Claim: Nigeria loses $50 million to oil theft every week.
Verdict: There is no reliable data backing the claim.
Full Text:
A Facebook user claimed that Nigeria loses $50m to oil theft every week. The social media user made the claim in reaction to a fresh loan by the Nigerian government.
A screenshot of the claim on Facebook
TVN had reported that in a move to bolster its ongoing power sector reform, the federal government has requested a $50m loan from the World Bank to support state governments for the installation of solar plant pilots and infrastructure updates.
READ ALSO:FACT-CHECK: Did former Head of State Gowon say Nigeria may ‘die if Igbos keep silent’?
Efforts to tackle the menace of pipeline vandalism and oil theft have been foremost before the government bodies concerned. In January 2024, the House of Representative set up a committee to probe the issue and also sought the collaboration of the military and other security agencies to tackle oil theft and vandalism which has caused a significant loss to the country’s oil sector.
Verification:
Nigeria loses a large portion of its oil to vandalism and theft, according to the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
In June 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) reported that Nigeria recorded 400 cases of oil theft in one week.
Also, at the recent opening ceremony of the 2024 NEITI board retreat/meeting in Lagos, the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Ogbonnaya Orji reportedly said Nigeria lost 619.7 million barrels of oil valued at $46.16 billion over a 12-year period, adding that the country lost $1.84 billion worth of petroleum products from its refineries over nine years.
“Figures contained in our 2009 to 2020 audits have put Nigeria’s losses to crude oil theft over a 12-year period at 619.7 million barrels valued at $46.16bn or N16.25tn. Similarly, between 2009 and 2018, the country also lost 4.2 billion litres of petroleum products from refineries valued at $1.84 billion,” he said.
Conclusion:
Based on the latest data from NEITI, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that Nigeria loses $50m to oil theft on a weekly basis.
By Quadri Yahya
The post FACT-CHECK: Does Nigeria lose $50m to oil theft every week as a Facebook user claimed? appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
FACT-CHECK: Does Nigeria lose $50m to oil theft every week as a Facebook user claimed?
NSCDC parades man for allegedly vandalising transformer, siphoning oil
The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has paraded one Auwal Sale, a 24-year-old man, for alleged involvement in the vandalization of a public transformer and siphoning of insulation oil.
Auwal, an indigene of Gombi Local Government Area, who resides in Sangere in FUTY, Girei LGA, was apprehended by the NSCDC special anti-vandal squad during a surveillance operation targeting critical national assets and infrastructure.
According to a statement signed by the NSCDC Adamawa State Command Public Relations Officer, DSC Nyako Amidu Baba, the suspect was at the time of arrest found in possession of ten 25-litre jerry cans, with four already filled with insulation oil, commonly known as transformer oil, at the crime scene in Sangere FUTY.
The NSCDC PRO stated, “Investigations have revealed that the principal suspect, known as Daddy, managed to escape and is currently at large.
“Further inquiries have indicated that an individual referred to as Alhaji, a resident of Song LGA, is involved in purchasing the stolen product. Efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring them to justice.”
Nako Baba stated that the state commandant, Ibrahim Mainasara, is appealing to the general public to support the Command by providing valuable information to help the fight against vandalization of public infrastructure.
NSCDC parades man for allegedly vandalising transformer, siphoning oil
Drug abuse: NDLEA issues warning to youths
Retired Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA ) has cautioned youths against illicit drugs consumption and trafficking.
Marwa gave the advice during the inauguration of the agency’s new Zonal Office in Ayingba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi on Tuesday.
Marwa, who was represented by the Zonal Commander Zone C, Mr Hassan Sakaba, said that the establishment of the zonal office at Ayingba was to help the agency in its activities to checkmate the prevalent drug abuses and trafficking in Kogi and other parts of the North Central.
He called on the residents of Kogi to join the agency in its fight against illicit drugs consumption and trafficking to save the youths from destruction.
“As patriots and concerned citizens of our dear country, we should rise to the occasion to ensure that we fight against the menace to keep our youths safe and sound.
“Illicit drugs are cutting short lives of our children, very promising children, who are our future leaders. We must therefore not allow that to happen,” he said.
Drug abuse: NDLEA issues warning to youths
Protests: Current hardship a trial from God, seek forgiveness – Gov Namadi tells Nigerians
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has said that the planned nationwide protest is not the solution to the country’s economic hardship.
The governor instead urged people to turn to God, repent, seek for forgiveness and divine intervention on the challenges.
He spoke on Monday during a town hall with 27 groups in Dutse, Namadi urging the protesters to have a rethink.
The meeting had in attendance the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), while the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), reportedly distanced themselves from the proposed protest.
Namadi expressed regret over the economic hardship and asked the public to view their predicament as “a trial from God”.
“But, protest is not the solution,” NAN quoted Namadi as saying.
