Category: News

  • TI Nigeria, CISLAC Boss Rafsanjani Backs Probe of NNPCL, Calls for Comprehensive Oil Sector Audit

    TI Nigeria, CISLAC Boss Rafsanjani Backs Probe of NNPCL, Calls for Comprehensive Oil Sector Audit

    The Head of Transparency International (TI) Nigeria and Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has thrown his support behind calls for a full-scale investigation into the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    Speaking to Channels Television on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., Rafsanjani said a thorough probe of the NNPCL’s operations is critical to promoting transparency, enhancing accountability, and ensuring that revenues from the oil sector are properly managed for the benefit of Nigerians.

    “It is a welcome development to have an audit of NNPCL,” Rafsanjani stated. “However, we are advocating not just for a financial audit, but also for physical and process audits. Only a comprehensive, multi-layered review can uncover systemic weaknesses and chart a course for genuine reform and revitalization of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”

    Rafsanjani emphasized that the audit must go beyond finances to cover all key aspects of NNPCL’s operations. He explained that while financial audits assess records and transactions to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and verify the accuracy of reports submitted to bodies like the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), physical audits verify the existence and state of assets such as pipelines and oil wells. Process audits, on the other hand, examine internal controls and operational procedures to ensure efficiency, transparency, and adherence to global standards.

    Despite the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act and Nigeria’s ongoing membership in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Rafsanjani warned that the oil and gas sector continues to be plagued by inefficiency, mismanagement, and lack of professionalism.

    “There is no way we can continue like this. If we are serious about liberating the Nigerian economy, the oil and gas sector must be reformed and made truly productive for the people,” said Rafsanjani, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Amnesty International Nigeria.

    He further recommended that the President should no longer double as Minister of Petroleum Resources to ensure independence and effective oversight of the NNPCL.

    “For NNPCL to function as a genuine commercial entity, free from political interference, the President must relinquish the role of Petroleum Minister. This will enable the company to operate independently and be subject to proper oversight from both the Presidency and the National Assembly. Otherwise, it risks continuing as a political spending tool rather than a strategic economic asset,” he said.

    Rafsanjani also acknowledged the efforts of former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, who, in June 2019, oversaw the publication of the company’s first audited financial statements in 43 years. The 2018 report revealed a loss of N803.9 billion (approximately $2.2 billion). While stakeholders had hoped the transparency initiative would continue, Rafsanjani noted that it was nonetheless a significant milestone that should be built upon.

    He recalled a previous audit initiated during the tenure of former Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, which uncovered major financial discrepancies within the then-NNPC. Unfortunately, he lamented, the report was dismissed by the National Assembly, despite its critical findings.

    Rafsanjani expressed hope that the current push for a comprehensive audit of NNPCL would not be similarly ignored. Signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani Executive Director Civí Society Legislative Advocacy Centre(CISLAC) & Head of Transparency International Nigeria 🇳🇬

  • Smile Nigeria: Connecting Nigerians to What Truly Matters

    Smile Nigeria: Connecting Nigerians to What Truly Matters

    At a time when staying connected has never been more important, Smile Nigeria is on a mission to do more than just provide superfast internet. We’re here to connect Nigerians to what truly matters — loved ones, opportunities, and the joy of everyday life.

    From students attending virtual classes to entrepreneurs running online businesses from their living rooms, Smile has quietly powered the dreams and daily lives of many. But now, we want everyone to know: with Smile, you’re not just getting reliable 4G LTE internet — you’re becoming part of a community that believes in progress, positivity, and people.

    “Smile is more than a network. It’s a promise to deliver seamless connectivity with heart,” said ‘Goke Olaleye, Head of Marketing Operations at Smile Communications. “We know Nigerians are resilient, ambitious, and family-oriented — and we’ve designed our services to support that spirit.”

    With flexible data plans, affordable voice options, and top-notch customer care, Smile is breaking down digital barriers, helping small businesses grow, keeping families connected across distances, and supporting the hustle that makes Nigeria shine.

    Some of the reasons why Nigerians choose Smile are, Fast, stable 4G LTE network coverage in major cities and growing, several bundles options, including options for students and SMEs, as well as a dedicated customer support team, that is trained to listen, solve, and smile — just like our name says.

    As part of our commitment to giving back, Smile is also investing in digital literacy programs and supporting local communities through partnerships that uplift and empower.

    So whether you’re chasing a dream, running a side hustle, or just FaceTiming your family or Bae, Smile is here to make it smoother, faster, and more joyful.
    So, Let’s connect — and grow — together. Let’s Smile.

