General News
NIGERIA’S OIL SECTOR IN CRISIS: CNPP AND CSOs DEMAND FORENSIC AUDIT AND PUBLIC PROBE OF NNPCL OVER ₦210 TRILLION SCANDAL
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and over 75 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have demanded an urgent independent forensic audit and a public judicial inquiry into the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over multiple allegations of large-scale corruption and mismanagement under the leadership of Engr. Mele Kyari.
In a statement, Dr. Agaba Iduh Fidel, National Publicity Secretary of the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), described the state of affairs in Nigeria’s oil sector during Kyari’s tenure as a financial calamity that threatens the economic survival of the nation. “This is not a minor discrepancy, and it is not a mere accounting oversight as they want us to believe. This is a financial calamity that must be accounted for by NNPCL,” Fidel declared.
The groups highlighted several scandals, including the controversial recruitment of 487 staff at the Port Harcourt Refinery in 2021, which recorded zero income but spent ₦19.2 billion in administrative expenses and ₦22.5 billion in salaries. “We warned then that this was a fraudulent payroll expansion scheme designed to siphon public funds, but it fell on deaf ears,” Fidel said.
The coalition also accused the Kyari-led management of complicity in fuel subsidy scams, the importation of adulterated fuel, and the deliberate sabotage of Nigeria’s local refining capacity. “We accused a powerful cabal within NNPCL of enriching fuel importation cartels at the expense of national economic sovereignty. Again, nothing was done by the government, the National Assembly, and anti-corruption agencies,” Dr. Fidel stated.
The most damning revelation, in the coalition’s view, is the ₦210 trillion in unreconciled transactions revealed in the latest NNPCL audited financial statements covering 2017 to 2023. Fidel condemned NNPCL management’s recent refusal to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to answer questions about the missing funds, describing the action as “an insult to the intelligence and suffering of over 200 million Nigerians.”
The CNPP and CSOs outlined a seven-point demand to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including an independent forensic audit of NNPCL, a public judicial panel of inquiry, and the immediate arrest and interrogation of Mele Kyari and the sacked NNPCL management team. Dr. Fidel warned that failure to meet these demands within 21 days would trigger nationwide mass mobilization, international petitions, court actions, and global media campaigns targeting the Tinubu administration and the NNPCL.
“Mr. President, we urge you to match your anti-corruption rhetoric with decisive action. The forensic audit, a public judicial probe, and a complete purge of the oil sector cabal are what Nigeria needs for true economic recovery and to achieve your $1 trillion economy target by 2030,” Dr. Fidel said. “We’re not fighting personalities; we’re fighting a system of impunity. The world is watching, Nigerians are watching, and history will be the judge,” he concluded.
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.