Latest News
FEATURES
Port Harcourt Refinery Yet To Begin Sales To Marketers, We Are Selling Dangote Products For Now – NNPC Confirms
AFOLABI
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) confirmed on Friday that it has yet to begin the bulk sales of products to fuel marketers in the country.
The NNPC noted that for the time being, products from the refinery are only for its filling stations.
It also urged members of the public to disregard pricing information on products from the refinery, which is making rounds on social media, noting that such information is misleading.
The NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, who made the revelation in a statement, added that currently, the products being sold originate from the Dangote Refinery, and the prices include applicable fees from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
On the pricing of fuel from Port Harcourt Refiner, Soneye pointed out that it has not been fixed as pricing is reviewed and adjusted periodically based on operational relaities.
The statement titled ‘Announcement on Pricing of PHRC Products’ Soneye, said: “The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has not yet commenced bulk sales or opened its purchase portal, as essential processes are still being finalized.
“Currently, the products we are selling originate from the Dangote Refinery and include applicable NMDPRA fees. Products from PHRC are exclusively for our retail stores at this stage. Our pricing is reviewed and adjusted periodically as necessary to reflect operational realities.
“We advise the public to disregard any misleading pricing information. Official announcements will be made if and when price reviews occur. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”
The NNPC statement comes shortly after the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) announced that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for marketers from ₦1,045 to ₦1,030 per litre.
This development was revealed by PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Harry, during a strategic meeting and award presentation held in Abuja.
The federal high court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted 50 persons alleged to be members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and charged with alleged terrorism.
On Friday, Nov. 29, trial judge James Omotosho ruled that the police failed to establish a prima facie case against the 50 defendants, including four women.
The trial judge upheld the no-case submission of the defendants.
Omotosho said the prosecution team failed to provide any credible evidence linking the defendants with the allegations.
The judge struck out the three-count charge filed against the defendants.
The inspector-general of police had sued the 50 defendants in a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024. The police alleged that the defendants had a meeting in a truck in connection with an act of terrorism.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced notable reductions in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths across Africa, marking a significant milestone in the continent's fight against the epidemic.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, shared this in her statement on Friday, November 29, to commemorate World AIDS Day under the theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right.”
Dr. Moeti highlighted a critical shift in global HIV trends, noting that for the first time in 2023, the number of new HIV infections was higher outside sub-Saharan Africa. She pointed out that the African region is leading globally in progress towards achieving the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets for HIV testing, treatment, and viral suppression, which aim to bridge gaps in treatment coverage and outcomes.
“Seven countries have already achieved the targets, with the overall rating for the region currently at 90-82-76. About 21.3 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment, raising their life expectancy. Botswana (silver tier status) and Namibia (bronze tier status) have both been recognized for notably curbing mother-to-child HIV transmission rates, achieving the required indicators for the ‘Path to the elimination of HIV’ criteria introduced in 2017,” Dr Moeti said.
The region has also made significant strides in implementing biomedical HIV prevention methods, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Countries are rapidly adopting oral and long-acting injectable PrEP and the dipivefrine vaginal ring to ensure broader accessibility to prevention options.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Moeti emphasized the need to address lingering challenges. She cautioned that the value of scientific advancements and tools depends on their universal accessibility, calling for increased investments and policy reforms.
“We have a collective obligation to protect human rights, specifically ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender or where they live. Stigma and discrimination cannot be allowed to undermine the gains and impede our progress,” she stated.
Dr. Moeti also stressed the importance of community involvement in shaping strategies and implementing interventions to overcome human rights-related barriers to care. “We must ensure their voices are heard,” she said.
However, the HIV response faces complications from the rising incidence of disease outbreaks in Africa, which strain already burdened health systems. Dr. Moeti underscored the urgency of accelerating the response to the epidemic, emphasizing the need for strong health systems and integrated, person-centred approaches to health care to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
“Let’s take this opportunity today to acknowledge the progress, but to also renew our joint commitment to eliminating HIV. By protecting everyone’s right to health, and reducing new HIV infections, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response,” she added.