  • Chief of Naval Engineering pays courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command

    Chief of Naval Engineering pays courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command

    In a significant move to bolster the Nigerian Navy’s prowess, The Chief of Naval Engineering, Rear Admiral Baratuaipri Iyalla, paid a courtesy visit to The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Adeshina Akinwande, today Friday 25 April 2025. The visit updates the Naval engineering branch’s requirements to reflect current realities. Maximizing available funds, explore alternative funding sources, and do more with less. Also to improve efficiency and resource utilization by refining processes, procedures, systems, and standards. Prioritize training and welfare initiatives for officers and men.

    This high-level meeting served as a catalyst for exploring innovative opportunities to augment the Navy’s financial and operational capacities. The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command underscored pivotal areas ripe for development, while the Chief of Naval E Engineering emphasized the need for diversifying funding sources, including commercial initiatives, to drive impactful projects.

    The gathering brought together distinguished officers, including the Fleet Commander Eastern Fleet and Commander Fleet Support Group.

  • The Success Of Our Palliative, Skill Acquisition Initiatives Continues To Inspire Us — Dr Chris Okafor

    The Success Of Our Palliative, Skill Acquisition Initiatives Continues To Inspire Us — Dr Chris Okafor


    Founder and Senior Pastor of the Grace Nation Church International, Lagos, Dr Chris Okafor says the success of his modest contributions to alleviating the hardship of the poor and the less privileged in the society is an elixir that will keep firing him up to do more.

    The preacher who is highly acclaimed for his uncanny prophetic insights while reviewing the impact the last palliative programme had on the masses, said his ministry will not relent in it’s current efforts to ensure that more Nigerians — the poor, widows, and the underprivileged in society — are given succour through the initiative that has run for many years now.

    This year’s programme tagged, “7 Sundays Of Supernatural Help/Charity,” which ran from Sunday, March 9 through Sunday, April 20, 2025 witnessed an unprecedented gesture of philanthropy as thousands of ordinary folks, including members of the church and first-timers, took home food items and clothing.

    This, according to the church’s leader, was in fulfilling his promises about touching more lives through the Chris Okafor Humanity Foundation (COHF), a separate outfit which works in tandem with the Grace Nation Church International.

    “Our decision to always set aside a period each year to distribute food items, and clothing, as well as train willing congregants on skill acquisition is borne out of the need to offer them succour from some of the difficulties they face, especially in this period of high cost of living,” Dr Okafor said.

    The 7-Sundays programme was coming on the heels of a sustained skill-acquisition exercise that saw many participants trained and certified in soap making, sewing, hair making and styling, tye and dye, head-gear tying, etc.

    The man often lovingly addressed as the “Generational Prophet” has been steadfast in his commitment to see that his members and new-comers alike, are not only fed spiritual food but physical ones as well because, according to him, “no hungry man can fully hear and imbibe the word of God. Jesus, our Lord, showed us the way by regularly taking time off to feed the thousands of people who usually thronged venues of his teachings in Biblical times.

    “So, we are simply following in His footsteps and doing what little we can to ensure that we also complement our teachings with offering help to those who so desperately need it in the present age,” Dr Okafor added.

  • NCS: Comptroller Shuaibu Assumes Leadership Of Ikeja Customs

    NCS: Comptroller Shuaibu Assumes Leadership Of Ikeja Customs

    The newly appointed Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, has formally taken over command with a call for maximum cooperation and dedication from officers and men of the unit in fulfilling the anti-smuggling mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

    Speaking during the handover ceremony held at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Comptroller Shuaibu acknowledged the weight of the task ahead and expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs and the Almighty for the opportunity to serve.

    “We have an opportunity, as given to us by the Comptroller General, to make a difference and contribute our own quota in prosecuting the war against smuggling,” he said. “The workload ahead is enormous and can only be tackled with unity, cooperation, and commitment.”

    In his address, he appreciated the leadership of his predecessor, Comptroller Oladeji, and emphasized his intent to maintain open lines of communication for continued guidance.

    “I am taking over, but I will be calling you from time to time to learn from your wealth of experience,” he stated, acknowledging the valuable insight of the outgoing Controller.

    On his part, Comptroller Oladeji expressed confidence in his successor’s capacity to steer the Unit forward. He thanked the Comptroller General and all officers for their unwavering support during his tenure and announced his redeployment to Abuja to assume new responsibilities.

