The Katsina State Police Command has foiled a kidnapping attempt in the Unguwar Sarkin Fulani Dutsen Dadi community of Faskari Local Government Area and rescued 30 residents abducted by bandits on Wednesday.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed this in a statement released on Wednesday, describing it as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and banditry under the Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa.
According to the statement, “Today, March 12, 2025, at about 01:00 hrs, information was received at the Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters that suspected armed bandits, in large numbers and armed with dangerous weapons, attacked Unguwar Sarkin Fulani Dutsen Dadi via Tafoki village, Faskari LGA, kidnapping 30 residents while rustling two cows, 92 sheep, and goats.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Faskari swiftly mobilised an APC patrol team to the scene.
“The team tactically ambushed the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee with various degrees of injuries. All 30 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unhurt, and the rustled animals were recovered.
“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects as investigations continue.
“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, while commending the officers for their professionalism and bravery during the daring rescue operation, urged the good people of the state to continue cooperating with the command by providing timely and accurate information for prompt and decisive action against criminal elements,” Sadiq added.
An American dog owner was shot by his pet after it jumped on his bed and set off a loaded gun, police said Wednesday.
The man, from Memphis, Tennessee, was asleep beside his female partner when he was shot early Monday morning, escaping with a graze to his left thigh that was treated in hospital.
The dog — a year-old pit bull named Oreo — “got his paw stuck in the trigger guard and ended up hitting the trigger,” a police incident report said.
It did not specify the type of weapon fired, and recorded the incident as “accidental injury.”
While gun violence is prolific in the United States, cases of animals shooting humans are rare.
Two years ago, a German shepherd dog shot and killed a 30-year-old man in Kansas after it stepped on a hunting rifle.
In 2018, a 51-year-old man from Iowa was shot in the leg by his pit bull-Labrador mix.
Local news station Fox 13 Memphis cited the Tennessee victim’s girlfriend, who was not named, as saying she was sleeping when the gun went off.
“The dog is a playful dog, and he likes to jump around and stuff like that and it just went off,” she reportedly said.
Her lesson from the incident, “Keep the safety on or use a trigger lock.”
The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, disclosed this in its Foreign Trade statistics report for the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4’24).
According to the bureau, total merchandise trade stood at N138 trillion in 2024 rising by 55 per cent YoY from N88.8 trillion in 2023.
This consisted of imports valued at N60.6 trillion, up by 96 per cent, YoY from N30.86 trillion in 2023, while exports rose 115 per cent YoY to N77.4 trillion from N35.96 trillion in 2023.
Further analysis of data contained in the report showed that Nigeria’s trade with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states rose by 159.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to N6.08 trillion in 2024 from N2.34 trillion in 2023.
The data showed that exports to ECOWAS rose by 161 per cent YoY to N5.64 trillion in 2024 from N2.17 trillion in 2023.
Similarly, the value of imports from ECOWAS grew by 160.7 percent YoY to N438.56 billion in 2024 from N168.22 billion in 2023.
Further analysis of quarterly trend showed that the country’s trade with ECOWAS stood at N1.4 trillion in the first quarter of 2024 (Q1’24), rose by 31.4 per cent to N1.84 trillion in Q2’24 but fell by 12 per cent to N1.62 trillion in Q3’24 and also by 22.8 per cent to N1.2 trillion in Q4’24.
NBS said: “Exports to ECOWAS member states totaled N1.2 trillion while imports amounted to N77.10 billion.
“Further analysis of trading patterns in the region revealed that Nigeria’s main trading export partner in Q4, 2024 was Ivory Coast with N756.37 billion worth of goods, followed by exports to Senegal Republic (N236.87 billion), Togo (N47.97 billion), Ghana (N36.26 billion), and Benin, Republic with N31.56 billion altogether representing 94.33 per cent of total export to ECOWAS countries.
“In the same vein, Nigeria’s major trading import partner within ECOWAS was Ivory Coast (N41.40 billion), followed by Ghana (N22.96 billion), Liberia (N4.04 billion), Niger Republic (N2.62 billion) and Togo of (N2.21 billion) representing (90.45 per cent) of total imports from the ECOWAS region.
