Rountrip

The Centre for Accountability and Transparency (CAAT) has called for an investigation into Matrix Oil's importation of blended crude oil, alleging violation of international sanctions on Russian oil. Speaking at a press conference, convener Okwa Dan claims Matrix Oil's actions have caused economic sabotage, environmental pollution, and health risks to Nigerians. The group alleges that Matrix Oil imported adulterated petroleum products from Malta, resulting in a $2.8 billion bill for Nigeria in 2023 alone. Dan adds that the company's actions violate international sanctions on Russian crude oil, which could lead to diplomatic crises for Nigeria. "The oil products imported from Malta by this company are also dirty on the ethical level because it is the product of the violation of international sanctions imposed on Russia to deter it from waging an unjust war on a sovereign nation, Ukraine, which it invaded," the statement said. "The sanctions capped the purchase...

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has given assurance that students from the south east geopolitical zone will soon be included in the Federal Government students’ loan. It will be recalled that the South East Caucus in the National Assembly has protested the exclusion of the region after the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUN) released the list of the institutions that will benefit from the loan nationwide. In a statement on Monday, Deputy Speaker said that his office has engaged the authorities in charge of the students loans, expressing optimism that in the coming days, the matter would be resolved. The deputy speaker has already engaged the directors in NELFUN with regards to the issue. During the engagement, issues of poor registration of students from the south east against the total number of students in the schools in the region were identified as the reason for non shortlisting of names. Similarly, there were mistakes with the comp...

By David Tunde In a flagrant and audacious exhibition of corporate greed and regulatory failure, Matrix Energy Limited, a prominent player in Nigeria's petroleum industry, led by CEO Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, has become embroiled in a scandal of monumental proportions involving the importation of subpar fuel products. This disturbing revelation, compounded by the company's alleged complicity in illicit activities, raises grave concerns regarding the integrity of the Nigerian fuel supply chain and the potential perils to public health and safety. Through the deliberate importation of blended low-grade petroleum products, which are subsequently sold as high-quality fuel, Matrix Energy is not only jeopardizing lives but also subverts the country's economic governance framework. Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, a member of the esteemed Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PEEC), is exploiting his position of influence and proximity to powerful and corrupt individuals in the Nigerian ...

Aerovessel Group of Companies has moved to a new, and larger location to better serve its valued clients and partners.with official opening and celebration of 10 years of existence slated for September 21, 2024.     The organisation's new address is number 22, Ifiok Ojuolape Crescent, Osapa Estate Gardens, ShopRite Road, Osapa Lekki, Lagos.   According to a press release issued on Sunday August 23, 2024 by the management of Aerovessel Group of Companies and signed by the company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hon. Abolaji Kelani, this move represents a significant milestone in the organisation's growth and commitment to providing top-notch services.    "Our new location is designed to enhance our operations and offer a more comfortable and efficient environment for our clients and team members.   "We look forward to welcoming you to our new office and continuing to provide the exceptional service you have come to expect from Aerovessel Group of Compa...

The Yoruba Progressive Coalition (YPC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to sack Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL), over allegations of corruption and mismanagement. In an open letter to the President, the YPC expressed deep concerns about the state of affairs at the NNPCL under Kyari's leadership, describing it as a "fountain of corruption" and a "golden conduit pipe" for siphoning the country's wealth. The group further alleged that Kyari's actions have led to devastating consequences for the economy and the Nigerian people. The YPC accused Kyari of lacking vision, commitment to good governance, and transparency, and of prioritizing personal wealth and power above the welfare of Nigerians. The letter, signed by Otumba Slayemi Kayode, Convener of the YPC, and other members, warned that if Kyari continues to occupy leadership positions, Nigeria risks being relegated to a state of arrested develop...

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has been given a 48-hour ultimatum to apologise and resign from office over his alleged involvement in the appointment of a suspected gunrunner, Bashir Hadejia, as an aide. The Arewa Progressives Youth Forum (APYF) issued the ultimatum, condemning the state government's attempt to deceive the public regarding the appointment. According to the forum, two appointment letters bearing the same date, signature, and content have surfaced, exposing the government's brazen attempt to cover up the truth and mislead the public. "We are appalled and outraged by the Zamfara State Government's shocking attempt to deceive the public regarding the appointment of Bashir Hadejia, a suspected gunrunner, as an aide to Governor Dauda Lawal," a statement signed by its President Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir said.  "Despite initial denials, two appointment letters have surfaced, bearing the same date (27th October 2023), signature (Mai Abubakar M. Nak...

