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Makinde Approves 13th-Month Salary, Clears LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Arrears

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Ibadan – Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde on Monday approved the payment of a 13th-month salary for all state workers for the seventh consecutive year and cleared outstanding minimum wage arrears for staff of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

The governor announced the approvals while inaugurating the new Governing Board of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.

Makinde directed the newly sworn-in board, chaired by renowned development economist Professor Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, to fully revamp and make operational the moribund LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annex in Oyo town within 12 months.

“I have signed the December salary file this morning, including the 13th-month salary and all outstanding arrears for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital staff. Alerts will hit accounts soon,” the governor assured.

He added that the state would fully fund the Oyo Annex project even after it was excluded from an earlier French development grant, describing it as a special 12-month legacy project.

Governor Makinde also pledged to meet with LAUTECH Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, within days to resolve the lingering issues threatening industrial action by university lecturers.

Board Chairman Prof. Oyelaran-Oyeyinka thanked the governor for the appointment and promised a transparent, passionate turnaround that will deliver a 21st-century teaching hospital complete with electronic medical records and world-class facilities.

Other board members include Mr Aderemi Adeniyi Adediji (Secretary), Mr Olatunde Gabriel Oyelade, Dr Bello Adebayo Taiwo, Mrs Isola Agnes Bolanle, Dr Akintunde Kehinde Ayinde, Prof. Olawale Adebayo Olakulehin, Prof. Adenike Olugbenga-Bello, and Dr. Oluwajoba Olayinka.

The event was attended by Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal, former deputy governors, labour leaders, and top government functionaries.

House PAC Issues Final Summons to NNPCL GCEO Over 2021 Audit Queries

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja – The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has given the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bayo Oiulari, a final ultimatum to appear in person and submit all outstanding documents on Monday, 15 December 2025, or face the full consequences of legislative sanctions.

The directive, issued on Monday by Committee Chairman Hon. Bamidele Salam, followed NNPCL’s repeated failure to honour invitations and provide responses to serious audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation for the 2021 financial year.

Lawmakers expressed outrage after NNPCL sent another letter citing the GCEO’s “official engagement at the Presidential Villa” as the reason for his absence, describing the pattern as deliberate obstruction of constitutional oversight.

Hon. Salam warned:

“This committee will no longer tolerate acts that undermine transparency and accountability in a wholly government-owned entity. We are giving you one final opportunity: Monday, 15 December 2025. The GCEO must appear personally with every single document requested.”

Key audit irregularities NNPCL is expected to explain include:

– Payments for abandoned or uncompleted projects

– Non-remittance of statutory taxes and revenues

– Questionable expenditures authorised by the Chief Finance Officer without the approval of the then Group Managing Director

After an appeal by NNPCL’s National Assembly Liaison Officer, Hon. Umar Faruk, the committee reluctantly granted the last extension but made clear that failure to comply on 15 December will trigger immediate invocation of the House’s constitutional powers.

House Committee Slams NUPRC, NMDPRA Over Slow Implementation of PIA Decommissioning Rules

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja – The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating decommissioning and abandonment in the oil and gas sector has accused the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of failing to fully enforce critical provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, leaving a potential $20 billion liability hanging over host communities and the environment.

The sharp rebuke came on Monday during the committee’s resumed investigative hearing when senior officials appeared on behalf of the two Chief Executives who were absent.

NUPRC was represented by Executive Commissioner (Development & Production), Engr. Enorense Amadasu, while NMDPRA sent Executive Director (Health, Safety, Environment & Communities), Dr. Mustafa Lamorde.

Both agencies admitted that bureaucratic bottlenecks, including delays at the Ministry of Justice and issues with Central Bank of Nigeria escrow account guidelines, have stalled full implementation of decommissioning and abandonment (D&A) regulations despite the clear mandates in Sections 232 and 233 of the PIA.

The committee expressed frustration that regulations first drafted in 2003 remain un-gazetted more than two decades later.

Committee Chairman, Hon. Bassey Ekpenyong, said the excuses were unacceptable, stressing that aging oil facilities across the Niger Delta and other producing areas pose imminent environmental and financial risks if operators walk away without proper funding and restoration plans.

“The law is clear. Every field development plan must now come with a decommissioning plan and funded escrow accounts. We are seeing slow movement and that is putting communities in danger of inheriting billions of dollars in liabilities,” Hon. Ekpenyong warned.