“Analysis by commodities showed that the main commodities exported to ECOWAS countries in Q4 2024 were Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals worth N911.38 billion or 77.52 per cent of total exports to ECOWAS countries, Electrical energy valued at N75.66 billion or 6.44 per cent, Dredgers valued at N73.99 billion or 6.29 per cent, Cigarettes containing tobacco worth N27.24 billion or 2.32 per cent of total exports to the region and Other Liquefied petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons valued at N10.81 billion or 0.92 percent of total exports to the region.
“The top five exported products represent 93.49 per cent of the total exports to the ECOWAS region.
“Further analysis of trading patterns in the region revealed that Nigeria’s main trading export partner in Q4, 2024 was Ivory Coast with N756.37 billion worth of goods, followed by exports to Senegal Republic (N236.87 billion), Togo (N47.97 billion), Ghana (N36.26 billion), and Benin, Republic with N31.56 billion altogether representing 94.33 per cent of total export to ECOWAS countries.
“In the same vein, Nigeria’s major trading import partner within ECOWAS was Ivory Coast (N41.40 billion), followed by Ghana (N22.96 billion), Liberia (N4.04 billion), Niger Republic (N2.62 billion) and Togo of (N2.21 billion) representing (90.45 per cent) of total imports from the ECOWAS region.
“Analysis by commodities showed that the main commodities exported to ECOWAS countries in Q4 2024 were Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals worth N911.38 billion or 77.52 per cent of total exports to ECOWAS countries, Electrical energy valued at N75.66 billion or 6.44 per cent, Dredgers valued at N73.99 billion or 6.29 per cent, Cigarettes containing tobacco worth N27.24 billion or 2.32 per cent of total exports to the region and Other Liquefied petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons valued at N10.81 billion or 0.92 percent of total exports to the region.
“The top five exported products represent 93.49 per cent of the total exports to the ECOWAS region.
Oando PLC, Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy group listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), said its trading subsidiary, Oando Trading, has emerged as the preferred bidder for the lease of the Guaracara Refining Company Limited (GRC)’s refinery assets from Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd (TPHL).
Oando said this follows the announcement by the Honorable Minister for Energy of Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday February 27, 2025, adding that the award underscores Oando’s track record of reliability, innovation, infrastructure development and aligns with its Corporate Strategic Vision of expanding across the Caribbean region.
The company said the partnership represents a strategic bridge between Africa and the Caribbean as Oando’s involvement in the Refinery will serve as a catalyst for deeper AfroCaribbean collaboration in the energy sector, paving the way for increased trade, investment, and knowledge exchange.
Chief Compliance Officer & Company Secretary of Oando PLC, Ayotola Jagun, stated in a statement that, “This initiative underscores Africa’s growing influence in the global energy landscape and highlights the role of indigenous African companies in fostering economic transformation across borders.”
Also, commenting on the announcement, Wale Tinubu CON, Group Chief Executive of Oando PLC, said: “We are honored by the confidence the Trinidadian government has placed in us with this award. This strategic investment aligns with our long-term vision of expanding into high-potential regions and growing our operational footprint, leveraging our vast technical expertise and global partnerships to finance projects.
“We recognize the significance of this opportunity and look forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver maximum value for all parties involved.”
The Refinery, located in Pointe-à-Pierre, Trinidad and Tobago, is a vital energy asset in the Caribbean. It was established over a century ago and historically has been the cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago’s oil industry.
With a capacity of 175,000 barrels per day and a Nelson Complexity Index of 8.0, the refinery is well-suited for processing regional crude oils and supplying both domestic and regional markets with refined products. However, the company said: “The next steps in the process involve detailed discussions with the government and regulatory authorities to finalize the lease agreement and operational framework. As this process progresses, Oando PLC will continue to provide timely updates to stakeholders and the public.”
Former Bayelsa State Governor Senator Seriake Dickson has emphasised the importance of education, saying it remains the best investment for human capital development and empowerment.
Dickson, who spoke in his country home in Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State while receiving the doctoral degree certificate from his younger brother, Moses Dickson, also said education is the most potent force to fight poverty and improve the lives of citizens.
The Bayelsa West lawmaker noted that as governor for eight years, he was very intentional with his policies on education, which revolutionised the sector.
According to him, because of the saying that “charity begins at home”, he has always encouraged his siblings to acquire quality education and has supported them in various ways which is why he is proud that his family from a humble background now has its first PhD holder.
