• FG declares September 16 as public holiday for Eid-al-Mawlid
• UK increases proof of funds for international students
• FG claims Dangote is only permitted to sell petrol to NNPCL
• FG warns Niger Delta and other southern states ahead of flood
• Abuja Disco fined ₦1.9 billion by NERC for overbilling Nigerians

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the five top Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

FG declares September 16 as public holiday for Eid-al-Mawlid 

Through the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the federal government announced that there will be a public holiday on Monday 16, September to celebrate the Eid-al-Mawlid.

 The Eid-al-Mawlid is recognised as the day of the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s birth (PBUH) birth.

The Minister of Interior urged that all Muslims use the day to pray for the country and remain steadfast in their righteousness.

UK increases proof of funds for international students

The United Kingdom has increased its required proof of funds for all intending international students looking to study in the country.

According to the Home Office, all international students intending to enrol in London’s schools must now provide proof of £1,483 per month (roughly ₦3.1 million), while those studying outside of London are required to provide £1,136 (₦2.4 million) for the student’s living expenses.

The Home Office stated that its review of proof of funds was to ensure that each student’s financial requirements were on par with the updated maintenance loans available for domestic students.

FG claims Dangote is only permitted to sell petrol to NNPCL

The federal government has stated that Dangote Refinery will begin its sale of petrol for local use on Sunday, September 15.

The federal government also stated that Dangote’s Refinery would only be permitted to sell NNPCL while other oil marketers could purchase diesel, which will be sold in naira.

According to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will supply about 385 kbpd of crude oil to Dangote Refinery starting from October 1.

FG warns Niger Delta and other southern states ahead of flood

The federal government has warned Niger Delta and other southern states ahead of a possible incoming flood.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, issued the warning on Friday, September 13, in the hope that the government and people would prepare in advance for the disaster.

“As we mourn the losses in Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi and other states affected by flooding, the attention of Nigerians are at this moment drawn to the probable flooding on rivers Niger and Benue and some of their tributaries,” he said.

Abuja Disco fined ₦1.9 billion by NERC for overbilling Nigerians

The National Electricity Regulatory Commission(NERC) has fined the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) ₦1.9 billion for overcharging its customers.

According to the NERC, the fine was imposed on AEDC as part of its September 2024 Supplementary Order as a consequence of AEDC’s failure to comply with the commission’s previous directive on limiting estimated billing for electricity users.

“The commission has sanctioned the deduction of N1.69bn from AEDC’s annual operating expenditure as a consequence of their non-compliance with the directive on capping estimated bills.” NERC expressed.