The probe is examining:

– Compliance with mandatory D&A plans by operators

– Adequacy of escrow funding for future clean-up

– Enforcement actions taken by regulators against defaulting companies

Lawmakers directed both agencies to return with detailed reports on all approved field development plans since the PIA came into force, evidence of funded decommissioning accounts, and timelines for resolving the outstanding regulatory bottlenecks.

The committee vowed to ensure that no oil company is allowed to abandon wells, platforms, or pipelines without fully funding environmental restoration as required by law.

Northern Governors Pledge ₦1bn Monthly Each to Regional Security Fund

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Lafia – The 19 Northern Governors have resolved to contribute ₦1 billion each every month to a dedicated security trust fund aimed at tackling the escalating insecurity across the region.

Nasarawa State Governor and Chairman of the North-Central Governors’ Forum, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, disclosed this on Monday during an executive meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum in Lafia.

According to Governor Sule, the fund will be used to procure advanced security equipment for federal and state agencies and to engage and empower youths as community intelligence and vigilance assets.

In a related development, the Nasarawa State Government announced an immediate six-month suspension of all mining activities in the state, pending verification and revalidation of licences.

Governor Sule explained that unregulated and illegal mining has become a major enabler of banditry and kidnapping in the state and region.

“We are suspending all licences — if Mr. President agrees — so we can separate genuine miners from the illegal ones who generate no revenue for the state and create safe havens for bandits and kidnappers,” he said.

In another key decision, the Forum appointed Chief Ezekiel Gomos, a former Secretary to the Plateau State Government, as the pioneer Director-General of the Northern Governors’ Secretariat.

Chief Gomos will oversee the management of the multi-billion naira security fund and coordinate joint regional responses to insecurity.

The governors also commended Kaduna State for donating a prime plot of land in the state capital for the construction of a permanent secretariat for the Northern Governors’ Forum.

Governor Sule described the monthly ₦19 billion collective contribution and the new institutional framework as historic steps towards restoring lasting peace and stability in Northern Nigeria.

NUPRC Opens Bidding for 50 Oil Blocks in 2025 Licensing Round

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja – The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has officially launched the 2025 Licensing Round, offering 50 oil and gas blocks across onshore, shallow water, deep offshore, and frontier basins for bidding.

The eight-month bidding process, running from November 17, 2025, to July 17, 2026, targets increased reserves, foreign direct investment, local content development, job creation, and enhanced global energy supply.

Key highlights of the guidelines released on Monday include:

– **Open to all**: Both Nigerian and international companies can participate. Foreign firms do not need prior registration in Nigeria but must incorporate under CAMA if awarded a block.
– **Maximum of two blocks** per bidder across the entire round to promote fair competition.
– **Financial thresholds**: Deep offshore bidders must show average turnover of at least $100 million; onshore and shallow water bidders require at least $40 million. New companies may submit parent company guarantees.
– **Exclusion criteria**: Companies owing government fees, insolvent, or with poor regulatory compliance records are barred.

The 50 blocks on offer comprise:
– Onshore and shallow water: PPL 2A29 to PPL 2A62
– Deep offshore and frontier basins: PPL 2010, 307–309, 900–903, 700–703, and 800–803

Bidding will follow a two-stage process — prequalification and technical/commercial submission — with evaluation based on signature bonuses ($3 million–$7 million), work programmes, operating costs, technical capacity, environmental commitments, and corporate governance.

To attract global investors, NUPRC has scheduled an international roadshow:
– Lagos — January 14, 2026
– Dubai — January 26, 2026
– Singapore — January 30, 2026
– Beijing — February 3, 2026
– Houston — February 12, 2026

Interested bidders can register and access full guidelines at **br2025.nuprc.gov.ng**.

The 2025 Licensing Round offers successful bidders exclusive exploration rights for initial terms of 3–5 years, renewable subject to performance.

Fubara Set to Commission 10 Key Infrastructure Projects in Rivers State

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Port Harcourt – Governor Siminalayi Fubara will from Wednesday, December 10, 2025, begin the commissioning and flag-off of 10 major completed projects spread across six local government areas of Rivers State.

The projects, located in Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ikwerre, Emohua, Obio/Akpor, and Port Harcourt City LGAs, mark the resumption of the administration’s aggressive infrastructure drive after the recent political impasse.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, on Monday, Governor Fubara described the projects as part of his administration’s fulfilment of its social contract with the people, stressing that delivering democratic dividends remains the cornerstone of his governance.

