Tag: Nigeria

  • Death Toll In Ojodu-Berger Building Collapse Rises To Seven

    The death toll from the three-storey building collapse at 9 and 10 Oremeta Street in the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos has risen to seven.

    The number of casualties increased after two more bodies were recovered from the rubble on Monday afternoon.

    Rescue efforts and debris clearance are still ongoing at the scene.

    THE WHISTLER reports that the building, which housed a popular local restaurant, collapsed around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, prompting a swift response from emergency agencies.

    By 5:48 a.m. on Sunday, emergency responders had rescued 13 victims alive, while five bodies—three women and two men—had been recovered.

    On Sunday, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that safety protocols had been activated, and the area had been cordoned off to ensure secure rescue operations.

    The agency also deployed a range of rescue equipment, including heavy and light machinery such as excavators, payloaders, concrete cutters, spreaders, and chains.

    Personnel from multiple agencies—including the LASEMA Tiger and Cobra Response Teams, Pre-Hospital Care Unit, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC), Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Red Cross—are actively involved in the rescue efforts.

    Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased, as investigations into the cause of the collapse continue.

    Death Toll In Ojodu-Berger Building Collapse Rises To Seven is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Sales Manager at Golden Oil Industries Limited April, 2025

    Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us

    We are actively seeking a SALES MANAGER with a strong background in aquaculture, specifically in the catfish market. The ideal candidate should possess in-depth knowledge of the fisheries industry, demonstrate a proven ability to drive high-volume sales, and contribute to achieving our company\\\’s targets. Join our dynamic team and help us grow

    Job Requirements:

    • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Aquaculture, or a related field
    • Proven track record in sales management within the aquaculture or fisheries industry, with a focus on catfish production and distribution
    • In-depth knowledge of the fisheries market, including market dynamics, buyer behaviour, and industry trends.
    • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective sales strategies to drive high-volume sales and achieve revenue targets.
    • Excellent leadership, team management, and business development skills
    • Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
    • Results-oriented, self-driven, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision
    • Flexibility and willingness to travel for client engagement and market expansion.

    Click Here To Apply

  • Four workers d!e in Bauchi water treatment facility

    Four workers have d!ed during a routine maintenance operation at the Gubi Dam Water Treatment Plant in Bauchi State. 

     

    The incident occurred around 5 pm on Sunday, April 20, 2025 when workers were carrying out a sludge cleaning exercise in the plant’s tunnel.

     

    Spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, who confirmed the incident in a statement said the workers had entered the clarifier to dislodge pit pipes but were tragically overcome and retrieved unconscious.

     

    “At about 1700 hours today, a tragic event unfolded at the Gubi Dam Water Treatment Plant, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four dedicated staff members during a sludge cleaning operation in the plant’s tunnels,” the statement read.

     

    “This incident underlines the urgent need for reinforcing workplace safety practices and strict adherence to established protocols.

     

    “The deceased are: Shayibu Hamza, 48, Abdulmalik Yahya, 29, Jamilu Inusa, 29, and Ibrahim Musa, 42

     

    “They all resided in Firo village, Ganjuwa L.G.A., in Bauchi State. Their commitment to their work at the Gubi Dam Water Treatment Plant has left an indelible mark on their colleagues and the broader community.

     

    “The sludge cleaning operation commenced around 1200 hours. During the procedure, the staff members entered the clarifier to dislodge pit pipes but were tragically overcome and retrieved unconscious. Despite immediate medical interventions, they were pronounced dead at Specialist Hospital Bauchi.

     

    “Upon receiving information about the incident, the police quickly deployed personnel. Following standard protocols, the bodies were recovered, and an investigation is underway to ascertain the specifics surrounding this occurrence. The management of the water treatment plant is fully cooperating with relevant authorities to facilitate a comprehensive and transparent review.

     

    “This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of safety in the water treatment sector. It underscores the responsibility of both employers and employees to emphasise and adhere to established safety protocols to mitigate future risks.

     

    The Bauchi State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu psc(+)mni, extends heartfelt condolences to the management of the Gubi Dam Water Treatment Plant and to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. 

     

    “We hope for comfort and strength for their families during this challenging time and remain committed to supporting improvements in safety standards.” 

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • BREAKING: Boko Haram Terrorists Attack Yobe Community, Kill Three Soldiers

    The attackers also carted away foodstuffs and livestock, sources told SaharaReporters.

    Militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād have attacked Buni Yadi, killing three soldiers.

    The attackers also carted away foodstuffs and livestock, sources told SaharaReporters.

    Buni Yadi, in Gujba Local Government Area, located 54 kilometres away from Damaturu, the state capital, was one of the worst-hit local communities in Yobe State under the control of the Boko Haram insurgents for two years.

    “My home town came under attack overnight by Boko Haram terrorists. Three soldiers were killed, and foodstuffs and livestock were carted away. However, the army collected three cars from the terrorists. The attack started around 11 pm on Sunday till 4 am this morning (Monday),” a resident told SaharaReporters.

    Nigeria has been grappling with insurgency in the North-East for nearly two decades.

    The terrorist group has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, with Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states bearing the brunt of the crisis.

     

     

    Source: Sahara Reporters

  • Declining Consumer Demand Pushes Unsold Inventory To ₦2.14trn

    … Manufacturers Spent ₦1.11trn On Alternative Energy

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has reported a significant surge in unsold finished goods across the manufacturing sector, with inventory levels climbing to ₦2.14trn in 2024.

    This development, which reflects declining consumer demand and rising production costs, was detailed in MAN’s Economic Review for the second half of 2024.

    The report also revealed that manufacturers spent a record ₦1.11trn on alternative energy sources, driven by persistent electricity supply challenges and surging energy costs.

    According to the report, the 87.5 per cent year-on-year increase in unsold inventory signals the intensifying strain on manufacturers’ ability to clear stock amidst eroding consumer purchasing power and inflationary pressures.

    Although the second half of the year showed some signs of relief—with inventory declining by 27.9 per cent compared to the first half—the cumulative figure underscores a difficult operating environment marked by weak demand and high input costs.

    The review paints a mixed picture of the Nigerian manufacturing landscape in 2024.

    On one hand, the sector showed resilience in areas such as local raw material sourcing, which improved to 57.1 per cent from 52.0 per cent in 2023.

    On the other, it grappled with macroeconomic instability, exchange rate volatility, and surging inflation, which peaked at 34.8 per cent by year-end. These conditions drove operational expenses higher and constrained new investments, despite a slight half-year improvement in some indicators.

    It stated that the energy supply was among the most pressing issues. Though average daily electricity supply to manufacturers increased from 10.6 hours in 2023 to 13.3 hours in 2024—and rose to 15.2 hours in the second half of the year—the improvement came at a steep cost.

    Tariff hikes exceeding 200 per cent for Band A consumers, alongside 12 national grid collapses, forced manufacturers to ramp up expenditure on alternative energy sources.

    Total spending on diesel, petrol, gas, and other alternatives rose by 42.3 per cent from ₦781.68bn in 2023 to ₦1.11trn in 2024.

    A sectoral breakdown of energy spending revealed that the Food, Beverage & Tobacco industry led the pack with ₦229.41bn in alternative energy expenditure, up from ₦182.76bn the previous year.

    The Chemical & Pharmaceuticals sector doubled its energy spending to ₦208.68bn, while the Non-Metallic Mineral Products sector recorded ₦118.49bn—a 33.7 per cent increase.

    The Textile, Apparel & Footwear sector saw the most dramatic rise, with energy expenses increasing fourfold to ₦26.45bn from just ₦6.97bn in 2023.

    The high cost of energy was compounded by rising finance costs. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s aggressive monetary tightening drove up the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 27.5 per cent, pushing average commercial lending rates for manufacturers to 35.5 per cent—up from 28.06 per cent in 2023.

    As a result, total finance costs for the sector reached ₦1.3trn, severely limiting capacity for expansion and capital investment.

    Manufacturing investment also contracted significantly in real terms, falling by 35.3 per cent to ₦658.81bn.

    In nominal terms, investment declined by 11.3 per cent to ₦2.85trn, as companies paused or scaled down expansion plans in response to mounting economic uncertainties.

    The most significant reductions were observed in the Land & Buildings and Furniture & Equipment categories.

    According to the report, despite these headwinds, capacity utilisation in the sector edged up slightly to 57.0 per cent in 2024, compared to 55.1 per cent in 2023.

    This modest improvement was supported by gains in key sub-sectors, including non-metallic mineral products, motor vehicles & miscellaneous assembly, and chemicals & pharmaceuticals. However, this progress was tempered by persistent challenges such as forex scarcity, inflation, and energy disruptions.

