Business News March 15, 2026 Nigerian Breweries, Guinness announce price increases on products

 

Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced plans to increase the prices of some products across its stock-keeping units (SKUs), citing rising operational and input costs.

In a notice issued to distributors, the brewer said the adjustment became necessary due to prevailing economic conditions that have significantly pushed up the cost of doing business.

In a letter dated March 13 and signed by John Oloche Ademu, zonal business manager (west), the company said the revised prices would take effect from March 20.

The firm explained that the adjustment would affect selected SKUs, which are unique identifiers used by businesses to track inventory.

Nigerian Breweries produces several alcoholic beverages including Star Lager, Gulder, Legend Extra Stout, Heineken, Goldberg, Life, Star Radler and others.

Its non-alcoholic range includes Maltina, Amstel Malta, Fayrouz, Climax Energy Drink and Malta Gold.

“As the country’s economic landscape continues to evolve, we want to inform you about an upcoming price adjustment,” the company said.

“Due to increases in operational and input costs, we will be implementing a price increase on select SKUs, effective Friday March 20, 2026.”

The brewer added that all fully funded and confirmed orders placed in its system before March 20 would still be processed using the existing prices.

Similarly, Guinness Nigeria Plc has also notified its distributors of a planned price adjustment affecting selected SKUs across product categories.

In a separate notice dated March 14, the company said the new price structure would take effect from March 27.

“Following the prevailing economic conditions which have impacted significantly on our cost of doing business, this is to inform you that we plan to take a price increase on selected SKUs across categories,” the notice reads.

Guinness Nigeria also stated that fully funded orders entered into its system before March 27 would be delivered at the current prices.

International News March 15, 2026 6 killed, Nigerians, others injured as Iran rains missiles, drones on UAE

 

At least six people have been confirmed dead while more than 140 others, including Nigerians, were injured after Iran carried out another round of missile and drone strikes aimed at United States-linked facilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed that its air defence systems intercepted a number of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran, describing the development as a serious escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

According to the ministry, defence units responded to nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones fired during the attack that occurred on March 14.

Officials said the strikes resulted in six fatalities and left 141 people injured, among them foreign nationals residing and working in the Gulf nation.

“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry said.

“Since the onset of this blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran.”

Authorities revealed that those killed included citizens of the UAE as well as foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

While the ministry did not specify the exact locations where the casualties occurred, it confirmed that individuals from several countries, including Nigeria, were among the injured.

Other affected nationals are from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The list also includes Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.

Despite protests from neighbouring countries, Iran has reportedly continued launching missile and drone strikes across parts of the Gulf region.

The attacks are believed to be retaliation for recent military operations by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.

Late on Friday and into Saturday, Iran targeted several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, with some of the strikes reportedly damaging infrastructure.

The UAE remains a major travel, employment and transit destination for many Nigerian citizens.

Meanwhile, Nigerians stranded in different Gulf countries have appealed to the Federal Government to make arrangements for evacuation flights should the security situation worsen.

It is still uncertain how many Nigerians are currently in Iran or other Middle Eastern countries affected by the ongoing conflict.

International News March 15, 2026 Togo begs for more electricity supply from Nigeria

 

Togo has called for increase in the amount of electricity it imports from Nigeria through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company in response to growing domestic power demand.

This was revealed by the Managing Director of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, in a statement issued on Sunday after discussions with Togo’s national electricity utility.

The delegation from Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo was led by its Director-General, Débo-K’mba Barandao, during a visit aimed at strengthening ongoing collaboration on electricity supply.

Barandao explained that C.E.E.T currently procures approximately 75 megawatt-hours of electricity from NDPHC under an existing bilateral power supply agreement.

“The imported electricity has played a significant role in sustaining stable power supply and economic activities across Togo,” he said.

He added that electricity imported from Nigeria has helped maintain dependable and affordable power for households, businesses and public institutions throughout the country.

Barandao also praised NDPHC for its consistency, stating that the partnership has improved the reliability of Togo’s national grid while promoting stronger regional energy cooperation.

According to him, demand for electricity in Togo has risen sharply due to the addition of new consumers, especially within the industrial and commercial sectors, as well as government initiatives aimed at widening electricity access nationwide.

“In view of this development, C.E.E.T is strongly interested in increasing the volume of electricity it off-takes from NDPHC,” he said, adding that additional supply would help support expansion efforts and ensure stable electricity for newly connected consumers across the country.

