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Unknown hoodlums armed with cutlasses and firearms reportedly attacked the family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the early hours of Tuesday, April 16, 2025, in the Obeiba-Ihima area of Okehi Local Government Area, Kogi State.
According to intelligence sources, the attack occurred around 1:00 a.m., and at least three armed individuals were involved in vandalizing the building, including shattering window panes.
The incident was promptly reported by the Senator’s Chief Security Officer, Yakubu Ovanja, to the relevant security authorities.
Following a distress alert, security operatives from the Okehi Division were swiftly deployed to the scene.
While no casualties were reported and no arrests have been made, security teams have documented the damage, and preliminary investigations are underway.
According to Zagazola Makama, Police sources have indicated that the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
As of press time, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent political figure in Kogi Central Senatorial District, had not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the attackers’ motives and identify those responsible for the attack.
Lagos Court Discharges, Acquits Quadri, The Young Boy Who Stood Before Peter Obi’s Convoy In Viral Photo
AFOLABI
The Apapa Magistrate Court, Court 9, sitting at Orege, Ajegunle—Sikiru Adagun Courthouse, has acquitted and discharged Alabi Quadri, the young Nigerian who became a national symbol of courage during the 2023 general elections.
Naija News reports that Quadri, who had boldly stood in front of Peter Obi’s campaign convoy, was cleared of conspiracy to commit felony and armed robbery.
The court ruled that Quadri had no case to answer, marking a significant legal victory for him after spending several months in Kirikiri Prison, Lagos.
His case had originally been scheduled for a hearing on April 28, 2025, but the court expedited the proceedings following requests from human rights lawyer and activist Inibehe Effiong, along with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which the court granted.
Quadri first gained widespread attention during the tense period of the 2023 presidential elections when a viral video showed him, a teenage boy at the time, fearlessly standing in front of Peter Obi’s campaign convoy. His act was interpreted by many Nigerians as a symbol of youthful defiance and hope amidst a charged political environment.
Despite this moment of national recognition, Quadri’s subsequent arrest and imprisonment were linked not to his actions during the election period but to a vendetta from local ‘area boys’ (thugs) who felt entitled to some of the financial support and goodwill Quadri received following his viral moment. Effiong, who recently visited the Apapa Magistrate Court with Quadri’s mother and legal colleagues, revealed that Quadri’s arrest in January was the result of prolonged threats and harassment by these individuals.
Effiong explained that Quadri was abducted while returning from work by the ‘area boys’ and taken to Amukoko Police Station (also known as Pako Police Station). He was later accused of being involved in street fights, despite being a minor at the time. He was subsequently arraigned with four strangers on charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, with the alleged victims said to have been robbed of N579,000 in cash and four mobile phones.
Despite his detention in Kirikiri Prison with adult prisoners, Effiong highlighted that the charges were unsubstantiated, and the legal system’s handling of Quadri’s case appeared to be the result of a personal vendetta rather than any criminal wrongdoing. The court’s ruling has been hailed as a victory for justice and human rights.
Following his acquittal, Effiong and other legal advocates expressed relief and satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the importance of ensuring justice for individuals like Quadri, who have become symbols of resistance in a challenging political landscape.
Hundreds of international students across the United States, U.S are facing sudden visa cancellations and legal status terminations, sparking panic and confusion on college campuses nationwide.
“We thought it was unusual at first,” said Boston-based attorney Matthew Maiona. “Now it’s coming fast and furious.”
At least 901 students from 128 colleges have been affected, according to an Associated Press review, with advocacy groups warning the number may be even higher.
Many of the students are from India and China, but lawyers say no region appears to be exempt.
Some students were reportedly targeted over minor infractions like traffic violations.
Four students in Michigan are suing the government, claiming they were given no clear reason for their status termination.
Others across the country are filing similar lawsuits, and judges in states like New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Montana have temporarily restored some students’ legal status.
In a shift from past procedures, universities are now discovering terminations directly in the government’s immigration database, often before students are even notified.
The sudden crackdown has left students, some weeks from graduation or employment, uncertain about their future.
With no official comment from the State or Homeland Security Departments, confusion and fear are mounting.
Some students are being advised to leave the country, while others stay and appeal — hoping to avoid detention or deportation.
As legal limbo sets in, many are altering their routines, carrying immigration documents at all times and bracing for the unknown.
“It’s scary,” said a Chinese Ph.D. student at UNC Chapel Hill. “You don’t know if you’ll be the next one.”
With 6,101,533 votes representing 25.40 percent of the total votes cast in the 2023 Presidential election, the Labour Party, LP, and its Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, registered their presence as a force to be reckoned with on Nigeria’s national political landscape.
Observers of political events took note of the fact that Obi’s entrance into the LP after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, only weeks earlier turned the race for Nigeria’s topmost job from a two horse race to a three horse race.