He said: “Today, I am very excited that my younger brother, who is like my first son, Dr. Moses Oruaze Dickson has officially presented his PhD. degree to me. It is not only historic but very emotional for me.
“Like others, I have always supported and encouraged him to reach for the skies in his educational pursuit. Education is key to human capacity development. It is the driving force of any society desirous of development, and I have never pretended about my love for education even after leaving the office as governor.
“I congratulate you on behalf of our family. While this event may look ordinary to most people, it is significant for two reasons: firstly, he is the first PhD. holder in our family, and secondly, for me, it is fulfilling because he, like a son, has done what his father would have loved to do but could not. So, in a way, he has done it on my behalf,” he added.
Senator Dickson, who is the founder of Hensard University, Toru-Orua, a private university, also urged his younger brother to continue to break more grounds, achieve more feats, assuring him of his support.
“Let me remind you again what I have always told you for years, that you should go to the depth of the sea and fish; you should learn to fish in deep waters and not to be fishing with the crowd in shallow waters looking for small fishes and crayfish. With this PhD, you should go out to the world and conquer the field of academics and legal practice. I expect you to use this as a stepping stone to become a professor in no distant time or a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), both of which you are capable of.”
Responding, the younger Dickson said he completed his PhD programme last year at the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom but decided not to make it public until he got the opportunity to present the certificate to his brother.
He explained that he felt it was the right thing to do because as a father figure to him, his brother stood by him right from his first degree in law at the Niger Delta University up to him obtaining three masters degrees and a PhD now.
Nigeria and Jamaica are set to explore the possibility of a direct flight route as both countries strengthen the Bilateral Air Service Agreement.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, on Wednesday.
Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, welcomed the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, and his Consular, Andre Hibbert, to his office in Abuja for this engagement.
Downer emphasised the potential for mutually beneficial diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria.
He highlighted the importance of improving and enhancing bilateral relations, including reviewing the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement.
“I have been tasked by my country to review and improve on the diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria, especially concerning air services,” said Downer.
The Jamaican ambassador also shared the growing interest in Nigerian culture, particularly Afrobeat music and Nollywood films, which are trending in Jamaica.
This cultural exchange, he noted, further reinforces the need for enhanced diplomatic and air connectivity.
“There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. Nigerians love Jamaica, and there is a rising demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria,” Downer added.
Keyamo in his response, welcomed the ambassador’s proposals and expressed his eagerness to take the next steps.
“I am delighted to start the BASA arrangements. To ensure a swift resolution, we will set up a committee to expedite the process,” said Keyamo.
He further committed to visiting Jamaica if necessary, stating that he would be willing to travel to Jamaica to finalize and sign the BASA agreement in person.
It was noted that Downer disclosed that Jamaica currently lacks a national carrier, relying on neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago for air transport.
He proposed the idea of combining the BASA between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to address the air services gap, underscoring the increasing demand for travel from Nigeria to Jamaica.
Downer expressed his deep appreciation for Nigeria, revealing an intriguing discovery from his four months as the Jamaican envoy to Nigeria.
“I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all,” said the ambassador
A 21-year-old notorious bandit leader, Salisu Mohammed, popularly known as Dogo Saleh, met his end at the hands of his gang members after being arrested by the operatives of FCT Police Command.
Dogo Saleh identified as a hitman for criminal gangs operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State, had been responsible for multiple kidnappings and killings along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway.
The FCT command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, issued a statement on Wednesday stating that police acting on intelligence conducted a covert operation to intercept Dogo Saleh at Gidan Abe Forest on March 3, while he was en route to Bwari Area Council, FCT.
Adeh stated that during the initial encounter, police operatives arrested Dogo Saleh, recovering an AK-49 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦3m suspected to be ransom proceeds.
She added that after gathering from the arrested suspect, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command launched a follow-up raid on March 4, 2025, at a known bandit hideout in Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, led by one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” had established a major hideout.
She noted that operatives were ambushed by armed bandits attempting to free their leader.
“The operatives swiftly engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, displaying superior tactical expertise and resilience. The bandits were ultimately overpowered and forced to flee into the forest with severe gunshot wounds. The suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds inflicted by his own gang during the crossfire. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” Adeh said.
Stating the criminal activities linked to Dogo Saleh, Adeh said he was responsible for the abduction of a police officer’s family and the killing of two security personnel in a January 5, 2025, attack at Kujama Market, Kaduna.
