The appointment of a new leadership team at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has sparked fresh hope. However, history teaches us that leadership changes in Nigeria’s public institutions is often not a guarantee for remarkable positive changes . Each transition is seen as a potential turning point, yet the cycle of inefficiency, corruption  and mismanagement persists. This time, however, there is a distinguishing factor—NNPC Ltd. is now led by a technocratic board predominantly composed of industry professionals. This shift signals the possibility of meaningful change, but only if these experts can resist personal and corporate interests and genuinely serve national priorities. Will this be a turning point or another wasted opportunity? The answer will profoundly affect Nigeria’s economic stability and long-term economic health .

As Nigeria’s national oil company, NNPC Ltd. wields significant influence, managing the country’s vast oil and gas resources. Its efficiency, or lack thereof, has far-reaching implications for government funding, economic stability, foreign exchange reserves, currency valuation, job creation, and investor confidence. A well-managed NNPC Ltd. could serve as the backbone of economic revival, while inefficiency could lead to a domino effect of economic crises. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) reports that the country lost over $46 billion to oil theft and operational inefficiencies between 2009 and 2020, underscoring the potential impact of a well-managed NNPC Ltd.

An ineffective NNPC Ltd. is not just a national disservice —it is an economic crisis in itself. The company’s mismanagement directly impacts the economy and national development projects. 

Globally, state-owned oil companies have been instrumental in their nations’ economic development. Saudi Aramco is the most profitable company in the world, surpassing tech giants like Apple and Microsoft, with a net income of $161.1 billion in 2022. Petrobras in Brazil has driven economic expansion through strategic investments and governance reforms, generating $35.7 billion in net profits in the same year. Equinor in Norway used oil revenues to establish a sovereign wealth fund valued at over $1.4 trillion, ensuring long-term economic stability. While these national oil companies fuel economic prosperity in their respective countries, NNPC Ltd. has struggled with inefficiency, corruption, and chronic underperformance. NNPC Ltd. has the potential to match these achievements, but only if it undergoes serious structural and operational reforms.

A technocratic board raises expectations of professionalism and efficiency but also presents risks.  Many board members have vested interests in private oil and gas companies, creating a high risk of conflict of interest and policy decisions that serve personal gains over national development. Transparency International has consistently ranked Nigeria’s oil sector among the opaquest in the world, with corruption and vested interests undermining effective governance. To dispel these concerns, the new leadership must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. Key questions must be addressed: Will their private interests precede national interests? Can they implement policies that might negatively impact their business associates? How will transparency and accountability be maintained in the decision-making process? The ability of this leadership team to separate personal gain from national duty will be a defining factor in its success or failure.

Nigeria’s oil production costs, from 2023 data, are among the highest in the world. Saudi Arabia and Iraq produce oil at $10 per barrel, Russia and Norway at $20-$21 per barrel, while Nigeria produces at  between $40 and $48 per barrel. Security costs ,burdensome  logistics and infrastructure, inflated contracts and fraudulent procurement, and other corrupt practices contribute to these high production costs. The Cable, a Nigerian online publication quoting the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, says that the country loses around 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily to theft and sabotage. By improving operational efficiency, adopting cutting edge technology and eliminating corruption, the new leadership could reduce the cost of production to $25-$30 per barrel—leading to a potential 75% increase in oil revenue.

Nigeria has consistently failed to meet its OPEC production quotas due to large-scale oil theft, pipeline vandalism, community conflicts, and inefficiencies in NNPC Ltd.’s operations and management. Strengthening security measures in oil-producing regions, establishing clear community engagement frameworks, and improving operational efficiency through technology and management reforms are critical to addressing these issues. In 2024,the country struggled to produce a daily average of 1.4 million barrels per day , according to data from NUPRC, which is the industry regulator, due to these challenges. A key priority for the new leadership must be to secure and ramp up oil production. Addressing the complicity of some NNPC Ltd. and Nigeria Navy personnel in oil theft will be crucial.

