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Economic Sabotage: Senate Invites NNPC, CBN, NIMASA, Dangote, Others for Questioning

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1 year ago

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Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
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*Investigates Billions Spent On Maintenance Of Nation’s Refineries
*Beams Searchlight On NMDPRA Over Payment To Transporters
*Reveals Plan To Visit 22 Depots, Refineries Nationwide

The Senate has revealed its plan to invite the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Port Authority, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Dangote Group and Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, among others, for questioning over alleged economic sabotage in the country’s petroleum industry.

The upper chamber, further, disclosed that it would investigate billions of dollars that had been spent on turnaround maintenance of the state-owned refineries in the last decade with a view to addressing deep-rooted challenges facing the industry.

The Leader of the Senate and Chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry reeled out the plans at a news conference he addressed yesterday alongside other members of the ad-hoc committee at the Public Accounts Hearing Room 4, National Assembly Complex, Abuja yesterday.

The news conference was organised to educate the public on the mandates, workings, and of course the modalities adopted by the ad-hoc committee, which the Senate constituted on July 3 to investigate allegations of economic sabotage in the country’s petroleum industry.

After its inauguration last Monday, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio charged the 15-man ad-hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations within three weeks.

Speaking at the conference on Thursday, Bamidele pledged to carry out holistic investigation into the allegations of economic sabotage in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

The chairman of the ad-hoc committee also assured Nigerians that the ad-hoc committee would carry out thorough investigation into diverse reasons the state-owned refineries have not been operational for years despite budget earmarked for turnaround maintenance.

Specifically, Bamidele noted that the contractors handling the turnaround Maintenance for the refineries would be invited to let the committee on the situation of things.

Bamidele added that the investigation would not be an armchair investigation, pointing out that members of the ad-hoc committee had already set machinery in motion to visit Lagos, Port Harcourt and Warri to have engage key actors in the petroleum industry.

He said: “It is pertinent to note that in the course of interactions with the identified stakeholders, the ad-hoc committee will visit any of their facilities that it deems necessary, especially the state-owned refineries, to ascertain their status, considering the funds already invested in the various turn around maintenances year without any meaningful result.

“The ad-hoc committee is particularly interested in understanding why local refineries are not working despite the substantial amounts of money spent annually on their maintenance and operations. We will closely examine what the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited has been doing to address this persistent problem.”

He further revealed that the ad-hoc committee had identified some critical stakeholders to interact with in the course of discharging this noble assignment

The stakeholders, according to him, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Navy, Obat Oil and Petroleum Limited, Matrix Energy Depot
Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria,
International Oil Companies (IOCs), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria,
Capital Oil and Modular Refineries.

Bamidele added that the ad-hoc committee “will meet with stakeholders in their various zones to gather localised insights and feedback. To ensure broad participation and transparency, the ad-hoc committee will create a platform for the general public and stakeholders to submit memoranda before the public hearings.”

He categorically stated that part of mandate of the committee meant “to uncover parties involved in the importation of adulterated fuel and diesel into the country.

“Our investigation seeks to identify and hold accountable all parties involved in the importation and distribution of the adulterated petroleum products. This includes suppliers, importers, regulatory bodies, and any other entities that may have contributed to this serious lapse in quality control.

“We will conduct a thorough review of current regulatory frameworks and procedures to identify deficiencies and recommend necessary reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future. The Committee is committed to ensuring the highest standards of fuel quality for the Nigerian market.”

Bamidele noted that the ad-hoc committee would beam legislative searchlight on the activities of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority including payments made to transporters in the last 10 years.

He noted that the ad-hoc committee would enquire from the NNPCL the state and status of the 22 depots built by the defunct NNPC to eliminate road distribution of petroleum products.

He, therefore, appealed to various stakeholders “to cooperate with the committee so that there can be lasting solution to problems in the oil sector. Our mandate is of strategic national interests.

“Each member of the committee is carefully selected based on his/her records of sterling performance. We are all men of integrity who will never pursue selfish interests at the expense of the national interests.

“The Senate did not constitute this committee to intimidate and witch-hunt any party. Rather, the committee was constituted for the purpose of ensuring social and economic justice in the light of grim realities we are facing as a federation.

“We are also taking this task seriously with a view to addressing fundamental issues that pose grave threats to our economic prosperity, fiscal stability and public health as a federation.

“In line with our mandate, we will definitely unravel the roots of economic sabotage in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and make necessary recommendations that will entrench global best practices in the industry and open it up for more investments, especially in the midstream and downstream sectors.

“We are utterly committed to this mandate. We shall also carry out this national assignment without fear or favour. We shall be fair and just to all parties with a view to promoting and protecting the strategic national interests of our fatherland.”

Other members of the ad-hoc committee, who attended the news conference, include Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), Senator Osita Izunazo (Imo West), Senator Ifeanyi Uba (Anambra South), Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central), Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North) and Senator Abdullah Yahaha (Kebbi North),

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NIMC Set To Launch General Multipurpose Identity Card Last Quarter Of Year

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1 day ago

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July 26, 2025

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NIMC
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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is set to introduce a new General Multipurpose Identity Card (GMPC) by October 2025.