A group of concerned Nigerian citizens has petitioned the US government to investigate and sanction the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its CEO, Mele Kyari, for allegedly violating sanctions on Russian crude oil. In a letter to the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the group claims that NNPCL, under Kyari's leadership, has been importing Russian crude oil and petroleum products above the price cap set by the Price Cap Coalition, comprising the US, G7, EU, and Australia. The Concerned Citizens on Economic Reform Nigeria (CCERN) alleges that NNPCL has been blending petroleum products in Malta with Russian crude oil sourced above the $60 per barrel threshold, resulting in a violation of the sanctions. They further claim that the transactions involved amount to over $2.08 billion, enabling Russia to earn substantial revenue to fund its war efforts. “The breach of the sanction is eing led by one Mr Meie Kolo Kyari in his...

The Benue Youth Alliance for Good Governance (BYAGG) has vowed to resist the alleged plot by the State government to frustrate Dangote Cement PLC out of the state. The group claims that Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration plans to use multiple taxation and thugs to harass staff and frustrate the company's operations. BYAGG president, John Yiye, and secretary, Solomon Oche, at a press conference, stated that the plot is aimed at paving the way for Governor Alia to buy the cement company through a proxy. They argued that this move would harm the state's economy and lead to job losses, and worsening insecurity. "As you all know, Dangote Cement PLC, through its plant at Tse-Kucha, Gboko Local Government and its business outlets is the highest employer of labour in Benue State after the federal, state and local governments," the statement said.  "According to our source, the Alia administration has perfected plans to use multiple taxations, including those not...

Civil Society Organisation, Centre for Public Accountability (CPA) has expressed concern over the troubling development regarding recent activities within Nigeria’s energy sector. The Centre in a statement by its spokesman, Ebenezer Oluwole, said it uncovered plans by the Dangote Group to undermine the operations of Matrix Energy Group, a leading player in petroleum supply and distribution in Nigeria. It said this attack on Matrix Energy indicates a larger, more concerning trend of the Dangote Group’s ongoing efforts to monopolize Nigeria's energy sector. The Centre said: “The latest actions against Matrix Energy are not isolated incidents but rather part of a series of desperate attempts by the Dangote Group to extend its dominance over the energy market. “This pattern mirrors the group's past behaviour in other industries, where it has systematically dismantled competitors to secure monopolistic control. The consequences of such tactics are harmful to individual companies and...

The Coalition for Human Rights Advocacy in Africa (CHRADA) has praised the Rivers State Police Command for apprehending Preye Josiah, a notorious dynamite expert linked to several high-profile crimes. In a statement signed by Dr. Joyce Idakwo, the Centre hailed the efforts of the Police but demanded prompt action against his sponsors and collaborators.  Furthermore, CHRADA emphasised that those hiding in President Bola Tinubu's cabinet or the National Assembly, who are suspected to be involved in these criminal activities, deserve to be arrested by the police. The organisation stressed that no one should be above the law, regardless of their position or influence. The Centre, therefore, urged the police to arrest everyone mentioned by Preye as his collaborators, as available information shows that they are well-known but highly placed. "We applaud the police for their efforts in bringing this criminal to justice, particularly after he was severely injured during a failed explo...

By Arnold Owie A national scandal has unfolded with the revelation of substandard petroleum products being imported into Nigeria, linked to a shadowy oil blending plant in Malta. Leaked documents and interviews expose a complex web of corruption involving NNPC personnel, oil traders, and terminal operators. Matrix Energy, owned by Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, a member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), is at the center of this scandal. The company has been importing low-grade petroleum products from Russia, blending them in Malta, and selling them in Nigeria. Aliu's actions demonstrate a disregard for the Nigerian people's welfare. Matrix Energy's logistical infrastructure suggests a deliberate attempt to undermine local refinery efforts, ensuring continued importation of inferior fuel products. The allegations against Aliu are severe, including securing preferential access to crude oil cargoes and trading them through a UAE-based entity. The Malta saga is ...

