The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has temporarily halted the sale of petroleum products in naira.

The refinery announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday.

The development comes a few hours after TheCable reported that the refinery would stop loading petroleum products for the Nigerian market as the renegotiation of the naira-for-crude deal is not recording significant progress.

Sources had told the publication the refinery would continue to load for export as it currently sources all its crude stock from the international market in dollars.

In the statement, the refinery said the decision to halt sales in naira was “necessary to avoid a mismatch between our sales proceeds and our crude oil purchase obligations, which are currently denominated in U.S. dollars”.

“To date, our sales of petroleum products in Naira have exceeded the value of Naira-denominated crude we have received,” the statement reads.

“As a result, we must temporarily adjust our sales currency to align with our crude procurement currency.”

The refinery also debunked claims that the temporary suspension was due to ticketing frauds, saying they are “malicious”.

The firm, however, assured that sales would resume in naira as soon as they receive crude supply in naira from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

“Our attention has also been drawn to reports on the internet claiming that we are stopping loading due to an incident of ticketing fraud,” Dangote refinery said.

“This is a malicious falsehood. Our systems are robust and we have had no fraud issues.

“We remain committed to serving the Nigerian market efficiently and sustainably.

“As soon as we receive an allocation of Naira-denominated crude cargoes from NNPC, we will promptly resume petroleum product sales in Naira.”

On March 10, TheCable reported that the NNPC had suspended the naira-for-crude deal until 2030, as the government-owned company has forward-sold all its crude oil.

However, following the report, the NNPC said negotiations are ongoing for a new naira-for-crude deal with the refinery, as the current agreement will expire at the end of March.

Zaach Adedeji, chairman of the naira-for-crude policy technical sub-committee, reassured that the naira-based crude oil supply arrangement with local refineries has not been discontinued.

Nigeria officially commenced the sale of crude oil and refined petroleum products in naira on October 1, 2024, after the federal executive council (FEC) approved a proposal by President Bola Tinubu directing the NNPC to sell crude oil to Dangote refinery and other refineries in the local currency.

However, in November last year, the refinery said the crude-for-naira initiative was faltering, as it was still unable to secure adequate supplies.

Ibok-Ete Ibas, the newly sworn-in sole administrator of Rivers, says he will work with all stakeholders to ensure that peace and stability is restored in the state.

Ibas, a retired vice admiral, was sworn in as the sole administrator of Rivers state by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

His swearing-in follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by Tinubu, and further suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and members of the state’s legislature.

Rivers state has been embroiled in a protracted political crisis due to power struggle between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), over control of the political structure of the state.

Speaking on Wednesday shortly after his swearing-in, Ibas said Tinubu has spelt out his assignment in Rivers.

“First of all, I think we know the circumstances that led to where we are here,” he said.

“Mr. President made it very clear in his broadcast that the main issue is maintaining law and order in the state.

“I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers state, the utmost task is that I will have to work together with all other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, order and security and stability to the people and government of Rivers state and Nigeria at large.”

Meanwhile, the senate has postponed a decision on approving the declaration of a state of emergency in the state until Thursday, after a rowdy session in the

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has refuted reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State urging the media and the public to disregard the report.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye made the clarification in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

The company clarified that what occurred was a flare incident, which has since been fully contained.

“There is no danger or health hazard to staff, the surrounding communities,

or the environment,” the statement said.

NNPC Ltd, in the statement urged the media and the public to disregard any reports suggesting an explosion at the refinery, maintaining that they are entirely false.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the rumoured explosion at the Port Harcourt Refinery was fueled by the explosion that rocked a major oil pipeline, the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), at Bodo, Gokana local government area of Rivers State on Tuesday.

