The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Liverpool suffer defeat against PSV as Pressure Mounts on Slot

    Liverpool suffer defeat against PSV as Pressure Mounts on Slot

    The ragged Reds have now lost nine of their last 12 matches across all competitions after being dismantled by PSV at Anfield.

    Arne Slot’s domestic troubles are no secret, entering this fixture on the back of consecutive three-goal defeats. Yet the Champions League had previously offered some relief for the under-fire manager and his struggling squad.

    Three wins from four, including an impressive victory over Real Madrid, had placed Liverpool in a strong position in the league phase. But this latest defeat has intensified scrutiny on Slot, sparking serious questions about the team’s direction and how he plans to arrest the slide.

    The visitors struck first after just six minutes when Virgil van Dijk inexplicably raised his arm while appealing for a foul, instead conceding a penalty for handball. Ivan Perisic stepped up and converted with ease.

    Liverpool responded swiftly. Ten minutes later, Dominic Szoboszlai levelled the score, reacting quickest when Matej Kovár parried Cody Gakpo’s shot straight into his path for a simple finish.

    Read Also: PSG, Barcelona renew interest in Osimhen, agent confirms

    In dire need of a turnaround, Liverpool showed signs of improvement as Gakpo went close and van Dijk thundered a header against the bar. But the Dutch league leaders reclaimed the lead when Mauro Junior split the defence with a superb pass, leaving Milos Kerkez helpless as Guus Til slotted home.

    The hosts’ evening worsened when substitute Couhaib Driouech pounced on the rebound from Ricardo Pepi’s effort, sparking jubilation among the travelling supporters. The Moroccan forward then added his second in stoppage time, finishing low into the corner after a rapid move.

    The victory— their first over an English club since defeating Tottenham in the 2008 Europa League—lifted the visitors to 15th in the standings. Liverpool, meanwhile, slipped to 13th and must find an immediate response as the battle for a top-eight place intensifies.

  • Gunners maintain perfect European run, beat Bayern 3-1

    Gunners maintain perfect European run, beat Bayern 3-1

    Arsenal controlled the match from the outset and opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Jurrien Timber met Bukayo Saka’s corner with a firm header—Arsenal’s 10th goal from a corner this season, the most of any team in Europe’s top five leagues.

    Bayern, however, grew into the contest after falling behind and drew level 10 minutes later. Joshua Kimmich delivered a sweeping crossfield pass to Serge Gnabry, who squared the ball for 17-year-old Lennart Karl to finish from close range. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded in the competition this season, but it didn’t derail their momentum.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    Arsenal restored their advantage when England winger Noni Madueke guided in a powerful cross from substitute Riccardo Calafiori.

    The Gunners then sealed the victory as north London derby hero Eberechi Eze lofted a perfectly weighted pass over the defence, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to round Manuel Neuer—who found himself stranded—and hand Bayern Munich their first defeat of the season.

  • UCL: PSG comeback to beat Spurs in 8goal thriller

    UCL: PSG comeback to beat Spurs in 8goal thriller

    For the first hour, Thomas Frank’s side produced a vastly improved performance compared with the limp display that drew heavy criticism after their north London derby loss to Arsenal, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to hold off PSG.

    Richarlison put Spurs ahead after 35 minutes with a close-range header, but PSG struck a crucial equaliser moments before half-time when Vitinha fired a superb right-footed effort high past Guglielmo Vicario.

    Five minutes into the second half, Randal Kolo Muani restored Spurs’ lead with a scrambled finish against his parent club. But it triggered a devastating PSG surge—the kind that swept past Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal in last season’s tournament—producing three goals in 12 relentless minutes.

    Read Also: PSG, Barcelona renew interest in Osimhen, agent confirms

    Vitinha levelled again with another stunning strike, this time on his left foot, before a mistake from Pape Matar Sarr allowed Fabian Ruiz to put PSG in front for the first time. Willian Pacho then capitalised on further defensive confusion to add a fourth.

    Kolo Muani briefly reignited Spurs’ hopes with a powerful finish in the 72nd minute, but PSG quickly extinguished any chance of a comeback when Vitinha completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Cristian Romero handled in the area.

