If any political party feels that they are so aggrieved and do not want to participate come 2027, honestly, we are not going to stop them.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 01:56 UTC