By Gabriel Okino  A lot has been said about the former governor of Zamfara state and Minister for State for Defence, Hon Bello Matawalle. Interestingly, they dwelled in the realm of speculation and not reality. There is a fact that can't be washed away about Hon Bello Matawalle: he is a bold and courageous individual who does not suffer fools gladly. He might not be the darling of newspapers, but a close encounter with him would reveal the depth and quality of his thoughts and how pragmatic he can be in his methodologies. I had an encounter with him, and I was left speechless with the revelations that followed. I was confronted with someone who exuded brilliance and a grasp of governance issues. Although he presents a shy mien, he is not a shy individual. Rather, he is fierce in thoughts and actions. This much he has brought to bear as the minister of state for Defence. Indeed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saw and recognized these attributes in him, hence the appointment. I dare say...

By Mary Odoma There seems to be a huge partition between Nigerian industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote and other Nigerian economy drivers. His visionary gait and purposefulness are fixated on recreating the essentials required to prop up the depleting economic fortune of Nigeria amidst contending voices. Since 1977, when he ventured into business, trading in agricultural commodities and engaging in business supplies such as sugar and cement, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has never looked back. In 1981, he incorporated his numerous businesses, which eventually became a conglomerate. Today, the Dangote Group of Companies is a household name in Nigeria and beyond. The holding company's interest became so massive that its positive economic impact within Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa became profound, edging out numerous foreign products from the West African domestic market. A strong advocate of industrialization, Alhaji Dangote believes that dependence on the importation of finished products to ...

An alleged mastermind of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, Bashir Hadejia has been naming other masterminds of the violent protests as he confessed to their part of a plot to destabilize Nigeria following his arrest by the police for treason, subversive activities against the Nigerian government, Trans-border gun-running, heist and other transnational crimes. The suspect was caught with documents that incriminated him of impersonation, including tracking documents of high-profile personalities and an international passport of the Republic of Vanuatu valid till 14th of September, 2030. A source familiar with Hedejia’s confession revealed he named the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara State and the publisher of PointBlank News, Jackson Ude as co-mastermind of a comprehensive plot to destabilise Nigeria. He also named a former National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Gusau as the chief sponsor of the protest. Gusau is one of the key elements...

A coalition of civil society organizations under the umbrella of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Forum (NSCF) has urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, to investigate allegations of corruption against a member of the House, Ikenga Ugochinyere. The convener of the group, Alhaji Yerima Shettima; spokesman, Ali Mohammed Sani and secretary general, Danjuma Paul, at a Press Conference today in Kaduna, said if the allegations are not investigated, they pose a significant risk to Nigeria’s democratic foundations and must be addressed with utmost severity. The coalition said its mission is to ensure that those who have been elected to serve the people adhere unwaveringly to their responsibilities. It said: “Accountability lies at the very heart of a functioning democracy; when representatives err or engage in misconduct, it is the duty of us all to highlight these discrepancies and demand justice. “In recent weeks, Nigeria has been enveloped in significant t...

The Christian Youth Forum of Nigeria (CYFN) has called for the immediate removal of Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited), over his handling of the persistent fuel queues across the country. In a statement by its National President, Rev. Phrank Ochiga, the group described Kyari's leadership as a "disaster" and accused him of being a "master of excuses, a king of incompetence, and a lord of lies." They also alleged that his tenure has been marked by controversy, including subsidy scams, importation of substandard petroleum products, and mismanagement of the Port Harcourt Refinery. The group lamented that the current situation has led to untold hardship on Nigerians, who are forced to buy fuel for over 1,000 Naira per liter, describing it as "economic terrorism" masterminded by Kyari. They accused him of showing no empathy, compassion, or willingness to solve the problem, but instead enr...

The Coalition on Good Governance and Accountability (CGGA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to sack the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun and the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein over poor funding of the capital components of the 2024 budget. The group, in a statement signed by its chairman Dr. Anthony Apochi, said the non-release of funds has had a devastating impact on Nigerians. Apochi lamented that it has led to a lack of investment in critical infrastructure, resulting in a decline in economic activity, and a rise in unemployment. “The 2024 budget, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, earmarked a total sum of N9tn for capital expenditure, aimed at funding critical infrastructure projects, social programs, and economic development initiatives,” he said. “This capital expenditure component is a vital part of the budget, designed to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the standard of living for Nigerians. “The component includes allocatio...