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UNICEF: Over 1,100 children killed or injured in US-Israeli Iran conflict

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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0
UNICEF: Over 1,100 children killed or injured in US-Israeli Iran conflict

THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says more than 1,100 children have been killed or injured since the start of the United States (US)–Israeli airstrikes on Iran nearly two weeks ago.

“Ten days into the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, the situation is becoming catastrophic for millions of children across the region. Since 28 February, more than 1,100 children have been reported injured or killed in the violence. This includes 200 children reportedly killed in Iran, 91 in Lebanon, four in Israel and one in Kuwait. These numbers will likely climb as the violence intensifies and spreads,” UNICEF said in a statement.

The organisation noted that a deepening humanitarian crisis is unfolding across the Middle East, where widespread destruction and relentless bombardments have forced millions of children out of school and displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

“Widespread disruption to education has left millions of children out of school across the region, while hundreds of thousands of children have been displaced by unrelenting bombardment. Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water and sanitation systems – upon which children depend to survive – have been attacked, damaged, or destroyed by parties to the conflict. Nothing justifies the killing and maiming of children, or the destruction and disruption of essential services that children depend on.

UNICEF said grave violations against children in armed conflict could constitute violations of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The global health body reiterated the Secretary-General’s call on parties to the conflict to end the fighting and engage in diplomatic negotiations.

UNICEF also called on parties to take all necessary precautions in the choice of means and methods of warfare to minimise harm to civilians, including by avoiding the use of explosive weapons that disproportionally affect children.

“The region’s children – all 200 million of them – are counting on the world to act quickly,” it added.

The ICIR reports that the latest figures indicate a sharp rise in child casualties, far exceeding the 180 deaths reported earlier by UNICEF on March 5.

The US President Donald Trump struck a defiant tone at a campaign-style rally in Kentucky ahead of November’s midterm elections, claiming the US had effectively won the war but stressing the need to see it through.

However, Iran signaled it was preparing to inflict a prolonged economic blow. A spokesperson for the country’s military command warned Washington that global oil prices would reflect the instability unfolding in the region.

According to Reuters, the conflict has now spilled across the Middle East, prompting emergency plans for a massive release of strategic oil reserves aimed at cushioning what could become the most severe fuel shock since the 1970s.

Two fuel tankers were burned in Iraqi waters on Thursday following what appeared to be Iranian strikes, marking the latest escalation in a widening wave of attacks on oil and transport infrastructure across the Middle East. Tehran warned that crude prices could surge to $200 a barrel, a move that would rattle global energy markets and plunge transport systems into turmoil.

The warning came as the International Energy Agency (IEA) urged countries to release massive volumes from their strategic oil reserves to stabilise markets rattled by the rapidly escalating conflict.

Oil prices surged more than four per cent on Wednesday, after briefly climbing to nearly $120 a barrel earlier in the week. It settled around $90 on Wednesday after Trump’s assurance that the war would soon end, reflecting mounting fears of supply disruptions.

Stock markets, including Wall Street’s major indexes, fell as investors reassessed earlier hopes that Washington might push for a quick end to the conflict.

To contain the crisis, the International Energy Agency recommended releasing 400 million barrels from global strategic reserves, the largest coordinated intervention in history. Washington quickly backed the proposal.

But analysts note that even such a massive release would replace only a fraction of the oil normally transported through the Strait of Hormuz.

An Iranian military spokesperson said Wednesday the strait was ‘undoubtedly’ under Iran’s control. In response, the Group of Seven nations namely the United States, Canada, Japan, Italy, Britain, Germany and France agreed to examine the possibility of escorting ships to ensure safe passage through the Gulf.

Trump said US forces had destroyed 58 Iranian naval vessels and suggested Tehran’s military capability was fading. “Iran is pretty much at the end of the line,” he said, adding that US officials would now “look very strongly” at the Strait of Hormuz.

“The straits are in great shape,” he said. “We’ve knocked out all of their boats. They have some missiles, but not very many.”

Despite the claim, security sources say Iran had laid about a dozen naval mines in the channel, complicating any attempt to reopen it.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, Kuwaiti authorities reported that a drone struck a building in the country’s south, injuring two people. In Dubai, officials responded after a drone crashed near Dubai Creek Harbour. A container vessel also reported being hit by an unidentified projectile near the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

US and Israeli officials said their objective was to dismantle Iran’s ability to project military power beyond its borders and to eliminate its nuclear programme.

