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  • Don’t abstain from sessions: court warns Al-Barnawi, terror suspects

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned Mohammed Usman, also known as Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged leader of Boko Haram splinter group, Ansaru, and four others, against absenting themselves from court sessions.

    Justice Emeka Nwite issued the warning on Tuesday following the absence of Al-Barnawi, the 1st defendant, and his lawyer in court.

    Justice Nwite also ordered the counsel and the defendants to show up at the next hearing date fixed for Sept. 5.

    Al-Barnawi is being prosecuted on terrorism related charges along with other suspected members of his group.

    Other co-defendants include Mohammed Bashir Saleh; Umar Mohammed Bello, a.k.a Datti; Mohammmed Salisu and Yakubu Nuhu, a.k.a Bello Maishayi.

    They are among others, accused of being members of Ansaru terrorist group, also known as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan.

    The defendants are also alleged to have conspired among themselves to carry out acts of terrorism between 2011 and 2013 in Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe and other states in the northern part of the country.

    Upon resumed trial on Tuesday, the prosecuting lawyer, Alex Izinyon, SAN, told the court that the case was scheduled for continuation of proceedings in the trial-within-trial.

    Izinyon however said that the 1st defendant (Usman) and his lawyer were not in court.

    He further observed that lawyers to two other defendants were also not in court.

    The lawyer told the court that Al-Barnawi’s lawyer, who claimed to be away in Enugu, had promised to send a representative, but failed to do so.

    Izinyon expressed concern that the absence of the 1st defendant and the defence lawyers was unpleasant to the resolve by the court to accelerate hearing in the about 13-year trial.

    He said the absence of the defence lawyers without communicating to the court was disrespectful.

    Lawyer to Bello and Nuhu (3rd and 4th defendants), Abdulkarim Audu, equally submitted that the proceedings would have to be rescheduled in view of the absence of the 1st defendant and the defence lawyers.

    Both lawyers however urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable parties make progress in the case within the ongoing vacation of the court.

    Justice Nwite expressed displeasure over the absence of the 1st defendant and some of the defence lawyers in court.

    According to the judge, it is unfortunate that this scenario is playing out when the effort is to ensure expeditious hearing of the matter.

    “This court will not condone the attitude of the 1st defendant or any of the defendants in absenting themselves from the proceedings,” he said.

    The judge directed lawyers to parties to work together to address what informed the absence of Al-Barnawi and other defence lawyers to prevent further delay in the case.

    Justice Nwite then adjourned the matter until Sept. 5 and Sept. 12 for continuation of evidence of the 3rd prosecution witness (PW3) and the playing of the videos in the trial-within-trial.

    The U.S. had, in 2012, placed a $5 million (£3.5m) bounty on Al-Barnawi’s head after branding him one of three Nigerian “specially designated global terrorists.”

    Ansaru is said to be ideologically aligned to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and is also accused of killing a number of Westerners.

    Ansaru was reported to have claimed that it carried out an attack on a maximum security prison in Abuja in 2012 during which dozens of inmates were freed.

  • Nigeria a killing field: APC disagrees with Peter Obi

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State chapter, has dismissed the statement attributed to Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of Labour in 2023, that Nigeria is now a killing field.

    Mr Obi, in a post on his official X handle on Monday, said that more than 10,000 lives have been lost to terrorists, bandits and other criminal gangs in just two years.

    According to Obi, the figure was released by the Amnesty International.

    But in a swift reaction, APC Lagos State Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, said that there were evidential proofs that Tinubu’s administration had made significant progress in securing Nigeria.

    Oladejo said: “APC utterly rejects and condemns the allegation by Mr Peter Obi that Nigeria is now a killing field with more than 10,000 deaths under Tinubu’s watch.

    “These sensationalist claims are not only baseless they are a disgraceful distortion of reality made in bad faith to score political points.

    “Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s Armed Forces have delivered extraordinary successes, dismantling terror infrastructure and restoring stability to previously threatened communities.”

    According to him, from the hard data, (not hype) the defence ministry midterm report (Aug. 2023–April 2025) revealed that 9,415 terrorists neutralised, more than 3,159 suspects arrested while 5,449 hostages rescued.

    He added that the data from the defence headquarters’ two-year summarised that 6,260 terrorists killed, 14,138 terrorists and criminals apprehended while 5,365 civilians rescued.

