Morning recap: Obasanjo says NNPC refineries will never work, UK-based Nigerian found dead at workplace, other top stories

From former President Olusegun Obasanjo insisting Nigeria’s refineries “will never work” despite ongoing reform efforts, to the sudden death of a Nigerian man at his workplace in the United Kingdom, key developments cut across governance, diaspora concerns and the economy.

Factions within opposition parties also rejected moves to adopt a joint presidential ticket ahead of 2027, airlines warned of a possible nationwide shutdown over soaring aviation fuel prices, while Obafemi Awolowo University clarified why it denied a venue for a planned lecture by Peter Obi, citing security and procedural constraints.

Here’s your complete morning roundup:

1. NNPC refineries will never work again – Obasanjo

Renewed scrutiny of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure has emerged as former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared that the country’s state-owned refineries may never function effectively.

His remarks come as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited continues efforts to secure technical partners to operate the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries after failed rehabilitation attempts.

Obasanjo said his long-held position remains unchanged, stressing that previous attempts to fix the facilities did not address underlying issues.

“The NNPC has refineries, and I said to people that it will never work,” he said, recounting how efforts to attract credible private operators during his administration were unsuccessful.

He explained that international oil companies declined involvement for multiple reasons, including limited refining capacity, poor maintenance and governance concerns.

According to him, the refineries were considered “too small,” lacked proper upkeep and were surrounded by “too much corruption,” making them unattractive to investors.

He also recalled a deal involving Aliko Dangote to acquire stakes in two refineries, which was later reversed, adding that subsequent spending on rehabilitation had yet to yield expected results.

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NNPC refineries will never work again – Obasanjo

2. Another UK-based Nigerian found dead at workplace

Growing concern over a pattern of deaths among Nigerians abroad has intensified following the discovery of a 37-year-old man dead at his workplace in the United Kingdom.

The victim, Ademola Oke, was found unresponsive, marking the third reported case involving Nigerians in the UK within April.

Details shared by a family friend, Adejonwo Odutola, indicated that the deceased had shown no signs of illness prior to the incident.

“Tragically and without warning, Ademola passed away suddenly while at work,” he said, explaining that a colleague arriving for a night shift found him seated and unresponsive.

Emergency responders confirmed his death at the scene, leaving behind a wife and two young children. The family has since launched a public appeal for support, with funds aimed at covering funeral expenses and providing financial assistance for the children.

The incident has added to unease within the Nigerian diaspora following similar recent cases involving sudden deaths.

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Another UK-based Nigerian found dead at workplace

3. Ibadan meeting: PDP, ADC blocs reject joint presidential ticket

Deepening divisions within opposition ranks have come to the fore as multiple political parties rejected a proposed joint presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

Factions of the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Labour Party and Accord Party distanced themselves from the Ibadan summit where the proposal was announced.

The PDP faction aligned with Nyesom Wike dismissed the meeting as unauthorised, insisting those who attended did not represent the party.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said, “Those who attended in the PDP’s name are impostors,” maintaining that the party had not entered into any coalition arrangement.

Other parties issued similar disclaimers, stressing their intention to field independent candidates. The ADC and Labour Party cited internal priorities, while the Accord Party warned against the unauthorised use of its identity at the summit.

The disagreement highlights ongoing fragmentation within the opposition despite calls for unity to challenge the ruling party in 2027.

Ibadan meeting: PDP, ADC blocs reject joint presidential ticket

4. Fuel price hike: Airlines plan Thursday shutdown

Mounting financial pressure in the aviation sector has raised the risk of widespread disruption as domestic airlines consider suspending operations over soaring fuel costs.

Operators say the continued rise in aviation fuel prices has made it increasingly difficult to sustain flight operations across the country.

Industry stakeholders disclosed that engagements with government authorities and fuel marketers have yet to produce a resolution, leaving airlines with limited options.

Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Allen Onyema, warned that the situation had reached a critical point. “No airline will fly in this country in the next seven days if nothing is done,” he said.

He noted that fuel prices had risen sharply from about N900 per litre to as high as N3,500, significantly increasing operational costs.

Although the Federal Government announced a 30 per cent reduction in aviation-related taxes, operators insist the measure does not address the core issue.

The uncertainty has heightened concerns about possible disruptions to travel, business activities and the broader aviation sector.

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Fuel price hike: Airlines plan Thursday shut down

5. Why OAU declined venue for Peter Obi lecture — Management

Concerns over access to academic platforms have surfaced following Obafemi Awolowo University’s explanation for declining a venue for a planned lecture by Peter Obi.

The university said the organisers failed to provide sufficient notice, making it difficult to complete necessary security and logistical arrangements.

The institution explained that visits by high-profile individuals require adequate preparation, including coordination with relevant security agencies.

“Events involving high-profile personalities… require adequate prior notification,” the management stated, noting that the request was made too close to the scheduled date.

The clarification followed remarks by Obi, who expressed concern over repeated cancellations of his engagements across universities.

However, the university maintained that its decision was based strictly on procedural requirements and the need to ensure safety and orderliness within the campus environment.

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Why OAU declined venue for Peter Obi lecture — Management