Yet Washington has sent mixed signals over whether regime change is part of the broader strategy. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the opening strikes of the conflict and replaced by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who Iran officials said suffered only minor injuries.

Despite the upheaval, US intelligence assessments suggest Iran’s leadership structure remained largely intact and was not in immediate danger of collapse, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Security concerns are also mounting beyond the Middle East. ABC News reported that the FBI warned of the possibility that Iranian drones could target the US West Coast, though Trump dismissed the threat.

The US State Department has also cautioned that Iran or allied militias might attempt to strike American-owned energy infrastructure in Iraq. Officials noted that militias had targeted hotels frequented by US citizens.

Meanwhile, the US military urged civilians to stay away from Iranian ports hosting naval facilities prompting a sharp warning from Tehran that any threat to those ports would make regional economic and trade centres “legitimate targets.”

Iran warns oil could hit $200, vows no fuel will pass through Strait of Hormuz

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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0
Iran warns oil could hit $200, vows no fuel will pass through Strait of Hormuz

IRAN has warned the world to brace for oil prices soaring to $200 per barrel as its forces struck merchant vessels on Wednesday, deepening fears of a global energy crisis and intensifying one of the worst oil shocks since the 1970s.

Reuter quoted the spokesperson for Iran’s military command, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, as saying, “Get ready for oil at $200 a barrel because the oil price depends on regional security, which you have destabilised,” in an address to Washington, signaling they intend to inflict a prolonged economic shock.

Zolfaqari also warned that Iran could begin targeting banks doing business with the United States or Israel, advising civilians across the Middle East to stay at least one kilometre away from bank buildings.

The warning came as the International Energy Agency (IEA) urged countries to release massive volumes from their strategic oil reserves to stabilise markets rattled by the rapidly escalating conflict.

Oil prices surged more than four per cent on Wednesday, after briefly climbing to nearly $120 a barrel earlier in the week. It settled around $90 yesterday after Trump’s assurance that the war would soon end, reflecting mounting fears of supply disruptions.

Stock markets, including Wall Street’s major indexes, fell as investors reassessed earlier hopes that Washington might push for a quick end to the conflict.

To contain the crisis, the International Energy Agency recommended releasing 400 million barrels from global strategic reserves, the largest coordinated intervention in history. Washington quickly backed the proposal.

But analysts note that even such a massive release would replace only a fraction of the oil normally transported through the Strait of Hormuz.

Nearly two weeks after joint US and Israeli airstrikes triggered the war, the violence has already claimed about 2,000 lives, most of them Iranians and Lebanese, while the fighting spreads across the Middle East, throwing energy markets and shipping routes into turmoil.

Despite what the Pentagon described as the most intense bombing campaign since the war began, Iran continued to retaliate on Wednesday, firing missiles at Israel and targets across the region, demonstrating its capacity to sustain the fight.

In the Gulf, three commercial vessels were reported hit after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had opened fire on ships that ignored their warnings.

A Thai-flagged bulk carrier caught fire, and its crew had to abandon ship, with three sailors reported missing.

Two other ships, a Japanese-flagged container vessel and a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier were also damaged by projectiles. The incidents bring the total number of merchant ships struck since the conflict began to 14.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passage that carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil, remains effectively paralysed.

Although Trump said vessels ‘should continue transiting the Strait, sources reported that Iran had deployed around a dozen naval mines, making the route increasingly dangerous.

The US military has warned civilians to stay away from Iranian naval ports. Tehran responded with a stark threat insisting that if those ports are attacked, economic and commercial centers across the region would become “legitimate targets.”

Meanwhile, missile and drone strikes continued across the Middle East as Iran said it had fired missiles at a US base in northern Iraq, the US Navy’s regional headquarters in Bahrain, and targets in central Israel. Explosions were heard in Bahrain, while two drones crashing near the airport in Dubai left four people injured.

Senate confirms Oyedele as Tinubu’s 49th minister

Mustapha USMAN
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Senate confirms Oyedele as Tinubu’s 49th minister

THE Nigerian Senate has confirmed Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance, following a screening session on Wednesday, March 11.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the confirmation after lawmakers approved the nomination through a voice vote in the Committee of the Whole.

Oyedele replaced Doris Uzoka-Anite, who was redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, marking her third portfolio in the current administration.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, March 3, transmitted Oyedele’s name to the Senate in a letter to the Senate President, requesting his confirmation.