    He said that the data showed that N83 billion worth of stolen crude recovered.

    On military operations across the zones, Oladejo said that in the North-East (Operation Hadin Kai), no fewer than 1,246 terrorists killed, 2,467 arrested, 1,920 civilians rescued.

    According to him, in the North-west (Operation Fasan Yamma), data showed that 1,374 bandits killed, 2,160 surrendered or arrested, while 3,288 hostages rescued.

    “These are not statistics they are lives saved, communities secured and terrorists dismantled.

    “Just recently, the military air strikes in Katsina freed 76 hostages, including children some kidnapped during a mosque attack that claimed at least 50 lives.

    “One child, tragically, died during the rescue, illustrating both the danger and the bravery involved.

    Additionally, air strikes eliminated 35 militants in the same region.

    “In Borno, precision air strikes killed 35 militants, restoring critical ground communications and stabilising the area.

    “A week-long operation in Borno earlier this year neutralised 76 extremists, arrested 72 suspects and rescued eight hostages,” he added.

    On the technological and structural strengthening of the military, Oladejo said that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Nigerian Air Force had been transformed with modern acquisitions.

    He listed these to include purchase of 24 M 346 attack jets, 10 AW 109 Trekker helicopters, among others.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army and Navy have also received cutting-edge hardware from tactical vehicles to patrol vessels strengthening ground and maritime security effectiveness.

    “Local defense manufacturing is booming: DICON has produced more than 4.6 million rounds of ammunition, 53 MRAPs, 14,040 PPE units and even drones, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers,” he said.

    He said that the administration had also received credible recognition for the remarkable progress Tinubu’s administration had made in the fight against banditry and terrorism.

    According to him, the Coalition for Human Rights and Freedom (CHRF), has commended the armed forces’ performance, citing that more than 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralised and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued under coordinated operations.

    “These are tangible, verifiable successes, adding that nothing like the exaggerated sensationalism offered by Mr Obi.

    “The Nigerian Armed Forces, under this administration, are not only standing tall, but they are also striking back aggressively, saving lives and securing our nation.

    “The Lagos APC stands firmly behind the leadership of President Tinubu and our military heroes on the frontline.

    “We invite Mr Obi and others to acknowledge the progress made or risk being left behind in baseless political dramatics.”

  • Disquiet at BUK as lecturers stage peaceful protests

    Trouble brews at Bayero University Kano (BUK) as lecturers stage a peaceful protest, calling on the Federal Government (FG) to implement renegotiated agreements and pay withheld salaries.

    The protesting lecturers belong to the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    Comrade Yusuf Madugu, the Vice-Chairman of ASUU-BUK, told newsmen during the protest in Kano on Tuesday that the action became necessary following the alleged government’s failure to act on the union’s demands.

    He recalled that ASUU had renegotiated the 2009 agreement with successive government committees led by Prof. Munzali Jibrin, Prof. Nimi Briggs and most recently under Malam Yayale Ahmed.

    Placard-carrying protesting lecturers

    “The negotiation was concluded in December 2024, but up till this moment the government has not acted on it.

    “This is the first step among many that we are going to take to appeal to the government to do the needful. Government must meet our demands,” Madugu said.

    He listed the union’s demands to include the signing and implementation of the renegotiated agreement, payment of three and a half months withheld salaries after the 2022 strike, and proper funding of universities through revitalisation funds.

    “The demand also includes the issue of increment in our salaries, wage, welfare and allowances.

    “There is also the university autonomy. The university needs to be independent.

    “After we ended the strike in 2022, we went back to the classes, conducted lectures and examinations.

    “Out of the seven and a half months withheld salaries, only four months were paid. Three and a half months are still outstanding,” he said.

    Madugu noted that since the former President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration released the N200 billion revitalisation fund, which was to be paid in six tranches, only one tranche had been released.

    “These revitalisation funds are funds that are needed for funding our universities. We need reagents in our laboratories, books in our libraries, classrooms and a conducive atmosphere for students to learn,” he said.

    The vice-chairman warned that the government should be held responsible for any action that follows if the demands are not met, adding that ASUU would decide its next line of action after a national emergency congress.

    Similarly, the President of the BUK Students Union Government, Abdullahi Usman-Baba, appealed to the FG to dialogue with ASUU in the interest of students.