NNPC Ltd. is notorious for delays in making Final Investment Decisions (FID) due to bureaucratic red tape, layers of embedded interests and political interference, and over-reliance on joint venture models where NNPC Ltd. expects international oil companies to finance projects. A prime example is the stalled Brass LNG and Olokola LNG projects. One stakeholder attributed it to the nature of the joint venture model operated by NNPC. He likened it to a woman going to the market with her friend and banking on her friend to pay for both purchases. Here, the NNPC, which is the landlord, plans to be funded by the tenant, the field operator. The challenge is their refusal to comply with section 65  of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) that has suggested that they migrate from unincorporated joint venture (uJV) to incorporated joint venture ( IJVCL) that will require joint upfront financing of projects at the beginning without the need of structure for ‘carry’ or cash calls”. The new leadership of NNPC must address this inefficiency and recklessness so that Nigeria and Nigerians can benefit from oil and gas resources. The former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, once described Nigeria’s investment delays as “crippling to sectoral growth.” 

Despite spending trillions of Naira on refinery maintenance, Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries remain non-functional.

Between 2000 and 2020, according to House of Representatives  investigation committee reports, NNPC spent over $25 billion on refinery repairs without tangible results.  By today’s estimate, that money can be used to build 2 new refineries with a capacity of 225,000 bpd. NNNPC has the most inefficient refinery operations and expensive turnaround maintenance costs. The new leadership of NNPC has both a moral obligation and a national duty to make appropriate decisions on what to do with the refineries. Some national oil companies have sold off their refineries to focus on crude oil production and renewables , while others operate their refineries efficiently and generate profits. The key questions are: Should NNPC Ltd sell the refineries to private investors? Or should it reform its operational structures for greater efficiency and adopt a new refinery management model?

For decades, corruption and mismanagement have plagued NNPC Ltd. Political actors have used the company as a cash cow, opaque procurement processes, and delayed and unreliable financial disclosures. It is estimated that one-third of NNPC’s revenue is used to service political commitments that have nothing to do with the national economy. NNPC has attempted publishing its financial report in the past three years since PIB. Stakeholders say it is more of a ceremonial ritual than any serious attempt to be transparent. Unlike its peers, NNPCL does not accompany its audited financial statements with comprehensive operational reports. Being more transparent and professional in NNPC’s management should be a topmost priority of the new leadership. To restore credibility, NNPC Ltd. must publish independently audited financial reports with full operational details, implement transparent procurement policies, establish zero-tolerance measures against corruption, and resist political interference in financial decisions.

Nigeria has 203 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, yet these remain largely untapped due to a lack of critical infrastructure and poor pricing policies that deter investment. How did other nations do it to earn optimally from gas resources? Qatar became the world’s largest LNG exporter, generating over $100 billion annually from gas sales. Trinidad & Tobago built a robust petrochemical industry using gas resources . Norway used gas revenues to develop a $1.4b sovereign wealth fund. These success stories demonstrate the transformative potential of natural gas when it is strategically managed and leveraged for comprehensive national development. Nigeria can draw valuable insights from these experiences to unlock the full potential of gas resources.  Investing in gas infrastructure development, reforming pricing policies to attract investors, and developing a clear gas commercialization strategy are essential steps toward unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential. As the International Energy Agency (IEA) points out, “Natural gas can be a bridge to sustainable energy security if managed efficiently.”

To ensure long-term sustainability, NNPC Ltd. must optimize asset utilization, especially in crude oil exploration and  refinery operations, prioritize profit-driven decision-making over political interference, and streamline bureaucratic processes to boost efficiency. The company has attempted an Initial Public Offering (IPO) three times between 2018 and 2023, failing each time due to a lack of political will and transparency issues . Listing NNPC Ltd. on a foreign stock exchange such as New York or London could attract investors and strengthen corporate governance, following the examples of Saudi Aramco, Petronas, and Petrobras. Fast-tracking the promised Initial Public Offering (IPO) on major stock exchanges is essential.

NNPC stands at a critical crossroads. With exemplary leadership and reforms, Nigeria’s economy can be transformed, global investment can be attracted, and the potential of its vast oil and gas resources can be maximized. However, if these necessary reforms are not implemented, history will repeat itself, and Nigeria will continue to suffer from inefficiencies and corruption. “Nigeria’s oil sector has the potential to be the backbone of our economy,” admitted  Mele Kyari, immediate past   Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., “but only if we make the hard decisions now.” The responsibility now lies with the new leadership: Will they seize this opportunity or squander it like their predecessors? Will this new leadership deliver, or will history repeat itself? That NNPC needs a serious course correction is no brainer. The coming on board of a new leadership is the right time to do a reset. The choices made today will define Nigeria’s economic trajectory for decades.

