With Attacks on Energy Facilities, Iran War Enters New Phase, Oil Jumps Above $119
Iran attack wipes out 17% of Qatar’s LNG capacity Pentagon wants $200 billion more for ongoing war Six Countries Condemn Attacks on Gulf Energy in Joint Statement Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
With attacks shifting decisively
toward critical oil and gas infrastructure across the Gulf, the Iran war has entered a dangerous new phase,
one that is already reverberating through global energy markets and military calculations.
To this end, oil prices surged sharply yesterday, with Brent crude briefly climbing above $119 per
barrel, before falling to below $110 last night, after coordinated Iranian strikes hit energy facilities across
multiple countries, deepening fears Continued on page 12
Friday 20 March, 2026 Vol 31. No 11303. Price: N400
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With One Voice, Leaders Pray for Nigeria’s Security, Sue for Peace, Unity at Eid-al-Fitr Our Correspondents
L-R: Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede; Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu during the President’s visit to the ongoing Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern, sponsored by Access Holdings and Coronation Group, yesterday
As Muslims around the world celebrate the end of the Ramadan season, prominent Nigerian leaders, yester-day, with some kind of unanimity, called for prayers for Continued on page 12
Nigeria, UK Sign £746m Deal to Upgrade Apapa, Tin Can Ports Tinubu says both nations must nurture trade, economic relationship At least £236m contracts will go to British firms British Steel to provide 120,000 tonnes of steel billets Agreement aligns with drive to unlock maritime sector, says Oyetola Hitech, ITB to handle refurbishment job Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos Nigeria and the United Kingdom yesterday signed a landmark £746 million (about $997 million) ports infrastructure deal aimed at modernising two of Nigeria’s busiest maritime hubs, in a move expected to boost trade, create jobs and deepen bilateral economic ties.
Besides, President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria and the United Kingdom must build on their longstanding relationship by strengthening trade ties and expanding mutually beneficial economic cooperation. Tinubu spoke when he met with United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street, where the two countries agreed on the deal to refurbish two major
ports in Lagos, a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated. The President described his state visit to the United Kingdom, the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years as “very thrilling and significant” in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. “We can not forget the institutional development we have Continued on page 12
STARMER HOSTS TINUBU AT DOWNING STREET...
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (R) being welcomed to Number 10 Downing Street by British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, on the second day of the President’s 2-day State visit to the United Kingdom.... yesterday