Soon after the elections and the litigations which soon followed, the Labour Party descended into chaos with a struggle over leadership positions by power brokers who hitherto shelved their differences to prosecute the 2023 general election.
First, it was a dispute between the party’s former National Secretary, who later became National Chairman, Mr Julius Abure and the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Alhaji Lamidi Apapa, over the National Chairmanship.
After a series of litigation, the combatants suspended the fight.
Temporary ruptured truce
However, the temporary truce was ruptured when the party’s former National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Okpara launched a ferocious attack on Abure’s credibility and leadership.
She accused the party leader of failing to account for over N3.6 billion of party funds generated from the sale of nomination and declaration of interest forms as well as donors before, during and after the 2023 polls.
The accusations attracted the intervention of Peter Obi who demanded a forensic audit of the party’s finances and the publication of the outcome.
The outcome of this request is yet to see the light of day.
Amidst all these, the tenure of the Abure-led National Working Committee, NWC, which was extended by one year because of the 2003 elections, was nearing its end.
This set off a chain of reactions forcing the crisis to take a dramatic turn with several persons laying claim to the party’s leadership. The party became polarized into three main camps: those loyal to Julius Abure, the Obidient group, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, as represented by the NLC- Political Commission.
The crisis reached its peak after Abure’s tenure as national chairman was said to have expired in March 2024.
Since then, things have been falling apart.
Before the expiration of Abure’s tenure as National Chairman, he and his loyalists converged on Nnewi, Anambra State on March 27, 2024, and held a national convention.
The Convention left out key party stakeholders including Obi, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti and the leadership of the NLC, among others.
It was at this event that Abure’s tenure was said to have been renewed for a four-year term.
In what appears to be a response to this development, Obi, Otti and other stakeholders met in Umuahia, the Abia State capital on September 4, 2024, and empanelled a 29-member National Caretaker Committee under the leadership of Senators Esther Usman and Darlington Nwokocha, as Chairman and Secretary respectively.
The committee was given 90 days within which to organise and conduct congresses at all levels and a national convention to elect new party leaders. This was not to be as Abure went to court to challenge the existence of this new body.
Unshaken, the Otti-led group, which fully supported the Usman-led LP-NCC, continued their activities under the radar while awaiting the court ruling.
They worked having been convinced that with Mr Abure’s emergence, on March 27, 2024, the Nnewi convention would not stand even in court.
Their position was strengthened by the fact that it was conducted in flagrant disregard for the terms agreed in a consent judgment it entered into by Abure and party leaders following the intervention of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the early stages of the leadership tussle.
This, according to the Otti-led group, created a vacuum in the party’s leadership.
It stated: “You will recall that the Labour Party has had a leadership crisis in recent times, culminating in the
de-recognition of the Abure-led National Working Committee, NWC, by INEC effective June 2024. This is after the settlement brokered by INEC on 27 June 2022.
“This settlement was founded on the consent court judgment by Justice Gabriel Kolawole on 20 March 2018.
“A major part of the settlement states that an all-inclusive national convention, preceded by Ward, LG, and State congresses, shall be convened not later than one year after signing the terms of the settlement. Because of the 2023 election, the implementation of this agreement was deferred by one year to 2024.”
Abure’s attempt to circumvent procedure
An Anambra State chieftain of the party, Senator Victor Umeh, accused Abure of attempting to circumvent procedure by side-stepping the process of convening a national convention which ought to begin from the ward up.
Umeh said: “The Process begins at the ward level with Ward congresses, Local Government Congresses, and State Congresses all these must happen before a national convention is conducted.”
Abure challenged this in court and “won” at the High Court and Appeal Court.
However, the LP-NCC took the matter to the Supreme Court and the court gave judgment in which it quashed Abure’s victory at the lower courts on the ground of lack of jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court judgment has been given various interpretations by the opposing camps.
While Abure has maintained that his chairmanship remains valid and grounded in the party’s constitution, Peter Obi, Governor Otti and other stakeholders think differently.
Ahead of the release of the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the Supreme Court judgment, the Abure-led National Working Committee convened a National Executive Council, NEC, meeting which not only affirmed his leadership via a vote of confidence on his leadership, it also threatened disciplinary action against Obi and Otti, should they go ahead with their planned parallel NEC meeting scheduled for last week Wednesday.
The release of the CTC of the Supreme Court judgment which was hailed by all the warring groups has again emboldened claimants to the chairmanship seat to make fresh moves to assert themselves on the party.
As things stand today, the party appears split into three camps, namely: those loyal to Julius Abure, those loyal to the LP-NCC and a small faction loyal to Alhaji Lamidi Apapa, who has emerged from the shadows to also stake a claim.