To ensure that substandard and fake medicines are denied entry into Nigeria using National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)-appointed Pre-Shipment agents, the agency has appointed a new global testing and inspection agency, Cotecna Inspection Services (CIS), as part of efforts to bolster its Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) Scheme.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this during a hybrid technical meeting on mitigating substandard and counterfeit products held in Lagos. She explained that the appointment of Cotecna was in addition to existing CRIA agents operating in India and China and was aimed at ensuring that only safe, high-quality products are shipped to Nigeria.
   
Adeyeye said the move follows the agency’s widely praised seizure, evacuation, and destruction of over ₦1 trillion worth of substandard, expired, and banned medicines from open drug markets in Idumota, Onitsha, and Aba. 

She noted that NAFDAC is strengthening the CRIA scheme to curb the influx of falsified medicines, which she described as a growing international criminal activity with serious consequences for public health and the economy.
     
According to the DG, the CRIA Scheme plays a key role in screening regulated products before they are exported to Nigeria. She stated that CRIA agents are responsible for physical inspection, product-specific testing, and verifying regulatory documents to ensure compliance with NAFDAC’s standards. She added that designated laboratories in both China and India are used to test randomly sampled products.

[Guardian]

Manchester United and Manchester City played out an anticlimactic 0-0 Premier League draw on Sunday in a low-key derby that dealt a blow to City’s bid for Champions League qualification.
Pep Guardiola’s team are fifth in the table on 52 points, one behind Chelsea, and United are languishing in 13th place on 38.

With both sides struggling through difficult campaigns, neither created many clearcut chances, particularly in a drab first half at a sun-drenched Old Trafford.

The game picked up after the interval and City striker Omar Marmoush unleashed a blistering shot from 25 yards that forced United goalkeeper Andre Onana into a terrific save.

Joshua Zirkzee had United’s best opportunity midway through the second half when he turned and struck a half-volley that forced City keeper Ederson into an outstanding two-handed save.

[Leadership]

The Political Advantage Platform (PAP) is delighted to announce the appointment of Hadiza Malumfashi as its flagship host.

At just 21 years old, Hadiza is already a dynamic force in the spheres of advocacy, youth leadership, and public discourse in Nigeria.
A third-year law student at the American University of Nigeria, Hadiza brings a wealth of experience and a fresh, youthful perspective to the PAP show.

Known for her eloquence, bold ideas, and commitment to justice, she has long been a voice for young Nigerians through various platforms — including her groundbreaking online series “If I Were President,” which she launched during the pandemic to explore youth-driven leadership solutions.

Hadiza’s journey into advocacy began early, winning school debates and founding “Peace in Nigeria” at age 16 to promote coexistence and hold leaders accountable. She is also the founder of the NGO “Change Begins With Me,” which advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5, 6, and 13, with projects ranging from tree planting and well construction to promoting gender equality through sports like polo.

In addition to her academic and social impact work, Hadiza is a published writer of short stories and children’s activity books focused on peacebuilding and civic values.

As the new host of PAP, she brings her passion, insight, and fearless approach to political analysis, using evidence-based dialogue to challenge narratives and elevate the voices of everyday Nigerians.

“We are excited to welcome Hadiza to the PAP family,” said Alh. Mustapha Ramalan, the founder Chief Executive Officer of the Political Advantage Platform. “Her authenticity, drive, and deep connection with the youth make her the perfect voice for this moment. We believe Hadiza has all the makings of a star.”

With her appointment, PAP is significantly positioned in its mission to foster informed civic engagement and promote accountability across all levels of leadership as one of Nigeria’s leading online political platforms.

[DailyTrust]

The Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria, CORAN, has explained why Nigerians cannot get cheaper Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, prices amid the crude oil price drop.

CORAN argued that the suspension of Naira-for-crude deals, profiteering by middlemen, and rising foreign exchange rates are the reasons local prices of petrol have remained high despite the drops in crude prices.

The spokesperson of CORAN, Eche Idoko, made this known while reacting to the global crude oil price crash.

