EVENTS

BENIN REPUBLIC DEMANDS NIGER REPUBLIC COOPERATE OVER CRUDE EXPORTS

Published

2 years ago

May 8, 2024

President Patrice Talon on Wednesday demanded Niger’s military rulers collaborate and reopen their side of the border if they want Benin to let ships load Nigerien crude exports at its Seme port.

Benin has eased trade restrictions on its side of the Niger border since sanctions were imposed on Niamey following a coup in July last year that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum.

But Talon said military leaders in its northern neighbour were treating Benin like an “enemy” and not cooperating to restore ties and formally normalise trade rather than allow informal border crossings.

Landlocked Niger runs a pipeline from its oilfields to Benin’s Seme port on the Atlantic coast to export its crude.

“If you want to load your oil in our waters, you must consider that Benin is not an enemy country and that the territory of Benin cannot be the subject of illicit trafficking or informal exchange,” Talon said in a declaration released by the presidency.

“If tomorrow the Nigerien authorities decide to collaborate with Benin in a formal manner, the boats will be loaded.”

The Benin president did not directly state Niger’s oil shipment loadings had been stopped or blocked.

In December, Benin lifted its suspension of imported goods transiting to Niger through the port of Cotonou, that had been part of sanctions imposed by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS following the coup.

The closure of its northern border with Niger hit Benin’s government revenues and also impacted the cost of food goods.

Talon last year had been among the most vocal regional leaders calling for relations to be swiftly re-established between his country and neighbouring Niger.

Niger — one of the world’s poorest countries – has been able to sell crude on the international market for the first time via Seme port.

EVENTS

EID-EL-FITR: IGP DISU FELICITATES MUSLIM FAITHFUL, ORDERS NATIONWIDE DEPLOYMENT OF TACTICAL ASSETS

Published

5 days ago

March 20, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has extended warm felicitations to the Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

In furtherance of his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment during the festive period, the Inspector-General has directed Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders across all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory to implement robust security arrangements.
Operational measures include:
Strategic deployment of tactical teams and intelligence operatives.

Deployment of the Special Intervention Squad and conventional police personnel to Eid prayer grounds and critical infrastructure.
Increased presence at highways, motor parks, recreational centers, and other public spaces to ensure peaceful, hitch-free celebrations.

The IGP has also ordered heightened visibility policing, coordinated patrols, enhanced surveillance operations, and intelligence-led stop-and-search duties. These actions are aimed at proactively deterring criminal activities and ensuring a swift response to any emerging threats.

IGP Disu calls on members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency lines:
08057000001, 08057000002, 09133333785, and 09133333786.
IGP Tunji Disu wishes all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
20th March, 2026

EVENTS

Hon Success Opara celebrates Mothering Sunday with St. Peter women, hails them as the ‘neck that controls the household

Published

2 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Hon Success Opara, former councilorship candidate for Ikenegbu Ward 2, celebrated Mothering Sunday with the women of St. Peter Anglican Church, Ikenegbu, extolling them as the backbone of their households.

He described them as the “neck that controls the household,” acknowledging their vital role in shaping families and communities.

Opara’s gesture is seen as a testament to his commitment to uplifting and empowering women.

The celebration, which coincided with the Christian observance of Mothering Sunday, featured fellowship and words of encouragement from Opara, who prayed for the women’s well-being.

This event highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating mothers and mother figures in Nigerian society.

EVENTS

“Early marriage is better than fornication” – Mixed reactions as young Nigerian couple trends after welcoming a child

Published

3 weeks ago

March 5, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

A young Nigerian couple are currently trending on Arewa social media circles after they welcomed their first child.

The pictures taken by a Kaduna-based photographer have sparked mixed reactions, with some people saying that the girl is underaged and not old enough to be a wife and mother.