Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 28th September, 2024.
1. Oil Companies Owe Nigeria $6.17 Billion In Royalties, Taxes – Report Reveals
The indebtedness of oil companies to the Federal Government regarding royalties and taxes has reportedly reached $6.175 billion.
Naturenex reports that details of the debt were confirmed by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) in its audit of the petroleum sector.
The report, presented on Friday in Abuja, detailed that as of August 31, 2024, the unpaid royalties and gas flare penalties owed to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) amounted to $6.071 billion and ₦66.4 billion.
According to the report, the outstanding petroleum profit taxes, company income taxes, withholding taxes, and VAT owed to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) totalled $21.926 million and ₦492.8 million as of June 2024.
NEITI also noted a 9 percent decline in industry revenue for 2023, with figures showing $16.467 billion compared to $18.106 billion in 2022.
The report highlighted a total loss of 7.68 million barrels of crude oil in 2023 due to theft and measurement inaccuracies, marking a significant decrease of 79 percent from the 36.69 million barrels lost in 2022.
Additionally, 153.44 million barrels of crude oil production were deferred in 2023, with companies such as SPDC (39.13 million barrels), TEPNG (6.07 million barrels), and TUPNI (3.5 million barrels) being notably impacted.
It was also reported that the government disbursed ₦3.01 trillion as a petrol subsidy in 2023, a decrease from ₦4.71 trillion in 2022.
The report indicated that 23.54 billion litres of PMS (premium motor spirit) were imported into the country in 2022, while imports fell to 20.28 billion liters in 2023, reflecting a reduction of 3.25 billion litres, or a 14 percent decline, following the subsidy removal.
2. First Lady Of Akwa Ibom, Patience Umo Eno Is Dead
The First Lady Of Akwa Ibom, Patience Umo Eno, is dead.
Naturenex reports that the Akwa Ibom State Government announced the development in a release at dawn on Friday.
The State Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, stated that the First Lady died following a yet undisclosed illness.
Ememobong’s statement tagged “Unexpected Sunset” read, “It is with heavy hearts that we (Akwa Ibom Government) announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno, following an illness.
“She passed away peacefully at the hospital, on 26th September, 2024, in the presence of her family. The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.
“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother and grandmother.
“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”
3. BREAKING: EFCC Arrests Former Governor Over Alleged Fraud
Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have reportedly apprehended Darius Ishaku, a former governor of Taraba State.
Naturenex learnt that Ishaku was arrested over an alleged fraud amounting to ₦27 billion.
Reports indicate that Ishaku, who concluded his tenure as governor in 2023 after eight years in office, was taken into custody from his residence in Abuja during the early hours of Friday.
Daily Trust quoted sources within the anti-graft agency to have revealed that the former governor remained in the custody of the EFCC as of the time this report was filed on Friday night.
One source disclosed that a minimum of 15 charges have been brought against Ishaku, and he is expected to be arraigned in court shortly, as the evidence against him has been gathered.
4. Many Govt Officials Are Ready To Work Free Of Charge – Dogara
A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has asserted that many public officials in Nigeria are more than willing to work for free.
Naturenex reports that Dogara made this assertion during an interview on Channels Television on Friday.
According to him, contrary to popular belief, some Nigerian politicians are not primarily driven by financial gain during their tenure in office.
Dogara maintained that many officials would be prepared to serve without compensation if the expectations of the public were modified accordingly.
He said: “If we can cut the demands on some of these our government officials by 90 per cent I assure you that there are so many people there who are willing to work free of charge,” Dogara said on the programme.
“But the situation is that you cannot put a lot of burden on my head, and you knock on my leg which I am supposed to stand in order to carry the burden.”
Speaking further, the former speaker mentioned that during a recent visit of former national assembly leaders to President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock, they discussed the prevailing hardship and hunger in the country.
5. We Will Kick You Out – Wike Sends Warning To Chinese Company Over Delay In Road Project
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has berated contractors responsible for the delay in the construction of the left hand service carriageway of the 15-kilometre Outer Southern Expressway OSEX from Ring Road 1 (RRI) to Wasa Junction.
Speaking on Friday during a site inspection, Wike knocked China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) for its failure to meet work projections.
He urged the underperforming contractors to work according to timelines or risk contract revocation.
Wike condemned the slow pace of the work, despite receiving over 80% of the contract sum.
He said; “Very bad, I am not encouraged. Yesterday, my attention was drawn when I went to inspect the Apo-Karshi road, which took us through Wassa. I passed through this area and tried to find out where CGC is working, one of the respected companies, as far as I am concerned. But regarding this road, I am not happy.”
Wike noted that despite promises of progress, the contractor had barely completed 50% of the work.
“We have paid over 80 percent of this contract, and as far as I am concerned, they have not done the work”, he stated.
Consequently, the minister summoned the Federal Capital Development Authority FCDA and CGC for an emergency meeting, ordering the contractor to commit to completing the project by May 2025.
6. Court Grants Whistleblower, ‘PIDOMNigeria’ Bail
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to journalist and whistleblower, Isaac Bristol, identified by the Nigeria police as the face behind the PIDOMNigeria account on X.