    The holders finished with 10 men after substitute Lucas Hernandez received a stoppage-time red card for a blatant elbow on Xavi Simons.

  • DSS denies arresting Evangelist for raising herdsmen attack alarm

    DSS denies arresting Evangelist for raising herdsmen attack alarm

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied arresting one Evangelist Ukpo Daniel for raising what it described as a false alarm in a video that herdsmen attacked a crusade in Agboda village, Nasarawa State. 

    Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, National Headquarters, State Services Abuja, Favour Dozie, in a statement on Wednesday said this was false and misleading.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    “This claim is incorrect and appears intended to cast the Service in bad light as well as steer public tension. 

    “For clarity, Evangelist Ukpo Daniel was never invited nor arrested by the DSS. His spouse, Elizabeth, who originated the Post, when contacted, confirmed that she was with him at the Police Headquarters, Lafia. Therefore, the Service views such misrepresentations in ways that could inflame tension or disrupt ongoing operations, seriously. 

    “Consequently, the Service advises the public to depend on verified information and communication channels to stem the spate of disinformation that may be exploited to further distort national security,” the statement reads.

  • Southern Govs, traditional rulers pass vote of confidence in Tinubu

    Southern Govs, traditional rulers pass vote of confidence in Tinubu

    Southern Governors Forum(SGF) and Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council on Wednesday passed a Vote of Confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in recognition of his leadership and commitment to national stability and reform amid rising security challenges. 

    The SGF noted with concern attempts to plunge the region into disarray through sowing of discord and deliberate propagation of disinformation and fear, and reassured that all citizens of Southern Nigeria remained united, indivisible, and committed to peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural lines. 

    These formed parts of the communique at the end of the joint regional meeting of the SGF and Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council in Ogun State, where they also resolved 

    to continue speaking with one voice, advancing the collective interests of the South, and working collaboratively with the Federal Government to promote peace, prosperity, and progress for all Nigerians.

    The communique was read by the host Governor Dapo Abiodun who also doubles as the Chairman of SGF. 

    The meeting had in attendance Governors Babajide Sanwo – Olu(Lagos); Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers);Alex Otti (Abia); Biodun Oyebamiji( Ekiti); Francis Nwifuru(Ebonyi); Peter Mbah(Enugu)! Charles Soludo(Anambra) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa(Ondo) while deputy Governors Kola Adewusi(Osun); Bayo Lawal( Oyo)  Peter Odey(Cross River) and Dennis Idahosa(Edo) represented their respective principals. 

    Traditional rulers drawn from  the southern region of the country in

    attendance are the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Addition Gbadebo, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade and  the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlegeamong others. 

    Also in attendance were security chiefs from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who provided comprehensive briefings on the security situation across the region, with emphasis on the need to address equipment deficits, manpower gaps, intelligence coordination, and federal-state synergies. 

    The communique reads in part: “In a strong demonstration of unity, the Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council jointly passed a Vote of Confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in recognition of his leadership and unwavering commitment to national stability and reform.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    “The Forum recalled the Asaba Accord, wherein Southern Governors, in May 2021, unanimously advocated for a President of Southern extraction. Again, the forum restates its support for a Southern President and in person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

    “The Forum addressed attempts to sow discord and propagate disinformation and fear within the region. It reassured all citizens that Southern Nigeria remains united, indivisible, and committed to peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural lines. 

    “The Forum pledged to continue speaking with one voice, advancing the collective interests of the South, and working collaboratively with the Federal Government to promote peace, prosperity, and progress for all Nigerians.”

    And following a thorough review of the security landscape, the Forum also resolved as follows:

    “Creation of a Zonal Security Fund: Member states of each geopolitical zone will contribute to a dedicated fund to support zonal security operations and capacity building. A monthly Zonal Security Coordination Meeting of Security Advisers will be institutionalized.

    “Enhanced Intelligence Communication Infrastructure: The Forum adopted an intelligence-sharing framework supported by modern communication equipment and surveillance technologies, enabling realtime monitoring and coordinated responses across states. To this end, the forum resolved that each member state in each zone (that is SW, SE & SS) shall jointly invest in equipment that will allow effective communication across states lines.