DAILY POST reports that crude fell to as low as $64 per barrel for Brent and $59.7 for WTI at the weekend.

The drop in crude prices has been consistent since Trump’s tariff took effect and following an unexpected Organisation of Oil Producing Countries (OPEC+) supply cut announcement.

Meanwhile, despite the drop in global prices, the local prices of refined products such as fuel have been on the increase in Nigeria.

Reacting, Idoko said, “The price will continue to rise because these middlemen are the elements that want to see that local refining is not sustained.

“You have the FX effects, you have the effects of the logistics of shipping in refined petroleum products, and then you also have the effect of the middlemen. All these will push the cost of petroleum products high in Nigeria.”

Recall that MRS filling stations, a partner of Dangote Refinery, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and others, last week increased their petrol pump prices.

Currently, Nigerians buy petrol for between N900 and N975 per litre, depending on the location.

The development comes as Dangote Refinery, on 19th March 2025, suspended petrol product sales in Naira following the stalemate of the Naira-for-crude sale deal between the company and the Nigerian government through NNPCL.

Defunct Heritage Bank’s depositors with N5 million minimum balance have described as unacceptable the announcement by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (NDIC) that they will receive only partial payment of the uninsured sums.

They stated this at the weekend while reacting to the statement by the NDIC on their initial outcry to the National Assembly to prevail on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure their trapped funds were released without further delays.

The depositors, who had lamented the sufferings they and their loved ones were going through as a result of their inability to access their funds deposited in the defunct Heritage Bank, noted that the NDIC’s statement of March 30 that it would pay those in the category on pro-rata basis further confirmed their fears of lack of resources and underscored the urgency of the situation.

Speaking through their leader, Ibrahim Elisha, the aggrieved depositors emphasised that the NDIC’s pro-rata payment scheme was inadequate and exposed severe funding deficiencies that could threaten public confidence in Nigeria’s banking system.

“The dire financial predicament facing us demands swift, decisive intervention from the Presidency, National Assembly, and the CBN.

“The NDIC has demonstrated its inability to fully reimburse affected depositors, even after liquidating the bank’s assets. A recent press statement—clearly issued in response to mounting media scrutiny—has confirmed that depositors will receive only partial payments, an unacceptable outcome that underscores the urgency of the situation.

“The NDIC’s pro-rata payment scheme is inadequate, exposing severe funding deficiencies that threaten public confidence in Nigeria’s banking system. For nine months, depositors have endured broken promises, uncertainty, and financial hardship.

“In times of distress, the CBN has historically provided bailout funds to stabilise financial institutions and prevent systemic collapse. It has done so in notable cases, including a N460 billion allocation to First Bank for Heritage Bank prior to its liquidation; support for the merger between Providus Bank and Unity Bank to preserve financial stability; a N700 billion lifeline extended to Unity Bank with favorable repayment terms; and the acquisition of Keystone Bank’s shares to avert institutional failure.”

They argued that it was incomprehensible that the CBN would neglect urgent intervention in their matter.

“Its inaction jeopardizes the entire financial ecosystem, creating unnecessary hardship for depositors who entrusted their savings to a bank that was assured to be stable.

“Delays are unacceptable. The credibility of Nigeria’s financial sector is on the line. If immediate bailout funds are not provided, public trust in financial institutions will erode, investor confidence will falter, and global banking observers will question Nigeria’s commitment to economic stability,” they stressed.

The depositors urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to mandate the CBN to release the necessary funds to NDIC for full depositor reimbursement.

They insisted: “Time is of the essence. Prolonged hesitation will intensify the crisis and inflict irreversible reputational damage. The government must step in without delay to restore trust, and protect vulnerable depositors. The consequences of inaction are far too grave. Immediate action is non-negotiable.”

In a statement by its acting Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Hawwau Gambo, NDIC explained that the excess of the insured N5 million already reimbursed would be paid as liquidation dividends in accordance with statutory mandate.

The statement reads: “With the considerable progress recorded in the asset realisation, the corporation will declare the first tranche of liquidation dividends in April 2025 which will be paid to uninsured depositors on a pro-rata basis, in line with Section 72 of the NDIC Act 2023 on the priority of claims.