“There are many ways people could express their grievances; people are at liberty to display their grievances through protest under democratic dispensation, but that is not the most effective way to address the problems.
“The protest alone will not provide the solutions; people should turn to God, repent, seek for forgiveness and divine intervention on the challenges.”
Namadi added that federal and sub-national governments have been providing foodstuffs and cash to cushion the hardship.
Protests: Current hardship a trial from God, seek forgiveness – Gov Namadi tells Nigerians
Plateau gov hails Osigwe’s emergence as NBA president
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the new President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe (SAN).
Mutfwang also congratulated the newly elected Executive members of the NBA. In a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere.
The governor expressed confidence in their united approach to leading the association towards a future focused on truth and justice for all Nigerians.
He commended the NBA for conducting a successful election, saying this underlies the association’s vital role as the “conscience of the society and the hope of the common man.”
Mutfwang praised Osigwe’s leadership qualities and dedication to the legal profession. He also expressed the hope that his extensive experience will propel the NBA to greater heights.
“The Governor believes that Osigwe’s leadership and vision will inspire NBA members to deliver efficient and effective legal services that will ultimately benefit the entire nation.
“On behalf of the Plateau State government and its people, Governor Mutfwang offered his congratulations to Mazi Osigwe and his team and prayed to God to grant them the wisdom and strength to provide effective and responsive leadership throughout their term.
“The Governor extended his appreciation to the outgoing President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), for his leadership and legacy of justice, fairness, and commitment to excellence during his tenure”, the statement read.
According Online reports that Osigwe, a former general secretary of the NBA, emerged as the president-elect in the 2024 NBA election on Sunday.
The 2024 NBA election was held online and was monitored by our correspondent.
The voting began at 12 am on Saturday and ended at 11.59 pm with the live results for all positions presented at
As of the final compilation at 12:40 am on Sunday, Osigwe secured 20,435 votes, defeating his closest rival, Chairman of the NBA-Institute of Continuing Legal Education Governing Council, Tobenna Erojikwe, who garnered 10,998 votes while former NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN), got 9,018 votes.
Dangote refinery: Kyari replies Aliko on NNPLC owning blending plant in Malta
The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPLC, Mele Kyari says he doesn’t own or operate any petroleum blending plant in Malta.
Kyari also said he’s not aware of any employee of the NNPCL that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world.
He made this known in a post on his X handle on Tuesday.
He said the clarification became necessary following an allegation by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, that some NNPC workers have established a blending plant in Malta, impeding procurements from local production of petroleum products.
However, NNPLC boss said blending plant in Malta or any part of the world has no influence over NNPC’s business operations and strategic actions.
He said: “I am inundated by enquiries from family members, friends and associates on the public declaration by the President of Dangote Group that some NNPC workers have established a blending plant in Malta, thereby impeding procurements from local production of petroleum products.
“To clarify the allegations regarding blending plant, I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world, with the exception of a local mini-agricultural venture. Neither am I aware of any employee of the NNPC, that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world.
“A blending plant in Malta or any part of the world has no influence over NNPC’s business operations and strategic actions.
“For further assurance, our compliance sanction grid shall apply to any NNPC employee who is established to be involved in doing so if availed and I strongly recommend that such individuals be declared public and be made known to relevant government security agencies for necessary actions in view of the grave implications for national energy security.”
Dangote refinery: Kyari replies Aliko on NNPLC owning blending plant in Malta
BREAKING: Tinubu sends N70,000 minimum wage bill to NASS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday sent the Minimum Wage bill to the House of Representatives for consideration and passage into law.
Tinubu’s letter was read on the floor of the House, provides for a new national minimum wage as well as the legal framework for the implementation of the agreed wage.
In the letter, the president urged lawmakers to expedite the passage of the minimum wage bill to ensure immediate implementation for the benefit of Nigerian workers
Tinubu also sought the amendment to the Nigeria Police Act in accordance with section 58 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
This is coming when Tinubu approved N70,000 as the new national minimum wage for workers.
This followed series of meetings between representatives of the Nigerian government and the organized labour.
However, lawmakers are expected to legalise the N70, 000 minimum wage.
BREAKING: Tinubu sends N70,000 minimum wage bill to NASS
Police deny selling Falomo barracks, announce development plans
The Nigeria Police Force has clarified misconceptions surrounding the redevelopment of police barracks, particularly the Falomo Barracks in Lagos State.
According to a statement on Tuesday via X, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police counter what it describes as “misleading write-ups and social media comments” alleging the sale of the Falomo Barracks land.
According to the NPF, the redevelopment initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve living conditions for police personnel and their families nationwide.
The Force stated, “Due to the critical state of several police barracks (including the Falomo Barracks) the NPF leadership conceived a partnership arrangement with sub-national governments and reputable developers to unlock value in the assets by redeveloping the barracks into more befitting and modern barracks – with complementary facilities and modern infrastructure.”