    “Advocacy for State Policing: The Forum reiterated its longstanding call for the establishment of State Police as a constitutional imperative. It emphasized that the success of community-based and regional security outfits underscores the urgent need for decentralized policing.

    “Resident Identification Programme: Member states were encouraged to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to implement a unified state resident identification system.

    ” Support for Regional Security Structures: The Forum resolved to enhance regional and local security outfits including hunter associations and community-based surveillance units through the provision of equipment, logistics, and operational support.

    “Governance of Land and Mining Activities: States were urged to partner with traditional rulers to regulate land allocation and prevent indiscriminate practices that could lead to security risks. The Forum also resolved to combat illegal mining activities, which have caused significant ecological damage, by working with environmental authorities and traditional councils.

    “Institutional Strengthening of Traditional Councils: Member states were encouraged to provide direct financial and operational support to their traditional councils, enabling them to play a more effective role in governance, security, and peacebuilding.”

  • FG restates support for private-sector Investments

    FG restates support for private-sector Investments

    The Federal Government has pledged continued support for private-sector investments capable of driving industrialisation, expanding supply chains and creating sustainable employment across the country.

    In a statement by the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said the government was committed to working closely with local manufacturers whose investments are strengthening Nigeria’s productive base. 

    He gave the assurance during a meeting in Abuja with executives of Folay West African Limited, where the company presented its expansion plans aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and deepening the agricultural value chain.

    Folay Industries, a Nigerian-owned fast-moving consumer goods manufacturer operating from the Lekki Free Zone, has invested more than N11 billion in local production. 

    According to the ministry, the company sources grains domestically and has continued to create employment opportunities through backward integration. It is also one of several indigenous manufacturers replacing imports with competitive products made in Nigeria.

    Edun, who welcomed the company’s progress, said: “Initiatives such as those undertaken by Folay Industries reflect the movement toward value-added production, which is vital for economic diversification and long-term growth.” He added that the administration would continue to encourage private-sector initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity and contribute to national development.

    The meeting, the ministry noted, demonstrated the government’s steady support for the manufacturing sector at a time when the country is navigating the demands of diversification. “Partnerships with the private sector will be central to driving growth, creating jobs and building a resilient economy capable of securing a brighter future for Nigeria,” the statement added.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    In a separate development,  Edun on Tuesday chaired the 64th Regular Meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service Board, where key leadership appointments and promotions were approved to enhance operational effectiveness and support the ongoing transformation of the Service.

    The Board confirmed five Deputy Comptroller-Generals and eight Assistant Comptroller-Generals in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and the Federal Character principle. It also approved Special Promotions for ten officers who were recognised for what the ministry described as “exceptional professionalism and significant contributions to national revenue and security.”

    The ministry explained that the reforms form part of a continuing effort to modernise Customs operations, improve leadership succession and strengthen trade facilitation, transparency and border management. 

    As Nigeria expands non-oil revenue sources and promotes private-sector–driven growth, a more agile and technology-driven Customs Service is expected to play a critical role in reducing bottlenecks, improving clearance timelines and enhancing competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

  • No herdsmen attacks, disruption of crusade in Nasarawa – Police

    No herdsmen attacks, disruption of crusade in Nasarawa – Police

    Nasarawa State Police Command has debunked viral reports of herdsmen attack and disrupted crusade in Agboda village, Karu local government area of the state. 

    A statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, PRO Raham Nansel expressed disappointment over some publications circulating on various media platforms and social media with the caption “Panic as Herdsmen Disrupt Nasarawa crusade, forcing worshippers to flee.”

    “The Command categorically states that no herdsmen attack occurred anywhere in Nasarawa State, and the published reports, including the video in circulation, do not reflect the true situation in Agboda Village. The publication is therefore a gross misrepresentation of facts.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that on 24 November 2025 at about 1900 hours, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mararaba Udege Division, received information that a motorcyclist was attacked by unknown persons along a feeder road leading to Agboda Village.

    ” The victim sustained a machete cut, and his motorcycle was taken away by the assailants.