“For clarity, the referenced section states that: ‘Where an insured institution is unable to meet its obligations or suspends payment, or where its management and control have been taken over by the Central Bank of Nigeria following the revocation of its license, the assets of the insured institution shall be available to meet its deposit liabilities. Such deposit liabilities shall have priority over all other liabilities of the insured institution’.

“Consequently, other claimants of the failed bank, including creditors, and shareholders, will be considered for payment of liquidation dividends only after all depositors have been fully reimbursed.

“The NDIC wishes to reiterate its commitment to the safety of depositors’ funds in all licensed banks. Members of the public are enjoined to continue their banking activities without fear, as all other banks remain safe and sound.”

[TheNation]

As coalition talks to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections gain traction, northern stakeholders are pushing for southern aspirants to commit to a single-term agreement.

A source involved in the coalition negotiations, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the issue, told The PUNCH that northern stakeholders are urging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to run.

The source added that most stakeholders believe that if all coalition leaders unite behind a southern candidate, President Tinubu can be defeated.

On March 20, the 2023 presidential candidate of  the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, announced the formation of a coalition aimed at removing President Tinubu in 2027.

The debate about whether opposition parties should unite to challenge President Tinubu’s administration has been intensifying, with various political figures sharing different opinions.

Former Vice President Atiku has been a strong advocate for opposition unity, emphasising the importance of collaboration.

On March 8, he revealed his efforts to unite opposition groups and form a coalition to oust the APC.

Following El-Rufai’s switch from the APC to the Social Democratic Party on March 10, discussions among opposition leaders gained significant momentum.

Atiku and other opposition figures declared that the March 20 meeting marked the official launch of the coalition.

It was previously reported by Sunday PUNCH on March 23 that the negotiations among political leaders are being delayed due to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions and the zoning dispute.

The source mentioned that the stakeholders have multiple options to resolve all the concerns.

He stated, “There are numerous concerns among all stakeholders involved in the coalition negotiations, with the North-South issue being the primary concern.

“Most of us understand that if we field a competent and credible southern candidate, defeating President Tinubu would be much easier. Therefore, many stakeholders, especially those from the North, are urging Atiku to step down and allow the coalition to support a southern candidate who will serve a single term if elected.

“In fact, some of these stakeholders are insisting that any southern aspirant the coalition will support must agree to a single-term commitment.

These issues are emerging, but we are committed to addressing them as they arise and accommodating the many Nigerians who are fed up with the APC’s maladministration. Our goal is to ensure a fair process that represents the interests of the people and strengthens the unity of the coalition.”

When reached for comment, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, confirmed that the proposal for southern aspirants to sign a single-term agreement, along with other options, is under consideration by the stakeholders.

In an interview with our correspondent, Ahmeh stated that the opposition forces against President Tinubu are greater than those faced by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.

He stated, “The signing of a single-term agreement by a southerner is part of what is on the table, but this has not been concluded yet. It has not reached a conclusion.

“Peter Obi and some other southern aspirants are involved. I believe that the decision will be reached in the next few weeks.

“There are many options on the table. People are bringing different permutations, but the fact still remains that you can’t put the cart before the horse. As soon as the agreement is reached, we will communicate it to the public.

“It is very obvious that more Nigerians have realised that this government is doing us more harm than good. So, quite a lot of Nigerians are joining the coalition. There are more opposition forces against this government than there were against former President Jonathan in 2014.

“So, I urge all coalition stakeholders and other opposition leaders to sustain this commitment so that we can come together to rescue this country from the failed APC.”

When reached for comment, former Vice President Atiku cautioned against speculation that could undermine the coalition negotiations.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Atiku, through his media aide, Paul Ibe, emphasised that any agreement made will be binding for all parties involved.

He stated, “The agreement must be between the stakeholders, and we cannot speculate about it because discussions are still ongoing. We don’t need to reach conclusions while discussions are still ongoing. Once an agreement is reached, it will be binding, but until then, we must refrain from drawing conclusions about the ongoing process.

“Yes, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar is committed. What’s important for him is not to put the cart before the horse. His Excellency, like other leaders, believes that the only way to remove those who don’t mean well for our people and our country is by having a strong, united coalition.

“That coalition must be robust and strong enough to push forward. That is what they are working towards, and it is the most important goal, above all else.”