The appointment comes months after the National Assembly passed a set of tax reform laws spearheaded by Oyedele as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.

The legislation, including the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, overhauls the country’s tax administration framework under a single authority – the Nigeria Revenue Service.

The reforms faced strong opposition from some northern lawmakers before their eventual passage.

During his screening, Oyedele described the ministerial role as a call to serve the nation.

He told senators that his career spans more than 22 years across government, international institutions, and multinational corporations, with a focus on fiscal governance and economic transformation.

He added that the appointment was not about personal achievements, but about addressing Nigeria’s fiscal challenges and opportunities.

A native of Ikaram in Akoko, Ondo State, Oyedele, 50, is an economist and public policy expert. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy and Finance from Yaba College of Technology, a BSc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, and has completed executive programmes at the London School of Economics, Yale University, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and the Harvard Kennedy School.

Oyedele spent 22 years at PwC, rising to Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader. He also serves as a professor at Babcock University and a visiting scholar at Lagos Business School.

As Minister of State, Oyedele will work with the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.

His responsibilities are expected to include implementing federal fiscal policies, overseeing revenue generation and tax administration, coordinating with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), assisting in budget financing and debt strategy, and liaising with the National Assembly on finance-related legislation.

Given his extensive experience in fiscal policy and tax reform, the minister is expected to lead the smooth rollout of the new tax framework, improve revenue collection efficiency, reduce multiple taxation, balance federal and state revenue interests, strengthen investor confidence, and enhance transparency in public finance management.

Iran won’t participate in 2026 World Cup – Minister

Mustapha USMAN
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0
Iran won’t participate in 2026 World Cup – Minister

IRAN has announced it would not participate in the 2026 World Cup after the United States, co-hosting the tournament, carried out airstrikes on the country alongside Israel, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday, March 11.

On Saturday, February 28, the US President Donald Trump confirmed that targeted operations were carried out, before reports later confirmed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in strikes. 

Since the attacks began, Iran has reported that US and Israeli forces had bombed nearly 10,000 civilian sites, resulting in more than 1,300 civilian deaths since the war began on February 28.

Iran has since launched retaliatory attacks across parts of the Gulf region and Israel, escalating tensions. Several casualties have also been reported in these countries. 

The 48-team tournament is scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances ​can we participate in the World Cup,” the minister reportedly told state television.

He added that the safety of Iranian children could not be guaranteed and that the current conditions would make participation impossible. 

“Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence,” he said.

Iran had already secured a place in the tournament and was drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. All three matches are scheduled in the US – two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. 

However, the president of Iran’s football federation, Mehdi Taj, has reportedly said it was unlikely the team would participate, although no formal withdrawal has been communicated.

“We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” he said, noting that “sports chiefs” would soon convene their final decisions.

FIFA confirmed it was closely monitoring the situation, noting that “it’s premature to comment in detail, but we will track developments worldwide.”

What happens if Iran withdraws

If Iran pulls out, FIFA will decide on a replacement, potentially reshaping Group G. Article 6 of FIFA’s 2026 World Cup regulations gives the organisation broad authority. 

Regulation 6.5 states that if a team withdraws or a match cannot take place due to force majeure, FIFA can take any necessary action. Regulation 6.7 allows FIFA to replace a withdrawing team with another association at its discretion.

Potential replacements include Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. Iraq is set to play a continental play-off against Bolivia or Suriname for a World Cup spot. If Iran withdraws, Iraq could automatically advance, with the UAE taking Iraq’s play-off slot.

Iran welcome at 2026 World Cup, Trump says

Earlier, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the US President had assured him that he welcomed Iran’s participation in the tournament. 

Infantino, who said he met with Trump, stated: “We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, ​and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA ​World Cup 2026.”

“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of ​course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.

“We all need ​an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and ‌I ⁠sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World.”

Follow the Money seeks investigative pitches

Blessing OTOIBHI
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Follow the Money seeks investigative pitches

FOLLOW the Money is seeking investigative pitches from freelance journalists or reporters working with media outlets that are open to collaboration.

The organisation is looking for investigations that shed light on individuals, corporations, or institutions that abuse their power to the detriment of European society – whether in politics, finance, media, or beyond.

“We take our role as watchdog journalists seriously. That’s why we are always on the hunt for investigative stories that expose wrongdoing and corruption and hold the powerful to account”.

“We value well-crafted, hard-hitting journalism – and we pay for stories that are insightful, impactful, and deserve a wider audience”.