    Comptroller Shuaibu, who hails from Lafia in Nasarawa State, holds a master’s degree in Environmental Studies and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree.

    Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu solicited the support and maximum cooperation of the officers and men of the Unit to deliver on the mandates of the Service. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the service’s seven 7 Golden Rules (7Cs) to always guide the actions and decisions of officers.

    The transition marks a new phase for FOU Zone A as the unit intensifies efforts to curb smuggling and enforce trade regulations across its area of jurisdiction.

  • Onuzuruike Family Announces Passing of Matriarch, Mama Margret Chidinma Onuzuruike

    Onuzuruike Family Announces Passing of Matriarch, Mama Margret Chidinma Onuzuruike

    The Onuzuruike family of Amaogwugwu Umuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State, has announced the passing of their beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Late Mama Margret Chidinma Onuzuruike, who departed this life at the age of 86.

    According to a statement issued by Uchenna Onuzuruike on behalf of the family, burial arrangements for the late matriarch have been scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025.

    Her remains will depart Express Medical Mortuary, Umunwanwa Road, Umuahia, at 9:00 a.m., and proceed to her matrimonial home in Amaogwugwu, Umuahia North LGA. A lying-in-state will take place in her husband’s compound at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., to be conducted by the Faith Tabernacle Congregation, Nigeria.

    Interment will follow immediately after the funeral service.

    The family has requested continued prayers and support during this time of grief.

    May her gentle soul rest in peace, Amen.

  • EASTER REFLECTION AMID CRISIS: CISLAC Condemns Deepening Insecurity, Leadership Apathy, And Calls For Urgent National Renewal

    EASTER REFLECTION AMID CRISIS: CISLAC Condemns Deepening Insecurity, Leadership Apathy, And Calls For Urgent National Renewal

    As Christians in Nigeria and across the world mark Easter—a season that symbolizes sacrifice, hope, and renewal—the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) demands an end to the nation’s growing trauma and calls for collective action against the killings of innocent Nigerians.

    Easter is meant to be a time of deep reflection, not just for individuals but for leaders as well. Yet, for millions of Nigerians, it has become a painful reminder of lives cut short, families shattered, and a country steadily descending into insecurity, economic hardship, and official indifference.

    The ongoing wave of violence—including the attacks on Logo and Gbagir communities in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, and the horrific massacres in Plateau State that claimed over 50 lives—paints a harrowing picture. These are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a much deeper crisis: a breakdown in governance and a failure of the state to protect its people. Killings in other parts of the country—including Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara states—reinforce the fact that violence has become pervasive, and no region is immune.

    According to Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani
    Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) “what makes this reality even more painful is the absence of empathy and decisive leadership from the Tinubu administration. At a time when the nation is crying out for healing and direction, the president’s silence and physical absence are both unacceptable and morally troubling. Leadership is not just about holding office; it is about being present in times of peace and, more importantly, in times of crisis.

    Sadly, Nigerians are forced to watch their leader move from city to city abroad while their own communities suffer. Governance cannot be handled from a distance. National empathy cannot be replaced by press releases or social media posts. If the president cannot provide solutions, the least he can do is stand with his people. If his government cannot end the violence, it must stop pretending that everything is fine.

    Equally troubling is the government’s apparent lack of prioritization in defeating violent criminals, despite the considerable resources allocated to security. The more financial resources are pumped into the system, the more insecurity seems to escalate—raising serious concerns about the strategic will to confront and end these atrocities. Until there is clear accountability and effective deployment of resources, insecurity will continue to thrive.

    Even more worrying is the growing distraction from governance, as political actors shift focus to the 2027 elections. The race for future power is overtaking the urgent need to secure lives, manage our diversity, stabilize the economy, and foster peace. This obsession with political positioning, at a time of national emergency, is reckless and deeply irresponsible.

    Furthermore, the politicization of killings is unacceptable—regardless of religion, tribe, ethnicity, or geographical identity. A killer is a killer and must be treated as such. We must end this dangerous practice of assigning political value to human life and instead return to governance rooted in justice and equality. Until we muster the courage to confront all forms of violence with impartiality, we will continue to undermine our national unity and common humanity.

    CISLAC calls on all arms and levels of government, political leaders, and stakeholders to step back from the politics of ambition and return to the pressing business of rebuilding the nation. Nigerians are not statistics or stepping stones to power. They are citizens—people with dignity, rights, and lives that matter.