While all agree that the Supreme Court judgment grants political parties the autonomy to manage their internal affairs, opposing camps interpret this to suit their bias.
Abure’s faction claims the judgment validates his leadership, while the Obi-Otti group argues that the Court’s dismissal of Abure’s cross-appeal and upholding Senator Usman’s appeal, validates the position of stakeholders opposed to Abure’s continued stay in office as chairman.
At the just concluded NEC meeting and Stakeholders’ Interactive Town Hall, the party’s NEC declared that the Nnewi convention that produced Abure failed in every aspect because due process was ignored therefore his rule was legitimate.
Governor Otti, who is one of nine statutory members of the party’s NEC whose tenure still subsists following his election in 2023, reeled out a series of steps he and other party leaders took to make Abure see reason but he remained adamant.
According to him, Abure was offered the position of Board of Trustees Chairman in a bid to give him a soft landing to no avail.
Otti said: “He went ahead to stay when his tenure and those of the NWC (National Working Committee) had expired.
“The correct procedure if you still want to be national chairman is to start from the ward congress, state congress and zonal congress, where the delegates would emerge for the national convention and everyone is free to contest.”
Speaking in the same vein at the event, Obi said: “Our Governor has said it. Let’s do the right thing. Let’s go and do it from the ward to local government, to state, to zone, and then come and do it nationally. Everybody’s free to contest. Everybody’s free to contest. Nobody is excluded. I will ensure fairness.”
Defiant Abure
Abure has, however, remained defiant.
In a series of statements issued by his faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, told those who care to listen that Otti and Obi were deluding themselves into thinking that their attempt to hijack the party structure would succeed.
Ifoh said: “Those two and other party outlaws took their desperation to a ridiculous level by attempting to pressure INEC to accept their interpretation of the Supreme Court judgment.
“There is nowhere in the Constitution of our great party that a so-called National Caretaker Committee was mentioned in our leadership structure. Strangely, persons who have no constitutionally assigned roles will arrogate to themselves powers that don’t exist.”
The situation has become increasingly heated, with Abure’s faction threatening fire and brimstone.
The party’s internal conflicts have raised concerns about its ability to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center, CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim puts it, “Unless the opposition parties can put their house in order… it will be difficult for them to convince Nigerians to vote for them.”
The National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh is, however, optimistic that sooner than later, the opposition which the LP was prepared to lead will get its acts together.
Ameh said: “I see an end to the trouble bedevilling the LP. The Supreme Court judgment has set the pace all the party needs now is to follow.
“All parties must respect the court judgment and move forward. The Caretaker Committee must now open the party’s doors for Nigerians who have something to offer to make meaningful progress.”
Danger: State Governors Are Blocking Local Government Financial Autonomy - Peasant Empowerment
Admin
Peasant Empowerment Concern Initiative (PECi), an NGO has alerted Nigerians of the danger of impoverishment of our rural areas, by extension peasants by the 35 State Governors who are blocking local government financial autonomy for sheer personal gains.
PECi in a statement jointly signed by the national coordinator, Senator Ita Enang and publicity secretary, Mr Osita Okechukwu submitted that going by the records of Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC); the milestone financial autonomy of local government councils initiated by President Bola Tinubu is in danger as only Delta State complied, while 35 States have refused to open accounts with CBN as directed.
They argued that local government financial autonomy is meant to develop our grassroots and empower peasants majority of whom reside in the rural areas.
The group noted that the peasant empowerment and development gains intendment of local government financial autonomy, being blocked by the State Governors will further impoverish our citizenry, fuel urban migration, kidnapping and spread rural diseases.
The NGO frowned at the intimidation and coercion strategy allegedly adopted by the Governors, who cynically prefer commercial banks domiciliary accounts lodgment easy to manipulate more than CBN accounts that is out of their control.
PECi challenged all progressives to join hands to give life to financial autonomy of local government councils; as the only toolkit to stop State Governors who for 25 years have converted it to slush funds, thereby sabotaging the development of rural areas.
It could be recalled that on July 14, 2024, the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment granted financial autonomy to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria, which was followed up by the directive that all local government councils shall open domiciliary account with CBN.
PECi reminisced on how the EFCC up to date unfortunately is still burdened with the trial of many State Governors who pilfered local government funds for personal gains.
The group said it would be untoward and regrettable that after Nigerians had jubilated with the liberation of local government funds, with this progressive policy, that Nigerians are still held hostage by State Governors who for 25 years frustrated the amendment of the 1999 Constitution in favour of local government autonomy.
PECi submitted that mismanagement of local government councils funds for personal gains over the years have stifled democracy and sabotaged peasants empowerment at the grassroots level, hence watered down Mr President’s milestone legacy.
The NGO therefore appealed to Mr President to as a matter of urgent national importance to freeze the accounts of State Governments that obstruct direct allocation of funds to local government councils, so as to accelerate the development of our rural areas and our deepen our democracy at grassroots level.
