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ActionAid Nigeria Demands Transparency in Crude Oil Transactions, Warns Against Policy Failures Pushing Citizens into Hardship

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ActionAid Nigeria Demands Transparency in Crude Oil Transactions, Warns Against Policy Failures Pushing Citizens into Hardship

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has expressed concern over the ongoing crisis in the petroleum sector, particularly the suspension of the sale of petroleum products in naira by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

AAN, while noting that this decision has triggered panic buying, hoarding, and speculative price hikes, worsening the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, decried that the Federal Government’s failure to provide clear information on the status of local refining and crude supply raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and governance in the petroleum industry.

ActionAid Nigeria, Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, in a statement on Tuesday said: “The Federal Government must immediately explain why the naira-for-crude arrangement has been abandoned despite its initial promise to stabilise fuel prices and increase local refining capacity. It is unacceptable for citizens to suffer the consequences of policy inconsistencies while a select few benefit from opaque crude oil transactions.”

He further lamented that: “The preference of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for importing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) instead of prioritising local refining raises further concerns. Locally refined fuel, particularly from the Dangote Refinery, has been argued to be cleaner and more durable. Yet, there is no clear justification for why locally refined fuel is not being prioritised in national fuel distribution. If NNPCL can seamlessly conduct international transactions, why can’t local refineries access crude in naira under fair terms? If unchecked, the suspension of the naira-for-crude agreement will push more Nigerians into multidimensional poverty, worsen social inequalities, and lead to further economic instability. Rising fuel prices will drive up transportation costs, making it even more difficult for low-income earners to afford daily commutes, access essential services, or sustain small businesses. Key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education – all of which directly or indirectly depend on petrol or diesel—will also be severely impacted.”

Mamedu also noted that the opacity surrounding NNPCL’s crude oil transactions raises concern about who truly benefits from these deals. If local refineries are struggling to access crude in Naira while international transactions continue seamlessly, then fundamental questions must be asked: Is the government prioritising foreign interests over national economic stability? Who benefits from the refusal to supply local refineries with crude in naira, and at what cost to Nigerian consumers? ‘‘ActionAid Nigeria strongly calls for independent third-party monitoring of crude oil transactions, fuel pricing, and distribution to ensure transparency and accountability. This should include a public audit of all crude oil sales, including forward contracts entered by NNPCL, as well as the establishment of a transparent mechanism to ensure that local refineries have priority access to crude oil under fair and stable terms. Additionally, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of pricing models to prevent exploitation by depot owners and marketers.’’

He said: “Nigerians cannot continue to be victims of policy inconsistencies, regulatory failures, and corporate profiteering,” urging the Federal Government to take immediate action to restore public confidence, protect citizens from further economic hardship, and ensure a fair and transparent energy sector.

ActionAid Nigeria Demands Transparency in Crude Oil Transactions, Warns Against Policy Failures Pushing Citizens into Hardship

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Two fulani women rescued from forest after month-long abduction in Adavi forest in Kogi

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Two fulani women rescued from forest after month-long abduction in Adavi forest in Kogi

By: Zagazola Makama

Police in Kogi State have rescued two women who were kidnapped nearly a month ago from Irewagere Fulani Camp in Adavi Local Government Area.

Zagazola report that the victims, Safara Yakubu and Habibat Aminu, both aged 25 and of Fulani descent, were abducted on Nov. 3, 2025, at about 11:00 p.m.

Sources said that the Divisional Police Officer, Osara, mobilized a team based on credible intelligence and rescued the victims along the Osara-Oshokoshoko Obajana Forest on Sunday at about 2:00 p.m.

The rescued women are currently receiving medical attention at a local medical center.
End

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Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin

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Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin

By: Michael Mike

Nigerian government has condemned the attempted military takeover of government in neighbouring Benin Republic.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received with grave concern and unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted forcible seizure of power in our friendly neighbour and brotherly nation, the Republic of Benin in the early hours of Sunday 7th December, 2025.

“This act of destabilization represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions.

“Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace.”

“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled,” the statement added.

The statement further read: “Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development and regional stability. Unconstitutional changes of government are an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region.

“As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.”

Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin

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ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin

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ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the attempted military takeover of government in Benin Republic

A statement on Sunday by the ECOWAS office in Abuja read: “ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military take-over in the Republic of Benin.

“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.

“ECOWAS calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.

“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsable for

any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.

“ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary, including

the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.”

ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin

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