Naturenex reports that Bristol is being charged with money laundering, unlawfully obtaining and disseminating classified official secret documents and cybercrime.
His arrest and arraignment by the Nigerian police have stirred various reactions from netizens demanding his release.
Justice Emeka Nwite has, however, on Friday, granted the controversial journalist ₦5 million bail with one surety in like sum.
Justice Nwite gave the ruling in response to a motion on notice submitted by Deji Adeyanju, who led Bristol’s team of lawyers.
The motion on notice is a formal request to the court to take a specific action or make a particular decision.
In this case, Adeyanju’s team filed the motion, and Justice Nwite delivered a ruling, which is a judicial decision made by a judge after considering the arguments and evidence presented.
Nwite also ruled that the defendant must deposit his passport with the court.
Part of the bail conditions includes that the surety must be resident in Abuja and depose an affidavit of means. The surety must also provide evidence of three years of tax clearance with two passport photographs.
7. Matawalle vs Lawal: DHQ Opens Investigation Into Sponsorship Of Bandits
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that investigations have commenced into the allegations of bandit sponsorship in some regions of the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, made this known during a press briefing on Thursday.
Naturenex reports the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, have at various times, openly accused each other of sponsoring bandits.
Recently, Matawalle challenged Lawal to swear by the Holy Qur’an that he was not involved in sponsoring bandits, while Lawal said he has reported the matter to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, adding that he has evidence to back up his claim.
Buba noted that the military and all other relevant security agencies are already investigating the matter, and a proper announcement will be made in the future.
In the meantime, the DHQ spokesperson said the focus is to win the war against the bandits and other criminals in the country.
8. Peter Obi Has Too Much To Offer To A System That Is So Locked In Filth – Obidigbo
Dr. Chike Obidigbo, the President of Osisioma Foundation and a long-time friend of Peter Obi, has expressed his discontent with the state of Nigerian politics, particularly in light of the recent Edo State governorship election.
Obidigbo revealed that he had advised the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, to redirect his focus away from Nigeria’s political scene and instead concentrate on initiatives that could benefit young people and the nation in different ways.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the Edo election, Obidigbo remarked that Peter Obi’s support for Olumide Akpata was met with undeserved criticism.
He expressed surprise at those attacking Obi, especially since Akpata was accused of violating zoning agreements in Edo State. Obidigbo was quick to defend Obi’s democratic principles, emphasizing that such attacks highlight the entrenched double standards in Nigerian politics.
The elder statesman went on to express his frustration with the systemic exclusion and marginalization of the Igbo people, suggesting that Obi, like many Igbo leaders, is often hindered by the country’s political landscape.
He argued that while critics were quick to condemn Obi’s actions, there was silence in 2023 when the rotation of power should have favored the Southeast region.
Obidigbo emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy seems to have forgotten the principles of fairness, equity, and respect for the rule of law.
9. ‘At Least 30 PhD Holders Resign From Bauchi University’
No fewer than 30 qualified PhD holders have reportedly resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), previously known as Bauchi State University.
The Bauchi chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) revealed this during a press conference on Friday, where representatives of the union articulated their worries regarding the departure of dons.
ASUU attributed the resignation of the varsity dons to worsening working conditions and insufficient welfare support.
Namo Timothy, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, remarked that the lack of an employee exit policy has compelled many of our top scholars to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Timothy said: “SAZU does not have a pension or death benefit scheme, which is typically found in the established public service regulations of the country.”
He further noted that the absence of such benefits leaves our members feeling uncertain about their future.
Additionally, the union criticized the administration of SAZU for failing to disburse over 650 million naira in outstanding entitlements, which include earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners.
“Despite generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy added.
Naturenex reports that other pressing issues discussed during the press conference include steep increases in student fees and a lack of commitment to staff training and development.
The union accused the university administration of neglecting staff welfare despite recent fee hikes of over 100 per cent for regular undergraduate programs.
“The University claims there are no funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” Timothy said.
ASUU also criticized the prolonged tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has held the position since the university’s inception and has urged compliance with existing appointment regulations.
This scenario fosters a climate devoid of accountability and progressive policies, he stressed.
In response to these issues, ASUU is calling on the Bauchi State Government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of staff, which includes the formulation of a thorough exit policy and the disbursement of long-overdue allowances.
10. Bobrisky: ‘We Will Not Spare Anybody, No Matter How Highly Placed’ – FG
The Federal Government has said all persons involved in the alleged bribery case of popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, would be made to face the law after investigation.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the vow at a press briefing on Friday in Abuja to mark his one year in office.
Naturenex reported that about four officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) were suspended by the Minister after he ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the service.
In the press briefing, Tunji-Ojo disclosed that of the four senior officers suspended, two were connected to the Bobrisky case.
He called on Nigerians to be patient with the government to finish the investigation, stating that “nobody will be protected“.
“We will not spare anybody no matter how highly placed. Let’s be patient. Investigation is on but let’s be assured that nobody will be shielded and nobody will be protected.
“It is not just about Bobrisky. Of the four people we suspended only two are linked to Bobrisky. The one in Afikpo took somebody out. This will continue. It is not going to stop here,” Tunji-Ojo said.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naturenex. See you again tomorrow.
