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

Nigeria Celebrates Adeduntan’s Appointment as Head Coach of College Women’s Basketball Team

By: Michael Mike

The federal government has celebrated the historic appointment of Ganiyat Adeduntan as the Head Coach of the George Washington Revolutionaries Women’s Basketball team.

Chairman /CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement on Monday by the Director of Media, Public Relations & Protocols of the Commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun said Nigeria is proud of her achievement.

The statement read: “This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone, not only for Coach Adeduntan but for Nigeria and the African diaspora as a whole.”

Dabiri-Erewa, lauded Coach Adeduntan’s inspiring journey, highlighting her impressive coaching record and her unwavering dedication to excellence.

She said: “We are immensely proud of Coach Ganiyat Adeduntan for this groundbreaking accomplishment. Her leadership, resilience, and passion for basketball have set a new standard for Nigerian excellence on the global stage. She embodies the spirit of hard work and determination, and her success is an inspiration to young Nigerian women aspiring to break barriers in sports and beyond.

“We at NiDCOM celebrate her and look forward to even greater achievements under her leadership at George Washington University.”

The statement read: “Coach Adeduntan’s appointment follows a stellar tenure at Colgate University, where she transformed the programme, leading them to back-to-back 20-win seasons and a WNIT appearance in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Her return to George Washington University, where she previously served as an assistant coach, signifies a homecoming to a programme she helped build.

“Her journey from Ibadan, Nigeria, to the pinnacle of American college basketball serves as a testament to the talent and resilience of Nigerians in the diaspora.

“NiDCOM remains committed to celebrating and supporting outstanding Nigerians like Coach Adeduntan, who also has a PhD in Nursing and continue to shine on the global stage.”

Ganiyat is the daughter of Osi Basorun of Ibadan land, Prince (Dr) Azeez Adeduntan, a renowned Harvard trained International Cardiovascular Surgeon and one time former Commissioner of Health in Oyo state and a governorship candidate.

Nigeria Celebrates Adeduntan’s Appointment as Head Coach of College Women’s Basketball Team

Troops destroy 19 illegal refineries, seize 138,000 litres of stolen products

By: Michael Mike

Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have destroyed 19 artisanal refineries and recovered over 138,000 litres of stolen products during operations conducted from March 17 to 23, 2025.

According to Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma 12 suspected oil thieves were also arrested during the joint operations carried out across the Joint Operations Area (JOA) in collaboration with other security agencies.
In Rivers State, troops intercepted a tanker carrying 60,000 litres of stolen crude along Apajo-Iwoji-Iwofe Road in Obio Akpor LGA. The driver fled, abandoning the truck, which was later found to contain multiple plate numbers. Further clearance operations at the fringes of the Imo River led to the deactivation of several illegal refineries and the recovery of 64 drum pots, 15 drum receivers, and over 4,500 litres of stolen products.

At Kumufari Creek in Degema LGA, troops discovered an abandoned oven and 40 sacks containing approximately 1,200 litres of stolen crude. In Bonny Island LGA, troops raided an illegal refining site where suspected oil thieves fled, leaving behind equipment including a 6 KVA generator, welding machine, drilling tools, and other materials.
In Ahoada West and Yenagoa LGAs of Rivers and Bayelsa States, troops raided seven illegal bunkering camps, recovering over 25,000 litres of stolen crude, 850 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil, two wheelbarrows, a wooden boat, and 1,550 litres of stolen crude in cellophane bags. Similar seizures were made at Obiafu in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.

In Delta State, an illegal bunkering truck with an inbuilt iron tank was intercepted near the NNPC/Chevron/Seplat pipeline at Masogar in Ethiope West LGA. The truck, loaded with over 20,000 litres of stolen crude, was positioned for loading.
In Akwa Ibom State, along the Iko-Okorete Communities road in Eastern Obolo LGA, a Toyota Avalon with registration number Lagos LSR 796 FD was intercepted with 1,620 litres of stolen products in 54 cellophane bags. Two occupants were arrested and handed over to the appropriate authorities.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, commended the troops and urged them to intensify anti-crude oil theft operations to disrupt criminal activities. He also called on residents to provide credible information to security agencies.

Troops destroy 19 illegal refineries, seize 138,000 litres of stolen products