The groundbreaking ceremony for the $16bn Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Special Economic Zone is taking place in Mokowe, Lamu County, Kenya, as the Nigerian industrialist expands his business interests across the continent.   According to Channels Television, the proposed refinery is expected to have a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels per day and is targeted for completion by 2030. The facility is planned to process crude from Kenya’s Turkana oilfields, alongside supplies from other parts of Africa. It is also expected to reduce East Africa’s reliance on imported petroleum products. Speaking to reporters in Nairobi on Tuesday, Dangote said the project was part of efforts to encourage African countries to process their natural resources locally rather than export raw materials. He said he expected most African countries to achieve fuel self-sufficiency by 2030, stressing that refining should take place within the continent. The Lamu project has, however, faced opposition, including a land rights court case and environmental concerns raised by Greenpeace and others. Dangote said the project would proceed despite the concerns, arguing that large-scale industrial development was necessary for Africa’s economic transformation. The businessman also disclosed plans to invest an additional $50bn across Africa, after committing more than $25bn to existing businesses. “We want to create and generate wealth for Africans, to make sure that we defend our markets,” Dangote said during an investor engagement at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Africa-focused expansion Kenya’s President William Ruto’s chief economic adviser, David Ndii, said the Lamu refinery emerged from discussions on how Africa could use its natural resources to drive industrialisation. He said a meeting in April identified an East African market for finished petroleum products estimated at 20 million metric tonnes annually, with potential to rise to 30 million tonnes. Ndii said the project was designed to help reverse a pattern in which Africa exports raw materials and imports finished products at higher costs. Dangote also linked the refinery project to his wider plans to increase African ownership of major businesses operated by his group. He said the ongoing public offer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery was intended to allow more Africans to participate in the wealth generated by industrial development. The businessman said the group planned to progressively open more of its businesses to public ownership, including its planned shipping operations and expanding fertiliser business. He added that if the Lamu refinery eventually becomes publicly listed, he expects it to be listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange rather than automatically being taken to Nigeria’s capital market.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory Command, has deployed 3,000 personnel across Abuja as part of security arrangements for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations on October 1.   The deployment was ordered by the FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, to strengthen security, maintain law and order, and protect lives and property before, during and after the celebrations. According to a statement signed by the FCT CDPRO, DSC Monica Ojobi, personnel from several specialised units are taking part in the operation. They include the Arms Squad, Female Strike Force, Crack Squad, Agro Rangers, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Explosives (CBRNE) Unit and Counter-Terrorism Unit. The NSCDC said its personnel would be deployed to strategic and vulnerable locations across the capital, including shopping malls, markets, motor parks, amusement and recreational centres, as well as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure. The Corps has also activated undercover operatives for covert surveillance and intelligence gathering, particularly around locations considered potential hideouts for criminals. Uncompleted buildings and identified black spots across the Federal Capital Territory are also being monitored to prevent criminal activities and possible security breaches. Odumosu directed Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to maintain a strong operational presence in their respective Area Councils and ensure personnel remain alert throughout the celebrations. The Commandant warned personnel against security lapses, stressing that all officers must remain vigilant and comply fully with operational directives.

Manchester City have been found guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules by an independent commission.   According to Sky Sports, the commission found that City arranged what it described as “sham” contracts with several commercial partners between 2009/10 and 2017/18. The arrangements allegedly formed part of a scheme that artificially increased the club’s reported revenues by about £830 million. The commission also found that the club submitted accounts that concealed the true state of its finances and was significantly in breach of both Premier League and UEFA spending limits. City was also found guilty of failing to co-operate with the Premier League investigation. City to appeal Manchester City has confirmed that it will appeal the commission’s findings. The club has until Friday, October 2, 2026, to lodge its appeal. The club said it was “disappointed and surprised” by the decision and maintained that it was innocent of the allegations. City also argued that the commission’s opinion contained errors of law, principle and fact. Sanction yet to be decided No punishment has been announced at this stage. A separate process will determine the sanctions, while the appeal could affect the final outcome. The case began with the Premier League’s investigation into City and led to more than 100 charges being brought against the club in February 2023. Reuters describes the case as involving alleged breaches dating from the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons. The Premier League has said it wants the remaining process, including any appeals and publication of relevant decisions, concluded as soon as possible.

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Lagos after ending his working vacation in France, the Presidency has confirmed.   Tinubu arrived at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on Tuesday, September 29, where Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries received him. His arrival was also confirmed by the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, who posted on X: “Landing. Welcome home Mr President!” Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for a working vacation, travelling first to London before moving to Paris. The Presidency had earlier announced that his stay abroad had been extended by a few days. During his time in France, Tinubu held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré as part of engagements the Presidency described as investment-focused. According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu will remain in Lagos for several days for strategic meetings with political leaders and associates ahead of the 2027 elections. The Presidency said the President chose to return through Lagos to honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, who was widely recognised as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Tinubu is also expected to attend the premiere of a film honouring Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu on October 1, Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day. The President is expected to return to Abuja after completing his engagements in Lagos.