The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Christmas: Governor Lawal donates N160 million to security agencies  

    Christmas: Governor Lawal donates N160 million to security agencies  

    Governor Dauda Lawal donated N160 million to the security agencies in the state as part of his appreciation to their performance as enforcement agencies in safeguarding the lives of the people of the state.

    The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada made the donation at the end-of the-year tour to honour security and law enforcement agencies in recognition of their efforts of safeguarding the people.

    The governor said the visit, the first of its kind in the state, served as a strategic engagement aimed at recognising the dedication, sacrifices and resilience of the security personnel in protecting the lives and property of the citizens.

    According to him, the visit also aims to bolster the morale of the personnel and strengthen collaboration between the state government and federal security agencies in the fight against all forms of criminalities.

    The governor conveyed the profound gratitude of the government and people of Zamfara to the frontline men and women battling insecurity across the state.

    He further solicited for more concerted efforts towards addressing the state’s security challenges, reassuring that the state government would continue to provide all the support they required to perform their duties effectively.

    Read Also: Christmas beyond customs, toward conscience and courage

    Lawal also extended heartfelt condolences to the agencies, praying for the eternal rest of the officers who might have paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

    “To further demonstrate the state government’s appreciation, we distributed N160 million across the agencies as end-of-year solidarity package.

    “The kind gesture is to enable them celebrate the yuletide festivities with ease,” the governor said.

    The tour covered 1 Bridge Command of the Nigerian Army, 207 Air Force Quick Response Group, Garrison Command, State Police Command, Nigerian Customs Service, Department of State Security, Police Mobile (MP) 42.

    Other agencies visited by the governor included Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and the State Community Protection Guards (CPG). 

  • 2baba Foundation supports Abuja countdown to 2026

    2baba Foundation supports Abuja countdown to 2026

    The 2Baba Foundation has once again thrilled residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by offering the iconic music star for a command and special performance at the Abuja countdown to 2026.

    The event, organised by Yankee Entertainment in collaboration with Renewed Hope Youth Engagement, and Office of the special Assistant to the President on Social Events, is designed to usher Abuja residents into the New Year with high-energy entertainment, marking a joyful start to 2026.

    The 2Baba Foundation is widely known for its strong public partnerships, particularly on events that connect with grassroots communities and fans across the country.

    Speaking on the expected command performance, the Foundation’s management said the decision was influenced by the strong bond between the African Queen crooner and Abuja residents, noting that the performance was a way of showing appreciation and spreading love as the city prepares to enter a new calendar year.

    Read Also:2Baba apologises to Nigerians amid marital controversy

    “2Baba Foundation believes in positivity and the promise of the future. What we preach at the Foundation is simple: anybody can be anything at any time, and there should be no loss of hope regardless of the situation,” the statement said.

    “2Baba’s story is a classic grass-to-grace narrative. Standing tall to perform for our people while ushering them into 2026 is inspirational and will go a long way in encouraging residents to embrace self-belief in the New Year,” said the show organiser, Mallam Yankee.

    The December 31 event will also feature performances by other artistes, including Magnito, Shoday, Fola, and Soundboi BME.

    Activities for the countdown will commence as early as 2:00 p.m. at the Eagle Square, with attractions such as concert, MSME exhibition, drift show, children’s arena and a fireworks display.

  • CDS to troops: Nigeria is grateful to you

    CDS to troops: Nigeria is grateful to you

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has said the nation owes the troops on the frontline an immeasurable debt of gratitude.

    The CDs said Nigerians are grateful to the troops for remaining vigilant and confronting diverse threats to the nation’s collective peace and security, while the citizens enjoy Christmas with their loved ones.

    Oluyede said this in a special tribute he sent yesterday to frontline troops on today’s Christmas celebration.

    He said: “I pay a special tribute to our gallant frontline troops who, even during this sacred season, remain deployed across various theatres of operation in the defence of our nation.

    “Your courage, discipline, professionalism, and selfless service, often at great personal sacrifice, epitomise the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. You remain vigilant, confronting diverse threats to our collective peace and security, while others enjoy Christmas with their loved ones. For this, the nation owes you an immeasurable debt of gratitude.”

    In the personal statement, the CDS thanked fellow citizens for their resilience, patriotism, and continued support for the military, despite the multifaceted security challenges confronting the nation.

    He noted that Christmas is a season that embodies love, sacrifice, hope, and renewal, offering the people a solemn opportunity to reflect on “our shared humanity, our collective responsibilities as a nation as well as our unwavering commitment to peace, unity and national progress”.