“Other attacks linked to Dogo Saleh include: Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago) – Two individuals, including a security officer, were kidnapped. Ransom collected: Millions of Naira The officer was later killed. Kike Village (one year ago) – A security officer’s wife was kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Bagada Village (five months ago) – Three individuals kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Village near Kaduna Refinery (one year ago) – Two men kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Karuga Village, Chikun LGA (one year ago) – One person kidnapped. Ransom collected: millions of naira; Bagado Village, Chikun LGA (eleven months ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira and Dan-Bushiya Village (two years ago) – Ransom collected: millions of naira, “ she stated.
Adeh also said his gang was also known for working with the Ansaru terrorist group to procure weapons. She stated that Boka, the overall commander; Sharmi (surname unknown), Deputy; Dogo Saleh, assistant; and Gudan, an assistant who operated a sub-camp in the forest, had been eliminated in separate operations.
“The bandits’ hideout was successfully dislodged. One officer, the Inspector of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sustained minor injuries and has since been treated and discharged. No other casualties were recorded,” she added.
Adeh said the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, praised the officers for their bravery and assured residents of ongoing operations to capture fleeing gang members.
He urged the public to report suspicious activities via police emergency lines.
Lagos, Nigeria – March 9, 2025: Access Bank PLC (Access Bank), a leading African bank, has received the IFC EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Green Building Certification for its banking headquarters, called Access Tower, located in Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The EDGE Green Building certification program, supported by the Japan Government in Nigeria and globally funded by the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), with initial funding from Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, SECO, recognises Access Bank’s commitment to sustainable building practices and its efforts to reduce energy consumption, water usage, and embodied carbon in building materials.
Access Bank’s Head Office has achieved a 20per cent reduction in energy use, a 33per cent reduction in water use, and a 99 per cent reduction in embodied carbon in materials. The building features sustainability measures such as insulated roof, high-performance glass, fresh air pre-conditioning system, smart meters for energy, water-efficient faucets in bathrooms and kitchen, efficient water closets and low embodied carbon materials reflecting Access Bank’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The building implemented retrofits to meet the EDGE water standard by installing flow regulators in all their water closets, faucets and showers. These reductions in energy, water, and embodied carbon are expected to result in significant cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint for the Head Office.
Commenting on this feat, Gregory Jobome, Executive Director, Risk Management at Access Bank, said:
“At Access Bank, we have always understood that our purpose goes far beyond banking. We are architects of change, custodians of the future, and now, we stand proudly at the intersection of finance and environmental leadership. This building and this certification embody our vision to set a new standard for building, operating, and growing responsibly.
“Our collaboration with the EEN team was transformational, and together, we have shown that environmental performance and business performance are not rivals, but partners. We believe that in that partnership lies the future of banking, the future of corporate Africa, and ultimately, the future of our planet.”
The EDGE certification is a globally recognised standard for green buildings, designed to make buildings more resource efficient. The certification process involves a rigorous assessment of a building’s design and construction, including independent third-party audits, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of sustainability.
IFC’s EDGE program aims to promote green building practices globally by providing a standardised approach to designing and certifying resource-efficient buildings. The program has been utilised in nearly 200 countries, with over 100 million square metres in certified floor space, enabling developers worldwide to create buildings that reduce energy use, water consumption, and embodied carbon.
Globally, IFC collaborates with financiers, governments, developers, and building owners to accelerate green building development in emerging markets. In Nigeria, cumulatively, over 800,000 square meters of offices, homes, hospitals, retail stores, student accommodation, hotels, and mixed-use projects are EDGE-certified.
PHOTO CAPTION:
L-R: Alexandra Celestin, Regional Industry Manager, IFC Financial Institutions Group, Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa; Njideka Esomeju, Head, Retail Banking, Access Bank PLC; Dr. Gregory Jobome, Executive Director, Risk Management, Access Bank PLC; Dahlia Khalifa, IFC Regional Director, Central Africa and Anglophone West African, and Amaechi Okobi, Chief Communication Officer Access Holdings PLC, after presentation of IFC EDGE Certification of Access Tower to Access Bank at its Headquarters in Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos…recently.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has initiated fresh negotiations with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery over the renewal of the naira-for-crude agreement, as talks are underway in anticipation of the expiration of the initial deal, which ends on March 31, 2025.