    “When there is a strike, it is the students that suffer most because our academic calendar gets disrupted.

    “We humbly plead with government to sit with ASUU and listen to their demands,” he said.

  • People, privations and public policy priorities [3]

    People, privations and public policy priorities [3]

    By

    UGO ONUOHA

    THE buzz recently was media headlines that the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had endorsed Nigeria’s president, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his economic policy as well as the ongoing reform agenda. What she said to the state broadcaster, NTA, what the presidency reported in its subsequent press statement, how the media framed it, and the general understanding of the majority of Nigerians, stirred a strong controversy amongst the people, and especially so among political partisans and entrenched interests. Not many of our people understood what Okonjo-Iweala said during her visit to Tinubu in the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. Probably not many in the presidency did either. If they did then they may have settled to put a positive spin on her ‘endorsement’. But she chose her words carefully and with utmost tact. That should not come as a surprise to the initiated and to the discerning. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian. She was a finance minister and coordinating minister for the economy a little over 10 years ago under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Her visiting Aso Rock at this time when the jostling for the 2027 election is heating up, or at any time for that, would still have presented a dilemma for her. It would be a walk in a minefield. It would not really matter that she was conducting official business for her employers.

    Her every move would be scrutinized. Her every statement would be analysed. Her every utterance would be dissected, and varied meanings imputed. And that was what happened. The ruling party, the All Progressives Congress [APC], was the first off the block. The operatives of the party described the statement of Okonjo-Iweala, whom some suspected of not being enamoured with candidate Tinubu in 2023, as a validation of the regime’s chosen path to national economic recovery. They were all over the map and turned themselves into echo chambers for the international public servant. There was no missing the not too subtle hints from the APC apparatchiks that a leading light from the ‘opposition’ section of the country has given the regime a ringing endorsement. The ‘opposition nation’ in country being the Igbo who appear to be reluctant to embrace the APC in a whole-hearted manner. In 2015 when the APC ousted the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the centre, the south east was probably the only region in which the party did not produce a state governor. It had a sprinkling of national assembly lawmakers. It was as a result of the poor electoral showing that the then elected president, the late Muhammadu Buhari, made the infamous, divisive and extremely insensitive declaration that he would only favour parts of the country that voted massively for him and his party. He said he would reward the sections of the country that voted for him with 97% of national resources and leave the crumb of 5% (don’t bother if the percentages do not add up) for the Igbo nation and a few other ‘rebellious’ ethnic groups. And he put it into practice to a telling effect on the Igbo who remained unbowed.

    On their part, opposition parties and other elements who didn’t believe in the president and his administration countered the regime’s claim about endorsement. They said that there was no such thing. They chose to highlight the portion of Okonjo-Iweala’s admonition that the administration should put a human face to its reform agenda by the provision of safety nets for the majority of the people who have been crushed by the sweeping and drastic changes to the economy. The WTO chief dropped red meat for all the contending forces in the country. She demonstrated acute knowledge of diplomatic ‘speak’. She did not explicitly say that the economy was exacting a heavy toll on the people. And she did not say categorically that the reform has been a roaring success either. She merely said that the regime had stabilised the economy. And the ‘economic stability’ phrase which she used was loaded. The man who drilled it down recently was the erstwhile head of the National Bureau of Statistics [NBS], Yemi Kale, who was said to have left the post in controversial circumstances. Some people believed he was sacked for resisting attempted NBS data tampering by politicians.

    Kale wrote recently to explain what it meant when an economist talks about economic stability. But first he had to make a strenuous effort to inform that his intervention was not driven by partisan politics or sour grape syndrome. He said: “I try to stay away from unnecessary debates but let me offer my own view from a purely technical and economist perspective [for education purposes only] to recent debates that were really unnecessary. When economists say ‘an economy is now stable’, they usually mean that the economy has reached a point where it is no longer experiencing major fluctuations/disruptions. In practical terms, it suggests macroeconomic indicators are steady, predictability and confidence where businesses, investors, and consumers feel more confident making long term plans and there are no immediate crises… An economy being described as ‘stable’ however, does not always mean that citizens are free from hardship. When economists say the economy is ‘stable’, they usually mean that overall indicators [like inflation, exchange rates, and GDP growth] are no longer swinging unpredictably. For example, inflation falling from 25% to 12% and staying steady might be seen as stability.