    Oluyede stressed that the citizens’ steadfast belief in the Nigerian project is a vital source of strength and motivation for the troops.

    The CDS said trust, cooperation and synergy between the military and the citizenry are indispensable to the attainment of sustainable peace and security across the country.

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    He added that the military would continue to remain resolute in its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic institutions.

    Oluyede reassured the personnel of the Armed Forces that their welfare remains a top priority and main focus under his leadership.

    “We are firmly committed to improving the living and working conditions of our personnel and their families through enhanced welfare packages, improved healthcare delivery, better accommodation, timely payment of allowances and sustained support for the families of our fallen heroes,” he said.

    The CDS urged Nigerians to use the festive period to promote peace, tolerance and unity across ethnic, religious and cultural lines.

    He added: “Our diversity remains our strength and our collective resolve is the foundation upon which a secure, stable and prosperous Nigeria will be built.

    “As we celebrate this season of goodwill, I urge all members of the Armed Forces to reflect on the teachings of Christ, which express peace, love, forgiveness, selflessness and purposeful service.”

    The CDS urged members of the Armed Forces to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We must also continue to uphold the values of honour, integrity and service to the nation,” he said.

    Oluyede thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for the Armed Forces.

    “To our sister security agencies, I call for sustained collaboration, synergy and unity of effort in our collective quest to safeguard our dear nation,” the CDS said.

  • PDP may set up joint caretaker committee

    PDP may set up joint caretaker committee

    • ‘Saraki’s peace formula is solution’

    Concerned Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders have begun moves to broker peace between the two factions of the party.

    The peace move is said to be in accordance with the formula suggested by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

    According to party sources, PDP leaders who are interested in averting uncertainties ahead of the 2027 polls have reached out to the factional leaders – Chief Nyesome Wike and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Alhaji Saminu Turaki – to consider the option of withdrawing pending court cases and agree on a new national convention date.

    A source, who was privy to the proposed reconciliation deal, said: “The PDP has to return to the Saraki suggestion to restore sanity and survive.”

    From the beginning of the protracted crisis, Saraki had urged PDP leaders to manage their affairs in a way that they would not need to resort to litigation.

    The former Senate President, who also cautioned against factionalisation, had envisaged that going to court would stall the progress and unity of the party.

    Saraki said factions would only play into the hands of the foes plotting the party’s future electoral downfall.

    He also advised the gladiators that the leaders should manage the party to get to the National Convention, where they can fix all the issues, review the constitution, and chart the way forward.

    Also, a Lagos chieftain of the PDP, who decried the neglect of Saraki’s advice, said party elders were trying to bring the two camps into amity.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Six Rivers PDP Reps defect to APC

    He said: “The party leaders did not listen. They pushed the matter until there are resultant court cases and factions. With the litigations, Saraki advised that the best move is to stop the convention and set up a caretaker committee that will be used to resolve all the issues and reconcile the various factions and groups.

    “Still, the feuding parties refused to listen, and they went to hold a convention that has now become an exercise in futility. With the decision of the INEC, the PDP has now become a flock of sheep without shepherds, a ship without a captain.”

    The party elder added: “The next move is to return to the Saraki formula. As the former governor of Kwara State has counselled, the leaders should not wait for the court to give judgment in any of the cases.

    “The party leaders should move among themselves and start talking about resolving the disagreements. I am happy about the latest peace effort.”

  • Osun House of Assembly passes N723 billion 2026 Budget

    Osun House of Assembly passes N723 billion 2026 Budget

    • Otu signs Cross River’s N961b Appropriation Bill into law

    The Osun State House of Assembly has passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N723,454,988,670.00.

    The Nation recalls that last month, Governor Ademola Adeleke submitted the 2026 Appropriation Bill, named: ‘The Buget of Economic Transformation’ to the House of Assembly for scrutiny and passage.

    In Cross River State, Governor Bassey Otu signed the 2026 budget of N961 billion into law yesterday.

    A statement in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, by Governor Adeleke’s Chief Press Secretary, Olamide Tiamiyu, said Speaker Adewale Egbedun confirmed that the budget was passed after detailed consideration by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation. Contributions from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were also considered before the passage of the Appropriation Bill.

    The Speaker said the lawmakers engaged in extensive debates to ensure that the proposals aligned with the developmental priorities and socio-economic needs of the state.

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    “The budget also emphasised fiscal responsibility, transparency, and prudent management of public resources.