Finally, PECi further appealed to the National and State Assemblies to include in the ongoing constitutional amendment the unique Uwais Electoral Reform recommendation that chairman and commissioners of both INEC and SIEC should be publicly bided to divorce the loyalty of appointees from appointers and enhance free and fair elections.
Music undeniably thrives in Nigeria and the black nation has produced emerging and celebrated award-winning artistes from across the globe.
There are several American artistes in music-loving nations like the United States of America (USA) who are of Nigerian descent and are leading acts in songwriting, production, and singing.
According to a recent US survey, Nigerian immigrants in the US have a high level of educational attainment, ranking among the most educated immigrant groups in the country. It is therefore not surprising that some of the talented musicians and rappers in America have Nigerian roots.
This article highlights ten popular American artistes who are of Nigerian descent, either by half parent, birth, or naturalisation.
1. Jidenna
Jidenna Theodore Mobisson, popularly known as Jidenna, is an American rapper and singer.
The singer was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, to Tama Mobisson, an accountant, and Oliver Mobisson, a Nigerian Igbo academic. He grew up partially in Nigeria, where his father worked as a professor of computer science at Enugu State University. When Mobisson was six years old, the family moved back to the United States.
Proud of his African roots, Jidenna is proud of his African heritage as he represents Nigerian culture through his music and unique sense of fashion. In 2019, his sophomore album “85 to Africa” featured guest appearances from Nigerian acts Mr. Eazi and Seun Kuti.
2. Tyler, The Creator
Tyler Gregory Okonma, born in Los Angeles, California, is an American rapper, and a founding member of the Hip-Hop collective, Odd Future.
Tyler, The Creator, as he is fondly called is of mixed descent, born to a Nigerian father and an American mother. His Nigerian father has Igbo ancestry, and his American mother is of mixed African-American and European-Canadian descent.
Tyler’s unique heritage has played a significant role in shaping his identity as an artist, and his music is a reflection of his diverse cultural background. He has also noted that his mixed Nigerian-American heritage is a source of inspiration for him, and also often referenced his Nigerian roots in his music and fashion.
Tyler is currently one of hip-hop’s most critically acclaimed acts having already won two Grammy Awards, three BET Hip Hop Awards, a BRIT Award, and an MTV Video Music Award.
Tyler’s mixed Nigerian-American heritage is a source of inspiration for him, and he has often referenced his Nigerian roots in his music and fashion.
3. Wale
Olubowale Victor Akintimehin was born in Northwest, Washington, D.C. His parents were both from the Yoruba ethnic group of South-western Nigeria, and migrated from Austria to the United States in 1979.
The rapper stated in an interview that growing up in a household of Nigerian culture, he looks at himself as a black man in America, but as a Nigerian first because those are his roots.
“Wale said: “..Cause that’s my blood, I’m 100% Nigerian.”
He first gained recognition in 2006, when his song “Dig Dug (Shake It)” became popular in his hometown, leading him to become locally recognized as he continued recording music for the regional audience. Wale has experimented with Afrobeats and has worked with several Nigerian artists including Wizkid, Davido and Olamide.
4. Rotimi
Olurotimi Akinosho, known professionally as Rotimi, is a talented musician and actor who was born in Maplewood, New Jersey to a Nigerian family of Yoruba heritage.
Rotimi has performed on stage, opening for Jennifer Hudson, T.I., Estelle, and NERD; he also performed on BET’s show 106 and Park and appeared in R&B singer Keyshia Cole’s music video “Trust and Believe” as Cole’s unfaithful boyfriend.
Rotimi is among the top foreign musicians of Nigerian heritage and he is known for his exceptional skills in both acting and music. With such diverse cultural roots, Rotimi grew up with a deep appreciation for both his Nigerian heritage and American upbringing. As a musician, Rotimi has made waves in the music industry with his unique blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and hip-hop sounds.
5. Chamillionaire
Chamillionaire, whose real name is Hakeem Temidayo Seriki, was born to a Muslim Yoruba father and an African-American Christian mother in Washington D.C, and moved to Houston, Texas at the age of four. Chamillionaire’s parents separated in his early teenage years.
The rapper was born and raised in the United States and proudly identifies with his Nigerian heritage. In 2002, Chamillionaire began his solo career with regional releases that caught the attention of the Houston rap scene.
6. Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones is a renowned American rapper and composer, born to a father of Nigerian roots.
The son of jazz musician Olu Dara, Nas began his musical career in 1989 under the moniker “Nasty Nas”, and recorded demos under the wing of fellow East Coast rapper Large Professor.
His illustrious musical career began when he was just a teenager, and he quickly made a name for himself in the industry. Throughout his career, Nas has been nominated for a staggering twelve Grammy Awards, cementing his place as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Despite his success, Nas has remained humble and continues to create music that resonates with people from all walks of life.