“We pledged to place the welfare of Rivers people first, and we have remained focused on providing critical infrastructure, maintaining peace, and driving socio-economic growth,” the Governor said.

He expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “timely and fatherly intervention” that ensured the restoration of democratic governance in the state, enabling the administration to resume and complete pending projects.

Projects to be commissioned include:

– Extension of Ahoada–Omoku dual carriageway

– Egbeda–Omerelu link road

– Ikwerre Road–Igwuruta–Airport Road

– RIVTAF Housing Estate and Anniversary Celebration

– Ihuowo–Ihuama ring road

– Obodhi–Ozochi road and bridge

– Ogbakiri Junction (roundabout)–Ogbakiri Waterfront road

– Ahoada Zonal Hospital

– Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters

– Federal High Court Complex

The Ipo Community–Airport Road bypass will also be flagged off during the two-week programme running until December 23, 2025.

Governor Fubara reassured citizens of his administration’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development and security across the state, urging residents to sustain the prevailing peace.

EFCC Storms Sylva’s Maitama Mansion, Spray-Paints “KEEP OFF” in Red – Aide Calls It “State-Sponsored Terror”

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday descended on the upscale Maitama residence of former Petroleum Minister and Bayelsa APC leader, Chief Timipre Sylva, sealed the property, and spray-painted the walls in bold red with the words “EFCC — KEEP OFF”.

No court warrant. No prior notice. No invitation letter. Nothing.

In a blistering statement titled “A Grave Breach of Decency”, Sylva’s media aide, Chief Julius Bokoru, branded the raid “an act of terror against a vindictive assault on a family home and a dangerous abuse of state power.”

“What we witnessed today was not law enforcement; it was intimidation theatre,” Bokoru fumed. “They stormed the premises like armed robbers, defaced the walls like common vandals, and turned a family residence into a crime scene — all without a shred of legal process.”

He revealed that Sylva’s children, relatives, and domestic staff have been virtually under house arrest for weeks, unable to travel freely, and now find themselves trapped inside a house publicly branded like the property of a fugitive.

“Where are his children supposed to go?” Bokoru asked. “How long must innocent family members live in this climate of fear because of political witch-hunting?”

The aide insisted that Chief Sylva has always cooperated with investigators whenever properly invited, adding that Monday’s operation “bore all the hallmarks of local political rivalry masquerading as federal action.”

He pointedly distanced President Bola Tinubu from the incident: “We are convinced Mr. President is not aware of, nor would he endorse, this kind of Gestapo tactic. This is the handiwork of overzealous elements weaponising federal institutions for partisan vendetta.”

Bokoru warned that turning the EFCC into a tool of political intimidation “weakens our democracy and erodes public trust in every institution.”

As of press time, the EFCC had not issued any official statement explaining the action or confirming whether it was backed by a court order.

But in the leafy streets of Maitama, one thing is clear tonight: the red paint is still dripping on Sylva’s walls, and the battle lines between the former minister and his accusers just got a lot uglier.

PDP Closes Ranks: Party Organs Flood Abuja, Rally Behind Turaki’s New NWC

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Peoples Democratic Party is pulling itself together with remarkable speed.

Less than one month after the bitterly contested Ibadan National Convention, PDP power blocs have launched a full-scale unity offensive in Abuja, throwing their weight behind the new National Working Committee led by Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

In what party insiders are calling a “political pilgrimage of reconciliation,” every major organ of the PDP is storming the capital this week to pledge loyalty and map strategy for the 2026–2027 election cycle.

The solidarity train starts rolling on Wednesday, 10 December when Turaki’s NWC hosts all 36 state chairmen, FCT chairman, House of Representatives caucus members and national ex-officio members. At the same meeting, the committee will formally hand the Certificate of Return to Ekiti governorship candidate Dr. Oluwole Oluyede ahead of the June 2026 election.

The reconciliation marathon continues on 16 December with former PDP governors, former ministers and past NWC members, followed by the Senate caucus on 17 December for what sources describe as “deep strategic talks.”

A senior party official told NewsFocus: “This is not just courtesy visits. It is a deliberate show of unity. Everyone has seen what disunity cost us in 2023. Nobody wants a repeat.”