    “However, prices may still be very high compared to past years, meaning [that] people [would still] continue to struggle. Citizens experience the economy differently through cost of food, housing, transport, healthcare, and wages. EVEN IN A ‘STABLE’ ECONOMY, IF INCOMES ARE LOW AND BASIC GOODS REMAIN EXPENSIVE, FAMILIES STILL FACE HARDSHIP [emphasis mine]. Stability might only mean [that] conditions are not getting worse quickly, not that they’ve improved enough to ease daily struggles. So, stability, which is good, can coexist with hardship, which is bad for several reasons”. The simple and straightforward take aways from Kale’s illuminating intervention is that Nigerians may be in the phase of economic stability but the people are still “hurting from the high cost of living” caused by the crisis; economic stability benefits investors and businesses first and that it could ”take months or even years before [that] stability eases hardship and translates into job creation, higher wages, or cheaper goods for citizens, ASSUMING THE STABILITY HOLDS LONG ENOUGH“. Kale acknowledged that the first step in “reversing hardship is stability and stopping the bleed”. However, Kale who’s currently the Group Chief Economist at the Afreximbank, warned that achieving economic stability on its own would not be a “sufficient condition” for economic recovery. From the foregoing explanations, it’s easy to conclude that Okonjo-Iweala chose her words cautiously and carefully as a diplomat that she is while visiting Aso Rock. It has to be noted that she was a vice president at the World Bank where the possession of diplomatic skills are not optional.

    The distabilisation of Nigeria’s economy in the last 27 months is deep, and the toll on the people has been huge and telling. The expectation now is that citizens should celebrate that ‘economic stability’ has been tentatively achieved which should be a harbinger for our elusive El Dorado. But not so fast. The APC regime of Alhaji Tinubu copied the classical but widely failed prescriptions of the Bretton Woods institutions – the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund]- without formal acknowledgement and the buy-in of Nigerians. The owners of the bitter pill prescriptions had said last year that it would take a minimum of 15 years of administering the doses for there to be light at the end of the tunnel. We are just beginning the third year. So there’s a very long way to go. The main planks of the punishing economic recovery prescriptions include less government, unleashing of market forces, currency devaluation, removal of subsidies, reform of public institutions, privatisation of government corporations, among others. As it stands only two or so of these prescriptions have been effected. And yet the economy and the country have been turned on their heads. Already, there are growing strident demands from individuals and groups across all the segments of the country for the regime to pay greater attention to the suffering in the land. Okonjo-Iweala spoke to the imperatives of safety nets. The Nigerian Guild of Editors [NGE] warned that the situation was critical. Prominent traditional rulers have become restive, fearing that something untoward could give. Hunger, privations, lack, hopelessness, and cries are pervasive. But will the reforms deliver if alleviating the suffering and groaning of Nigerians are factored into their implementation? Have we been here before, that’s economic revival through currency devaluation, privatisation, subsidy removal etc? Is this déjà vu? Could this be another structural adjustment programme [SAP 2.0]?

    *To be continued.

    Ugo Onuoha, Veteran Journalist, Public Affairs Analyst, was the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Champion Newspapers Limited.

  • Diaspora club awards scholarship to 27 students of UI

    The Egbe Omo Oduduwa Inc. of South Florida (EOOI) has awarded scholarship to 27 final-year students of the University of Ibadan on the Deacon Oluwole Ale Memorial Scholarship Programme.

    The scholarship award marks the third that would be presented to students of the University, having presented the award consistently for three years.

    Addressing the recipients during the award presentation, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. K.O. Adebowale, commended the Egbe Omo Oduduwa Inc. for their consistency in awarding the Deacon Oluwole Ale Memorial Scholarship annually since its inception in the University.

    He noted that unlike many programmes that fade after a few years, the EOOI scholarship has remained reliable, providing students with the support they need to finish their studies successfully.

    Professor Adebowale admitted that the University can no longer depend on government funding alone, stressing the need for stronger partnerships with alumni, friends and donors.

    He highlighted how initiatives like the Omo Oduduwa Scholarship help reduce financial burdens on students while also rewarding hard work, discipline, and service, enjoining others to emulate them.

    The Vice Chancellor further congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to see the scholarship as motivation to excel in their academics and personal development.