Selected investigative story pitches will be supported.

Interested applicants can apply here.

India, others may reject Tinubu’s ambassadors – Report

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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India, others may reject Tinubu’s ambassadors – Report

BARELY days after President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of dozens of ambassadors to foreign missions, Nigeria’s diplomatic push is already running into turbulence.

India and several other countries are quietly signalling reluctance to accept some of the envoys, an emerging diplomatic hurdle tied to the shrinking timeline of the current administration, according to reports.

Punch reported that multiple senior officials in the Presidency and Nigeria’s foreign service revealed that New Delhi invoked a long-standing diplomatic practice: declining to receive ambassadors from governments with less than two years remaining in office.

At the centre of the standoff is career diplomat Muhammad Dahiru, whom Tinubu nominated as Nigeria’s envoy to India.

Sources familiar with the negotiations said the government of Narendra Modi had begun sending subtle signals that it might not grant the mandatory diplomatic clearance known as agrément for Dahiru’s posting.

“They don’t accept an ambassador from an administration that has less than two years in office. So, they are giving us that body language already. Some countries are reluctant to accept some people, not because of the individuals but because of time. They are already seeing the Tinubu government as an outgoing government.

“Their concern is that he has just one year left. What if he doesn’t win the election? Another government may come and remove them. We also understand that some countries have this policy. Any ambassador from an administration that has less than a year or two in office will not get accepted. And one of such countries is India,” Punch quoted a Presidency official as saying.

A second source who spoke with Punch, a senior official in the foreign service, corroborated India’s stance but suggested that Nigeria might still rely on its diplomatic ties with New Delhi to seek an exception.

According to the official, India’s position is guided by a longstanding practice that makes it difficult for ambassadors to be accepted when the sending government is approaching the end of its tenure.

The official added that political calculations within the host country could also influence the decision.

“Some of them may look at the political climate and try to read the direction things are going. They may conclude that the current administration could win the next election,” the source said. “They may even think the race may not be very competitive, especially with many political figures aligning with the ruling party. That could be one of the arguments the Nigerian government may advance.”

The official stressed that India remained the only country whose policy on short-tenure ambassadors had been clearly confirmed so far. Nevertheless, other countries might quietly adopt similar diplomatic conventions when deciding whether to grant agrément to Nigeria’s nominees, the official argued further.

The ICIR reported that under the rules of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, no ambassador can assume duty in a foreign country without the receiving state formally approving the appointment.

Ironically, the diplomatic friction comes at a time when relations between Nigeria and India appear stronger than they have been in years.

Tinubu attended the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi as a guest of the Indian government, where he held talks with Modi on defence cooperation, trade and investment.

In November 2024, Modi made his first visit to Nigeria, the first by an Indian prime minister since 2007. During the visit, both countries signed several agreements aimed at strengthening the India-Nigeria Strategic Partnership established in 2007.

Tinubu also conferred Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, on Modi, an award previously given to only one foreign leader, Queen Elizabeth II.

Yet even strong diplomatic ties may not override established protocol.

Tinubu administration announced the deployment of 65 ambassadors last week.

For now, only two of Nigeria’s 65 nominees have received approval from host governments which are High Commissioner-designate Aminu Dalhatu for the United Kingdom and Ambassador Ayodele Oke for France. The fate of the remaining 63 envoys remains uncertain.

Among the high-profile nominees awaiting diplomatic clearance are former aviation minister Femi Fani‑Kayode, posted to Germany; commentator Reno Omokri, assigned to Mexico; former Katsina governor Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, nominated for China; and Jimoh Ibrahim, a serving senator, tapped as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations.

Diplomatic sources said even if approvals eventually arrive, the timeline is tight, noting that some host countries could take months to complete background checks before granting agrément. In some cases, requests are simply ignored or quietly declined.

The ICIR reported that the delay traces back to a controversial decision taken early in Tinubu’s presidency. In September 2023, the government recalled all 83 ambassadors serving abroad, leaving Nigeria’s 109 diplomatic missions without substantive heads for more than two years. It took Tinubu more than two years to appoint replacements. 

Diplomats said that the proximity to the 2027 presidential elections often triggers caution among receiving states.

Nigeria’s next presidential election, scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission for January 16, 2027, casts a shadow over the appointments. Tinubu’s first term ends just four months after the poll, in May 2027.

Some officials cautioned that delays in the approval process could mean that a number of the envoys might not assume their posts until August 2026, leaving them with less than a year, about nine months before the next general election.