    “Upon receipt of the report, the DPO immediately contacted vigilante members in the area, who in conjunction with the police pursued the suspects. 

    Read Also: NPFL: Rampant Nasarawa United pull three points clear

    “The criminals abandoned the stolen motorcycle and fled. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he is currently responding to treatment, while his motorcycle was recovered.

    “Further investigation revealed that Daniel Ukpo, who made the viral video claims, is presently in police custody. He has confirmed that there was no herdsmen attack and no disruption of any crusade as reported. 

    “He explained that upon learning about the robbery incident, residents rushed to the scene, during which he recorded the video that is now being misrepresented online.

    “In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed calls on religious leaders to use their platforms to promote peace and harmony and to refrain from making statements capable of inciting tension within the State and the country at large” the statement added 

  • Akinosho’s faulty view and a regulator’s achievements

    Akinosho’s faulty view and a regulator’s achievements

    • By Bukola Olasanmi 

    On the surface, the piece published in the online and PDF editions of the Africa Oil+Gas Report on 24 November 2025 under the title “The irregularities of the regulator will keep Nigeria’s upstream underachieving” wears the respectable garb of a professional intervention designed to stimulate debate and provoke corrective action.

    A closer, honest reading instantly betrays the personal grievance of the publisher, Toyin Akinosho, who disguised his private shopping list as an “editorial.” The deliberate distortion of facts, the selective deployment of half-truths, and the insertion of outright falsehoods disgrace the very idea of an editorial—an exercise that is meant to be impartial, disinterested and committed solely to the public good. For the remainder of this rebuttal, therefore, the article will be correctly described as Akinosho’s opinion piece, not as any official editorial of the Africa Oil+Gas Report.

    To dignify it with the label “editorial” would be an insult to every serious publication that has ever taken a principled stand on issues of national importance. Were he still resident in Nigeria rather than safely ensconced abroad, a strong case could be made for charging him with criminal defamation and cyber-stalking.

    Had he kept his resentments private, some people might still have mistaken his silence for wisdom. 

    One would not be surprised if, cornered by the collapse of his latest stunt, he resurrects his decade-old trick of claiming “assassination attempts”. His only plausible plea at this point is ignorance; everything else is already on full display.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    Akinosho’s tirade against the NUPRC (and by extension its leadership) conveniently omits the elementary truth that attracting investment into any sector is never the responsibility of a single regulator acting in isolation. Global capital flows are shaped by security, fiscal policy, judicial certainty, infrastructure, and a dozen other variables. A responsible analyst would at least have acknowledged the devastating impact of Nigeria’s lingering insecurity on investor confidence. 

    Instead, Akinosho remained silent on the subject, preferring to train his guns exclusively on the Commission while pretending the broader context does not exist. Yet even within this hostile operating environment, the NUPRC under Engr. Gbenga Komolafe has delivered results that no honest observer can dismiss as modest. 

    The aggressive roll-out of improved metering infrastructure has driven crude-oil theft and losses to a 16-year low by mid-2025. The 2024–2025 divestment programmes and licensing rounds have been widely praised for transparency and competitiveness. The Project One Million Barrels incremental initiative has already added approximately 250,000 barrels per day of sustainable production. These are verifiable, quantifiable achievements—facts that sit uncomfortably with Akinosho’s narrative of failure and therefore had to be ignored entirely.

    The mask slips completely in the seventh paragraph, where he laments: “Hopes that NUPRC’s appointment earlier this year of a professional with business journalism experience and a track record of demanding transparency from powerful individuals and institutions as its head of communications would lead to predictable and timely release of data have been dashed.”

    Translation: “They should have given the job to me. I have a geology degree, industry exposure, and I run a newsletter. Fire the current spokesman and install me instead.” 

    It is a naked, pathetic job application dressed up as public-interest commentary. One sincerely hopes that the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, treats this with the contempt it deserves. Intellectual laziness is the kindest explanation for such a shoddy, narrow-gauge outburst. 

    The days when Akinosho could simply harvest data from the NUPRC website, repackage it with minimal effort and flog it abroad as “exclusive insight” are over. The Commission now releases timely, detailed, world-class data directly to the public—cutting out the middlemen. That is the real source of his rage: the tap has been turned off.