    Dr. Wale Alonge, who represented the President of Egbe Omo Oduduwa Inc. at the event reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting students in Nigeria through the scholarship programme.

    He stated that the award is targeted at indigent Yoruba students from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi States who have demonstrated both academic excellence and leadership in community service.

    The EOOI has been awarding scholarships in various institutions in Nigeria consistently for over two decades, bringing it to the University of Ibadan about three years ago.

    He appreciated the management of the University for the warmth with which they have received, and continue to extend to his group.

    Dr Alonge urged the students to emulate the gesture they are benefitting from in the future, so that they can also contribute towards strengthening the generation coming after them.

    Dr. Adewale Alonge

    Speaking earlier, the Dean of Students. Prof. Demola Lewis, while reiterating the positive effect that the scholarship would have on the students, affirmed that the scholarship addresses both indigence and intelligence and would help make recipients’ final year experience a smooth sail.

    The event was rounded off with a vote of thanks by the Registrar of the University, Mr G.O. Saliu, who joined the Vice Chancellor in commending the Egbe Omo Oduduwa Inc. for their generosity and consistency in giving back.

    The Registrar expressed optimism that the gesture will have a ripple effect, positively affecting not only these generation of students, but future generations as well.

  • Stability beckons as PDP confirms Damagum as chairman

    Nigeria’s own Grand Old Party (GOP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) triumphed its adversity this Monday as it confirmed Umar Damagum as its substantive National Chairman until an elective convention scheduled for November.

    The party which had been managing a debilitating internal strife since its last presidential primary in 2023, took the decision at its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at its national headquarters, the Wadata House, Abuja.

    The confirmation was one of the key resolutions reached during the ongoing NEC meeting held severally postponed due to wrangling orchestrated by stalwarts who felt cheated shortchanged during the 2023 presidential primary.

    Damagum was administered an oath of office during the meeting by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, in accordance with Article 65 of the PDP Constitution.

    The decision came less than three months before the PDP’s national convention, slated to hold from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    In his acceptance speech, Damagum expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership for the confidence reposed in him and the National Working Committee (NWC).

    “Before now, I thought all we were doing was not being appreciated.

    “This gesture is not just for me, but for the entire NWC. I owe it to them.

    “To have navigated this party this far, we came in at a time when things were very hard, but to the glory of God, we are still intact as one indivisible party,” he added.

    Damagum had assumed the role of acting national chairman on March 28, 2023, following a Benue State High Court order that confirmed the removal of former Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

    At the time, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced Damagum’s appointment, citing Section 45 (2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

    Prior to his appointment, Damagum served as the PDP Deputy National Chairman (North).

  • Civil society groups back Ojulari, slams attacks as baseless

    By Daniel Michael

    A coalition of civil society organisations has endorsed Engr. Bayo Ojulari, the Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited NNPCL).

    The coalition hinged their endorsement on what they called “achievement of significant milestones under his leadership.”

    Engr. Bayo Ojulari marks four months since taking over as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    Briefing the media on behalf of the Coalition on Friday, in Abuja, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu commended Ojulari for implementing bold reforms across operational transparency, fiscal discipline and global competitiveness.

    He said: “It is safe to say that the man has proven himself not only as a capable administrator but also a rare breed of technocrat.”

    “Today, through effective and innovative contract reengineering and industry collaboration, the 614km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project has crossed the River Niger, marking a major step towards delivering the project that would turn around the industrial fortunes of Nigeria.

    “His leadership acumen has also ensured significant increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production, generating more revenue for the country in the process.

    “Under Ojulari’s watch, for the first time in a long while, the nation enjoyed 100% crude oil pipelines availability throughout June 2025. The feat which was possible through the industry-wide security interventions led by the NNPC.

    “Ojulari’s tireless efforts led to the prompt payment of cash call obligations by the NNPC. Unlike in the past were NNPC’s Joint Venture partners complain of non-payment by their senior partner, today, the IOCs can close their eyes knowing that in NNPC, they have a reliable partner that will keep its own side of the contract.

    “It is also not a secret today that the Ojulari-led management has revamped governance and procurement processes at the NNPC, saving the company billions of naira in potential losses.

    “He has aso instituted a data-driven framework for contract awards and auditing, effectively blocking several channels previously exploited for financial recklessness.”