Earth Journalism Network offers 2026 media grants

Blessing OTOIBHI
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Earth Journalism Network offers 2026 media grants

INTERNEWS’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering grants to three or four media organisations in low and middle-income countries to support projects that strengthen media reporting on biodiversity issues.

This opportunity is open to journalist networks, media organisations, civil society organisations or academic institutions.

Although we will consider applications by NGOs or environmental groups looking to build the capacity of journalists to cover conservation issues, preference will be given to applications from or affiliated with professional journalists, media organisations and journalism schools.

Organiser says, “Projects funded by this grant should build public awareness of the threats to biodiversity and highlight conservation solutions by spreading quality news and information, with a focus on audiences in lower and middle-income countries”.

Projects can, but are not required to, build the capacity of journalists and communicators to report on threats to biodiversity and on conservation solutions, by building their skills, knowledge and networks.

For organisations proposing content production only, these activities must result in robust and in-depth outputs (for example, a series of podcasts, or a multi-part investigation). Applications that propose less than 10 stories will not be considered competitive, unless they also propose to include capacity-building activities as part of the project.

The deadline for applications is March 28, 2026. Interested applicants can apply here.

Nigerian footballer bags six-month jail in Norway, vows to appeal ruling

Esther Tomo
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Nigerian footballer bags six-month jail in Norway, vows to appeal ruling

A NORWEGIAN court has sentenced Nigerian footballer Daniel Daga to six months in prison after finding him guilty of engaging in a sexual act without the other person’s consent.

The judgement was delivered on Tuesday by the Nordmøre og Romsdal District Court. Daga, who plays as a midfielder for Molde FK, was also asked to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner in legal costs, which is about ₦1.45 million.

According to reports by TV 2 Norway, the court’s decision matched the punishment sought by prosecutors.

The 19-year-old footballer denied the accusation. His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the player was unhappy with the outcome and would challenge the judgement.

“He is very upset about the verdict. He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent,” Bolstad told TV 2.

She added that the ruling was not final and that Daga planned to appeal the decision.

“The verdict is not legally binding yet. He should be treated like anyone else until the case is finalised,” Bolstad said, adding that the player had continued to train in recent weeks.

Following the judgement, Molde said the matter was serious and affected everyone involved. The club confirmed that Daga would not be part of its matchday squad for now while the legal process continues.

“This is a very difficult case for everyone involved. Molde Football Club has a responsibility as an employer to take care of our employees in a responsible manner; while also having great respect for the seriousness of the case and the burden it places on all affected parties,” the club said.

“In light of the situation and the ongoing legal process, the club has decided that the player will not be part of the matchday squad until further notice.”

Daga joined Molde in 2025 and has made several appearances for the Norwegian side, scoring three goals. Before his move to Europe, he played in Nigeria’s domestic league for Enyimba FC after earlier stints with FC One Rocket and Dakkada FC.

At the international level, Daga has represented Nigeria with the Nigeria U‑20 national football team and was the youngest player named in the country’s squad for the 2023 FIFA U‑20 World Cup.

He played in all of Nigeria’s matches before the team was knocked out in the quarterfinals by South Korea U‑20 national football team.

With the appeal expected to begin soon, the final outcome of the case will depend on the decision of the higher court.

Rising fuel prices push transport fares up across Abuja

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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0
Rising fuel prices push transport fares up across Abuja

RESIDENTS of Abuja are facing fresh pressure on transportation costs as the pump price of petrol fluctuates between N1,270 and N1,330 per litre in parts of nation’s capital on Tuesday, March 10.

The hike in petrol price has attracted commensurate leap in transportation fares, as transport operators adjusted fares across major routes.

A survey conducted by The ICIR on Tuesday in Kuje Area Council shows varying pump prices across filling stations in the satellite community. At Bovas Filling Station, petrol was sold for N1,270 per litre, while AA Rano dispensed the product at N1,330 per litre.

At Kuje Oil and Gas, the product sold for N1,300 per litre as motorists scrambled to fill their tanks amid fears of further increases. The NNPC station in the town did not operate in the early hours when this survey was conducted.

Along the Airport Road, AYM Ashafa by City Gate dispensed the product for N1,330; Rainoil filling station in Dutse along Bwari road sold it for N1, 300 per litre: Nusynegy in Jikoyi sold at N1,090: while Fyne Field in Apo Resettlement dispensed at N1,350.