    Let Toyin Akinosho understand this clearly: his attempt to denigrate an institution that has become a benchmark of competence and transparency in Nigeria’s public sector is doomed to fail—now and always.

    This November 2025 tantrum is not the cry of a wounded patriot; it is the death rattle of a business mode rendered obsolete by competence and openness. 

    • Olasanmi is a legislative writer with a focus in oil and gas
  • NPA’s oversight stabilises Lagos export corridor

    NPA’s oversight stabilises Lagos export corridor

    Export traffic into the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) is witnessing renewed stability as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) implements round-the-clock oversight to counter disruptions caused by ongoing repair works on the Marine Bridge.

    The Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC) said the intervention has prevented what could have escalated into a major supply chain crisis for exporters.

    The Marine Bridge rehabilitation being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works—recently triggered heavy gridlock along the Ijora–Apapa access roads, trapping both import and export trucks for hours. With the corridor serving as one of the country’s most critical links for non-oil exports, operators feared prolonged delays would result in missed vessel schedules, increased demurrage and shrinking export margins.

    LASTCOC Chairman, Shittu Lukmon, said these concerns were quickly stemmed by the NPA’s decision to maintain a 24-hour command presence along the port corridor.

    According to him, the continuous engagement of the Apapa Port Manager and his team has restored order to truck movements and eased pressure at the Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) where export-bound cargoes are received.

    “The daily 24-hour engagement of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) leadership has significantly enhanced traffic conditions on port access roads,” Lukmon said.

    He added that the consistency of the intervention has ensured that “despite the ongoing repair works, NPA management has consistently ensured the seamless movement of inward and outward vehicles along the Apapa corridor.”

    This steady control, Lukmon said, has improved truck turnaround time and reduced queue spillovers—two chronic issues that often raise logistics costs for manufacturers and agro-exporters. Operators say the improved traffic flow has also prevented congestion from spilling into the EPTs, safeguarding cargo processing cycles that depend on predictable truck arrivals.

    Read Also: PRP slams PDP factional chair for “unpatriotic” call for foreign intervention

    Lukmon noted that the Apapa Port Manager’s hands-on approach has been central to the progress recorded. He said the trucking community has observed a level of dedication not previously seen from port leadership.

    “This is commendable work from the Apapa Port Manager. I have never seen a port manager like him. I’ve seen him at the port on Saturdays and Sundays, making sure the entire system runs seamlessly,” he said.

    Industry players further acknowledge that the increased physical presence of port leadership has brought improved discipline among truck drivers and terminal operators—reducing disorderly driving practices that typically aggravate congestion during infrastructure repairs.

    With the Marine Bridge rehabilitation still ongoing, stakeholders say NPA’s sustained oversight is critical to preserving the efficiency of Lagos’ export logistics ecosystem. Many exporters have welcomed the proactive management style, noting that it helps protect Nigeria’s revenue prospects at a time when the country is pushing aggressively to grow non-oil exports.

    For now, LASTCOC is calling for continuous collaboration between the NPA, trucking unions, and terminal operators to ensure that the gains are not eroded as construction works progress.

  • ASSBIFI President completes tenure

    ASSBIFI President completes tenure

    National President, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Comrade Olusoji Oluwole, has handed over after completing his constitutional three-year tenure.

    In a brief handover ceremony, Oluwole transferred leadership to the most senior Executive Committee member, Comrade Nike Joseph, who will serve as Acting National President pending the determination of an ongoing court case.

    The union was unable to elect new members into the Central Working Committee (CWC) due to a court order directing parties to maintain the status quo inter bellum in a suit filed by Comrade Amina Danesi and four others against ASSBIFI.

    Read Also: ASSBIFI President highlights recapitalisation impacts on banking sector

    The development took place during the 12th Triennial National Delegates’ Conference held from November 21 to 22, 2025, at the ASSBIFI Events Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

    According to a statement issued by the ASSBIFI National Secretariat, the conference also deliberated on key welfare issues affecting members and voted Rivers State as host for the next National Delegates’ Conference.