    Nwambu, the Director-General of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens’ Awareness (CCLCA), lamented what he described as the unrelenting attacks and surge in negative media coverage against NNPC Ltd and its senior management.

    He said the attacks, carefully orchestrated and coordinated by faceless groups and individuals with nefarious intentions, were, to say the least, most unfortunate.

    He said: “The frightening part of this dangerous development is that these negative campaigns do not look like they will stop anytime soon.

    Today, it is Bayo Ojulari, the Group CEO, tomorrow, it is Dapo Segun, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and the next day, it is Udy Ntia, the Executive Vice President (EVP} Upstream.

    “The evil forces appeared to be unrelenting in their quest to bring the company and its management to their knees.

    “The NNPC Limited and its Management have seen enough: from sponsored media attacks to frivolous lawsuits, even staged protests from rented crowd based on nothing but the imaginations of the purveyors of fake news, the critics keep coming in droves.

    “Apparently, some folks, both within and without are not happy with the direction the NNPC is going and would stop at nothing to derail the process of making NNPC work for all.

    “To think that some Nigerians are behind these mischievous allegations in the media, is just serendipitous.

    The purveyors of these acts are probably oblivious of the immense damage they are doing to a company which should be our collective national treasure.

    “This is a company that could best be described as the goose that lays the golden egg. This is a company that is about to be listed on the stock exchange!.”

    He also said: “But one might ask: what do they stand to gain by making these potentially damaging allegations towards one of Nigeria’s major brands and institutions?

    What is their benefit if the National Oil Company goes down as a result of their cynical opinions which seem to keep discerning investors away? Where is their patriotism? Where is the national pride and where lies their conscience?

    “Instead of resorting to media trial of the NNPC and its Management, why won’t these individuals and groups utilise legal option to prove their cases?

    These traducers, in their myopic view, always think NNPC, led by Bashir Bayo Ojulari is the problem of Nigeria.

    “Again, these critics, in their warped thinking and imagination, believe they or their paymasters can do better, in case they are asked to steer the ship of a Company that is gradually fighting its age-long demons and gradually coming back to life.

    “The NNPC Management, especially under Ojulari’s stewardship, has never shied away from its many challenges.

    If anything, it has always been seen to face the challenges headlong. And the result of that confrontation has seen the company’s fortunes, growing in leaps and bounds.

    “A saying goes that “critics are like eunuchs in a harem, they have seen it done times without number, but they can never do it themselves.”

    The NNPC critics fall in this category, because they have, many at times, been witnesses to how the Company, turbo-charged by the new legislative chest of the Petroleum industry Act (PIA) is gradually transforming into a world-class commercial entity of choice. Sadly, like the eunuchs, these onwatching cynics can never do it themselves.

    “Fact is whether they like it or not, the NNPC reforms are like a moving train that can never be stopped. Mr. President did not make a mistake by nominating the current NNPC Management.

    And from their performance so far, it is evident before everyone’s eyes that this is indeed a team driven by technical acumen, eagle-eyed attention to details, and unrelenting desire to rewrite the oil and gas playbook in Nigeria.

    “As partners in the Nigerian Project, our coalition therefore calls on these detractors to support the Bayo Ojulari led management team for the good work it is doing at the NNPC.

    The group admonished those they called “traducers” to allow the new Management at the NNPC turn around the fortunes of the company for the better and set Nigeria on the enviable path of greatness.”

  • Court Orders Freeze of Four Bank Accounts Linked to Ex-NNPCL Boss Kyari

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four accounts at Jaiz Bank, allegedly linked to Mele Kyari, former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Tuesday after hearing an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency told the court that Kyari is under investigation for alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.

    According to an affidavit presented by EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi, the four accounts — two in Kyari’s name and two belonging to the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief — were discovered to contain ₦661.4 million suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    The EFCC alleged that the funds were disguised as payments for a book launch and NGO projects but were in fact linked to suspicious inflows from the NNPCL and oil companies. It further claimed that the accounts were being controlled by Kyari through family members acting as fronts.

    Justice Nwite, while granting the order, said the application had merit and adjourned the matter to September 23 for a report on the investigation.

    The Commission said the freeze order was necessary to preserve the funds while investigations continue, with a view to possible prosecution.

  • Consumer Burden: Tinubu abolishes 5% telecoms tax

    President Bola Tinubu has permanently abolished the 5% excise duty on telecommunications services.