7. Maxo Kream
Emekwanem Ogugua Biosah Jr, professionally known as Maxo Kream, is a Nigerian-American rapper and songwriter from Houston-Texas. Maxo Kream is of Nigerian descent through his father, who is a Nigerian immigrant to the U.S.
His debut album Punken was released in 2018, and the follow-up and major label debut, Brandon Banks, was released in 2019. Maxo Kream is known for his honest lyricism, speaking to his past life living in poor neighborhoods within Houston, Texas.
8. Chika
Jane Chika Oranika is an American rapper, songwriter, poet, model, and actress who garnered attention on social media for her viral freestyles before signing to Warner Records in 2019.
She rose to fame when her video dubbed “A Letter to Kanye Omari West” went viral in 2018, criticizing West for his public support of Donald Trump and endorsement of political commentator Candace Owens.
9. Tobe Nwigwe
Tobechukwu Dubem “Tobe” Nwigwe is an American rapper, singer and actor. He is of Nigerian descent, and hails from the Igbo ethnic group.
The rapper began to gain a following through his Instagram and YouTube posts and videos which he
usually posted every Sunday.
Nwigwe appeared on the BET Hip Hop Awards 2018 Cypher and in 2022, Tobe received a nomination for
Best New Artist at the 65th Grammy Awards.
10. Cozz
Cody Rashad Osagie is an American rapper currently signed to J. Cole’s label Dreamville Records and Interscope Records, with his debut studio album Cozz & Effect, being released on 3rd October 2014.
Cozz was born in Los Angeles, California to a Nigerian father and a mother with roots in Louisiana. His multicultural upbringing culminated in the rapper being influenced by several genres of music, from reggae to rap.
Pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland in late 2024 on allegations of terrorism-related activities, is set to appear before a Finnish court in June 2025.
Ekpa, who has been a prominent figure in the push for the secession of Biafra, is facing serious charges related to inciting violence and terrorism financing.
Naija News reports that the Finnish government announced Ekpa’s arrest alongside four others in November 2024, stating that they were being investigated for their roles in terror-related activities.
Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, self-proclaimed “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media platforms to encourage violence targeting both civilians and authorities in the South-East region of Nigeria.
According to reports from local publication Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The Finnish authorities have also placed Ekpa under sanctions, freezing his assets and economic resources, alongside 16 others, due to their suspected involvement in terrorism-related activities.
Ekpa, who was initially represented by lawyer Ilkka Kopra, now has a new legal representative, Kaarle Gummerus.
Gummerus confirmed that he had received the pre-trial case file and is preparing for the upcoming trial. The trial is now scheduled to take place in June 2025.
BBC Pidgin reported, “We reached out to Simon Ekpa’s new lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, to find out the current status of the case and when Ekpa will be taken to court for trial.
“The lawyer confirmed that he has received the pre-trial file of the case and they will go through it to decide what to do next.
“However, when we asked him when Simon Ekpa will appear in court, he said the case will go to court in June 2025.”
Japanese authorities said Tuesday they had issued a cease-and-desist order to US tech titan Google over an alleged violation of national antitrust laws.
It is the first time the country has issued such an order to a global technology giant, Japanese media reported, and follows similar moves in Europe and the United States.
“We have concluded that Google LLC’s conduct threatens to impede fair competition,” Saiko Nakajima of the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) told reporters on Tuesday.
The problem is “related to the implementation of search functions for Android smartphones, in violation of the antitrust law”, she said.
The JFTC accuses Google of imposing binding conditions on Android smartphone manufacturers in Japan since at least July 2020.
Specifically, it says Google made sure its online app store Google Play would be installed as part of a package with its web-browser search app Chrome.
Google Play is so widely used that without it, “Android devices are basically unsellable”, a government source told AFP in December.
No financial penalties were announced Tuesday, but Nakajima said the order would increase the options available to smartphone makers.
“This will encourage competition and benefit” society, she said.
Google Japan said it was “disappointed” by the JFTC’s findings.
“(Our) agreements with Japanese partners help to promote competition and have undeniably boosted their ability to invest in product innovations which deliver more choice for consumers,” it said in a statement.
“We will review the order thoroughly to determine our next steps.”
The US government asked a judge in November to order the dismantling of Google by selling its widely used Chrome browser, in a major antitrust crackdown on the company.
And the European Commission said in 2023 that Google should sell parts of its business and could face a fine of up to 10 percent of its global revenue if it fails to comply.
In Japan, the JFTC conducted an on-site inspection of Amazon’s Japanese subsidiary in Tokyo last year, accusing it of abusing its industry dominance to drive down prices.