    Again, CISLAC demands an end to the misuse of security personnel for political conquest and the creation of political tensions—especially in some non-ruling party states—where certain individuals openly threaten violence to declare another illegal state of emergency.

    As we reflect on the message of Easter, we are reminded of the power of sacrifice and the promise of renewal. It is time for our leaders to rediscover the moral courage to serve with empathy, fairness, accountability, and urgency. We cannot continue on this dark and dangerous path. The blood of innocent citizens must no longer be the price we pay for government failure.

    CISLAC remains resolute in its mission to uphold democratic values, demand transparency, and hold power to account. In these trying times, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advocating for justice, good governance, and the protection of human rights.

    We will continue to amplify the voices of the vulnerable, challenge impunity and corruption, and push for a Nigeria where leadership is rooted in responsibility—not rhetoric. The journey to national renewal demands truth, courage, and action—and CISLAC will not relent.

    Enough is enough. Nigeria deserves better.

  • Popular Bishop Pens Emotional Tribute To Chris Okafor On His Birthday

    Popular Bishop Pens Emotional Tribute To Chris Okafor On His Birthday


    A popular cleric, Bishop Irabor Wisdom Robinson says that, on the basis of what his colleague in ministry, Dr Chris Okafor has done to impact lives and expand the kingdom of God here on earth, a special day known as the “World Dr Chris Okafor Day” be dedicated to celebrate him, especially on occasions when he marks his birthdays.

    The month of April every year is usually a busy one for light-skinned celebrity cleric, Chris Okafor, founder and senior pastor of Lagos-based Grace Nation Church International as family, friends and well-wishers all over the world roll out the red carpet to thank God for using him to impact their lives in many different ways.

    Bishop Irabor, the General Overseer of Answers Assembly, Warri, Delta State is just one of many who has decided to go beyond the normal felicitations to pen a tribute he has dubbed, “Eight Birthday Notes To The Generational Prophet.”

    Bishop Irabor’s tribute essentially congratulates Dr Chris Okafor, the one he calls the “Generational Prophet” on the occasion of his birthday and thanks God for giving the world a gift that has proven to be so beneficial to humanity.

    He then goes on to list outstanding blessings he has received from Dr Okafor who he refers to as the most unassuming personality he has had to work with in his life and ministry.

    “Happy Birthday to the man who is completely different from everything his enemies told you about him. My relationship with you made me know that, you can become a bad person relating with the person people think is good for you, you can also become a good person relating with the person people think is not good for you. I found God relating with you, Dr Chris Okafor,” Bishop Irabor began.

    “Happy birthday to the man whose financial gift to me, in two separate cheques, cleared the first year school fees of both my daughters in private universities. The school fees for both was in the region of four point three million naira (N4.3million). You made me not to feel the pain of paying the first year for both of them. Apart from you and Pastor David Ibiyeomie, no mentor or senior man has ever done anything for me.

    “Happy birthday to the man who taught me how to be a father and a friend with my assistant pastors. I came for training with your pastors, and I saw how you bonded with them as a friend and a brother to them, yet they honour and respect you as a father. Only few men can combine these two aspects with a balance. I saw them respect your authority and still confess their secret battles to you for you to help them overcome. Where I came from, you don’t tell anyone your secret battles as a pastor, you will become a public ridicule.

    “Happy birthday to the man who I followed a few weeks ago to see a mentor who came from Abuja for a programme in Lagos, and in my presence you wrote a cheque of twenty million naira as a prophet offering to that mentor. Most people don’t know you even have more access to fathers in our family tree, than most of us that were raised in that family.

    “Happy Birthday to the man who practically lives a life of fasting and prayers daily. I came to do a three day training programme, and you made me too, to fast and pray with you and the pastors for all three days. At a point, I said to myself, how I wish people know you personally and privately. You are a Christian to the core. I pray for my friends. May you not first meet the enemies of your helper before meeting your helper.

    “Happy birthday to the most quietly blessed man I have ever seen. Your cathedral is about 25,000-seater, with a crowd of people gathered inside every week, and many surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ every service day. You don’t talk about it.

    “The headquarters has so many buildings, offices and event centres. You don’t talk about it. Your Lekki branch is over 50 plots of land. You don’t brag about it. You have over 400 branches home and abroad. You don’t brag about it. It was in your house last year, when I came for dinner with you, that I saw a brand new Rolls Royce and a brand new bullet-proof Land Cruiser jeep, that you have never talked about openly. Let’s not talk about your business investments in several sectors of life. The few that I know of. You are blessed, yet very quiet and humble.

