ABUJA DAILY - 21 MARCH 2026
African States Seek Dangote Petrol as Iran War Disrupts Flows; US Confirms MQ-9 Drones Operating in Nigeria for CT Intelligence; Two Dead in Lagos Gas Tanker Blast; Soludo Rules Out APGA Presidential Bid
US Deploys MQ-9 Drones and 200 Troops to Nigeria for Counter-Terrorism
United States military confirms deployment of multiple MQ-9 drones and 200 troops to Nigeria in non-combat role. Forces provide intelligence and training support to Nigerian military fighting Islamist militants across northern regions.
African Nations Seek Fuel Supplies from Dangote as Iran War Disrupts Flows
South Africa and other regional governments approach Dangote Refinery to secure petroleum supplies amid Iran war disruptions. Refinery adjusts gantry prices while managing high demand volumes from continental and extra-continental buyers.
Gas Tanker Collision Kills Two, Destroys Warehouses on Lagos Expressway
Collision between gas tanker and tipper truck at Sangotedo on Lekki-Epe Expressway kills two persons. Fire destroys three warehouses and 10 shops following early morning accident.
Soludo Confirms APGA Will Not Field Presidential Candidate in 2027
Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo announces All Progressives Grand Alliance will not contest 2027 presidential election. Governor cites President Tinubu as friend who has done well and deserves support.
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: Dangote Refinery announced 21 March it has been approached by South Africa and other African governments seeking petroleum product supplies as the Iran-U.S.-Israel war disrupted regional flows, per Leadership reporting, though the refinery raised gantry price to N1,245/litre — the fourth increase this month. The U.S. military confirmed 21 March it has deployed multiple MQ-9 drones alongside 200 troops to Nigeria in a non-combat intelligence and training support role for counter-insurgency operations against Islamist militants in the north, per RFI citing U.S. and Nigerian officials. A gas tanker-tipper truck collision killed two persons and razed three warehouses and 10 shops along Lekki-Epe Expressway early 21 March, per Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. Anambra Governor Chukwuma SOLUDO confirmed 21 March the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will not field a presidential candidate in 2027, stating "President Tinubu is my friend, and I believe he has done well and deserves our support." Troops blocked Obubra LGA Chairman Kingsley ARIKPO from accessing Odonget community in Cross River State following deadly clashes linked to illegal mining, with 13 Brigade and 245 Battalion forces currently occupying the area. END SUMMARY.