Amazon Japan used its coveted “buy box” — a prominent spot on its website — against sellers, pressuring them into lowering prices to give it a competitive edge over rival e-commerce sites, the JFTC said.
[AFP]
In a move to reinvigorate Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has called for strengthened collaboration with critical government institutions to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate national development goals.
Ojulari made this pledge during a courtesy visit on the minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, on Wednesday, underscoring a shared vision of progress and performance for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.i, in Abuja on Wednesday, where he emphasised NNPC Ltd’s commitment to fostering alignment across ministries and agencies to fulfill President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic mandates.
Addressing Lokpobiri, Ojulari outlined a vision of unity, stating, “We are here with a mindset of partnership—partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Ministry of Finance, and all critical stakeholders. Our goal is to bridge gaps, foster alignment, and move forward with a united front. Antagonism benefits no one; collaboration is how we win.”
The GCEO stressed that the NNPC Ltd leadership team, under his stewardship, is prioritising operational efficiency and synergy to overcome systemic challenges. He emphasised that breaking bureaucratic bottlenecks would require sustained inter-agency cooperation, particularly in streamlining processes to boost crude oil production and sector profitability.
In response, Lokpobiri lauded Ojulari’s proactive approach, describing the newly inaugurated NNPC Ltd management as “arguably the strongest leadership team the company has ever assembled.” He challenged the executives to translate their expertise into measurable outcomes, particularly in reversing production declines and maximizing the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
“Now is the time to deliver optimal value to the Nigerian people,” Lokpobiri asserted, pledging full ministerial support to create an enabling environment for NNPC Ltd’s operations.
The meeting marked a pivotal step in aligning federal priorities with NNPC Ltd’s operational strategies. Both parties agreed on the urgent need to address legacy inefficiencies, enhance transparency, and leverage partnerships to attract investments.
Ojulari’s emphasis on collaboration signals a departure from fragmented approaches, with NNPC Ltd positioning itself as a bridge between policymakers, regulators, and industry players. This model, he noted, will prioritize swift execution of projects critical to energy security and economic stability.
The renewed partnership between NNPC Ltd and the Petroleum Ministry underscores a shared resolve to reposition Nigeria’s oil and gas industry as a global competitor. With a focus on innovation, accountability, and stakeholder engagement, the collaboration aims to unlock the sector’s full potential in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
As Ojulari and his team embark on this mission, their success will hinge on converting dialogue into actionable reforms—a challenge Lokpobiri insists is non-negotiable for national progress.
This strategic alignment sets the stage for accelerated growth in Nigeria’s energy sector, with NNPC Ltd at the forefront of driving sustainable development and economic resilience.
[Leadership]
The federal government has vowed to clamp down on fake agricultural cooperative societies, with plans underway to reform and revamp the cooperative system for transparency and effectiveness.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, made this known at the flag-off of a national training workshop for cooperative stakeholders in the South East and South South, held at the Federal Cooperative College, Oji-River, Enugu State.
He stated that the National Council on Cooperative Affairs would soon convene to foster synergy between federal and state cooperative systems.
“Globally, cooperatives generate $2.4 trillion in turnover. Nigeria must harness this potential to combat hunger and poverty,” the minister said.
He also said the capacity building and development programme is a continuous process in the strategic blueprint for the revitalisation of the cooperative sector in Nigeria, carrying everyone along and letting them know that this government has laid down the political will to empower its citizenry.”
The planned reforms include, review of the Nigerian Cooperative Societies Act (N98 LFN 2004); launch of a new National Policy for Cooperative Development and Growth (2025); establishment of a Cooperative Bank and creation of a National Regulatory Framework and SOPs for cooperative societies.
The Provost of the Cooperative College, Dr Jude Ejikeme, said the training offers a platform for intensive knowledge exchange, emphasising modern cooperative management and economic adaptability.
Highlights included the minister’s tour of the college and the unveiling of new vehicles-one Coaster bus, one 18-seater bus, and two Hilux utility vans-to enhance college operations.
[DailyTrust]
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Petroleum products marketers in Nigeria have hinted that they are on track to losing billions of naira following the ex-depot premium motor spirit price reduction announced by Dangote Refinery on Wednesday.
The spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, disclosed this in an interview with DAILY POST on Thursday.
His comment comes after Dangote Refinery on Wednesday announced a fresh petrol gantry price reduction to N835 per litre.
The latest reduction is N30 when compared to Dangote Refinery’s previous gantry price of N865 per litre.
DAILY POST reports that the 650,000 per litre refinery’s latest petrol price review is the second in eight days following the renewal of the Naira-for-crude sale deal on April 9, 2025.
In a statement by Dangote Group’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejiena, on the latest price reduction, he said that petrol retail partners, such as MRS, AP (Ardova), Heyden, Optima Energy, Hyde, and Techno Oil, will offer petrol at N890 to N920 in Lagos, Abuja, and other parts of the country.