    “The revenue estimates for the 2026 budget include an opening balance of N16,192,300,490.00, recurrent revenue of N421,253,229,320.00, and capital receipts of N286,009,458,860.00. This brings the total inflow to N723,454,988,670.00.

    “On the expenditure side, the budget allocates N135,005,722,430.00 for personnel costs and N185,768,933,880.00 for other recurrent expenditures.

    The subtotal for recurrent expenditure is, therefore, N320,774,356,310.00. Capital expenditure has been set at N402,680,332,360.00, bringing the total outflow to N723,454,988,670.00,” he said.

    Egbedun hailed fellow lawmakers for the speedy passage of the budget.

    Governor Otu described the budget as “a statement of purpose and a solemn commitment to social stability, inclusion, and shared prosperity”.

    The signing ceremony took place at the Government House in Calabar in the presence of the lawmakers.

    The governor said the budget was carefully packaged to respond to the realities facing the state while laying a solid foundation for long-term growth.

    “This budget is more than a legal appropriation,” he said. “It is our blueprint for economic transformation, social protection, and the delivery of tangible dividends of democracy to our people.”

    He hailed the House of Assembly for their “diligence, transparency, and patriotism” throughout the budget process.

    Otu said the budget places strong emphasis on capital development, with significant investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, energy, and social protection.

    “By prioritising roads, bridges, urban renewal, and rural connectivity, we are not just building infrastructure; we are unlocking new economic opportunities across our cities and communities,” he stated.

    Otu stressed that human capital development remained at the heart of his administration’s agenda.

    “Our education sector remains central to our future,” he said, adding that the budget provides for improved learning infrastructure, teacher development, and better educational outcomes to prepare young people for a modern economy.

  • Akume assures civil service of full digitisation

    Akume assures civil service of full digitisation

    • SGF office goes live on 1-Gov Cloud ECMS

    The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has formally begun the transition to a fully digitised records and administrative system.

    It assured the nation that the move would strengthen digital governance, efficiency and transparency across its operations.

    Speaking at the flag-off of the 1-Government (1 Gov) Cloud Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said the initiative underscored the office’s commitment to modernising governance processes in line with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSIP 2025).

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, Senator Akume described the ECMS as a critical tool for transforming how the OSGF manages official records, workflows and inter-ministerial communications.

    He said the system would provide a secure and integrated platform that improves timeliness, accuracy and decision-making.

    According to him, the OSGF’s role is to be the coordinating hub of government policies and programmes, made digital efficiency imperative.

    Read Also: Akume: Inter-faith trust key to national cohesion, development

    “With the ECMS, our processes will be faster, more reliable and better aligned with the demands of contemporary public administration,” he said.

    Akume noted that he full implementation of digitisation would enhance accountability and transparency in government business.

    The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who officially flagged off the deployment, hailed the SGF and his management team for embracing the enterprise content management platform.

    She said the adoption of the ECMS marked a significant step in digitising work processes and strengthening service delivery across the federal civil service.

    Mrs. Walson-Jack noted that the OSGF’s responsibility for coordinating Federal Executive Council (FEC) business and maintaining constant engagement with the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) meant that traditional paper-based processes were no longer adequate.

    According to her, the speed and accuracy required for effective governance can only be achieved through digital systems.

    The HoCSF stressed that the introduction of the ECMS would ensure that government records are secure, easy to track and readily accessible when needed, thereby supporting smoother workflows and better-informed decisions.

    She added that deploying the system on the One Gov Cloud platform would transform how work is done, enable electronic approvals, automate routine processes and significantly improve overall performance in the federal civil service.

    The launch of the 1-Gov Cloud ECMS is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s public service digital transformation agenda, positioning the OSGF as a model for efficient, transparent and technology-driven governance.

  • Ex-UN envoy Arthur Mbanefo dies at 95

    Ex-UN envoy Arthur Mbanefo dies at 95

    • Tinubu, family, associates, others mourn

    A former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations (UN), Chief Arthur Christopher Mbanefo, has died.

    He was 95.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday expressed deep condolences to the family, associates, and the people of Anambra State over the passing of the former envoy.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the late Mbanefo as an accounting icon, a seasoned administrator and an elder statesman whose life of service was defined by integrity, hard work and patriotism.

    The late Mbanefo also served as the Pro-Chancellor of leading Nigerian universities, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

    He was a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

    Read Also: Arthur Mbanefo donates research centre to UNILAG

    President Tinubu noted that Mbanefo distinguished himself in public service with uncommon dedication and a high sense of duty, while his contributions in the private sector helped pioneer innovations in Nigeria’s accounting, taxation and audit systems.