In a separate move to clear internal hurdles, the Turaki-led NWC has constituted a 25-member Osun State Governorship Appeal Panel chaired by the National Chairman himself. The panel will sit on Thursday, 11 December 2025, at Bauchi Governors Lodge, Asokoro, to hear grievances arising from the recent Osun 2026 primaries.

With former Deputy National Chairman Amb. Taofeek Arapaja as secretary and a broad geographical spread of members, the panel has been directed to strictly follow the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.

Party sources say the swift formation of the appeal panel and the packed unity schedule are deliberate signals: the new leadership is ready to heal wounds, enforce discipline, and position PDP as a credible alternative once again.

One former governor attending next week’s session summed it up: “We either hang together now, or we hang separately in 2027.”

For the first time in years, the PDP looks like it is choosing the first option.

NUPRC Breaks Silence: We’re Not Holding Frontier Fund – Over $185m, N14.9bn Already Released to NNPC

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has firmly rejected allegations that it is sitting on the Frontier Exploration Fund, describing the claims as “mischief” from faceless sources.

In a detailed statement issued Monday, NUPRC’s Head of Media, Eniola Akinkuotu, disclosed that the Commission has already approved and released a total of **$185,123,333** and **N14.9 billion** to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) for frontier basin exploration.

“The Frontier Exploration Fund is not domiciled with NUPRC. It is held in a dedicated account with the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the statement clarified. “Our role is purely to evaluate NNPC’s submitted work programme and certify activities before funds are released.”

To ensure transparency, NUPRC engaged global auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to independently verify NNPC’s claims before final approvals.

Breakdown of releases so far:
– N14.9 billion (earlier tranche)
– $45 million (earlier tranche)
– $140 million – approved and released on **27 November 2025**

“There is currently no outstanding amount awaiting approval,” NUPRC insisted. “All certified contracts have been paid. We cannot approve payment for contracts that have not been awarded.”

The Commission also dismissed reports of an alleged investigation by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, noting that the minister had already debunked such claims in a statement dated 17 November 2025.

“It is pure mischief for anyone to keep referencing a letter the supposed author has publicly disowned,” the statement added.

NUPRC challenged anyone with contrary evidence to approach NNPC directly instead of peddling falsehoods aimed at tarnishing the regulator’s image.

The Frontier Exploration Fund, established under the Petroleum Industry Act, is exclusively for NNPC’s search for oil in Nigeria’s frontier basins including the Chad Basin, Gongola, Anambra, Sokoto, Bida, and Benue Trough.

With the latest rebuttal, the NUPRC says it has put the controversy to rest — and dared doubters to produce facts.

Tears of Joy in Minna as Gov Bago Welcomes 100 Rescued Papiri Schoolchildren

By
Ola Akinola
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0

It was an evening of raw emotion at Government House, Minna, on Monday as Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago fought back tears while receiving 100 terrified but unharmed pupils rescued from the Papiri schools mass abduction.

The children — some as young as six — were part of the over 300 students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, seized by heavily armed bandits on 21 November 2025.

With the latest batch, 150 victims have now been freed — 50 had returned days earlier — leaving scores still in captivity inside dense forests.

Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong, representing National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, formally handed the children over to the governor.

“Every security agency in this country has been working day and night since the attack,” Commander Hong told the crowded banquet hall. He promised new national policies to protect schoolchildren and prevent a repeat of the outrage that drew global condemnation.

Governor Bago, voice breaking, thanked President Bola Tinubu and the NSA for their swift intervention.

“Today is fundamental in redefining the history of Niger State. I am emotionally broken looking at the ages and sizes of these children,” he said, staring at the rows of tiny uniforms.

“Never again should this happen in our state.”

He immediately ordered medical teams to examine every child before reuniting them with their families and vowed that the remaining captives “will be brought back very soon.”

The governor called for nationwide prayers and revealed ongoing collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), UNICEF and other partners to secure every last victim.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was electric. Parents, clergy and well-wishers wept openly as the children — some clinging to each other, others wide-eyed and silent — walked in under heavy security.

One mother collapsed in sobs when she spotted her daughter; another father lifted his rescued son high, shouting “Thank You, Jesus!”

Outside Government House, hundreds more gathered, singing and waving white handkerchiefs in celebration.

Yet the joy is incomplete. Dozens of children and staff — including the school principal — remain with the bandits.

Governor Bago has one message tonight: “We will not rest until every single one comes home.”

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