The NNPCL disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in response to claims that the government-owned oil company had suspended the naira-for-crude deal until 2030, as it has forward-sold all its crude oil.
This came as fresh findings by The PUNCH indicated that crude oil worth about N486.31bn was received by the $20bn Lekki-based refinery under the deal between October and December 2024.
Recall that on October 1, 2024, the government commenced the sales of crude oil in naira to local refineries to improve supply, save the country millions of dollars in petroleum product imports, and ultimately reduce the pump prices of refined products.
The NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, in the statement on Monday, explained that the initial deal was for six months, confirming The PUNCH exclusive report last year, adding that discussions for the renewal of the agreement are currently ongoing, with the aim of establishing a new contract.
He also stated that under the deal initiated in October 2024, the 650,000-capacity refinery has received 48 million barrels to refine for petroleum products, while a total of 84 million barrels has been supplied to the refinery since it commenced operations in 2023.
The spokesperson also clarified that the deal was subject to availability.
The statement read, “NNPC Limited has noted recent reports circulating on social media regarding the alleged unilateral termination of the crude oil sales agreement in naira between NNPC and Dangote Refinery.
“To clarify, the contract for the sale of crude oil in naira was structured as a six-month agreement, subject to availability, and expires at the end of March 2025. Discussions are currently ongoing towards emplacing a new contract.
“Under this arrangement, NNPC has made over 48 million barrels of crude oil available to Dangote Refinery since October 2024. In aggregate, NNPC has made over 84 million barrels of crude oil available to the refinery since its commencement of operations in 2023.”
The national oil firm further reaffirmed its commitment to supplying crude oil for local refining based on mutually agreed terms and conditions. “
Naira-for-crude policy intact
Similarly, the Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee on the naira-for-crude deal, Zacch Adedeji, reaffirmed the government’s stance, emphasising that the termination of the contract was never a consideration.
He said there is substantial evidence supporting the policy as the correct approach and affirmed that it will continue to contribute positively to the nation’s economy.
“The policy framework enabling the sale of crude oil in naira for domestic refining remains in force. The initiative was designed to ensure supply stability and optimize the utilisation of local refining capacity. There has been no decision at the policy level to discontinue this approach, nor is it being considered. After implementing the policy for some months, evidence abounds that it is the right way to go, and it will continue to help the economy.
“The framework for domestic crude transactions is designed to promote a competitive and efficient pricing environment,” the Federal Inland Revenue Chairman said in an e-signed statement.
He also revealed that local refineries have not been excluded from domestic crude supply and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission is actively ensuring compliance with the Domestic Crude Oil Obligations provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
“The engagement process for crude oil supply to domestic refineries therefore remains in place by structured agreements, balancing factors such as availability, demand, and market conditions. There is no exclusion of local refineries from access to domestic crude oil. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission is actively ensuring compliance with the Domestic Crude Oil Obligations provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
“We remain committed to ensuring the efficient execution of this initiative in line with its core objectives – enhancing local refining, reducing foreign exchange exposure, and stabilising the domestic fuel supply,” he concluded.
Commenting on the ongoing contract renewal discussions, the Publicity Secretary of the Crude Oil Refinery-Owners Association of Nigeria, Eche Idoko, stated that the renewal was part of the original plan, emphasising that there have been no changes to the initial discussions.
However, he urged the government to honour its commitment to meeting the 27,000 barrels per day demand from modular refineries, stressing the importance of fulfilling this promise for the continued success of the industry.
Speaking in an interview, the publicity secretary said, “What the Federal Government said to us during our meetings last year was that they were going to start the pilot phase with Dangote, and when it ends, the second phase, which will start after March, will cover other refineries with a capacity of 27,000 barrels. The reason they started with Dangote was because they needed a refinery that could produce petrol, and only Dangote could do that.”
“But we also know that diesel is consumed by trucks that carry foodstuffs, which ultimately drives up the price of products, so modular refineries are important, and we really hope that they would fulfil that promise, as discussed, to include other refineries.”
He also highlighted the gains of the agreement, stressing that “We have seen a reduction in the price of products on one hand, and the naira has performed well against the dollar. Given this success, we are supposed to just enter the second phase and not say the government is renegotiating with Dangote. It is supposed to be with all the refineries.”
