News
JUST IN: FG to stop minerals testing abroad, unveil analysis lab
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has described African Natural Resources and Mines Limited as a valuable partner in the government’s efforts to promote local value addition in the mining sector.
Speaking at the commissioning of the ultra-modern mineral analysis laboratory in Sabon-Wuse, Niger State, Alake emphasised that the lab, the first of its kind in Nigeria, aligns with the key objectives of repositioning the mining sector in line with his 7-point agenda.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori, on Thursday, said the certified lab will significantly benefit the sector, as it will handle mineral samples that were previously sent abroad for testing.
“You are not only aligning with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda but also contributing to our ministry’s seven-point agenda, with local value addition being a critical component.
This internationally certified lab will significantly benefit the sector, as it will handle mineral samples that were previously sent abroad for testing, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global mineral analysis,” the minister stated.
Commending ANRML’s initiative, the minister urged the company, which also operates an iron ore mining and processing plant, to sustain its investment efforts, pledging the support of the Federal government for investments that will generate jobs for teeming youths in the country.
In his remarks, ANRML Group Managing Director, Alok Gupta, expressed his gratitude to the minister for commissioning the laboratory and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with the ministry to revolutionise the country’s mining landscape.
“The world-class laboratory commissioned today will be used to analyse solid mineral samples.
Recognising the need for such a facility in Nigeria, we decided to establish this laboratory using the latest technology.
0I am proud to announce that we are the only company in Nigeria certified with the prestigious ISO 7025 from the Canadian Association of Laboratory Abbreviations and other internationally recognized accreditation bodies for testing laboratories,” Mr Gupta asserted.
The ANRML laboratory, equipped with cutting-edge WDXRF machines, offers a comprehensive range of geochemical services tailored for the exploration and mining industries.
News
Multiple Accident on Karu Bridge Abuja (Video)
Reports are coming in of multiple accidents which occurred on Thursday evening, November 13th on the Karu Bridge in Abuja.
Details of the accident are still emerging, but a video posted on X, shows cars in flames while eyewitnesses calls for fire fighters to put out the engulfing inferno.
Authorities are likely on the scene, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.
Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when approaching the area and to consider alternative routes if possible.
Video ccredit.
Crime
Robert Mugabe Jr. Convicted of Drug Offense, Says He’s a Single Father
Robert Mugabe Junior, 33, the son of late former president Robert Mugabe, has been found guilty of illegal possession of drugs by the Harare Magistrates Court. Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki delivered the ruling on Thursday, 13 November 2025.
Mugabe pleaded guilty to possessing two grams of dagga, admitting the offence in open court. During proceedings, he appealed to the court for leniency, revealing that he is a single father of two.
“I am a single father raising two children. I ask the court to be lenient with me,” he said.
Sentencing is scheduled for later Thursday afternoon.
Found With Dagga During Traffic Stop
The case stems from a traffic stop on 1 October 2025, when police intercepted Mugabe’s silver Honda Fit in central Harare. Officers discovered a small quantity of dagga in his bag.
Prosecutor Mandirasa Chigumira told the court the search uncovered:
- Two sachets of dagga
- One pack of Rizla rolling papers
- A white dagga crusher
The total haul weighed two grams, with an estimated street value of US$30 (R550). Chigumira also noted that Mugabe had initially refused to sign the seizure receipt issued by police.
Previous Court Appearance and Bail
Mugabe first appeared in court on 2 October 2025 and spent two nights in custody before being granted bail of US$300 (R5,500). Magistrate Mutendereki ordered him to report weekly to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and remain at his registered address until the case concluded.
The trial has attracted widespread attention on social media, with public reactions divided over his conviction.
Police Allegations of Wider Syndicate
Earlier, the Zimbabwe Republic Police suggested Mugabe might be connected to a larger drug network. Commissioner Paul Nyathi told reporters on 2 October 2025 that authorities had recovered 25 sachets of Indo hybrid dagga and six ecstasy pills linked to a syndicate allegedly involving Phillip Munetsi Chiyangwa, Mitchel Jackson, Simbarashe Kaseke, Wellington Icube, and Tanaka Kashamba.
However, prosecutors focused solely on Mugabe’s personal possession charge in court, leaving the wider syndicate allegations unaddressed.
History of Legal Trouble
This is not Mugabe Junior’s first legal issue. In February 2023, he was arrested for allegedly damaging property at a party in Harare. That case was later dropped following compensation. His lawyer, Ashiel Mugiya, who represented him in 2023, again defended him in this case, saying:
“He accepts responsibility for what happened and has cooperated with the authorities.”
Mugabe is expected back in court Thursday afternoon for sentencing, when Magistrate Mutendereki will determine his punishment.
Business
Nigerian govt suspends implementation of 15% petrol import duty
The Nigerian government has suspended the planned 15 per cent import duty on premium motor spirit (PMS) and automotive gas oil (diesel). The announcement was made by George Ene-Ita, spokesperson for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in a statement on Thursday.
The regulator urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying, assuring that there is adequate supply of petroleum products nationwide.
“It should also be noted that the implementation of the 15 percent ad valorem import duty on imported premium motor spirit and diesel is no longer in view,” NMDPRA stated.
The statement added that both domestic and imported supplies of petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products are sufficient to meet demand, especially during the peak period. The authority warned against hoarding, panic buying, or unwarranted price increases, and affirmed that it would continue to monitor supply and distribution closely.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the 15 per cent import duty last month to encourage the use of products from Dangote Refinery. While some stakeholders supported the move as a boost for local refining, critics argued it could increase fuel prices and worsen economic hardship for Nigerians.
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