    “Chief Mbanefo belonged to one of the finest stocks of Nigeria’s elder statesmen, whose professional excellence and ethical standards left enduring footprints in national development,” the President said.

    He also commiserated with the government and people of Anambra State, urging all those mourning to take comfort in the enduring legacy of the late diplomat and technocrat, whose contributions, he said, remain indelibly etched in Nigeria’s development history.

    President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of Chief Mbanefo’s soul and for divine comfort for his family and loved ones.

  • Emeje to chair global traditional medicine body

    Emeje to chair global traditional medicine body

    Nigeria has reached a significant global milestone in natural medicine governance.

    This followed the appointment of the Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Prof. Martins Emeje, as the Co-Chair of the newly established Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

    The appointment places Emeje at the centre of the WHO’s efforts to strengthen health systems worldwide through evidence-based traditional and integrative medicine, under its Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025.

    Emeje was named the Co-Chair alongside Dr. Susan Wieland (Director at Cochrane Complementary Medicine), following the formal unveiling of the 19-member advisory group by the WHO.

    The group is expected to provide a high-level technical and strategic guidance on policy frameworks, research priorities, standards and best practices for the safe and effective integration of traditional medicine into national health systems.

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    Announcing the creation of the group, the WHO described it as “a decisive step in applying a scientific response to traditional medicine”.

    The global health regulator noted that the rapid global expansion of traditional and complementary medicine had outpaced the development of strong evidence, standards and regulatory systems.

    At the inaugural meeting of the advisory group, held alongside the Second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit in New Delhi, India, the organisation’s Assistant Director General for Health Systems, Access and Data, Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, said the moment marked a turning point for traditional medicine globally.

    “This is a pivotal moment for traditional medicine as it embodies cultural heritage, national health identities and a vital component of policy healthcare strategies,” Nakatani said.

    She explained that the advisory group would help the WHO and its member-states move from fragmented approaches to a more coordinated, science-driven framework that recognises both the cultural relevance and public health potential of traditional medicine.

    The WHO’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Sylvie Briand, underscored the urgency of the initiative, warning that appropriate safeguards had not matched the sector’s rapid growth.

    “The situation whereby the rapid growth of traditional medicine has not been matched by strong evidence, standards, regulatory frameworks or sustainable governance underscores the urgency of this initiative,” Briand said.

    Emeje’s appointment is widely seen as a recognition of Nigeria’s expanding role in research, innovation and regulation of natural medicines.

    As the Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, he has led efforts to promote the scientific validation, regulation and commercialisation of natural medicine products.

    Emeje has also pushed for stronger quality assurance and evidence-based practice in the sector.

    His election as the Co-Chair of the WHO advisory group signals growing confidence in Nigeria’s institutional capacity to contribute meaningfully to global health policy discussions, particularly in areas where traditional knowledge intersects with modern science.

    The Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine is expected to advise the WHO on integrating traditional medicine into national health systems without compromising safety, efficacy and quality.

    Its work will include guidance on research methodologies, regulatory standards, innovation pathways and governance models that align traditional practices with contemporary public health goals.

    WHO said the establishment of the group is a core component of its Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025, which seeks to harness the benefits of traditional medicine while addressing long-standing concerns around unverified claims, inconsistent standards and weak oversight.

  • We will continue to promote religious tolerance, says Tinubu

    We will continue to promote religious tolerance, says Tinubu

    • ‘Christmas a solemn season beyond celebration, festivities’

    As Nigerians join the rest of the world in celebrating Christmas today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to the protection of all faiths in an atmosphere of religious tolerance and harmony.

    He said his Administration would build on sustained engagements with leaders of major faiths to prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence, as part of broader efforts to strengthen national unity and stability.

    President Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of the Christian leaders to national development and urged them to sustain the tempo.

    In his Christmas message, the President said dialogue with Christian and Muslim leaders had remained central to his administration’s response to religious intolerance and insecurity, noting that such engagements would be expanded to reinforce harmony across the country.

    Statesmen, politicians, traditional rulers and religious leaders, who also felicitated Christians, renewed their appeals for mutual understanding in the country.

    It is the first Christmas since some religious leaders raised allegations of genocide against Christians, a claim that the Federal Government debunked, but which spurred United States President Donald Trump to classify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.

    President Tinubu, who noted the complaints about insecurity and intolerance, vowed to deepen engagements with religious bodies to promote tranquillity.

    He said: “Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity.

    “We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.”

    The President described Christmas as a solemn season that transcends celebrations and festivities, urging Nigerians to reflect on the deeper significance of the birth of Jesus Christ and his enduring message of peace, grace and goodwill to humanity.