Police, Immigration officers sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for N1.6m employment fraud in Gombe
AFOLABI
Justice T.G. Ringin of the Federal High Court sitting in Gombe, Gombe State has convicted and sentenced two police officers: Yusuf AbdulKarim Bature and Musa Philip and an Immigration officer, Nasiru Mohammed to seven years imprisonment each for employment fraud to the tune of N1.640,000.
The trio were sentenced on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
Bature and Philip were arraigned on two count - charges of obtaining by false pretences and intent to defraud while Mohammed was arraigned on one- count charge of obtaining by false pretences by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Count one of the charges against Yusuf AbdulKarim Bature and Musa Philip reads : “That you Yusuf Abdul karim Bature and Musa Philip while being public officers with the Nigerian Police Force sometime in 2022 in Gombe within the Gombe Judicial division at the Federal High Court of Justice did with intent to defraud falsely obtained from one Asabe Hamed the total sum of Nine Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira for the purpose of securing a job, a claim you knew to be false”.
The charge against Nasiru Mohammed reads: “that you Nasiru Mohammed sometime in 2022 in Gombe within the jurisdiction of this honourable court while being a staff of the Nigerian Immigration Service did falsely obtained the sum of Six Hundred and Seventy Thousand naira (N670,000) from Abdul Rahman Abubakar and Akwalo Adamu under the false pretence of securing them a job with the Nigerian Immigration Service which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”
Upon arraignment the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
In view of their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel Tortema Joshua prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly but counsels to the defendants, Babangida Mohammed and K.K. Jomoh pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants were first -time offenders who are remorseful of their actions.
Justice Ringing thereafter convicted and sentenced Bature, Philip and Mohammed to seven years imprisonment each or a fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) each.
In addition, the judge ordered the convicts to pay restitution of N1,640,000 to the petitioners and sign an undertaking to be of good behaviour henceforth.
The convicts' journey to the Correctional Centre began sometime in February 8, 2024 when some petitioners alleged that Bature and Philip collected N970,000 while Mohammed collected N670,000 as payment for employment slots.
The convicts neither offered the petitioners the jobs nor returned their money to them.
"Please, don't japa" - FG begs as MDCN inducts over 600 foreign trained medical, dental graduates
AFOLABI
The Federal Government has begged medical practitioners in the country against relocating to foreign countries, urging them to stay back and serve their fatherland.
The plea came Thursday, Nov. 28, as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, inducted over 600 foreign trained medical and dental graduates.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Pate, insisted that medical practitioners must remain in the country to “build a better image for the health sector and build our nation.
“I must say this, please don’t japa, let’s do this together and build a better image for the health sector and build our nation,” Prof. Pate,who was represented at the event by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms. Kachollom Daju, said.
The minister added: “You have all journeyed from your various homes to pursue education abroad, overcoming not only academic challenges, but also cultural, emotional and logistical hurdles. Your experience both in the classroom and in the field have equipped you with unique skills and characteristics that will enhance your practice of medicine or dentistry.
“It is obvious that this is a special moment for you and your family, friends, mentors and those who have supported you along the way.
“Your achievements reflect their support, sacrifices and faith in your potential. I will also like to extend my appreciation to the universities, institutions and most especially the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria that provided the educational foundation for your growth and ensuring compliance to the prescribed guidelines.
“Today, dear doctors, as we take the Hippocratic oath, you are making a solemn commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in your practice.
“The chairman has already ruled out some of the points for you that you need to work on as doctors. Commitment, humility, service to patients and what the empathy and compassion is, amongst other things.
“The political sector for the government and health is moving towards quality care, safe care, safety of people. Because through the years, the health sector in Nigeria has been inundated with a lot of citizens complaining about the state of our health care system. Now we have over 600 of you being doctors today and you are coming into this space that is very critical to our nature of journey.
“Therefore, you are pledging to serve humanity with compassion, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility. We now hope that your work will directly impact the lives and well-being of your people. Because the trust that society places on you is immense and you see the responsibility that you must challenge with the utmost seriousness and professionalism.
“Let us not forget that as health care professionals, you are constantly called upon to demonstrate empathy, resilience and adaptability.