Meanwhile, an analysis of crude oil liftings obtained from the NNPCL monthly presentations at the monthly Federal Account Allocation Committee meetings between October 2024 and the last FAAC meeting held in February 2025 showed that the Dangote refinery received crude supply worth N486.31bn.
The national oil firm noted that the transactions were valued at $373.76m, and payments were made at an Afrexim Bank-advised exchange rate payable in naira, amounting to N486.31bn.
However, as of last month, the documents indicated that a total of $126.99m at an equivalent of N199.96bn was listed as obligations due for remittance and yet to be paid.
It further stated that all products were supplied to the refinery under a credit facility, with a payment due date set for 45 days from the date of barrel liftings.
It was observed that the crude oil figures were disclosed post facto, with the December data shared during the company’s last meeting in February 2025. The figures reported in January and February are expected to be presented to the FAAC committee during its meeting in March and April 2025.
The report revealed that on October 14, 2024, the $20 billion Lekki-based refinery received its highest allocation of crude oil, totalling 598,125 barrels. In contrast, on October 30, 2024, the refinery’s lowest allocation was 5,000 barrels. Additionally, the government only fulfilled its daily oil requirement on four occasions during this period.
A detailed breakdown of each transaction revealed that the first shipment, which was loaded onto the Sienna vessel carrying 100,000 barrels of crude oil, was received on October 14. This shipment was sold at a unit price of $78.56 per barrel, corresponding to invoice number PSC10.24.001. The total value of the transaction amounted to $7,856,870, which, when converted at N1,628, equals approximately N12.797bn.
The second transaction with invoice number PSC 10.24.002 was initiated on the same day with 598,125 barrels supplied. It was sold at a unit price of $78.56 per barrel with a dollar value of $46,993,903 and the equivalent of N76.54bn using an exchange rate of N1,635 per dollar.
The next allocation with invoice number PSC.10.24.009 was initiated on October 23, with 597,917 barrels delivered via vessel Sonangol Kalandula to the refinery. It was estimated at a unit price of $78.67 per barrel and a total value of $47,043,332 and naira equivalent of N77.64bn. An exchange rate of N1,650 was used for this transaction.
Similarly, a supply of 350,000 barrels was delivered on the same date at the same unit price and exchange rate. This transaction with invoice number PSC 10.24.008 was valued at $27,537,545 and a naira equivalent of N45.45bn.
The next day, October 24, another supply of 250,000 barrels was submitted at a unit price of $75.37 per barrel at a total cost of $18,844,675 and N30.814bn naira equivalent. An exchange rate of N1,635 was utilised for this transaction with invoice number PSC.10.24.018.
Also, the next allocation with invoice number PSC.10.24.017 was initiated on October 24, with 202,716 barrels delivered via vessel Constantios to the refinery. It was estimated at a unit price of $75.37 per barrel and a total value of $15,280,468 and naira equivalent of N24.98bn. An exchange rate of N1,635 was used for this transaction.
On October 30, the lowest supply of 5,000 barrels was submitted at a unit price of $78.18 per barrel at a total cost of $390,943 and N600.03m naira equivalent. An exchange rate of N1,534 was utilised for this transaction with invoice number PSC.10.24.013.
A summation showed that 2,103,758 barrels were supplied in the month of October. However, there was a significant decline in the supply during November, with only two transactions approved throughout the entire month.
Both transactions occurred on November 4, 2024, with a combined supply of 798,374 barrels of crude oil. The unit price for the oil was $75.82 per barrel, bringing the total value of the transactions to $60,534,073. This amount was equivalent to N100.87 billion, using an exchange rate of N1,666 to the dollar. The invoice number for these transactions was PSC/EXP/OML/146/09-24/RO-19.
In December. On the second day of the month, four vessels conveying 799,737 barrels of crude oil berthed at the refinery terminal. It was sold at a unit price of $74.87 per barrel, a total dollar value of $59,879,328, and a naira equivalent of N93.59bn. An exchange rate of N1,562 was used for these transactions and was paid in naira.
On December 11, 233,401 barrels of crude oil were supplied at a unit price of $76.21 per barrel at a total cost of $17,787,886 and N23.03bn naira equivalent. An exchange rate of N1,294 was utilised for this transaction with invoice number PSC.12.24.001. A remark on this transaction stated that Dangote paid based on the received volume of 193,320 barrels as against the invoice volume of 233,401.
