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.

The Lagos State Government has cleared beggars and individuals deemed a public nuisance along the Ketu-Alapere corridor as part of its ongoing environmental sanitation and urban renewal efforts.

The operation was carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) and confirmed by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on his official X account on Wednesday.

“Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps today commenced a clearance operation at Ketu-Alapere, removing beggars and other individuals constituting nuisance along the road median,” Wahab said.

He noted that those apprehended would be properly profiled and handed over to relevant authorities for further action. A video released by the commissioner showed LAGESC officials evacuating individuals from the busy corridor, a major link between Lagos Mainland and key transport routes to the Island.

Wahab emphasized that the exercise is part of broader efforts to improve public order, ensure free traffic movement, and maintain the aesthetic appeal of public spaces across Lagos.

“Every part of Lagos must reflect the standard of a #CleanerLagos and a #GreaterLagos,” he added.

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a suspected abduction attempt by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.

The incident occurred around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday when the corps members — 36 males and 38 females — were stranded after their vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot.

According to military sources, a patrol team was swiftly deployed to the area after a CCTV monitoring system detected suspicious movement involving three buses.

“On reaching the location, troops found 74 corps members stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults. They were immediately rescued to prevent a likely abduction by terrorists operating in the area,” the report read.

The rescued corps members have been temporarily accommodated at the Buratai military base while arrangements are being made for their safe relocation.