Responding, Adighije reaffirmed NDPHC’s willingness to expand collaboration and continue electricity exports to neighbouring countries in the West African region.

She noted that the company operates several power plants under the National Integrated Power Project and has the capacity to support increased electricity supply across the region.

Adighije said the partnership is consistent with broader regional objectives under the Economic Community of West African States to strengthen electricity trading among member nations.

She, however, emphasised that expanding electricity exports would depend on sustainable and bankable commercial arrangements between both parties.

“A reliable payment framework will safeguard NDPHC’s interests and enable continued support for regional energy stability through power exports,” she said, explaining that credible financial guarantees and structured payment systems would help minimise risks associated with cross-border electricity trade.

Both sides described the meeting as productive and reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the electricity sector.

They also agreed to maintain ongoing engagements to develop workable frameworks that would enable increased electricity supply from Nigeria to Togo.

Industry observers say the development highlights increasing efforts among West African countries to strengthen regional electricity trading while tackling persistent power shortages.

Crime News March 15, 2026 UK-bound 74-year-old man nabbed at Abuja airport with 11kg cocaine in balloons

 

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom  Emeka, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, after allegedly finding 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in his luggage.

The elderly suspect, who said he was travelling to London, United Kingdom, for a vacation, was apprehended at the airport’s departure hall while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082 bound for Heathrow on Saturday, 14 March 2026.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, officers discovered the cocaine during a search of the suspect’s luggage.

“In Lagos, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence in the early hours of Monday 9th March arrested a woman, Mrs. Maryam Olalowo at (hotel) Victoria Island, while attempting to sell 89grams of cocaine and 20grams of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis. She was found with her three children, including an infant, at the time of the arrest. She confessed the illicit drugs belong to her husband, Ibrahim Olatunji, who was later taken into custody same day while his wife was immediately set free,” the statement said.

Babafemi added that blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms were hidden inside food items in the suspect’s luggage.

“During a search of his luggage, blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms were discovered concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons.”

According to NDLEA, Ibrahim allegedly admitted ownership of the illicit drugs during interrogation, while further investigation showed he had earlier been arrested, convicted and sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment for a similar offence in 2015.

The agency also reported several other arrests and seizures during operations across the country.

“In another interdiction operation, NDLEA said its operatives arrested two suspects: Kalilou Simpara and Saidu Ibrahim at Ebetu Ero, Lagos Island where they recovered 68,000 pills of tramadol 250mg and 225mg after they had loaded the exhibits into their truck and preparing to transport them to Benin Republic on Monday 9th March.”

“A follow-up operation was conducted on Wednesday 11th March at Idumota market, Lagos Island, where the actual owner of the consignment, Nnamdi Cyprian, was arrested. A search of his shop led to the discovery of a parcel already prepared for waybill delivery, containing 1,000 tablets of tramadol 250mg. Another raid at Idumota market on Friday 13th March led to the arrest of Nwanosike Kelvin and the recovery of 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection from his shop.”

The agency also recorded seizures in other parts of the country.
“While a 42-year-old Magaji Dan Azumi was arrested at Bebeji area of Kano with 386kg skunk on Tuesday 10th March, NDLEA officers in Abuja recovered 282.2kg skunk from a suspect Isah Wako, 42, in Gwagwalada area of the FCT on Friday 13th March.”

“In Edo state, NDLEA operatives raided the Egwa forest reserve in Aduan village, Orhionmwon LGA where a suspect Chinedo Odalonu,33, was apprehended and a total of 4,218.96kg skunk destroyed on two farms with 16.5kg of same substance recovered.”

The agency further disclosed that a major seizure was made at the Apapa seaport in Lagos.

“No fewer than 339,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup were intercepted in two containers at the Apapa seaport in Lagos on Saturday 14th March during a joint examination of the shipments by NDLEA officers, men of Customs and other security agencies. The containers had earlier been watch-listed by NDLEA following credible intelligence on concealment of opioids in them,” the statement added.

News Politics March 15, 2026 Pro-Wike PDP faction elects 39-member exco in Kano

 

The Kano State faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday tightened its grip on the party when it elected a new 39-member executive committee to run its affairs under the leadership of Dr. Bello Gambo.

The election of the new executive officers of the party which was conducted by a National Election Executive Committee of the party under a consensus arrangement, was supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

Presenting the new executive officers, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Taura, who is also a former Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, said the election was conducted following the dissolution of the former caretaker committees of the party in the state.

