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Fuel Price Hike and Blackout Cripple Businesses in Akwa Ibom

Phinadon Mag

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Residents face hardship from ₦1,300 fuel price and three-week blackout, crippling businesses and daily life across the state.

The sudden increase in fuel price and a prolonged power outage have plunged Akwa Ibom State into severe hardship, with businesses and households struggling to cope.

Residents are battling the outrageous pump price of ₦1,300 per litre, while enduring a blackout lasting nearly three weeks, which has crippled economic activities across the oil-rich state.

A short tricycle ride that previously cost ₦100 now goes for ₦200, while sachet water that sold two for ₦50 now costs ₦100. Photocopying charges have also doubled from ₦50 to ₦100 per page.

Businesses Grounded by Power Failure

In Uyo, the state capital, small business owners have been hit hardest.
Chimaobi, an ice block seller from Afaha Ube, said his business has been grounded since the blackout began.

Households are also struggling, with many unable to store food or cook in large quantities due to the lack of electricity.

PHEDC Blames Faulty Transmission Line

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) attributed the outage to a fault on the Aba–Itu 132kV transmission line, assuring that repairs are ongoing and urging residents to remain patient.

Akwa Ibom currently receives power from three sources — the Aba–Itu line, the Itu–Adiabo (Calabar) line, and the state-owned Ibom Power Plant.

However, the Itu–Adiabo line was vandalised years ago, leaving the aging Aba–Itu line as the only grid connection.

Experts Call for Urgent Infrastructure Repairs

An insider at Ibom Power revealed that the Aba–Itu line, built decades ago, now has limited capacity and requires reconductoring.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) also raised concerns about frequent vandalism on the Ikot Abasi–Eket line, which transmits Ibom Power’s output.

TCN urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to educate residents on the importance of protecting power infrastructure, warning that community unrest and vandalism continue to delay key transmission projects.

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Senate Confirms Sani Muhammad Ndanusa as Ambassador.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of Engineer Sani Muhammad Ndanusa as a non-career ambassador and high commissioner.

The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report submitted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Abubakar, representing Niger North. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had nominated Ndanusa for the diplomatic position, after which he appeared before the committee for screening.

Presenting the committee’s recommendations during plenary on Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced Ndanusa’s confirmation after lawmakers unanimously endorsed the nomination through a voice vote.

Akpabio congratulated the nominee and expressed confidence that Ndanusa would draw on his professional experience to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and strengthen the nation’s relations with other countries.

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Ogun Police Rescue 11 Ghanaian Nationals in Sagamu Visa Scam.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after being lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.

The victims—seven males and four females—were rescued during an intelligence-led operation conducted by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation followed intelligence received on October 19, 2026, concerning a suspected hideout.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to facilitate their travel abroad. Each victim reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria and detained against their will.

The victims are currently receiving care and support, while detectives work to identify and arrest other members of the alleged criminal network.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and combating transnational crime, stating that Ogun State would not become a safe haven for criminals.

The police urged members of the public to verify overseas travel and visa arrangements before making payments and to report suspicious activities to the authorities.

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Federal Government Confirms Ebola Case in the FCT.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Federal Government has confirmed one laboratory-diagnosed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The case was confirmed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT. She had received treatment at the facility for several days before being isolated. She is currently receiving medical care.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that contact tracing had commenced. So far, 44 close contacts have been identified, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and FCT health authorities, is taking measures to contain the infection and prevent further transmission.

Authorities have urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, practise regular hand hygiene, and report suspected exposure or symptoms to public health officials. The NCDC toll-free call centre is available 24 hours a day on 6232 for information and suspected case reporting.

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