“The world of medicine and dentistry is ever-evolving and so too must you evolve, whether it be through innovating new technologies, taking a breath in the latest new technology, or adapting to the needs of a diverse population. The future of our planet abroad will serve as a foundation for the lifelong commitment to many alike.
“As we embark on this new chapter, I urge you to approach your profession with the same passion and determination that brought you to this point. Furthermore, to advocate your patients, who are always seeking their health care, remember that every patient you see with a personal report is safe and is in good health. Approach each case with the same level of care and commitment, no matter where you are in the world, because we need you too.
“And I must say this, please don’t Japa, let’s do this together and build a better image for the health sector and build our nation.”
A former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Chidoka, who was also the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), disclosed this during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
He said he is leaving politics to focus on his non-profitable organisation, Athena Centre to join hands with other Nigerians who are interested in reforming the political system in Nigeria.
“Earlier today, I sent a letter to my ward in Anambra State resigning officially from the PDP. I am leaving the PDP, I am leaving politic for some time, I am focusing on the Athena Centre,” Chidoka said on the programme.
“I will work in concert with other Nigerians who want us to reform the political system to bring evidence-based governance and to support it. So, effective today, I am no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
‘Edo election compromised’
Athena Centre founded by Chidoka conducted a review of the recently concluded governorship election in Edo State where the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), defeating closest challenger, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP.
The Athena Centre indicted INEC, stating that the election was compromised.
According to Chidoka, who presented the Centre’s findings on the Edo State election, there was substantial evidence of systemic rigging.
“The evidence of systemic rigging observed in this election is so substantial that we cannot call the results.
“The evidence of systemic rigging is so substantial that we think that this election should not be allowed to stand. If this stands, then there is no election in 2027.”
He said he is shocked that an institution like INEC will put its reputation at stake for the purpose of an election.
The former minister alleged that there was lack of transparency in the election and discrepancies in voter accreditation.
He also alleged incidences of overvoting, manipulation at ward collation centres and that the BVAS accreditation record was not transmitted to INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
He stated that 153 polling units were not accounted for which means there were no results from those polling units.
He concluded that the Edo State election cannot be deemed credible because it failed to meet basic integrity standard due to substantial interference in the electoral process by the umpire.
[Channels]
The appeal court sitting in Lagos has nullified the rape conviction against the Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Dr Olufemi Olaleye.
Olaleye had filed an appeal challenging his conviction and sentence on a two count charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration of a minor.
Recalls that in October 2023, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court had sentenced Dr Olaleye to life imprisonment for defiling his wife’s 16-year-old niece.
In his judgment, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution, the Lagos State Government, had proved the charge against the defendant and that the evidence against him was compelling.
According to the judge, Olaleye’s confessional statement before his former counsel, Mr Olalekan Buruji, and the Divisional Police Officer at the Anthony Police Station, Lagos State, proved that he committed the offences.
The judge held that Olaleye said in the statement that he regretted his act.
The judge also held that Olaleye’s denial of the statement during trial did not hold water.
However, the appellate court on Friday held that the lower court erred in its judgment.
The appeal court thereafter discharged and acquitted Olaleye.
The remains of Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, were laid to rest on Friday, as condolence messages continued to flood in for Governor Umo Eno and the people of Akwa Ibom State.
Naija News earlier reported that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, expressed his heartfelt condolences, describing Mrs. Eno’s passing as a profound loss to the Governor, their children, the state, and the nation.
Similarly, the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) extended its sympathies to Governor Eno and his family, mourning the untimely demise of the late First Lady and esteemed “Mother of the State.”
Governor Umo Eno conveyed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, alongside Nigerians from within and outside the country, for their overwhelming support, love, and prayers.
Speaking at a service of songs held in honour of his wife, the Governor appreciated the outpouring of kindness from all quarters during the funeral ceremonies held at his country home in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
See photos from the funeral service below:
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is poised to reinstate the contentious $300 landing fee imposed on helicopter operators in the country.
During the ongoing 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) in Kano, Tayo John, the Director of Air Traffic Services at NAMA, remarked that reinstating the fee would alleviate the agency’s current financial challenges.
