News
El-Rufai Writes NSA, Demands Explanation on Alleged Procurement of Deadly Poison to Nigeria
By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has formally requested clarification from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) regarding the alleged procurement of a highly toxic chemical substance, Thallium Sulphate.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and addressed to National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, El-Rufai stated he was acting “as a concerned citizen” to seek details about what he described as the procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of the substance, reportedly sourced from a supplier in Poland. The letter was received by ONSA on February 11, 2026.
According to Science Direct, Thallium sulfate is an extremely hazardous substance. It is a tasteless, odourless, and colourless crystalline powder historically used as a potent rodenticide and insecticide. Due to its extreme toxicity—with a fatal human dose estimated to be as low as 8 to 12 milligrammes per kilogramme—its use is tightly restricted or banned in many countries. The chemical mimics potassium in the body, leading to severe nervous system damage, hair loss, and potentially death.
The letter, titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” raises several critical questions regarding the purpose, regulatory compliance, and safety measures surrounding the reported acquisition.
El-Rufai wrote that he was seeking clarification as a concerned citizen based on information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilogrammes of Thallium Sulphate by ONSA, reportedly from a supplier in Poland. Highlighting the grave danger posed by the substance, he stressed the need for transparency, noting that because thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, it was important for public safety, democratic accountability, and maintaining public trust to confirm specific details.
He therefore sought clarification on the intended purpose and end-use of the imported Thallium Sulphate, the supplier’s identity, and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit. He also requested information on the total quantity and specific form or concentration being procured or already procured, as well as the storage and security arrangements for the material upon arrival.
Furthermore, he asked about the regulatory oversight and coordination with NAFDAC, NCDC, and relevant public-health and environmental agencies, and whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans had been developed given the compound’s extreme toxicity.
El-Rufai emphasised that his inquiry was made in good faith, with the sole aim of ensuring due process and transparency, rather than inflaming political tensions. He stated that public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed.
The former governor requested continued dialogue with the NSA’s office on the matter and expressed appreciation for a response or a point of contact within the office for further engagement to reassure concerned Nigerian citizens in the opposition.
In a move underscoring the demand for transparency, El-Rufai copied the correspondence to the Directors-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as well as the National Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The inquiry comes amid recent political tension, following claims by the former governor that NSA Ribadu ordered his arrest, an incident that led to a recent altercation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. It also follows El-Rufai’s assertion that an individual had intercepted a phone conversation confirming the NSA’s involvement in the alleged arrest attempt.
News
Report: Nigeria Records N166trn Public Debt
By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The Debt Management Office (DMO) says Nigeria’s total public debt rose to N166.79 trillion as of June 30, 2026.
The DMO published the latest public debt portfolio report on Friday.
The figure represents a 9.4 percent or N14.39 trillion increase from the N152.4 trillion recorded at the end of June 2025.
It also represents an increase of N7.44 trillion or 4.7 percent compared with the N159.35 trillion recorded at the end of the first quarter (Q1) of 2026.
According to the latest report, the debt stock comprises N91.59 trillion in domestic debt, which accounts for 54.91 percent of the total debt stock, and N75.2 trillion in external debt, representing 45.09 percent.
The debt office said domestic debt increased by N11.04 trillion (13.7 percent) from N80.55 trillion recorded in June 2025.
The office said external debt also rose by N3.35 trillion (4.7 percent) from N71.85 trillion in the same period.
According to the DMO, the federal government accounted for N152.77 trillion of the total debt stock, comprising N86.99 trillion in domestic debt and N65.77 trillion in external debt.
On the other hand, states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) accounted for the remaining N14.01 trillion — N4.59 trillion in domestic debt and N9.42 trillion in external debt.
In dollar terms, the agency said Nigeria’s total public debt stood at $120.93 billion as of June 30, 2026 — up from $99.66 billion recorded in June 2025.
The DMO said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official exchange rate of N1,379 per dollar as of June 30 was used to convert the external debt to naira.
