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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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AU, Nigeria sign MoU to strengthen fight against terrorism

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AU, Nigeria sign MoU to strengthen fight against terrorism

By; Zagazola Makama

The African Union Commission and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism across the continent.

The agreement was signed on Sept. 8 by Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

The MoU provides a framework to enhance cooperation and coordination between the AU and Nigeria on counterterrorism initiatives.

Adeoye said the partnership underscored the commitment of both parties to addressing the growing threat of terrorism through coordinated strategies, capacity building and information sharing.

The areas of collaboration include real-time information sharing, deployment of NCTC experts to the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre (AUCTC), joint research, as well as support for victim recovery, deradicalisation and reintegration.

A Joint Working Group is to be established to monitor progress and oversee the implementation of the MoU.

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of Nigeria and the African Union to promote peace and security across Africa.

AU, Nigeria sign MoU to strengthen fight against terrorism

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Residents of Kachia call for media attention as bandit attacks escalate

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Residents of Kachia call for media attention as bandit attacks escalate

By: Zagazola Makama

Residents of Kachia Local Government Area in Kaduna State have raised concerns over the apparent underreporting of recurring bandit attacks and kidnappings in the area, urging major media houses to take notice.

In a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Agbo Gabriel, the community expressed frustration that despite enduring more than two years without consistent electricity, and relying on solar power where possible, the security challenges in Kachia and surrounding villages have largely gone unreported.

According to the statement, in the early hours of Sunday, September 7, 2025, bandits attacked Wakeh village in Agunu District, killing eight people, injuring many others, and burning homes and property.

The attacks, the statement says, have similarly affected Ankwa, Bishini, Katari, and other villages, leaving communities displaced, traumatised, and in despair.

“The poor people of Kachia town, who used to host internally displaced persons from surrounding villages, are now themselves being targeted,” Rev. Fr. Gabriel said. “Kidnappings from farms and homes are happening daily, yet media coverage remains virtually absent. We are forced to ask: where are the correspondents or reporters of major media houses in Kaduna and Kachia?”

The statement appealed to Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to urgently address the insecurity in Kachia LGA, highlighting the area’s potential and importance to the state. Residents also called for stronger community-based surveillance, engagement of local leaders, and collective action to protect vulnerable villages.

Rev. Fr. Gabriel emphasised that local vigilance is critical at this time, urging residents to report suspicious activities and support one another in defending their communities.

“Kachia is a land of great potential and does not deserve such neglect,” the statement concluded. “Media houses, we need your attention. Kachia too exists.”

Zagazola report that the Kaduna State had not released any statement regarding the unfortunate incident.

Residents of Kachia call for media attention as bandit attacks escalate

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Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA foil bandits’ attack in Katsina

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Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA foil bandits’ attack in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and Police Command in Katsina State, have foiled an attempted attack by armed bandits in Malumfashi Local Government Area.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:35 p.m. following credible intelligence that armed bandits on motorcycles were heading towards Gora village.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and other security operatives, intercepted the bandits and engaged in a fierce gun duel.

The bandits fled in disarray under superior firepower. No casualty was recorded, and calm has since returned to the area,”said sources.

The sources added that aggressive patrols and clearance operations had been intensified to track down the fleeing criminals.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA foil bandits’ attack in Katsina

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