Naija News reports that his submission follows the federal government’s six-month fee suspension, a decision taken in response to protests from airline operators.
It could be recalled that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, had previously engaged NAEBI Dynamic Concept to oversee the collection of this fee.
In May 2024, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the suspension of the $300 landing fee for helicopter operators.
He indicated that further decisions regarding the fee would be made after a review committee submits its findings for evaluation.
In his presentation titled ‘Financial Constraints Affecting Nigeria’s Air Navigation Provision: Impact and Mitigation Strategies,’ John explained that the Federal Government had urged the agency to suspend the fee shortly after its initial implementation.
He did, however, mention that NAMA is developing a framework to resume the collection of the levy from helicopters operating at oil rig platforms and private helipads throughout the country. The director did not specify when the agency would recommence the collection of this fee.
He said: “In the next few weeks, we will recommence the collection of $300 landing fee from helicopter operators. We started earlier, but the government directed us to suspend it then due to some issues in the country then, but this time around, we will resume the collection.”
John, in his paper, further highlighted the substantial costs associated with providing navigation aids, Air Traffic Management (ATM) equipment, and maintaining the necessary workforce at NAMA.
The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has given more explanations on why the northern region and some other stakeholders are against the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the tax reforms would only benefit Lagos State and bring backwardness to the North.
Speaking during an interview with BBC News Hausa, Governor Zulum added that not only the north would be negatively affected, but also to the South East, South South, and South West.
In his view, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo will also have problems.
He added that some supporters of the bill are of the opinion that the proposed bill could put Lagos at a disadvantage; but according to him, if that is the case, they do not wish for any such disadvantages to affect Lagos State.
Zulum, therefore, urged President Tinubu to revisit the tax reform bills in light of the fact that he received 60% of his votes from the northern region.
The Governor advised the President that he should ignore voices suggesting that the northern population does not support him as that perception is inaccurate.
The Borno Governor emphasized that all they want is for him to withdraw the tax reform bills.
The position of Governor Zulum comes at a time when the Senate has advanced the Tax Reform Bills to second reading amidst the opposition against it and controversies it has already generated.
Naija News gathered that the bills passed second reading after the majority leader of the senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, led a debate on them on Thursday.
More...
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Olufemi Soneye, has shared that the government agency collaborated with an external organization to revitalize the previously defunct Port Harcourt Refinery.
During his remarks on the obstacles encountered in the refurbishment of the ageing facility, Soneye elaborated on the strategy employed.
He indicated that the organization engaged retired NNPC personnel who had extensive experience in refinery operations, leveraging their knowledge and skills.
The incorporation of these seasoned and proficient resources proved to be a pivotal factor in the project’s success, as highlighted by the spokesperson for NNPCL.
“Execution of a revamp project in a brown field environment has a greater technical difficulty, which is multiple times higher than in a green field. Unknown and unforeseen technical challenges impeded the commissioning and startup multiple times and took us back several weeks, hence schedule delays.
“We partnered with and drew on the wealth of experience from an external party who had carried out commissioning and startup, currently operating and maintaining several refineries. The injection of these additional, highly skilled and competent resources was the game changer. We also identified and mobilised retired NNPC staff who had worked in the refineries; their experience and expertise were useful. We carried out a detailed technical review to understand and identify areas of vulnerabilities; we put a system in place to eliminate and address the bad actors systematically,” Soneye told Nigerian Tribune.
Speaking on why there was a delay regarding the commencement date, he said: “You would recall we had made several attempts to start up the PHR about six to seven times with dates. We felt there would be added pressure on the entire team once we announced a date, hence the reason why we made sure, based on lessons of the past, we went mute on the commencement date to allow us sufficient time to ensure operations were stable.”
Addressing controversy about the refining and blending going on at the Port Harcourt Refinery regarding petrol production, he said: “Refining and blending are interconnected processes crucial for crude oil processing and optimizing refinery yields, especially when producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).”
Soneye, who was addressing speculations about suspected secrecy and suddenness of the launch of the refinery, said: “There was no secrecy and suddenness of the launch. We had to ensure the OPHR 60kbblpd was stable after the commencement of operation, and we had built up sufficient volumes of the products.”