    Manufacturing production also followed a dual trend. Real output increased by 1.7 per cent year-on-year to ₦7.78trn, driven by improved activity in select sub-sectors. Yet, production declined by 3.1 per cent when comparing the second half of 2024 with the first, reflecting the impact of rising operational costs and weakening consumer demand.

    In nominal terms, output soared by 34.9 per cent to ₦33.43trn, largely due to inflationary effects.

    The report noted that employment in the sector remained relatively stable. A total of 34,769 jobs were created in 2024, representing a 1.8 per cent increase from 34,163 jobs in 2023.

    However, employee exits also rose slightly to 17,949, compared to 17,364 in the previous year. The net result was 16,820 new jobs, virtually unchanged from the net 16,799 recorded in 2023, indicating that employment gains were mostly offset by high labour mobility and restructuring.

    MAN’s Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, noted that while the sector demonstrated a degree of resilience, more decisive policy support is needed to ensure sustainable growth.

    He emphasised the importance of stabilising macroeconomic conditions, ensuring a reliable energy supply, and expanding access to affordable financing for manufacturers.

    “The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities,” he said. “If we can address the structural constraints—particularly energy and finance—we can unlock far greater productivity and industrial contribution to national growth.”

    The report concludes with a call for urgent reforms to ease manufacturers’ cost burdens and stimulate investment, as the sector remains a critical driver of employment, economic diversification, and inclusive growth in Nigeria.

    Declining Consumer Demand Pushes Unsold Inventory To ₦2.14trn is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Trade & Market Systems Manager at TechnoServe April, 2025

    Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us

    Job Summary:

     We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Trade & Market System Manager to direct the project’s efforts in optimizing fisheries trade in Nigeria. This role requires a team lead with a very good understanding of international and regional trade dynamics, market systems analysis, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable policy and business recommendations.

    Program/Practice/Department Overview:

    The AquaTrade project is designed to create jobs within Nigeria’s fisheries value chain for women and youths by providing capacity building training and facilitating access to market and finance with the aim of boosting trade in fish and value-added fish products.

    Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

     

    • Conduct in-depth analyses of national and regional trade policies, market access barriers, and value chain inefficiencies, focusing on ECOWAS, AfCFTA, and WTO frameworks.
    • Develop trade strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian fisheries products in regional and international markets.
    • Monitor and analyze global fisheries market trends and their potential impact on Nigeria.
    • Identify and address barriers to cross-border trade, including customs procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, and logistical constraints.
    • Work with stakeholders to streamline trade processes and enhance regional integration.
    • Assess market structures, value chains, and trade flows to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
    • Develop market information systems to support informed decision-making by fishers, traders, and processors.
    • Design and implement interventions to improve market linkages and reduce transaction costs.
    • Utilize statistical software and economic modeling techniques to analyze trade data and generate actionable insights.
    • Work closely with government agencies, private sector associations, regional economic communities and prepare high-quality reports, policy briefs, and presentations for stakeholders.
    • Lead and mentor junior analysts and provide training and technical assistance to stakeholders on trade-related issues.

    Basic Qualifications:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, International Trade, or a related field and 7 years of experience in trade and market analysis, preferably in the fisheries or agricultural sector. Alternatively a Master’s degree and 5 years of experience
    • Proven expertise in analyzing regional trade agreements (ECOWAS, AfCFTA, WTO) and cross-border trade facilitation.
    • Strong quantitative skills and proficiency in statistical software.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Demonstrated experience with at least two previous assignments related to trade and market analysis.

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience working in West Africa, including Nigeria.
    • Knowledge of fisheries management and value chains.
    • Publications in peer-reviewed journals or policy briefs.

    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

    • Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
    • Strong understanding of international trade theory and practice.
    • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
    • Strong project management skills.

    Supervisory Responsibilities – 1 -3 Market Analysts

    Click Here To Apply

  • My duty in prison was to clean feces everyday

    Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the 17-year-old boy who went viral after a photo of him standing in front of the convoy of Peter Obi during the 2023 general election, has shared his traumatic experience in the prison.

     

    Quadri was arrested by the police in January 2025. He was arraigned in court and has been in prison custody since then. His plight was brought to the public last week by a young lady who asked that Nigerians rise up to ensure the teenager gets freed. While the police claim Quadri was arrested and charged in connection with a violent street fight in the Amukoko area of Lagos earlier this year, Quadri insisted that he was framed. 

