# Tags

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.

CNPP, CSOs GIVE NMDPRA CEO FAROUK AHMED 14-DAY ULTIMATUM TO STEP ASIDE OVER CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and over 75 civil society organisations (CSOs) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), demanding that he step aside to allow for an independent investigation into corruption allegations against him. According to the groups, Ahmed is at the center of one of the most brazen cases of public sector corruption in recent times, with allegations that over $5 million of public funds may have been diverted to finance his children’s education at elite institutions in Europe. The schools include Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and European University Montreux, which charge between $80,000 and $140,000 per annum per child. The CNPP and CSOs expressed deep concern over Ahmed’s actions, accusing him of gross abuse of office, conflict of interest, and regulatory compromises that threaten the credibility of the entire Nigerian oil and gas downstream sector. “Public office is a public trust,” the groups said, emphasizing that once that trust is broken, the honorable and ethical course of action is to step aside for investigation. The groups warned that Ahmed’s continued stay in office undermines ongoing investigations and erodes public trust in critical regulatory institutions. They also expressed alarm over reports of sponsored thugs attacking peaceful protesters at the NMDPRA headquarters in a bid to suppress public outcry. “Intimidation of citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful protest will not be tolerated,” the groups said. The CNPP and CSOs have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately direct the suspension of Ahmed, in line with his administration’s anti-corruption stance, to prevent interference with investigations and preserve the integrity of the oil and gas regulatory space. The groups have warned that if Ahmed fails to comply within the stipulated 14 days, they will launch sustained and coordinated mass actions, including the total shutdown of NMDPRA headquarters and its zonal offices nationwide, until justice is served. “Nigerians demand and deserve a leadership that is above reproach,” the groups declared. “The days of impunity in public office are over.” “Nigerians demand and deserve a leadership that is above reproach. The days of impunity in public office are over,” the statement read. “Today’s protest is not the end. If these demands are ignored, we will return stronger, louder, and more resolute. Nigerian youths, mothers, and civil society will occupy every relevant space to say: enough is enough.”

CULTISM CRACKDOWN: EDO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION BACKS GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO’S ANTI-CULTISM WAR

The Edo State government’s war against cultism has received a significant boost with the Edo Civil Society Organization throwing its weight behind Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration. Led by its Coordinator General, Comrade Omobude Agho, the group staged a peaceful protest to Government House in Benin City to show solidarity with the government’s efforts. “We are here to solidarize 100 percent and in support of Edo State government’s actions in the fight against cultism,” Agho said. The Edo Civil Society Organization is also enlightening the people on the anti-cultism law to prevent claims of ignorance. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, received the protesters and thanked them for their peaceful demonstration. “The governor wants to maintain law and order in Edo State, and to do this, certain actions need to be taken to send a signal that the governor means business,” Ohonbamu said. Ohonbamu expressed gratitude to the group for supporting the governor’s administration in the fight against cultism, noting that the governor’s efforts would make the state peaceful and secure for all. “The governor said some of these houses might be proceeds from fraud and evil acts, and such buildings must be demolished,” he added. Agho suggested that instead of destroying properties used for crimes, the government should take them over. “We all hate cultism because it’s dangerous to society and has done more damage to the youths of Edo State,” he said. The Edo State government’s efforts to tackle cultism are expected to yield positive results with the support of stakeholders like the Civil Society Organization. The Commissioner for Information and Communication highlighted the governor’s infrastructural development plans, saying, “The governor is in a hurry to develop the state infrastructurally as the first flyover is being constructed, the second one is on the way, and the third will also be built for Edo people.” Governor Okpebholo has been firm in his resolve to eliminate cultism in the state, previously stating, “If my life had not been protected as a youth, I would not have become the governor of Edo State today. We must save our land. Cultism must stop in Edo State”.

CSOS URGE AKPABIO TO STEP ASIDE OVER ELECTORAL FRAUD CONVICTION

Prominent Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step aside from office following the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the conviction of Professor Peter Ogban, the returning officer in the 2019 Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial election, for electoral fraud. The appellate court upheld the three-year prison sentence handed down to Professor Ogban, who was found guilty of falsifying election results to favor Senator Akpabio. The CSOs said, “This ruling raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of Senator Akpabio’s mandate. It is deeply troubling that the election which brought him to the Senate has now been judicially confirmed to have been manipulated.” The CSOs emphasized that while Senator Akpabio has denied personal involvement in the fraud, the conviction of the very official who declared him the winner casts a dark shadow over the credibility of that election. “For the sake of public confidence, the rule of law, and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, Senator Akpabio must temporarily vacate his position until the matter is conclusively addressed,” they stated. The organizations raised a fundamental question about Senator Akpabio’s legal and moral standing to contest for a seat in the 10th National Assembly, let alone serve as its President, given his confirmed beneficiary status in the electoral fraud. “This is not just about one individual. It is about restoring public trust in our electoral process,” the CSOs said. The CSOs commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and former Akwa Ibom Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mike Igini for spearheading the investigation and prosecution of the case. They urged the National Assembly, INEC, and the judiciary to strengthen mechanisms that prevent electoral manipulation at all levels. The CSOs also called on the APC leadership to demonstrate its commitment to electoral reform and democratic accountability by initiating a rerun or revalidation process for the Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial seat. “The judiciary has done its part. It is now up to the political leadership to rise to the occasion and show Nigerians and the world that no one is above the law—not even the Senate President,” the CSOs concluded.

COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS CELEBRATES PRESIDENT TINUBU’S 73RD BIRTHDAY, PRAISES ECONOMIC REFORMS AND SECURITY GAINS

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity, and Justice has commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and developmental strides as he marks his 73rd birthday. In a press statement issued by National Coordinator Comrade James Okoronkwo in Abuja on Tuesday, the coalition hailed Tinubu’s “bold reforms, innovative policies, and steadfast dedication to democratic values” amid global economic challenges. Okoronkwo stated that Tinubu’s administration had achieved “significant strides” across economic sectors, fostering growth, security, and development. “Under President Tinubu’s guidance, Nigeria has stabilized its economy, improved foreign reserves, moderated inflation, and created a favorable environment for investment,” he said. The statement highlighted key milestones, including doubling aggregate revenues to over ₦9.1 trillion, reducing debt service expenditure from 97% to 68%, and clearing $5 billion in outstanding foreign exchange obligations. The coalition also praised the administration’s educational interventions, noting the processing of ₦45.6 billion for student loan payments, alongside “monumental changes” in the petroleum sector through subsidy removal and unified foreign exchange management. On security, Okoronkwo emphasized that over 8,000 criminals had been “eliminated” and 10,000 Nigerians rescued from kidnappers, enabling farmers to return to their fields and reducing food prices. “President Tinubu’s visionary leadership has inspired confidence among Nigerians and the international community,” Okoronkwo said. “His unwavering commitment to progress, even in tough times, reflects his passion for a prosperous Nigeria.” The coalition joined citizens nationwide in celebrating the president’s birthday, urging continued support for his policies to ensure sustained national development.

SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI: CSOs ADVISE WOMEN GROUPS

Following the disruptive behavior of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Senate Chambers during plenary, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice and the Media Practitioners for Development have advised Women Groups in Nigeria not to be manipulated by the antics of the Senator representing Kogi Central. In a press statement made available to journalists in Abuja and signed by the duo of Mr James Okoronkwo and Mr Johnson Eze, leaders of the groups, they admonished women coalitions not to allow themselves to be deluded by Senator Natasha Akpoti’s false allegation of sexual harassment and victimization, lamenting that her recalcitrance, disregard for Senate Rules and disrespect for the nation’s apex law- making body must be condemned by all law- abiding women across Nigeria. Lastly, the group chided former Senate President, Bukola Saraki for trying to make political capital from the Senator Natasha Akpoti’s abrasive campaign of using sexual harassment to cover misconduct in the Senate. The group recalled that Senator Bukola Saraki also did not resign nor step aside as Senate President when he was tried by the Code of Conduct Tribunal for false assets declaration during his tenure.

CSOs COMMEND SENATE, REPS LEADERSHIP OVER FAIR PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX REFORM BILLS

The Situation Room on Economic Reforms, a coalition of 100 civil society groups in Nigeria, has commended the National Assembly Committees on Finance for conducting a fair and transparent public hearing on the tax reform bills. The hearing brought together individuals, government agencies, private entities, and other stakeholders to contribute to the legislative process. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, Barrister Johnson Alli praised the Senate and House of Reps finance committee chairmen, Senator Sani Musa, and Rt. Hon. James Faleke for their high-level transparency and accountability. “The tax reform bills have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economic development, and the input gathered during the public hearing will play a crucial role in shaping the final legislation,” he said. Alli noted that Senator Musa’s leadership has been exemplary, and his ability to facilitate dialogue between stakeholders and lawmakers has been impressive. “Under his chairmanship, the Senate Committee has demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of tax reform in driving economic growth and development.” He also commended Hon. James Faleke for his exceptional leadership skills throughout the public hearing process. “His dedication to ensuring that the voices of Nigerians are heard is truly commendable.” The coalition urged other committees to emulate the example set by Senator Musa and Rt. Hon. Faleke. The Situation Room on Economic Reforms expressed optimism that the outcome of the legislative process will be a tax system that promotes economic growth, reduces inequality, and benefits all Nigerians. “We wish to assure Nigerians that with Senator Sani Musa and Hon. James Faleke, the country is in good hands. We have every confidence that they will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the tax reform bills are passed in the best interest of Nigerians,” Alli added.