Hours after, another explosion occurred at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the state, sending concerns about likely militant attack on oil facilities in the height of political development in the state

A group, Action Collective, has raised the alarm over what it called a desperate plan to compile fictitious names of constituents in Kogi Central senatorial district of Kogi State purportedly seeking for the recall of the lawmaker representing the zone in the Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The Kogi Central-based pressure group, which made the revelation public on Wednesday, said it uncovered the alleged plan. 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is presently serving a six-month suspension slammed on her over alleged misconduct and disregard for Senate rules.

Prior to the Senate suspension, the Kogi Central Senator had also accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment and frustration of her legislative efforts to represent her constituents.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, signed by its coordinator, Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, the group said intelligence also revealed that allies of those fighting Senator Natasha in the Nigerian Senate were behind the plot to carry the fake recall exercise.

According to the group, findings revealed that the latest move was considered by Senator Natasha’s traducers as ‘nailing the coffin’ to prevent her from seeking justice which she is currently pursuing both in Nigeria and from the international community.

“We gathered reliably that a former governor in Kogi state has been contacted to carry out this evil plan. We also have an information that some ally INEC staff have also been recruited to commence the recall of Senator Natasha.

“This project which is said to gulped over two million dollars, will involve the recruitment of faceless persons from the various local government areas in Kogi State who would be paid to append false signatures on the purported recall paper,” the group alleged.

The statement also alleged that some highly placed staff of INEC have been paid huge sums of money to carry out and endorse the plan, adding, “that is why it is important to alert the public especially the civil society and Human Rights Activists including the Media, who are the watchdog of the society as well as the security agencies to remain vigilant and subject such documents regarding the planned recall to proper scrutining. A stitch in time saves nine!.”

The organised labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, has condemned the President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an unconstitutional overreach and a direct assault on democracy.

In a joint statement signed by NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and TUC president Comrade Festus Osifo, on Wednesday, the Labour Centres criticised the action, stating that it blatantly violates part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and undermined the principles of democratic governance. 

The two labour leaders warned that such actions erode constitutional governance and create instability, adding that no democratic society can thrive when elected officials are removed arbitrarily.

Both NLC and TUC demanded that President Tinubu immediately revoke the state of emergency in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining such measures.

They cautioned that the decision could have far-reaching consequences, including undermining national security, economic stability, and Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Apart from the political implications highlighted by the labour centres, the two congresses also warned that the declaration would have severe socio-economic consequences for workers and businesses in Rivers State.

The statement read in parts, “The purported suspension or removal of the governor , deputy governor, and the State House of Assembly is not only unlawful but a direct assault on democracy.

“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.

“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law.

“We, therefore, call on Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.

“The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.

“The labour movement will not remain silent while the livelihoods of workers and the well-being of ordinary Nigerians are threatened by political machinations.

“Given his storied background in political struggle, we urge Mr. President not to betray his democratic credentials by engaging in actions reminiscent of military-era authoritarianism.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Alhaji Sirajo Mohammed Jaja, the accountant-general of Bauchi State for alleged N70billion fraud.

LEADERSHIP investigation showed that he was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, alongside Aliyu Abubakar of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, an unlicensed bureau de change (BDC) operator, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator. 

They were arrested in connection with investigations of money laundering, diversion of public funds and missapropriation to the tune of N70billion.

It is noteworthy that the commission was also investigating the governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, regarding the matter.

Already, investigations showed that cash withdrawal of N59 billion had been made through various bank accounts opened and operated by the accountant-general on behalf of the state government.

LEADERSHIP learnt that the money was moved to Abubakar and Sambo, who in turn made cash payments to party agents and associates of the governor.

Also, it was discovered that the BDC operator Abubakar earlier jumped bail and has now been rearrested.

When contacted on the development, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrests

Founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries in Warri, Delta State, Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, has yet demonstrated his commitment to supporting Nigerian youths, particularly members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme with a N5million cash gift.

Every year, Prophet Fufeyin extends financial assistance to corps members who carry out their mandatory one-year national service in his church ministry, aiding their transition into post-service life. 