The National Chairman of the SDP, Shehu Gabam, corroborated that nationwide consultation is ongoing.

He stated, “I am not in a position to say anything now. I can’t tell you what we intend to do and how far we have gone, consultation is ongoing.

“We are doing more consultations. When we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it. But our consultations are ongoing nationwide. I am not going to disclose who is involved in the consultation and other details.”

However, the PDP National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticised the push for a southerner to sign a single-term agreement, calling it premature.

In an interview with The PUNCH, Osadolor urged coalition stakeholders to keep the opportunity open for capable Nigerians.

He stated, “For me, I think it is premature to narrow this contest to the South. If we say a southerner must run, who are the southerners capable of running and dismantling this monstrosity called the APC government? There are just three people: former President Goodluck Jonathan, Obi, and I don’t think there is anyone as formidable as the Oyo State governor.

“I am not going to speak for all the other southerners who want to run, with all due respect to them. But I think we should allow Nigerians, irrespective of where they come from, to pursue their ambitions. That is the best way we can defeat the APC.

“And if among those who come forward, we unanimously agree to support one, regardless of the geopolitical region they hail from, it will be a collective democratic decision and no one will accuse the coalition of denying them their rights.”

Reacting to the scheming by the opposition, the APC Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the coalition efforts, stating that the ruling party’s popularity among Nigerians is growing.

According to Ibrahim, the APC remains unfazed, and the party’s accomplishments will ultimately vindicate President Tinubu.

He stated, “Again, the ruling party, the APC is not bothered, because all the people involved (in the coalition) are people who have gone to the polls against the APC and lost.

 “The APC, from the period it beat them to defeat, has not lost its membership but has been increasing its membership, and its tentacles of leadership are increasingly growing.

 “The people will continue to realise the good dividends of democracy from the APC government, such that they will not regret voting for the party, nor will they think of giving up.

“So, the achievements of the ruling APC under President Tinubu will shame all opposition forces and their plans.”

Two Nigerian nationals and a Texan have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a multi-million dollar tax refund fraud scheme that exploited stolen identities and laundered proceeds through both U.S. and foreign financial institutions.

Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. announced the sentencing of Imafedia Adevokhai, 47, of Alpharetta, Georgia; Osazuwa Peter Okunoghae, 46, of Houston, Texas; and Michael Martin, 52, of Texarkana, Texas, following their guilty pleas in connection with the conspiracy.

Adevokhai, a Nigerian national, pleaded guilty to money laundering on February 15, 2023, and was sentenced on April 2, 2025, to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III. He was also ordered to pay $90,380.60 in restitution and $3,500 in forfeiture.

Okunoghae, another Nigerian national residing in Houston, received the harshest sentence of the trio — 78 months in federal prison — after pleading guilty to money laundering conspiracy in November 2019.

He was sentenced on January 13, 2022, and ordered to pay $451,117.63 in both restitution and forfeiture.

Martin, the only American among the convicted, pleaded guilty to conspiracy on February 14, 2023. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison on November 21, 2023, and ordered to pay $90,380.60 in restitution and $121,623.41 in forfeiture.

According to court records, the three men were involved in a sophisticated Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF) operation spanning multiple years. They used personal identifying information from dozens of victims to file fraudulent tax returns totaling nearly $5 million, causing a confirmed loss of over $390,000 to the U.S. Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

“The Eastern District of Texas is committed to prosecuting individuals who participate in schemes to steal personal information, prepare and file fraudulent tax returns, and launder the proceeds,” McGlothin said.

IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) agents uncovered the fraud after tracing a complex network of financial transactions involving multiple U.S. and foreign bank accounts.

Special Agent Christopher J. Altemus Jr., who leads the IRS-CI Dallas Field Office, praised the agency’s investigators, stating, “Their sentences should be a warning to anyone who would try to defraud the U.S. Government or prey on law-abiding taxpayers.”

The investigation revealed that Adevokhai primarily handled the preparation and submission of the fraudulent tax returns, while Okunoghae and Martin focused on laundering the proceeds — transferring funds through various accounts in a bid to obscure the source of the money.

The case dates back to a broader 2019 indictment that included individuals from three U.S. states and others based in Nigeria, pointing to a transnational fraud network.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld and Sean Taylor.