He said in Lagos state retail fuel prices will now go for N890 per litre, down from N920.
He also said retail fuel prices will be sold at N900 and N910 per litre in the South-West, North-West, and North-Central, from N930 and N940, respectively.
Chijiena added that in the South-East, South-South, and North-East, the retail price of petrol will be N920 per litre, down from N950.
“These price reductions reaffirm our commitment to providing high-quality petrol at affordable rates, benefiting consumers across the nation.
“In addition, we are working collaboratively with our partners to ensure equitable reflection of this price reduction.
“We anticipate that this latest reduction in PMS prices will generate a positive ripple effect throughout various sectors of the economy, providing much-needed relief to consumers and contributing to broader economic growth, particularly during the Easter season,” he stated.
Recall that upon the federal government’s commitment to the indefinite continuation of the naira-for-crude deal with other local refiners, Dangote refinery had announced an ex-depot petrol price drop to N865 from N880 per litre.
A summary of the combined reduction of the gantry price by Dangote Refinery put it at N45 per litre in the last eight days.
Reacting, Ukadike, who lauded the adjustment in the gantry prices of Dangote Petrol, however, lamented that marketers who have old stocks have to sell at losses.
“It is a good development for Nigerians; however, marketers with the old price stock will have to lose billions of naira.
“The continuation of the naira-for-crude deal, which serves as a subsidy, together with lower crude oil prices in the global market, is the game changer for Dangote Refinery,” he said.
Earlier, the president of the Petroleum Retailers Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, had kicked against the arbitrary petrol price reduction by Dangote Refinery.
He further advocated for a six-month fuel price stability plan.
DAILY POST gathered that while the Dangote Petrol gantry price stands at N830 per litre, the landing cost of fuel imports stood at N845.70 per litre with a Brent crude price benchmark of $64.88 per barrel and an exchange rate of N1,604.48 per dollar on Monday, April 14, 2025, according to an energy bulletin released by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria.
The development had placed Dangote Petrol at a competitive advantage in the country’s oil and gas downstream sector.
Meanwhile, industry watchers await the response of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to the latest price reduction by Dangote Refinery.
Currently, NNPC retail outlets sold petrol at N950 per litre as of Wednesday night.
On Monday, the chief executive officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory said that fuel importation dropped by 30 million in Nigeria owing to the increased domestic supply by Dangote Refinery.
[DailyPost]
The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the conduct of its officers captured in a viral video receiving money from a Chinese national, describing their actions as “unprofessional and unethical.”
The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage online, prompted the force headquarters to identify the officers involved and initiate disciplinary proceedings.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police emphasised its commitment to upholding professionalism and maintaining public trust.
The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force has taken cognisance of a disturbing video making rounds in the media space, showing police officers receiving money from a Chinese national.
“The Force has strongly condemned the conduct exhibited by the police officers in the video, describing it as unprofessional and unethical.”
Adejobi reiterated that such behaviour runs contrary to the established ethics, standards, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The actions of the officers do not represent the established ethics, standards, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Force has zero tolerance for such unprofessional behaviour and other forms of misconduct, which undermine public trust and confidence,” he said.
He confirmed that the officers involved in the incident have been identified and are currently undergoing disciplinary procedures.
The nature of the sanctions was not disclosed, but Adejobi assured the public that justice would be served.
In addition to addressing the misconduct, the Force warned individuals and organisations making use of police services, particularly escorts and guards.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby cautions individuals and organisations privileged to the services of police personnel, particularly as escorts and guards or other specialised services, to desist from any act capable of degrading the integrity of its officers and bringing the Force to disrepute,” Adejobi warned.
The development comes amid the Force’s renewed efforts to rebuild public confidence and ensure accountability within its ranks.
While calling on the public to continue supporting the police in its reform agenda, Adejobi reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to transparency and professionalism, Adejobi said “We remain resolute in our commitment to discipline and service in line with international best practices.”
The disciplinary process is expected to serve as a deterrent to erring officers and reinforce the message that unethical conduct will not be tolerated in the Force.
[Punch]
Nigeria and South Africa have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in the mining sector.
The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, and Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s minister of mineral resources and energy, held in Abuja.
The MoU, which outlines key areas of collaboration along with implementation timelines, is part of efforts to solidify the partnership established through the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa.
Key highlights of the MoU include capacity building in geological applications using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), utilisation of multi- and hyperspectral remote sensing technologies for mineral exploration and geological mapping.
Others include sharing of geo-scientific data on strategic minerals through the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), training on mineral processing and value addition, capacity building on elemental fingerprint technology using LA-ICP-MS, and exploration of agro and energy minerals in Nigeria.
According to a statement by Segun Tomori, special assistant on media to the minister, Alake described the engagement as a milestone in deepening bilateral relations, especially in the mining sector.