He added: “Port Harcourt Refinery – and any operating refinery in Nigeria – will contribute to supply security for Nigeria and reduce the dependency on importation and the related USD needed for those imports. Refineries also contribute to technology developments and employment.
“Pricing will always be determined by market forces both inside and outside Nigeria, however, one could expect that using locally produced crude and reduction of imports reduce overall logistics costs.”
Port Harcourt Refinery Operating Model
Speaking on the operating model of the newly launched Refinery, Soneye disclosed that: “Crude oil supply will be purchased from our NNPC Trading Company under sales and purchase agreement. Crude oil transportation will be via pipelines under the tariffing framework. Operations and maintenance (O and M), that is planned turnarounds and reliability engineering, will be outsourced to the external contractor based on a five-year contract. Planning and scheduling, Commercial, Supply Chain and Finance will be under Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC). Product evacuation/offtake will be via NNPC Retail under the purchase agreement.
“To ensure the sustainability of the historical operations of the OPHR 60kbblpd plant and the NPHR 150KBBLPD, NNPCL has put in place an interim Operations and Maintenance Contract to guarantee uninterrupted operations of Area 5. As you are aware, we are about to finalise the five years O&M tendering process. This will finally put us on the right path to ensure we have the best contractor in the world working with NNPCL to ensure reliability and utilisation of 210kbblpd refinery – this would ensure energy security to the country.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), has debunked claims that the recently revitalized Port Harcourt Refinery is not working.
The NNPCL, in a statement on Friday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said the claims that the refinery is not working are all false.
He called out an individual identified as Timothy Mgbere for displaying crass ignorance on the operations of the refinery and feeding unsuspecting members of the public with lies.
The NNPC spokesperson added that the claims by Mgbere would have been ignored altogether, but the need to set the records straight and avoid misleading members of the public necessitated a response.
Soneye submitted that the claims by the ‘self-acclaimed community person’ were not only false, but borne out of sheer mischief and blatant display of ignorance.
The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), has been drawn to a video clip of one Timothy Mgbere, a self-acclaimed ‘community person’ who alleged that the much-publicized streaming of the Port Harcourt and truck out of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) which held earlier in the week were all false.
“We would have not bothered to reply him considering that all his assertions were a crass display of ignorance, which is consistent with his claim of being a ‘community person’ who does not necessarily have any knowledge about the workings of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
“But the need to set the records straight and not mislead the public has constrained us to clarify.”
Below is the full statement.
A Nigerian national alongside eight others has been accused of running a multi-state money laundering organization that handled $20 million from internet fraud.
The US Department of Justice announced this in a statement on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
“An indictment was unsealed yesterday in Nashville, Tennessee, charging nine members of a multi-state money laundering organization responsible for laundering millions of dollars derived from internet fraud, including business email compromise schemes,” the statement read.
The nine defendants were arrested in a takedown coordinated across three jurisdictions.
According to court documents, Samson A. Omoniyi, 43 of Houston; Misha L. Cooper, 50 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Robert A. Cooper, 66 of Murfreesboro; Carlesha L. Perry, 36 of Houston; Whitney D. Bardley, 30 of Florissant, Missouri; Lauren O. Guidry, 32 of Houston; Caira Y. Osby, 44 of Houston; Dazai S. Harris, 34 of Murfreesboro; and Edward D. Peebles, 35, of Murfreesboro, were charged with conspiracy to engage in money laundering.
As alleged in the indictment, the defendants were members of a long-running money laundering organization operating since approximately November 2016 in and around Tennessee, Texas, and across the country.
The conspirators allegedly structured the organization so that recruiters or “herders” recruited and directed participants or “money mules” to launder money obtained from internet frauds that targeted businesses and individuals in the United States and abroad.
The defendants allegedly used sham and front companies to conceal the fraud proceeds and enrich the members of the conspiracy. The conspiracy is alleged to have agreed to launder more than $20 million in fraud proceeds.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee; and Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Nashville Field Office and Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency are investigating the case. FBI’s Forensic Accountant Support Team provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Trial Attorneys Kenneth Kaplan and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Carran Daughtrey for the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