News
NNPC Ltd Welcomes $800m Ima Gas Final Investment Decision
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has welcomed the $800 million Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Ima Gas Project, describing it as a landmark development that affirms the growing viability of Nigeria’s upstream gas sector.
The project, located offshore in OMLs 112 and 117 and developed by AMNI International in partnership with TotalEnergies, will produce about 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day at peak. The output will supply critical feedgas to Nigeria LNG Limited in support of its Train 7 expansion, which will increase capacity at the Bonny Island plant from 22 million tons per annum to 30 Mtpa.
The FID was enabled by the Presidential Directives of 2024, which provided fiscal incentives for non-associated gas, streamlined contracting and lowered development costs. Ima is the fourth major gas project to reach FID under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after Iseni, Ubeta and HI.
Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari described it as “a decisive vote of confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector and in the bold reforms” that have created competitive terms and a predictable investment environment.
NNPC Ltd. also commends the collaboration between AMNI, TotalEnergies and the Nigerian financial sector, saying the model of indigenous operator, international partner and domestic capital is a template for future developments.
In a statement signed by Andy Odeh Chief corporate communications officer of NNPC Ltd. reaffirms its commitment to work with government, regulators and industry partners to sustain investment momentum and deploy Nigeria’s gas resources for industrialisation, job creation and long-term prosperity.
News
At MAN AGM In Kano, Manufacturers Throng Dangote Pavilion Over ‘Peoples IPO’
Manufacturers under the aegis of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) thronged the Dangote Group’s pavilion at the exhibition to seek information and clarification on the ongoing Public Initial Public Offering (IPO) of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals (DPRP).
The three-day Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Kano-Jigawa Branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the 54th in the series, ended on Thursday, with the Dangote Group’s representative hosting participants and engaging manufacturers who expressed keen interest in the ongoing Initial Public Offering (IPO) of the Dangote Refinery.
The Dangote Refinery Peoples’ IPO offers Nigerians and other eligible investors an opportunity to buy shares in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, thereby becoming part-owners of one of Africa’s largest industrial projects and participating in its future growth.
The Dangote Refinery IPO runs from 14 September to 13 October 2026.
Dangote Industries Limited is one of the sponsors of the 54th MAN AGM.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Sharada/Challawa Branch, Alhaji Nura S. Madugu, highlighted the mounting burden of multiple taxes, levies and charges on manufacturers, warning that the situation is increasing the cost of doing business and undermining the competitiveness of local industries.
Madugu urged the Kano State and Federal Governments to ease the tax burden on manufacturers and accelerate efforts to harmonise taxes and levies imposed on businesses.
He particularly decried the practice of double and multiple taxation, which he said continued to place additional financial pressure on manufacturers already grappling with high energy costs, inadequate infrastructure, expensive financing, insecurity, foreign exchange challenges and unfair competition from imported goods.
“We are especially concerned about instances of double and even multiple taxation, where the three tiers of government impose what is essentially the same levy under different names and different guises. This practice places our products at a serious disadvantage in their constant competition with imported goods, a disadvantage made worse by the high cost of alternative power supply and the volatility of the foreign exchange rate.
Madugu reminded the meeting of MAN’s enormous contribution to the society and provide employment to thousands of Nigerians, as well as participating actively in tax revenue generation for the country.
“We provide employment to thousands of Nigerians. We participate actively in tax revenue generation for the states and the federation through the deduction of Value Added Tax on our products, the remittance of Pay-As-You-Earn on behalf of our staff, and the payment of Withholding Tax, Education Tax, Tertiary Education Tax, Company Income Tax, and a whole host of other levies too numerous to mention individually. Beyond taxation, we also discharge our Corporate Social Responsibility diligently to the communities in which we operate.
“Even though what we receive in return remains modest, we continue, in strength and in good faith, to serve this nation and to hold up its economy. We do this because we believe in Nigeria and in Kano State. But it must be said plainly,” Madugu added.
In his remarks also, MAN Chairman, Bompai/Jigawa Branch, Mohammed Bello I. Umar, appreciated the association’s members for their resilience, commitment and continued investment in the Nigerian economy despite the difficult operating environment.