Federal authorities reiterated that prosecuting SIRF crimes remains a top priority, as such schemes threaten the integrity of the U.S. tax system and drain billions from public coffers.

Vanguard News

There is no denying the fact that President Bola Tinubu has the highest number of media aides in the history of Nigeria, in the same manner his government boasts of the highest number of ministers. However, this cacophony of voices appears to be singing disjointed music, with the songs sounding fragmented, uneven or more like a ‘broken record’, like a former special adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, is wont to say.

In June 2023, the president appointed Dele Alake, his former commissioner of information during his tenure as Lagos state governor, as special adviser, special duties, communications and strategy, making him the first media aide to the president. Soon after, he was named the minister of solid minerals development, a development sources claimed was orchestrated by a powerful cabal in the villa who did not want Alake to have direct access to the president as his chief spokesperson.

Many Nigerians criticised Alake’s appointment as solid minerals minister because he has no expertise in the sector. However, he later clarified that the president decided to shock Nigerians by not appointing him to the information ministry, which he has a background in, but drafted him to the solid minerals ministry because of his sense of responsibility, expertise, and track record.

Hear him: “My portfolio has been the upset of the entire cabinet because given my antecedents, exposure, and experience in the area of perception, information management, and the likes, so most people have pigeonholed me for information, and so we decided to shock everybody. Now if you all can sit down to analyse the global trend of economic development, you would note that the hydrocarbon – that is, the oil is fading out and the world is moving towards alternatives like gas, electric cars, and the rest. So what is the next economic growth factor? It is solid mineral. Given the nature of this sector to our economic growth and vitality of this country which is dear to the heart of Mr President, it’s just very apt and proper for him to send me here because he knows and trusts that I have a demonstrable sense of responsibility and courage to drive the agenda; that is why I am here. We are going to drive that agenda with the full cooperation of everyone.”

Two years down the line, whether Alake’s impact has been felt in the solid minerals ministry is left for Nigerians to decide.

In July 2023, the president appointed Ajuri Ngelale as his special adviser on media and publicity. In October of the same year, he also appointed Bayo Onanuga, a veteran journalist and one of his close allies, as special adviser on information and strategy. As sources in the villa have confirmed, the young Ngelale, who added the prefix ‘Chief’ to his name, saw Onanuga as a ‘rival wife who had come to share the same husband with him’ while forgetting that while he was working as a media aide to former President Buhari, it was the likes of Onanuga who were receiving social media bullets for the president and following him everywhere during the electioneering campaign. Ngelale, who went into oblivion after he was technically eased out, crawled out of the hole last week to wish the president, whom he described as ‘his father’, a happy 73rd birthday. Like the Yorubas will say, ‘Baba egbe mo oye omo to bi (The father knows the number of his children).

In August, the president also named Muhammed Idris as minister of information and national orientation. Despite occupying such a visible portfolio, the highly reticent Idris, unfortunately, is one of the unknown ministers in the president’s cabinet. Unlike his predecessor, Lai Mohammed, ask many Nigerians who Nigeria’s current minister of information is, and I can bet a lot of people won’t know.

Aside from Onanuga, other members of the president’s media team are Daniel Bwala (Special Adviser, Policy Communication); Sunday Dare (Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications); Tunde Rahman (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Media); Abdulaziz Abdulaziz (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Print Media); O’tega Ogra – (Senior Special Assistant (Digital/New Media); Tope Ajayi – Senior Special Assistant (Media & Public Affairs); Segun Dada (Special Assistant — Social Media); Nosa Asemota – Special Assistant (Visual Communication); Fredrick Nwabufo (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Public Engagement); Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Strategic Communications) and Aliyu Audu (Special Assistant to the President — Public Affairs).

With all these people managing the public image and media affairs of the president, one then begins to wonder why there is still a huge disconnect between the government and Nigerians. Aside from Onanuga, the head of the media and publicity directorate who has been doing a yeoman’s job so far, who else can one pinpoint as speaking for the president? I can’t remember Tunde Rahman granting any interview as a presidential spokesperson; the last time I read about him, he represented the president at the service of songs organised for the late Doyin Okupe in Lagos.