    Read Also: Tinubu names speaker Abbas to chair APC reconciliation committee in Benue

    He prayed that “the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us.”

    Thanking God for the opportunity to serve, the President reaffirmed his constitutional responsibility to the country.

    He said his administration would entrench religious freedom and protect Nigerians of all faiths from violence and discrimination.

    President Tinubu stressed: “As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.”

    The president said that since assuming office in 2023, he has consistently reassured Nigerians of his resolve to guarantee security, unity and stability.

    He said that pledge “remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    President Tinubu insisted that every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity or belief, has the right to live, worship and pursue legitimate aspirations in safety and dignity.

    He said that no citizen should be made to suffer for professing or practising his or her faith.

    President Tinubu noted that love for God and  humanity are shared values at the heart of all major religions, which must continue to bind Nigerians together as one indivisible people.

    The President acknowledged the contributions of Christians to national development, noting that the teachings of Christ have inspired many to serve society selflessly.

    He said the Gospel message has motivated countless Nigerians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged, while promoting peace, harmony and tolerance within their communities.

    President Tinubu commended individuals and groups who continue to bring hope and faith in the midst of hardship, saying the Christmas season serves as a reminder that, despite daunting challenges, God remains with the nation.

    On security, the President reiterated that peace and stability are critical priorities and prerequisites for sustainable development and national progress.

    President Tinubu urged Nigerians to exercise patience and discipline on the roads as they reunite with family and loved ones.

    He wished all travellers a safe journey and safe return to their destinations.

    Expressing optimism about the country’s future, the President said that with confidence in divine providence and collective national strength, Nigeria would continue on the path of renewal.

    He assured that his administration would remain focused on building a greater and more united country worthy of pride by future generations.

  • ICPC: Dangote must testify in person

    ICPC: Dangote must testify in person

    • Agency rejects representation in fraud allegation petition

    Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote must appear personally to adopt his corruption allegation petition, the  Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has indicated.

    The business mogul filed a petition before the agency against former Chief Executive of

    Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Alhaji Farouk Ahmed, alleging fraud.

    The agency said the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, does not allow proxy representation on criminal matters.

    It gave Dangote December 29 deadline to appear before it.

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    The anti-graft commission conveyed its decision to Dangote’s lawyer, Dr. Ogwu Onoja (SAN), in a December 24 letter.

    Onoja had on December 22, gone to the ICPC office to adopt the petition.

    But in a letter to Onoja by the Chief of Staff to ICPC Chairman, Rouqayya Ibrahim, the commission said it was necessary for Dangote to come in person.

    The letter, which was exclusively obtained by The Nation, reads in part: “The commission acknowledges the appearance of your good self…, wherein you adopted the petition in respect of the allegations made against Engr. Farouk Ahmed on behalf of your client, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

    “While the commission appreciates your representation, we are constrained to draw your attention to the fact that the matter under investigation is criminal in nature, being conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

    “As you are aware, criminal investigations may culminate in criminal proceedings before a court of competent jurisdiction.

    “In such circumstances, the statement and personal adoption of the petition by the complainant may be required to be tendered in court as part of the evidentiary process.

    “It is therefore essential, for purposes of procedural integrity and admissibility, that Alhaji Aliko Dangote personally adopts his petition before the commission.

    “Accordingly, we respectfully request that you kindly facilitate the appearance of Alhaji Aliko Dangote at the Commission’s Headquarters on 29th December 2025 at 10am, for the purpose of formally adopting his petition. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.”

    Dangote had alleged that Ahmed spent over $7million in public funds on his four children’s education at elite Swiss schools, with fees paid upfront for up to six years.

    He alleged: “That Engr Farouk Ahmed spent without evidence of lawful means of income humongous amount of money of over $7million of public funds, for the education of his four children in different schools in Switzerland for a period of six years upfront.”

    The Cold War between Dangote and the petroleum regulator had resulted in a N100billion suit.

    The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE filed a N100 billion lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging import licences issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and others, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    The refinery accused the regulator of granting licences to import refined petroleum products despite domestic production capacity.

    It alleged that the action of the regulator violated some sections of the Petroleum Industry Act.

    But the suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, was discontinued in July by Dangote’s lawyers.

    ICPC’s petition guidelines say: “Any person anywhere in the world may make a complaint against any other person (corporate or non-corporate) in Nigeria, where reasonable grounds exist for suspecting that such a person has conspired to commit or attempted to commit or has committed an offence under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.