    “Thank you for always allowing me to stay for free, in your ministry’s 5-Star hotel, any time I visit Lagos. I still stayed there last month for free for five days. You saved me so much, sir.

    “Happy birthday to a prophet who is a balanced teacher and a good preacher. I remember joining your service after one of the training programmes I came for. From the beginning to the end, there was no prophecy. I told you after the service, “We know you as a prophet. Why will you do a service and there is no prophecy?” You said to me, “To have a balanced church, you must know how to combine the word, prayers and prophecies. So that nothing is lacking. Today is a teaching and prayer service. If I call for prophetic service, you won’t know this is the man that just finished teaching.”

    “Happy birthday to the man who bought a massive duplex for his Resident Pastor, few minutes drive to his own house in the same estate he lives. They both live in the same estate in Lagos. According to you, “this man left all to follow me. If I don’t do this for him, it means unbelievers who do it in the secular world are better than me.”

    “On my last visit to Lagos, the private driver attached to me showed me the house on our way to see him at home. To confirm what the pastor himself already told me.

    “Thank you for being there for me and several others. I sincerely and genuinely love you. You are my brother for life. Happy birthday, sir,” he added.

  • Fidelity Bank Named “Nigeria’s Best Private Bank” at Euromoney Awards

    Fidelity Bank Named “Nigeria’s Best Private Bank” at Euromoney Awards

    Tier one bank, Fidelity Bank PLC, has been named “Nigeria’s Best Private Bank” at the prestigious Euromoney Awards 2025. The recognition was formally unveiled at the awards ceremony held recently at The Savoy in London. 

    The Euromoney Awards for Excellence are prestigious annual honors and a benchmark for excellence in the global banking and finance industry. Established by Euromoney magazine, the awards highlight outstanding performance, innovation, leadership, and service excellence across various financial sectors and regions.

    Commenting on the award, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank PLC, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe said, “We are truly honored to be recognized by Euromoney as Nigeria’s Best Private Bank. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff as well as our strong commitment to delivering premium wealth management solutions, personalized financial advisory, and superior client service to high-net-worth individuals in Nigeria and beyond.”

    The Euromoney Awards are among the most highly respected in the global financial industry. Winning such an award for its private banking business further builds on Fidelity Bank’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most trusted and customer-centric financial institutions.

    According to a statement on Euromoney’s website, “The bank’s commitment to providing specialised credit solutions also sets it apart. Clients benefit from tailored lending options, including asset-backed lending, real estate financing, and customised credit facilities. These solutions are structured to support complex financial needs while ensuring flexibility and ease.”

    Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. 

    The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

  • Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command Excels In Revenue Generation In The First Quarter Of 2025, Hands Over Expired Drugs To NAFDAC

    Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command Excels In Revenue Generation In The First Quarter Of 2025, Hands Over Expired Drugs To NAFDAC

    The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, under the esteemed leadership of Compt. EJ Edelduok has recorded an impressive achievement in revenue generation. She recently highlighted the Command’s achievements in a media briefing on April 15, 2025.

    She said that the command generated the total sum of Thirty-Eight Billion, One Hundred and Five Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifteen Naira (N38,022,972,592.00) only for the first quarter of 2025. When compared with the first quarter of 2024, which stood at Twenty-Three Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Fifty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty-Five Naira (N23,668,056,535.00) it clearly showed a progressive difference of Fourteen Billion, Four Hundred and Thirty Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty-one Thousand, Three Hundred and Eighty Naira (N14,437,931,380.00) only depicting 61% increase. She attributed the growth to the effective revenue collection strategies and the efforts of the officers and men of the command in combating smuggling and illicit trade.

    She also mentioned that the command seized Nine (9) 40-foot containers of expired drugs which contravened the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and these seized items will be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action.

    Comptroller Edelduok emphasized the command’s commitment to stakeholder engagement through an open-door policy, fostering positive relationships and promoting compliance.

    Expressing gratitude, Comptroller Edelduok thanked the stakeholders and partner agencies for their collaboration and implored them to work together to move the country forward.

    Also, she appreciated the Officers and Men of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command for demonstrating integrity in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade, and urged them to always adhere strictly to the rules of engagements while discharging their statutory duties.

    Furthermore, she appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their support, motivation and the platform to excel.

    Finally, she extended her appreciation to the media for their tireless efforts in keeping the community informed and connected.

    Compt. EJ Edelduok reaffirmed that the command is dedicated to transparency, efficiency and national security in all operations.

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