The Dangote Refinery has officially commenced the distribution of refined petroleum products across Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country’s quest for energy self-sufficiency. However, the development has sparked mixed reactions from stakeholders and citizens alike.

The refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone of Lagos State, is Africa’s largest and one of the world’s biggest single-train refineries. With a capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, the launch of fuel distribution is expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

While government officials and industry leaders have hailed the move as a “game changer” for the Nigerian economy, some citizens and market observers have expressed concerns over pricing, distribution efficiency, and transparency in the supply chain.

Energy analysts note that while the refinery’s operations could stabilize fuel supply and potentially lower prices in the long run, the immediate impact on pump prices remains uncertain due to global crude oil dynamics and local policy factors.

The Dangote Group, led by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, has described the development as a major step toward ending Nigeria’s fuel import dependency and boosting local employment and investment.

As fuel tankers begin to roll out from the refinery to different parts of the country, all eyes are on how this new phase will shape Nigeria’s downstream sector — and whether it will bring long-awaited relief to consumers.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has assured residents and commuters within the Ikeja axis that there is no cause for alarm following the detection of a passive gas odour in the area.

In a statement released on Saturday, the agency attributed the odour to a routine gas pipeline maintenance exercise being carried out by Axxela Group, the parent company of Gaslink, which operates gas pipelines supplying parts of Lagos.

According to the Fire Service, the exercise involves the controlled release of residual gaseous particles and poses no threat to public safety. Fire and Rescue teams are actively patrolling the area as a precautionary measure.

“The public is hereby assured that the situation is under control,” the statement read. “The saturated air is expected to dissipate shortly, and residents are advised to go about their normal activities without fear.”

In a separate incident, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also confirmed that a four-storey building under construction collapsed at 333 Borno Way, Alagomeji, Ebute-Metta, at approximately 7:46 p.m. on Friday.

Emergency responders, including the Fire Service, have rescued three adult male victims alive from the rubble.

However, search and rescue operations are ongoing as two construction workers are still believed to be trapped.

All relevant emergency services are currently on the scene, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Residents are urged to remain calm and follow official communication channels for verified information.

A dramatic twist unfolded at the Gino World Jollof Festival with Hilda Baci on Friday night as a massive pot designed for a Guinness World Record attempt collapsed during weighing, halting the proceedings and sparking concern among attendees.

The event, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, was aimed at setting a new record for the world’s largest pot of Nigerian Jollof rice. It attracted thousands of fans, food lovers, and celebrities, including actress Funke Akindele and rapper Falz. Hilda Baci, who became a household name in 2023 after breaking the record for the longest cooking marathon, led the effort.

Over 20,000 people had registered for the free event, with large crowds forming outside the venue throughout the day. Security personnel worked to manage the surging turnout as excitement built for the record attempt.

At the heart of the event was a custom-built pot measuring six metres in both height and width, originally planned to hold over 22,000 litres of rice. However, Baci later revealed that the target was scaled down to 4,000 kilogrammes—approximately 200 bags of rice—for logistical reasons.

To officially verify the weight, a crane was brought in to lift the pot onto a scale. But as the process began, the pot gave way under its own immense weight, collapsing and causing brief panic among spectators. No injuries were reported, but the incident forced organizers to suspend operations immediately.

Videos of the collapse quickly spread across social media, drawing both concern and support from fans online.

A spokesperson for Baci’s team confirmed that safety was the top priority and that they are working with officials to determine the next steps.

Though the fate of the Guinness World Record attempt is uncertain, the event once again demonstrated Baci’s star power and her ability to rally mass support around Nigerian cuisine.

Hilda Baci became a national sensation last year after cooking non-stop for over 93 hours, setting a Guinness World Record that earned her international acclaim.