Morning recap: Police, Abdulsalami panel move to curb 2027 tension, NLC rejects petrol price hike, other top stories

1. The Nigeria Police Force and the National Peace Committee, led by retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar, are intensifying efforts to quell rising political tension and alleged inflammatory comments as the campaigns for the 2027 general elections intensify. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the recent petrol price increase by the Dangote Refinery, deeming it unnecessary and urging more Nigerian crude to be supplied to local refineries.

2. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the Dangote Refinery's latest petrol gantry price hike from N1,200 to N1,265 per litre, the third increase in eight days. The labor union questioned the refinery's decision, given falling international oil prices and Nigeria's refining capacity. Meanwhile, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) have fixed the WASSCE O'Level result verification fee at N4,000, payable once through JAMB for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions.

3. In Kano State, gunmen attacked the Rogo Local Government Area, killing two individuals who attempted to prevent the abduction of the Area Council Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Fanka. This incident follows similar attacks in neighboring communities, including the killing of another Area Council Chairman. The police have been unable to provide an update on the situation.

4. Manufacturers in Nigeria have invested approximately N6.8tn in the manufacturing sector over the past decade, with annual investments reaching N1.33tn in 2025. However, weak customer demand, driven by eroded purchasing power due to high inflation, currency depreciation and rising costs, continues to limit sales of locally produced goods. Over the past decade, more than 100 manufacturing companies have shut down.