Dr. Alvan Ikoku, Director, Strategic Programme Office (SPO) at NIMC, made the disclosure on Friday, at the end of a 2-day roundtable with Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) in Abuja.

Specifically, the NIMC official said the GMPC will serve as an additional identity tool, designed to improve access to public services, financial inclusion, and targeted government interventions.

“The new General Multipurpose Card is part of a broader mandate to improve service delivery. Although its launch was delayed, it was important to ensure thorough planning and execution.

“The forthcoming card is expected to feature a range of functionalities, including digital wallets for government subsidies, credit disbursement capabilities, and enhanced business and financial services integration”.

He continued “It will not only serve as an identification tool but also support government programs, particularly in areas such as agriculture, social welfare, and credit schemes”.

He explained that the process of acquiring the new card will be streamlined through partner banks and relevant government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

“While NIMC will not handle mass issuance directly, the identity management component will remain entirely under the Commission’s jurisdiction” he said.

Commenting on cost implications, Ikoku assured the public that the card will be affordable, noting that the Commission’s role is to empower citizens, not profit from them.

“The new card will be available to all Nigerian citizens, while non-Nigerians residing legally in the country can obtain a NIN, with a version of the card that reflects their status.Indeed, NIMC has emphasized that the National Identification Number (NIN) will remain the primary identifier for all Nigerians, and the GMPC is being introduced in response to public demand for a physical ID card.

“With the rollout scheduled for October 2025, the Commission promises a comprehensive media campaign to educate citizens about the card’s benefits and uses” Ikoku added.

Meanwhile, Day TWO of the roundtable saw the presentation of paper titled: Infrastructural overhaul at NIMC: Implications to access to ID, Data Integrity, Privacy and Security by Mr. Shola Amurawaye.

In a separate paper by Florence Oloruntade, Director Servicom and titled: NIMC: Grievance uptake in NIN enrolment and ensuring efficient Delivery at the end, urged the media to work closely with NIMC for better education of the citizenry.

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Immigration Officers Seize Natasha’s Passport For A Moment at Abuja Airport

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2 days ago

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July 24, 2025

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
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A drama ensued at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday, July 24, 2025, as the officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) seized the international passport of suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The senator’s passport was seized at the Abuja airport while on her way to board a British Airways flight to London.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the senator arrived at the international terminal of the airport with her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, only to be stopped by immigration officials who flagged her as a “national security risk.”

Natasha was said to have remained calm and composed throughout the ordeal, insisting that the officers have no legal authority to seize her passport.

“The court never authorised this. You have no right to hold my passport,” the lawmaker said.

Her husband was later seen making a series of urgent phone calls as the delay dragged on.

Minutes later, the senator’s passport was returned without any formal explanation, allowing her to swiftly proceed through immigration and board her flight.

 

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NLC Supports Senate On Local Content Enforcement

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2 days ago

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July 24, 2025

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NLC Flag
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The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has thrown his weight behind the Senate’s push for stricter enforcement of Local Content laws, describing ongoing violations as a national crisis that continues to rob Nigerian workers of their rights and opportunities.

During a courtesy visit by the Senate Committee on Local Content, led by its Chairman, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Ajaero lamented that many companies continue to violate Local Content provisions with impunity, employing hundreds of expatriates while sidelining qualified Nigerians.

“We need a clear strategy to enhance monitoring because this problem has persisted for too long.

“I’m with you in this cause to save this country from this calamity. Some of these violators appear untouchable, even when taken to court. Who enforces the law?” Ajaero asked.

The labour leader expressed concern that, despite the existence of robust legislation such as the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGIC) Act, poor enforcement has allowed widespread abuse to continue, including salary discrimination and job displacement of Nigerians by foreign workers.

“While we complain about unemployment, expatriates earn double and Nigerian workers are treated as second-class citizens in their own country. This discrimination must stop,” he said.

Ajaero called for the creation of a centralised databank to document cases of violations and convictions, stressing that there must be public accountability. “We need to keep a record of how many convictions have been secured. That’s the only way to measure progress,” he said.

He also raised questions over the commitment of some government agencies, alleging that compromised enforcement officers were part of the problem. “When those meant to enforce the law become compromised, the entire system breaks down,” he stated.

Highlighting cases where refineries and large industrial projects are staffed predominantly by foreigners, the NLC president said various unions within the Congress will begin compiling and submitting detailed reports to assist the Senate Committee in its oversight duties.

“There’s a lot of good work being done under the Local Content policy in the oil and gas sector, but we are not there yet. We must go further to stop capital flight and empower our people,” he added.

The Senate committee therefore pledged to review all complaints and investigate reported violations, as part of its renewed push to enforce compliance and protect Nigerian jobs.

 

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