     

    While speaking on Channels TV this morning, Quadri stated that up until the day he was arrested, he served as a motorboy to a driver who travelled around to deliver fish. He mentioned that on the day he was arrested, he had just finished the day’s job, collected his money from his boss and was heading home. He mentioned that he had just arrived at the gate to his compound when some police officers accosted him and accused him of being part of those who had recently had a street fight. He mentioned that . Quadri said that is how he was picked up and then taken to the station. He mentioned that of all the people who were arrested, he was the youngest of them. He mentioned that while he was in prison, he served as the person to evacuate faeces from the pit hole that serves as their toilet.

     

    He mentioned that he wants to go to school and needs all the help he can get.

     

    Meanwhile, over N10 million has so far been raised for Quadri by well-meaning Nigerians.

     

    Watch a video of him speaking below

     

     

     

     

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • BREAKING: Several Feared Dead In Gombe As Truck Ploughs In Easter Celebrants

    The tragic incident occurred on Monday along Tashan Gona in Billiri, as the group was returning from a mountain prayer gathering.

    An unspecified number of people have been reported dead in Gombe State after an articulated vehicle loaded with goods ploughed into a procession of Easter celebrants.

    The tragic incident occurred on Monday along Tashan Gona in Billiri, as the group was returning from a mountain prayer gathering.

    According to eyewitnesses, several persons were killed on the spot, with some reportedly crushed beyond recognition. Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

    It was gathered that the truck was set ablaze by irate youths after the driver fled the scene and took refuge at the police station in Billiri. Most of the victims were said to be children and youths who had participated in the prayer gathering.

    “Many of those affected are youths and children. The scene is an eyesore; some of the victims died on the spot, and others were rushed to the hospital. The driver managed to escape into the Billiri police station,” an eyewitness told SaharaReporters.

    As of the time of this report, police authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the incident.

    Efforts to reach the Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Buhari, were unsuccessful. He neither answered calls nor responded to text messages sent to his phone.

    Source: Sahara Reporters

  • Many Airports In Nigeria Operating At A Loss- Keyamo

    The Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Monday highlighted the financial burden of maintaining airports in the country, stating that many operate at a loss and require monthly subsidies from the government a situation that strengthens the argument for concession.

    This is just as he refuted a recent media report (Not THE WHISTLER)suggesting that the Federal Government had finalised a long-term concession arrangement for Enugu International Airport.

    Although the government is currently exploring the concession of several airports and has received multiple proposals from interested parties, Keyamo clarified that no definitive agreement has been reached.

    In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the report was dismissed as “utterly baseless and untrue.”

    Enugu Airport has been in the spotlight in recent days following the suspension of flight operations to the facility by Air Peace airline, citing infrastructural challenges.

    In response, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) promptly shut down the airport, announcing emergency rehabilitation of the runway.

    He said, “Whilst it is true that the Federal Government is considering proposals for the concession of five major airports, this is a proactive measure to ensure these vital facilities can meet and maintain international standards, given the increasing financial demands of their operations.”

    “Many of our airports are presently running at a loss, so they have to be subsidised each month by the Federal Government. It is noteworthy that this initiative to concession started under previous administrations,” the statement reads in part.

    “At this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concessions. It is important to emphasise that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not established any fixed duration.”

    “All submitted proposals are currently undergoing thorough evaluation and will eventually be reviewed by the ICRC before being presented to the Minister for onward conveyance to FEC for approval. We can confirm that this review process has not been concluded.”

    “However, for the sake of transparency, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, directed some months ago that the Aviation Labour Unions be included as part of the negotiating teams.”

    “Therefore, we must state unequivocally that the information suggesting a predetermined concession duration is false, unfounded, and intended to cause unwarranted disaffection and mistrust in this process by those with entrenched interests.”

    Amid calls for transparency in the process, some aviation unions have accused the Ministry of proceeding with the concession behind closed doors.

    However, Moshood reaffirmed the Minister’s commitment to transparency, saying, “With his training and track record, the Minister will not allow anything untoward to happen under his watch.

    “He has so far run the Ministry in a transparent manner and will not fall into the same mistakes of the past. We will ensure that all decisions are made in the best interests of the nation and the aviation sector.”

    Many Airports In Nigeria Operating At A Loss- Keyamo is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Marketing Sales Executive at Fadac Resources April, 2025

    Click Here To Apply