When Daniel Bwala was appointed as special adviser on media and public communications to the president, he claimed he was the official spokesperson to President Tinubu; the presidency issued a statement that the president has no individual spokesperson but all three special advisers – Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare and Daniel Bwala – will “collectively serve as spokespersons for the government”. How can you have three special advisers jointly speaking for one president who claims he has implemented the Oronsaye report aimed at cutting the cost of governance? What will Sunday Dare or Bwala say that Onanuga alone can’t say?

Since his redesignation, Bwala, an erudite lawyer, has been trying his best to communicate the policies and reforms of the president to Nigerians. However, many Nigerians hardly take what he says with a pinch of salt, given his antecedents and previous negative remarks about the personality of the president. While he claimed he joined the administration to support President Tinubu in delivering his Renewed Hope promises, many Nigerians see Bwala as a two-faced Janus and sycophant who did a 360-degree turn from his former principal, Atiku Abubakar, after he lost the presidential election.

Of course, you can’t blame Nigerians for not believing anything Bwala says. How can you successfully market a president whom you accused of electoral fraud and certificate forgery? How can you sell the policies of the same president whom you said will fail like his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari? Or didn’t Bwala even say if you give President Tinubu 30 years in office, he will achieve nothing? Only an irredeemable irredentist who is completely bereft of intellect will believe any positive thing such a man now comes back to say about the president.

While President Tinubu has a track record of making fewer enemies and winning even his staunchest critics to his side, not all of them should be appointed as media aides if they agreed to serve in his government. There should be other media units away from the presidency where they can contribute their quota to the development of the nation. The president’s current media team is too unwieldy. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

On a final note, there should be synergy on how the president’s media team will communicate his agenda and policies to the people. As done in the United Kingdom, there should be a chain of command and if possible, approval needs to be sought before commenting on sensitive issues. In this era, people don’t wait for official statements anymore. A social media comment or reply to a post by a media aide can be misconstrued as the official position of the government. This was evident in the case involving Temitope Ajayi in the NYSC saga and Ridwan Ajetunmobi, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s senior special assistant on print media who faced backlash and was suspended for a reply he made to a post on social media.

In driving change, communications specialists, especially media aides to the president need to be diplomatic and sensitive to the people’s needs. A communications professional should understand the mood of the people and what they need before making comments, while also bearing in mind that you can’t please everyone as some people will always find fault no matter how hard you try. A media aide to the president cannot just jump on social media and begin to attack Nigerians, especially the outspoken Gen-Z youths who are feeling the hardship associated with the reforms, even if they describe him in unsavoury terms.

You can’t expect a person who was buying fuel at N187 per litre two years ago but is now buying it at N950 per litre to keep mute; neither can you browbeat a woman who now buys a crate of eggs for N6,500, an item that was N600 less than two years ago? Be empathetic and let the people know that fundamental and sustainable reforms are not easy the world over, but with the right policies and patience, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

Akinsuyi, former group politics editor of Daily Independent, currently studies sustainability communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

The federal government has ordered the management of federal higher institutions to publish their financial data and academic capacity before May 31, 2025.

Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, said all vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts must provide their annual budgetary allocation, including “their personnel costs, overhead costs, and capital expenditure”.

The minister communicated this directive in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, the ministry’s spokesperson.

Alausa mandated school managements to also disclose data around their research grants “from foreign institutions, multilateral organisations, and development partners”.

The statement added that institutions must include the findings received from TETFund.

“The directive further mandates that institutions publish the total value of their endowment fund as recorded at the end of the previous year,” the statement reads in part.

“This figure, which reflects funds donated or invested for the institution’s long-term financial health, must be updated quarterly to ensure currency and transparency.

Alausa asked the institutions to reveal the current population of their undergraduate and postgraduate students to “determine their enrolment and institutional capacity”.

The ministry stated that the information must be presented in a clear, accessible, and user-friendly format before May 31.

“Websites should be structured in a way that allows the public, including parents, students, and stakeholders, to easily locate and understand these data points,” it added.

“All federal institutions are expected to comply fully with this directive and ensure that their websites are completely updated.

Alausa said the ministry will conduct periodic reviews of institutional websites and punish non-compliant institutions.

“This policy is part of a broader reform initiative aimed at strengthening public trust in the nation’s tertiary institutions, enhancing performance-based funding, and improving Nigeria’s global education indices,” he added.

[TheCable]