Reflecting on the historical ties between the two countries, the minister acknowledged the longstanding diplomatic and economic cooperation rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s development.
‘THE PARTNERSHIP WILL CREATE JOBS’
Alake said working together in the mining sector presents significant opportunities for driving industrialisation, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable growth throughout the continent.
“The memorandum of understanding in geology, mining, and mineral processing signed today will serve as a cornerstone for facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, investment promotion, capacity building, regional integration, and value addition,” Alake said.
He underscored Nigeria’s renewed commitment to advancing its mining industry, noting that South Africa stands to gain from Nigeria’s extensive mineral resources, just as Nigeria can leverage South Africa’s mining expertise.
The synergy, the minister said, would open doors to investment, skills development, and economic diversification.
In response, Mantashe acknowledged that South Africa, where mining is a key pillar of the economy, could benefit from Nigeria’s revitalised interest in the sector.
He noted that his visit was intended to refine the agreements reached under the Bi-National Commission and strengthen cooperation on joint projects with Nigeria’s ministry of solid minerals development.
The ministry said both ministers committed to sustained engagement and collaboration to boost intra-African trade and deliver on the actionable steps outlined in the MoU.
“They expressed confidence that this renewed partnership would significantly enhance the mining sectors of both countries,” the ministry added.
The MoU signing was attended by Shuaibu Audu, minister of steel development; Mary Ogbe, permanent secretary of the ministry of solid minerals development; Chris Isokpunwu, permanent secretary of the ministry of steel development; alongside senior officials from both solid minerals and steel development ministries and members of the South African delegation led by Mantashe.
[TheCable]
Emomotimi Agama, the director-general (DG) of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), says the CBEX digital trading platform is not registered with the agency.
Agama spoke on Arise Xchange on Wednesday, responding to questions on the loss of investors’ funds after the recent collapse of the CBEX trading platform.
The CBEX had reportedly promised investors a 100 percent returns, before it suddenly crashed — leading to the looting of its Ibadan office on Monday.
The director-general said the commission has repeatedly warned that any investment scheme that is not registered is illegal.
He said investors must always check if schemes are registered with the SEC, noting that the ISA 2025 defines ponzi schemes and prescribes sanctions for those involved.
“For us at the SEC, our primary responsibility is investor protection, and investor protection stems out of registration and regulation,” he said.
“When a scheme is not registered with the SEC, it becomes illegal; and is important that whoever is interested in investing in such scheme must ask the question, Are you registered with the SEC?
“If that is not the case, then it is automatically stated and known that such is an illegal activity and will not be condoned even by the SEC.”
‘SEC HAS NOT RECEIVED OFFICIAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING CBEX’
Agama said the commission was unaware of CBEX’s illegal operation, stressing that no official complaints were made regarding the scheme.
“Often times with schemes like this, most people will always try to keep it away from the regulator and even keep it away from their friends, except a few group of persons whom they are interested in,” he said.
“So for us, at the SEC as we speak today, at this hour, we have not received any complaints from anyone regarding CBEX.
“If we had received any formal complaint regarding CBEX, the team at the SEC will have actually swung into action trying to get who is involved.
“However, we sympathise very much with the people, the victims, because they are Nigerians, and of course, at SEC, we will commence investigation as to where these people are, and make sure we hunt them down, because the law actually has given us the power to take them down, find them, sanction them by fining, and also sending them to the prisons for 10 years, that is the provision of the law.”
‘WE’ll CONTINUE TO EDUCATE NIGERIANS
The director-general said the SEC has persistently cautioned Nigerians against investing in schemes that seem too good to be true.
He noted that the commission uses paid advertisements, videos uploaded on the SEC website, interviews, and newspaper articles to enlighten the public.
“Ponzi scheme didn’t start today, it is a global malaise. It started in the 20th century by a man called Charles Ponzi, who clearly, at that point in time, promised that he was going to give every investor 50 percent in returns, and from then on, it became a practice by so many people to defraud people from their hard-earned resources,” Agama said.
“It is very clear that the choices made by people must be dictated and regulated by the law of the land.
“The SEC will continuously educate people. We have in the process of doing that, agreed to various forms of interview.
“We’ve also launched a podcast at the SEC providing more information towards our long term goal of launching a capital market radio, we will continue, because we know that it is not enough.
“We will continue to educate Nigerians onto the last milestone to make people understand and know the value of proper investment.”
The director-general urged Nigerians who want to invest to make sure they verify the registration status of investment schemes from the SEC.
Agama reiterated that the commission has taken several actions against Ponzi schemes in the country, resulting in the imprisonment of culprits.
He added that the SEC is collaborating with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to rid the country of “unscrupulous individuals who have malicious intentions towards citizens”.