“We have the mandate of the National Central Working Committee(NWC) of our great party to conduct the election through consensus arrangement,of new leaders of the party from the 848 Wards and 44 Local Government Areas, plus the State Office, and we have concluded everything peacefully without rancour,” Taura said.

In his remarks,the National Youths Leader of the party, Amb. Bello Ibrahim Aboki, said the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki faction of the party had agreed to cement relations with the party to ensure its progress, “and here in Kano State we are making frantic efforts to get Sen.Ibrahim Shekarau and Amb. Aminu Wali to join the new leadership.”

“The PDP will never die, it is the party that Nigerians are aware of, and it is the party that has never changed its name or logo.That is why a true member will not decamp from the party because he knows that our challenges are surmountable,” Aboki said.

According to him,the likes of former Governor of Kano State,Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Amb. Aminu Wali and others have yet to make their minds to join the Wike fold, “but I can tell you that hundreds of their supporters are trooping to us on daily basis.”

He said Mohammed Sani Abacha is the leader of the group in the state and that he had been very supportive to members of the party in various ways.

In his acceptance speech,the newly-elected Chairman of the party, Dr. Bello Gambo, promised to carry everybody along, noting that the party needs reconciliation and building of new viable fronts to enable it recapture power in 2027.

News Politics March 15, 2026 APC Zonal Congress: Youth Coalition Endorse Olufowobi Desmond for South West Youth Leader

A coalition of progressive support groups within the party has declared its endorsement of Olufowobi Olarewaju Desmond for the position of South West Youth Leader ahead of the forthcoming convention.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, members of the National Working Committee of the Consolidated APC Grassroots Movement described Desmond as a vibrant, youthful, and competent mobilizer whose track record in grassroots organization, media engagement, and youth development has earned him widespread respect across the region.

The groups noted that his long-standing involvement in structured political participation and community-based initiatives positions him as a credible bridge between party leadership and young stakeholders. They expressed confidence that his emergence would strengthen youth inclusion, improve grassroots coordination, and enhance communication within party structures across the South West.

They further called on delegates, youth leaders, and progressive stakeholders to rally support for his aspiration, describing his candidacy as a step toward renewed energy, unity, and purposeful engagement within the party’s youth wing.

The endorsement adds momentum to ongoing consultations and alignments ahead of the convention, where youth leadership positions are expected to attract keen interest from across the zone.

News World March 15, 2026 Iran threatens to kill Netanyahu amid ongoing war with Israel

 

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a threat against Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel.

In a message published on its website, Sepah News, the group declared, “If this child-killing criminal is alive, we will continue to pursue and kill him with full force.”

The statement comes following widespread rumours suggesting that Netanyahu had been killed.

The claim circulated widely on social media over the weekend. However, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) dismissed the reports, while Israeli authorities also released counter narratives rejecting the allegation.

Meanwhile, Iran continues to respond to the killing of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

On February 28, 2026, Israel and the United States launched surprise airstrikes on several Iranian cities and strategic locations. The attacks reportedly killed Khamenei alongside a number of other senior Iranian officials.

Following the strikes, Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, United States military bases, and allied countries in the region. Hostilities between both sides have persisted since then.

The ongoing confrontation has resulted in casualties on both sides and has also shaken the global economy as oil prices surge.

In Israel, the Health Ministry reported that 108 injured people were taken to hospitals within the last 24 hours due to the conflict with Iran.

“Among those treated in hospitals, two are in moderate condition, and 96 are in good condition. Nine people have been treated for anxiety,” the ministry said in an update without providing a breakdown of the causes of injuries.

It added that since the war began on February 28, a total of 3,195 people have been admitted to hospitals, with 81 currently receiving treatment. The figure includes both civilians and soldiers.

Of those still hospitalized, one person is in critical condition, nine are in serious condition, ten are in moderate condition, while 60 are reported to be in good condition.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, whose country is supporting Israel in the conflict, said in an interview with NBC News on Saturday that Iran has indicated willingness to negotiate with the United States, but he is not prepared to reach an agreement yet “because the terms aren’t good enough yet”.

Trump declined to provide further details regarding the possible deal.

During the telephone interview with the US news outlet, the president also questioned whether Iran’s new supreme leader was still alive and said it remained uncertain whether Iran had deployed mines in the Strait of Hormuz.