The new impact is already visible in the daily commute of residents across the capital city.

The ICIR reports that from Kuje to Lugbe which was previously N700, is now between N800 to N900 depending on the time of day and availability of vehicles.

From Kubwa to Berger, previously N800, is now N1,000. Commuting from New Yanya to Ministry of Finance which was until now N800 is currently N1,000.  Apo Resettlement to Gudu which was previously N400 is now N500. Meanwhile, the fare from Gudu to Lugbe which was usually N500 jumped to N800 Tuesday morning due to unavailability of vehicles.

According to reports, commercial drivers said that the fare adjustment was unavoidable because of the fuel hike, noting that they would run at a loss if they failed to do so.

In addition to transport fare hike, it is expected that the increase in petrol price will affect the cost of food and other necessities, further worsening the conditions of millions of poor Nigerians.

The current fuel price hike is linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which has disrupted global energy supply chains.

Attacks on oil facilities and shipping routes in the Gulf region have forced partial shutdowns of major energy infrastructure and disrupted transport through the Strait of Hormuz, a route responsible for about 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply.

These disruptions have triggered spikes in global oil prices, with crude briefly climbing above $100 per barrel during the escalation of the conflict.

The volatility in crude prices quickly affected petrol markets globally, including Nigeria, where domestic pump prices depend heavily on international benchmarks and refinery’s running costs.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump attempted to calm global markets, saying the war with Iran could end “very soon,” a remark that temporarily pushed oil prices lower after earlier spikes.

Trump’s comment triggered a reduction in global oil prices, with crude briefly reducing to $90 per barrel.

Trump had defended the surge in energy prices as a temporary consequence of the conflict, arguing that short-term economic pain was necessary for security and stability.

Despite the reassurance, analysts warn that the market remained volatile, especially with attacks on oil facilities and disruptions to shipping routes in the Middle East.

Energy experts said Nigeria was particularly vulnerable to global oil price shocks despite being an oil-producing country.

On Monday, March 9, The ICIR reported that a litre price of petrol might soon hit N1,500 in Nigeria after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery raised its ex-depot (gantry) price of petrol to N1,175 per litre.

The hike, the third recorded in a week, came shortly after reports indicated that another rise in petrol prices was likely, especially after the refinery briefly stopped petrol sales on Sunday.

This development has pushed retail prices upward across the country with industry experts warning that if the global crisis continues, petrol could climb even higher, potentially pushing transport fares and the general cost of living upward.

2027: NAF to support INEC with drones, other logistics

Esther Tomo
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0
2027: NAF to support INEC with drones, other logistics

THE NIGERIAN Air Force (NAF) has pledged to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other intelligence tools to monitor the 2027 general elections and help spot security threats.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, an Air Marshal, said the Air Force was “fully mobilising its aircraft, surveillance drones and intelligence assets to support the commission” and was ready to provide “massive logistical, intelligence and aerial security support to the INEC to guarantee credible, safe and well-coordinated polls in 2027.

“The world has changed. Drones and UAVs are game changers. Some of these assets can remain airborne for two to three days, monitoring areas of interest and providing intelligence that can help security agencies respond quickly,” Aneke explained.

He added that with proper coordination between INEC and security agencies, aerial monitoring could detect threats early and prevent election violence.

The Air Chief said his organisation was also preparing its aircraft to quickly move election materials and personnel across the country. “We know how large Nigeria is and the logistical challenges involved in moving materials across difficult terrain. That is why we are preparing our aircraft so that when INEC calls, we will be ready.”

“Some of the Air Force’s C-130 aircraft are undergoing maintenance abroad, but arrangements are being made to deploy other available aircraft to ensure timely delivery of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials,” he stated.

Aneke emphasised that logistics planning remained the backbone of both military operations and electoral success.

He also proposed joint rehearsals and simulation exercises with INEC ahead of the elections, noting that “in the military, anything you rehearse before execution performs ten times better. Simulation helps you detect faults early so you can fix them before the real operation begins.”

The INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, a professor, described the Air Force’s support as a “major relief” for the commission, highlighting the need for effective logistics and security arrangements. He said upcoming off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states would serve as tests ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We are happy that the Air Force has stepped forward with its capabilities, especially in reaching difficult terrain and providing aerial monitoring,” Amupitan said.

He added that “an election can only be as good as its logistics” and confirmed that INEC will set up a joint committee with the Air Force to strengthen planning and coordination for the elections.

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