    Industry watchers say the levy had faced strong opposition from industry operators and consumer groups.

    The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, during a media briefing.

    “The 5 percent excise duty is no longer in effect,” Maida said. “It was initially suspended, but the President has now completely removed it. I was present when the issue was raised, and he firmly said, ‘No, we cannot place this burden on Nigerians.’”

    The tax, which applied to mobile voice and data services, was first suspended in July 2023 as part of Tinubu’s fiscal reforms to ease multiple taxation on businesses and households.

    However, it resurfaced in late 2024 when the National Assembly proposed reinstating it as part of revenue measures.

    Industry stakeholders, including the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), had warned that the levy would drive up the cost of digital access, strain operators already battling high operational expenses, and slow Nigeria’s digital growth.

    With the President’s directive now backed by law, the excise duty has been fully scrapped, a move expected to provide relief for consumers and support growth in the telecom sector, which is central to Nigeria’s digital economy.

  • Media urged to champion fight against illegal mining

    …Nigeria loses N41.1bn annually to the menace

    Stakeholders in Nigeria’s extractive industry have called on the media to take the lead in the fight against illegal mining.

    The call was made, Wednesday at a media parley and workshop in Abuja.

    It was disclosed at yhe event that Nigeria currently loses an estimated N41.1 billion annually to the menace of illegal mining.

    The Media Parley and Workshop was titled Illegally, Mining: The Role of the Media, and organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.

    Declaring the session open, the Chairman of NUJ FCT Council Comrade Grace Ike noted that illegal mining has become a national crisis, threatening not only Nigeria’s economy but also its environment, security, and communities.

    She urged journalists to see themselves as “catalysts for change” by investigating, exposing, and educating the public on the dangers of the practice.

    “As gatekeepers of truth and agents of accountability, our duty goes beyond mere reportage.

    We must investigate, expose, and educate the public on the devastating effects of illegal mining, particularly on host communities and water resources,” she said.

    The NUJ pledged to continue amplifying the voices of affected communities while working with security agencies, civil society, and government institutions to ensure accountability and promote sustainable mining practices.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, described illegal mining as not just an economic crime but a security threat that fuels banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes.

    He warned that cartels involved in the activity have links with organised criminal networks.

    “Illegal mining robs our nation of vital resources. It is directly linked to insecurity in states like Zamfara, Niger, and even parts of the FCT.

    Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has estimated losses from illegal mining and gold smuggling at $9 billion annually, draining foreign exchange and tax revenues,” he stated.

    Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC A. J. Onoja, spoke passionately about the need for everyone to pitch in. He explained how illegal mining has cost Nigeria billions in lost money, ruined farmland, and stirred up trouble in communities.

    “The fight against illegal mining in Nigeria cannot be won by enforcement agencies alone, but through a broad coalition that includes the government, industry players, communities, and, most importantly, the media,” he said.

    Onoja praised the government’s efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to clean up the sector by creating the Mining Marshals.

    He stressed that this unit is no ordinary group—it’s backed by strong laws and a strict code of conduct to ensure fairness and toughness.

    “We have dismantled illegal mining camps, arrested and prosecuted offenders, ensuring that the emerging policies of the Federal Government for the mining sector are working,” he added.

    He also warned of challenges like tough landscapes and attempts to blackmail them through the media. He urged journalists to report fairly: “When individuals under investigation run to the press to spin their self-serving sides of the story, alleging victimisation despite breaches of the law, we ask for balanced reportage that reflects the intricacy of our work.”

    In his remarks, the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke, lamented that legitimate investors are being discouraged as illegal operators continue to undermine the sector.

    He called for stronger enforcement of mining laws and collaboration with the media to sustain advocacy against the menace.

    The workshop pointed out the economic, social, and environmental costs of illegal mining, including: Loss of government revenue due to unreported extraction and tax evasion, Water pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, Exploitation of child labour and unsafe mining practices and Increased insecurity in mineral-rich communities.

    Participants stressed that the media has a critical responsibility to keep the issue in the public spotlight, mobilise communities, and hold both government and operators accountable.

    The parley, themed “Sustaining the Fight Against Illegal Mining: The Role of the Media”, also emphasised the need for investigative journalism, grassroots monitoring, and responsible use of digital platforms to expose cartels and protect Nigeria’s natural resources.