Category: News

$3bn Refinery Fraud: EFCC uncovers N80bn in sacked MD’s Accounts, arrests Top NNPCL Officials

Emporium Reporters

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the recently sacked managing directors and several top officials of Nigeria’s three major refineries—Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna—over alleged misappropriation of nearly $3 billion earmarked for their rehabilitation.   PUNCH reports that the EFCC is currently investigating the total sum of $2.96 billion allocated for the revamp of the facilities: $1.56 billion for the Port Harcourt Refinery, $740.6 million for Kaduna, and $656.9 million for Warri. Among those arrested are former managing directors Ibrahim Onoja (Port Harcourt Refining Company) and Efifia…

Jubilation in Port Harcourt as 500 Women receive SDGs/RHI Empowerment Support

Abubakar Yusuf

It was a moment of joy and celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as 500 women across the 23 Local Government Areas benefitted from a major empowerment programme jointly organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the humanitarian platform of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.   The initiative, part of a nationwide programme, is in line with Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal…

World Press Freedom Day 2025: NUJ FCT urges ethical use of AI in Journalism

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called for the ethical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in media practice, as journalists across the globe mark the 2025 World Press Freedom Day. Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, highlighted the growing influence of AI in news production and dissemination. She stressed the importance of embracing innovation without compromising the principles of press freedom and journalistic integrity. This year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave…

NHRC advocates ethical AI use to safeguard Press Freedom

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As Nigeria marks the 2025 World Press Freedom Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the development of ethical and legal frameworks to guide the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), ensuring its alignment with human rights principles.   Speaking in Abuja on the eve of the celebration, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, emphasized that while AI presents opportunities to enhance journalism—such as content creation, investigative reporting, and fact-checking—it also carries significant risks when misused.   Dr. Ojukwu warned that AI can be manipulated…

Tension in Mgbom N’Achara as Council Chairman disrupts Ezeship selection, assaults State Official

Lukman Laleye Babalola

What was meant to be a peaceful selection process for a traditional ruler in Mgbom N’Achara, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, turned chaotic on Wednesday, May 1, 2025, following the alleged violent interference by the Council Chairman, Hon. Chinonso Aja Consider.   The exercise, held at Mgbom Central School, Okposi, was organized by the community to select a new Eze (traditional ruler) through its age-old kindred-based voting system. Residents said the election began smoothly under the supervision of a local electoral committee led by Dr. Aja Uwa, a…

Meta threatens Facebook, Instagram shutdown in Nigeria over $290million fines

Emporium Reporters

Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has threatened to restrict access to both social platforms in Nigeria following hefty penalties imposed by local regulatory authorities. Last year, three Nigerian regulatory agencies slammed the U.S.-based tech giant with cumulative fines exceeding $290 million for various alleged violations of national laws and regulations. Meta recently contested the sanctions at a High Court in Abuja, but the court ruled against the company, mandated that it settle the fines by the end of June 2025. While Meta also owns the…

Nigeria Customs pilots Electronic Currency Declaration System at Abuja Airport

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched the pilot phase of its Electronic Currency Declaration Form (e-CDF) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, marking a significant step in its ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen border controls. The pilot, which began on April 9, 2025, has been executed without any issues, demonstrating the system’s capability to handle the digital capture of both inbound and outbound currency declarations. This digital transformation is aimed at enhancing the efficiency, security, and accountability of currency declarations for cross-border travellers. Throughout the pilot phase,…

Niger Police arrests Burglars, recover 50 Stolen Sheep in separate operations

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing efforts to combat crime across the state, with the arrest of burglars in Minna and the recovery of 50 stolen sheep in Kontagora.   In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed that two burglars were apprehended in connection with a housebreaking incident in the Brighter area of Minna, while another suspect was arrested for livestock theft in Kontagora.   According to the statement, on April 30, 2025, at about 11:45…

Customs CG Adeniyi commissions renovated School, Health Centre in Lagos Community

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme tagged ‘Customs Cares’, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commissioned a newly renovated Local Authority Primary School and a Primary Healthcare Centre in the Sagbokoji community, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State. The commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, was led by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to supporting its host communities through impactful development initiatives.   “We are undertaking projects that will have direct impact on our schools and…

Nigeria validates 2025 VNR on SDGs, launches progress report and inclusive Data Plan ….. UN, NGF, Stakeholders back Evidence-Based Approach to 2030 Agenda

Abubakar Yusuf

Nigeria has officially validated its 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while also launching the 2024 SDGs Progress Report and the Inclusive Data Charter (IDC) Action Plan, signaling a renewed national commitment to accelerating sustainable development ahead of the 2030 deadline. The validation event, held in Abuja, brought together top government officials, development partners, civil society actors, academia, and representatives of vulnerable groups in a demonstration of inclusive governance. Speaking at the event, Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila emphasized…