At a recent ceremony, Prophet Fufeyin gifted N5million to the outgoing NYSC members who served at Mercy Television, the media arm of his ministry. This act of generosity underscored his dedication to empowering young Nigerians and providing them with resources to embark on new ventures after their service year.

This philanthropic tradition is not new. In November 2023, Prophet Fufeyin, through the Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin Foundation, donated ₦5million to outgoing corps members. Earlier that year, he had also provided ₦3million to the previous batch of corps members, reflecting his ongoing commitment to youth empowerment.

Meanwhile, the beneficiaries have lauded Prophet Fufeyin’s benevolence, describing him as a father figure to Nigerian youths. Many have expressed that his support significantly impacts their post-service plans, enabling them to start new endeavors without undue financial strain.

Prophet Fufeyin’s consistent support for NYSC members exemplifies his dedication to fostering growth and development among Nigerian youths, setting a commendable example for others to follow.

A petrol tanker has exploded along the Abuja-Keffi expressway near the Karu bridge in the federal capital territory (FCT).

The incident happened on Wednesday evening when workers, returning from the nation’s capital, were heading home.

It was unclear at the time of this report if there were casualties from the incident, but FCT fire service personnel arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, quoted witnesses as saying many vehicles were burnt in the incident as people scrambled for safety.

“I saw the tanker coming at high speed, swerving dangerously before it crashed. Within seconds, there was an explosion, and fire spread everywhere,” Zagazola Makama quoted a survivor, who managed to escape from a nearby vehicle, as having said.

There has been no official statement from the FCT administration and the fire service about the incident

Barely 24 hours after he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu is meeting with the sole administrator he appointed to run the affairs of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas.

Ibas arrived at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa at about 12:48 pm (local time).

On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

In a national broadcast, Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the extraordinary measure.

The crisis, which had paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

As part of the directive, the President also appointed Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored.

Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tinubu announced, “In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State the governor and deputy governor of Rivers State has failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025 and I so do.

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.”

Details shortly…

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, on Wednesday alleged that the now-suspended Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, tele-guided militants to blow up pipelines in the state.

Fagbemi was accused while defending President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency hours earlier.

He said although the governor was not directly culpable, he failed to dissuade the militants from vandalising the pipeline.

He said, “We are in a democracy. There were what I will call telegraphing of the militants, I will say, by the governor. And the reason I say so is, when he began, he said oh, he will let them know when it was time to act.

“Let us say it was false. Did he come out to disown them? The answer is no. And a week later, they swung into action. You saw or witnessed the vandalisation of oil pipelines.”

Fagbemi argued that with the nation almost reliant on crude oil, anyone “touching” the pipeline is not only an enemy of Rivers but Nigeria.

The minister said Fubara and the members of the state House of Assembly had to be suspended as they failed to ensure a conducive atmosphere for governance in the state.

Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

In his national broadcast, Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the extraordinary measure.

The crisis, which has paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

As part of the directive, the President also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored. Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Rivers political turmoil escalated after Fubara demolished the state’s House of Assembly complex in December 2023, leading to a prolonged battle over the legitimacy of the legislative arm.

The crisis deepened when 27 lawmakers, loyal to Wike, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, prompting legal disputes over their status.

On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the lawmakers remained valid members of the Assembly, faulting the governor’s actions as unconstitutional and tantamount to despotism.

The judgment noted that Rivers State had effectively collapsed into one-man rule due to the absence of a functioning legislature.

Despite the ruling, governance remained stalled, with the Assembly and executive failing to cooperate.

As of March 2025, the state’s annual Appropriation Bill had not been passed.

On Monday night, an explosion rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community in Gonna Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The explosion occurred near the Bodo-Bonny Road under construction.

Another explosion occurred on Tuesday at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the State.

Citing fresh security reports, Tinubu expressed concern over the recent vandalisation of oil pipelines by militants, allegedly acting in support of Fubara.