Addressing specific concerns about the Falomo Barracks, the NPF revealed that occupants of Blocks A and B have each received two million Naira as a temporary relocation allowance.
“This payment has been made to 347 families after a validation process to facilitate their temporary relocation,” the statement said.
The Force emphasised that this initiative is not limited to Falomo Barracks, stating, “Similar redevelopment projects will be implemented across all police barracks nationwide over time.”
This approach is described as a strategic effort to improve the living conditions of our officers and their families.
Refuting claims of land sales, ACP Adejobi said, “The claims that the Barracks are being vacated and the pieces of land sold are false, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to cause unnecessary discord within the ranks of the NPF.”
‘Something is suspicious’ – Launch independent audit of Dangote, NNPC transactions – Ezekwesili tells Tinubu
Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately launch an independent audit of the Dangote Refinery and NNPC transactions.
Ezekwesili stated that this is necessary to provide the public with the true state of affairs, insisting that it is in the national interest to do so.
In a statement on her X handle on Monday, the former minister said evidence has shown that something seriously murky has occurred and needs to be fully unravelled for public accountability.
She said: “I kept from commenting on the Dangote refinery-NNPC saga to stay true to my mantra that evidence should always inform our opinion.
“However, as more and more information filtered out from both parties, we can reasonably conclude that something seriously murky has gone on and needs to be fully unraveled for public accountability. And urgently too.
“How can a project that by all definition attained the stature of a ‘national interest project’ be marred in this depth of embarrassing controversy that is playing out in the full glare of the local and international investing community?
“Did the @NigeriaGov not tell us it borrowed $3.3 billion from AFREXIM Bank to take a stake in the Dangote refinery?
“When we were in government, I often told the @nnpclimited leadership that they cannot carry on as though there is a ‘Federal Republic of the NNPC’ just because they think of themselves as ‘the goose that lays the golden egg’.
“The opacity of the NNPC was the reason we took great delight in designing the Multi-Stakeholders Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative @nigeriaeiti in those early 2000s that I pioneered as Chairperson. We went above global minimum voluntary standards of transparency requirements by entrenching ours in an Act that established NEITI as the Transparency Regulator of the Oil and Minerals sector.
“The @NGRPresident owes a duty to Nigerians to immediately use the instrumentality of NEITI to launch an independent audit of the Dangote Refinery-NNPC transactions in order to offer the public the true state of play. It is in the national interest to do so.”
‘Something is suspicious’ – Launch independent audit of Dangote, NNPC transactions – Ezekwesili tells Tinubu
Something murky is going on, Ezekwesili weighs in on the Dangote, NNPCL saga
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili has weighed in on the ongoing face-off between Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Group on the one hand and the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, on the opposing side.
The imbroglio was ignited when Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), accused the newly built Dangote Refinery and other local refineries of producing inferior products compared to the ones imported into the country.
The oil regulator also accused Dangote of plans to monopolize the sector which led to the billionaire businessman saying he was willing to sell his refinery to the NNPCL, while also denying the claims by the regulatory agency.
Ezekwesili who shared her opinion on the issue in a post on her X handle on Tuesday, said there is more to the matter as there is something murky going on.
She called on the government and the NNPCL to come clean and tell Nigerians what is really going on.
“I kept from commenting on the Dangote refinery-NNPC saga to stay true to my mantra that evidence should always inform our opinion,” she wrote.
“However, as more and more information filtered out from both parties, we can reasonably conclude that something seriously murky has gone on and needs to be fully unraveled for public accountability. And urgently too.
READ ALSO:Ezekwesili condemns lavish spending by Nigerian leaders during economic downturn
“How can a project that by all definition attained the stature of a “national interest project” be marred in this depth of embarrassing controversy that is playing out in the full glare of local and international investing community?
“Did the @NigeriaGov not tell us it borrowed $3.3Billion from AFREXIM Bank to take a stake in the Dangote refinery?
“When we were in government, I often told the @nnpclimited leadership that they cannot carry on as though there is a “Federal Republic of the NNPC” just because they think of themselves as “the goose that lays the golden egg”.
“The opacity of the NNPC was reason we took great delight in designing the Multi-Stakeholders Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency International @nigeriaeiti in those early 2000s that I pioneered as Chairperson.
“We went above global minimum voluntary standards of transparency requirements by entrenching ours in an Act that established NEITI as the Transparency Regulator of the Oil and Minerals sector.
“The @NGRPresident owes a duty to Nigerians to immediately use the instrumentality of NEITI to launch an Independent Audit of the Dangote Refinery- NNPC transactions in order to offer the public the true state of play.
“It is in the National Interest to do so”.
The post Something murky is going on, Ezekwesili weighs in on the Dangote, NNPCL saga appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.