He pointed out that the meeting provides the members of the association with an opportunity to reflect on its activities, review the challenges confronting their businesses, acknowledge the progress they have made, and chart a stronger course for the future of manufacturing in the country.
However, he said, the members must acknowledge that manufacturing remains under serious pressure.
He highlighted that the high cost of energy, multiple taxes and levies, inadequate infrastructure, high financing costs, insecurity, foreign exchange challenges and unfair competition from imported goods continue to affect our competitiveness.
“One issue that requires our collective attention is the importation of contraband and substandard goods. These products undermine local manufacturers who invest heavily
“Reliable and affordable electricity remains one of the most important requirements for industrial development.
He however welcomed the ongoing electricity reforms and efforts by the Kano State Government and the State House of Assembly towards establishing a more effective electricity framework for the State.
He called for the swift implementation of reforms that will create a more reliable, competitive and affordable electricity market for industries.
He noted that manufacturers continue to provide employment, generate wealth, support local communities and contribute significantly to government revenue in production, employ Nigerians and comply with government regulations.
“We must therefore stand together and call for stronger enforcement at our borders and markets.
He urged the relevant government agencies to intensify the fight against smuggling, counterfeiting and the importation of goods that compete unfairly with locally
RE:WE ARE UNDER SIEGE: Wukari Traditional Council Aku Uka’s Palace, Wukari, Taraba State
Report: Nigeria Records N166trn Public Debt
NNPC Ltd Welcomes $800m Ima Gas Final Investment Decision
At MAN AGM In Kano, Manufacturers Throng Dangote Pavilion Over ‘Peoples IPO’
NLC President Ajaero: It Is Wrong to Negotiate Minimum Wage Without Minimum Pension
Zamfara Varsity ASUU Threatens Warning Strike Over FG-ASUU Agreement, Promotion Arrears
Bello Sharada: A Great Writer, A Bookish Soul, Gone Too Soon
Kano Chemists Threaten Warning Strike Over Alleged PCN Pressure
Per Ishaq Samaila: “Waziri” for Strategy. “Mai Jama’a” for Service. One Man. One Mission. Ibrahim Kabir Masari
Court Ultimatum Forces FBI to Hand Over Tinubu’s Fraud Records to Judge—But Keeps Them Hidden from Public
RE:WE ARE UNDER SIEGE: Wukari Traditional Council Aku Uka’s Palace, Wukari, Taraba State
Report: Nigeria Records N166trn Public Debt
NNPC Ltd Welcomes $800m Ima Gas Final Investment Decision
At MAN AGM In Kano, Manufacturers Throng Dangote Pavilion Over ‘Peoples IPO’
NLC President Ajaero: It Is Wrong to Negotiate Minimum Wage Without Minimum Pension
Zamfara Varsity ASUU Threatens Warning Strike Over FG-ASUU Agreement, Promotion Arrears
Bello Sharada: A Great Writer, A Bookish Soul, Gone Too Soon
Kano Chemists Threaten Warning Strike Over Alleged PCN Pressure
Per Ishaq Samaila: “Waziri” for Strategy. “Mai Jama’a” for Service. One Man. One Mission. Ibrahim Kabir Masari
Court Ultimatum Forces FBI to Hand Over Tinubu’s Fraud Records to Judge—But Keeps Them Hidden from Public
-
Opinion5 years agoOn The Kano Flyovers And Public Perception
-
Features5 years agoHow I Became A Multimillionaire In Nigeria – Hadiza Gabon
-
Opinion6 years agoKano As future Headquarters Of Poverty In Nigeria
-
History5 years agoSheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory (1917-1992):Nigeria’s Islamic Scholar Who Wrote Over 100 Books And Journals
-
Opinion5 years agoMy First Encounter with Nasiru Gawuna, the Humble Deputy Governor
-
History5 years agoThe History Of Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum
-
History6 years agoThe Origin Of “Mammy Market” In Army Barracks (Mammy Ochefu)
-
News4 years agoFederal University Of Technology Babura To Commence Academic Activities September