Also, a pending crude oil supply of 956,061 barrels at a unit price of $74.9 and a total value of $71.61 was postponed to January.
The documents, however, didn’t reveal the supply of petroleum products received from the refinery under the deal.
Impeachment threat: Fubara vows to fight on as PDP warns Wike’s men
The Peoples Democratic Party and the Rivers State Government on Monday kicked against the call by a faction of the All Progressives Congress for the resignation or impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The development comes as Fubara said he would not be deterred by threats from those pushing to disrupt governance through the instigation of political crises in the state.
He warned against any act of lawlessness and insisted that his path would remain focused on ensuring peace.
“I want to say to our teeming supporters, I know some of you, your spirits are high, some others, your spirits are low.“I want to assure you, it doesn’t matter what the situation might be today, we will come up again stronger and better.
“Please continue to follow my footstep, and that footstep remains the path of peace. We need it because if anything happens, we are the greatest losers,” Fubara declared.
The APC faction loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike had called for the governor’s resignation or impeachment, citing multiple alleged offences.The opposition party, led by Chief Tony Okocha, also dismissed the governor’s invitation to a reconciliatory meeting with the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly as a “Greek gift.”
Fubara, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, on Sunday, invited the lawmakers for dialogue on Monday, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that validated the 27 legislators as the authentic Assembly members.Reacting to the invitation on Sunday, one of the lawmakers, Isaiah Opuende, who represents Akuru-Toru Constituency 2, blasted Fubara for using social media channels.
Calling for Fubara’s resignation, Okocha, in his address to journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, accused the governor of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu and failing to implement the eight-point resolution earlier set to resolve the crisis.He wondered if the governor had bent over backwards after a protracted grandstanding.
The APC chieftain described Fubara as “clueless” and insisted that the only viable option left for him was to either resign honourably or face impeachment.“The options before Siminalayi Joseph Fubara are two: he should honourably resign or be impeached because he has run the state aground and disrespected Mr President.
“The invitation to the lawmakers is a Greek gift. The Supreme Court judgment is final. There is nothing anybody can do about it.“The only option available to the governor now is for him to resign or be impeached. And he should be honourable about it,” he said.
He stated, “The APC remains the major opposition party in Rivers State. We are the voice of the voiceless. When we said Siminalayi Fubara was clueless, we were not joking. The evidence is clear.“The governor behaves like a saint, but he is a dangerous snake. His meeting agenda with the lawmakers is puerile. Is he inviting them to discuss the Supreme Court judgment?
“And why was the invitation letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, instead of the governor himself? It’s an aberration. As far as I’m concerned, it is a Greek Gift.”Chief Okocha noted that the party would not stand idly by and watch the governor running the state aground with his style of governance.
He warned that the governor’s continued stay in office could lead to political instability in the state, likening the situation to a “keg of gunpowder” ready to explode.
Responding, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, dismissed Okocha’s comments, stating that he lacked the authority to speak on behalf of the APC leadership. Johnson described Okocha as an ‘impostor’ whose removal as the state APC chairman had been confirmed by the court.
He further stated that the call for impeachment was baseless, as the governor had demonstrated his commitment to peace by reaching out to the lawmakers for dialogue.
The commissioner stated, “I’ve decided not to be reckoning with what Chief Okocha says because he’s not a consistent person. He doesn’t have any moral grounds to make that call (impeachment) because as far as the law is concerned, he’s an impostor.
“A Rivers State High Court has long removed him from office. So, I think that he’s dangerously looking for relevance and I don’t think that he deserves it from this government.”
Speaking further, he said “This is not the first time, at some point he said he was going to ask members of his party who were in the House to invoke an impeachment proceeding. Not too long, he recanted
“So he’s not a man of his word. Nobody is talking about impeachment.
“An impeachment is not even on the table. The government is open to discussing with the Assembly members.”
The PDP described Okocha’s stance as “hallucination.”
In an interview with The PUNCh, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, accused the APC faction of attempting to create unnecessary political tension.
He asked the opposition party in the state to focus on addressing national challenges, rather than fuelling political crises in the state.
Ologunagba called on Okocha to deal with the issues concerning his chairmanship of the APC in Rivers and leave Fubara out of his troubles.
He said, “The man you are talking about has a lot of issues to deal with, one of which is his claim to the chairmanship of the APC in Rivers State.
“All we can say is that the man is hallucinating. He is in a dream world and we can’t stop him from dreaming.
“However, he must be told that impeachment is a constitutional process and not what you just sleep and dream about.
“Instead of Governor Fubara, Okocha should help his party think of how to deal with the hardship they have brought on Nigerians.
“Nigerians are being made to pay exorbitant tariffs in energy and telecoms and life has never been this hellish. This is what should bother him and his party, the APC.”
Ologunagba added that Fubara remained popular among the people of Rivers State.
“He has no locus standi to tell Governor Fubara to resign because the Rivers people are very happy with him.
“They are proud of the work he is doing. In a very short period, he has impacted the people of Rivers State in a manner that deserves our collective applause.
“Governor Fubara was elected to lead his people and he is doing that excellently,” he added.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said no rational person would demand Fubara’s impeachment.
He said the governor had firmly established himself in the state’s politics and had the backing of the people.
“Those calling for the impeachment of Governor Fubara don’t understand the constitution. Impeaching a performing governor like the Rivers State governor is not a tea party.
“The stakeholders are with him, and they know it is not a tea party to impeach him; he enjoys the support of the Rivers people.
“Governor Fubara has entrenched himself in the politics of Rivers State. He cannot be impeached and should not be impeached.
“Those who have said so, I believe they should retrace their steps. No sane person will move to impeach Fubara,” he added.
The state Publicity Secretary of the Emeka Beke-led APC faction, Darlington Nwauju, also described Okocha as an impostor benefitting from the crisis.
Nwauju, in a statement sent to our correspondent, said, “Recall that part of the grounds which the Supreme Court latched on to sustain the Federal High Court judgment which nullified the local government elections in Rivers State was that the election went ahead despite the court judgment stopping the process.
“Now, our question is – if we are not a people suffering collective amnesia in Rivers State, why must a Tony Okocha, who is still parading himself as chairman of the APC in Rivers against the judgment of the court, now be the person pontificating over abuse of or disobedience to court process?
“What kind of physician goes about healing others while needing a health emergency?
“The likes of Tony Okocha are conflict entrepreneurs as far as the political saga in Rivers State is concerned and posterity will not forget the ignoble roles he is playing in dismantling democracy and the rule of law in Rivers State,” Nwauju, the spokesman of the faction loyal to the former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, said.
Fubara urges calm
Fubara has urged the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the overall interest of the state.
He spoke at the inauguration of the Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom palace and a magnificent residential quarters for the king, Eze Levi Oriebe, at Ozuoba in Obi/Akpor Local Government Area on Monday.
He warned against any act of lawlessness and assured his supporters that he would come out stronger from the crisis.
“Please continue to follow my footstep, and that footstep remains the path of peace. We need it because if anything happens, we are the greatest losers.
“I will not encourage any act of disobedience or any act of violence. That is, however, not to say that we will support evil. We will never support evil.”
He said his administration remained focused on good governance and would not renege on the promise of delivering impactful, people-oriented development projects continually.
Fubara considered the palace inauguration as historic, being the first in over 200 years of the kingdom’s existence.
He said he promised to build the palace 10 months ago, during the flag-off of reconstruction work on the Okania-Ogbogoro road.
He said his administration achieved the fear six months after the project was awarded for construction.
“I was really touched to the point that I had a few drops of tears when the royal father was speaking. He said for over 200 years that the Akpor Kingdom has existed, it functioned without a palace.
“God doesn’t make mistakes. Maybe, He left it for our administration to build, so that we will be part of history forever in Akpor Kingdom,” Fubara said.
He added that he not only built a palace but also provided a personal residence for the Nyeweali.
He urged the Obio/Akpor people to remain supportive of his administration.
The Eze Oha Apara (IV) and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, during the inauguration, recalled that a few months ago, he benefitted from a magnificent palace built for his kingdom by the Fubara administration.
Eze Worlu-Wodo, who is also the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, said the government was spending much to build palaces for traditional rulers because it understood they were closest leaders to the people.
“I am glad to be here, Your Excellency, to witness your display of goodwill, respect and good intention for the traditional institution. Your Excellency, you have done well, and I must say, we are all proud of you,” he said.
Providing the project description, the Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr Rowland Obed-Whyte, said the construction was awarded in August 2024, and the work was completed in six months.
