The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has elected Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as its new National Chairman and Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja as National Secretary during its elective national convention at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The event, attended by 2,725 delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is being hailed as a pivotal step toward party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The convention began on November 15 and continued into the early hours of November 16, proceeding smoothly with high levels of organization and enthusiasm among party members.
Senator Ben Obi, who oversaw the electoral process, guided delegates through a transparent and credible voting procedure, bolstering the PDP’s commitment to internal democracy.
Dr. Turaki’s election was nearly unanimous after his main rival, Senator Yakubu Lado, withdrew from the contest, solidifying Turaki’s position as the consensus candidate for the party’s highest office.
Supporters celebrated the result as a vital chance for the PDP to regroup, restructure, and mount a strong challenge against the ruling party in 2027.
Prior to the elections, the convention expelled several prominent members for anti-party activities, including FCT Minister and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose; and former National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Also expelled were former National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN); Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; George Turner; and Hon. Umar Bature.
Chief Olabode George, former PDP Deputy Chairman (South), moved the expulsion motion, stating that the individuals had engaged in actions intended to undermine the party.
Senator Ben Obi, Secretary of the National Convention Organising Committee, proposed and secured approval for the event to proceed as an elective convention, with the motion seconded by Emmanuel Enoidem (SAN).
Governor Seyi Makinde moved for the ratification of state executive committees formed through compliant congresses monitored by INEC and security agencies, excluding Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Rivers states. The motion was seconded by Daniel Obiechina Okechukwu.
The convention further approved the dissolution of the existing National Working Committee (NWC) and amendments to portions of the party’s constitution.
New Program Targets Remote Jobs for Youth, Boosting Skills and Economic Ties
The Federal Government has endorsed a groundbreaking partnership led by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to link thousands of young Nigerian professionals with remote job opportunities in diaspora-owned enterprises across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
In a statement from Remy Chukwunyere, Director of the InnoPower Africa Foundation, the program is positioned as a strategic response to Nigeria’s rising youth unemployment, providing graduates and early-career individuals with essential exposure and skills to excel in the international digital economy.
The collaborative effort establishes a comprehensive talent pipeline, incorporating key Nigerian institutions such as ITANA, the University of Lagos’ African Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence for Unemployment and Skills Development, and the National Talent Export Program.
Under this framework, promising talents will be scouted, upskilled, and placed in global firms through a protected digital business platform, emphasizing advanced training in technical proficiencies, professional etiquette, and remote-work protocols.
“Nigerian talent is world-class, innovative, and primed to deliver outstanding value on the global stage,” remarked Emil Ekiyor, Founder of InnoPower Africa and a key collaborator. “The gap has never been in ability, but in access, readiness, and pathways to opportunity. Partnering with NIDCOM and our ecosystem allies, we’re constructing the systems to render Nigerian professionals discoverable and indispensable in high-demand markets.”
Leveraging Nigeria’s status as Africa’s youth powerhouse—boasting the continent’s largest cohort of tech-savvy and driven individuals—the initiative channels this demographic toward diaspora-led ventures in need of virtual assistants, digital marketers, administrative experts, and similar remote roles, fostering mutual economic gains for the homeland and its expatriate networks.
A standout component is a compensated internship at the University of Lagos, tailored to immerse top-performing students in real-world projects with overseas partners, equipping them with cross-border business acumen and paving a direct route to permanent remote positions post-graduation.
Central to the recruitment process is Fast Track Virtual (www.fasttrackvirtual.com), InnoPower’s dedicated placement hub, which delivers rigorous screening, targeted skill enhancement, cultural orientation, and ongoing performance monitoring for aspiring global workers.
Additionally, diaspora enterprises registered in NIDCOM’s database stand to benefit from a substantial first-year discount on services when committing to a 12-month engagement with a Nigerian hire.
“NIDCOM takes immense pride in spearheading this endeavor, which aligns seamlessly with our foundational mission: harnessing the Nigerian diaspora as vital allies in addressing domestic hurdles,” stated Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NIDCOM’s CEO. “Our compatriots overseas serve as employers, guides, and advocates, uniquely positioned to forge pathways for their kin back home.”
Award Recognized as Testament to His Vision for National Progress
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has extended heartfelt congratulations to its 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, following the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Political Science (D.Pol) degree by Western Delta University in Oghara, Delta State.
In a statement issued by Acting National Chairman Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, the SDP described the accolade as thoroughly merited and a source of inspiration, underscoring Adebayo’s profound contributions to Nigeria’s advancement.
The party highlighted that the honor acknowledges his multifaceted roles as an international lawyer, influential political leader, public intellectual, media entrepreneur, businessman, philanthropist, and dedicated champion of human capital development.
The SDP further praised Adebayo for his generous donation of a new postgraduate facility to the university—the Macualay and Margaret Omugbe Postgraduate Block—named in tribute to his father and mother-in-law.
Expressing gratitude for Adebayo’s steadfast backing of the party’s national and sub-national frameworks, the SDP reiterated its faith in his blueprint for a revitalized Nigeria, anchored in robust institutions, economic renewal, peace, security, and sustainable growth.
The statement also applauded his relentless efforts to combat poverty and advance the greatest good for the greatest number of citizens, endeavors that continue to garner acclaim both domestically and internationally.
Concluding on an optimistic note, the SDP extended warm felicitations to Prince Adewole Adebayo on this milestone and voiced anticipation for further accomplishments in his ongoing service to the nation.
IBADAN, OYO STATE – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday expelled high-profile members including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, and several others over alleged anti-party activities.
The sweeping decision, ratified by an overwhelming majority of delegates at the party’s 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, aims to restore unity, discipline, and focus ahead of the 2027 general elections. PDP leadership described the expulsions as a “landmark move” to eradicate internal divisions that have hampered the party’s progress.
Wike, a vocal critic of PDP leadership since defecting to support President Bola Tinubu in 2023, and Fayose, a longtime party stalwart turned vocal dissenter, were among the most prominent targets. Anyanwu’s removal follows his earlier suspension, while the others were accused of undermining party directives and aligning with opposing interests.
Party insiders say the action signals a broader crackdown on factions linked to the “G5 governors” and other anti-Atiku elements, potentially reshaping PDP’s internal dynamics. No immediate reactions were available from the expelled members as of press time.
The convention, attended by thousands of delegates, also endorsed reforms to strengthen electoral readiness and counter perceived sabotage. PDP National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum hailed the move as essential for reclaiming the party’s position as Nigeria’s main opposition force.
Political analysts warn the expulsions could deepen rifts or galvanize loyalists, with implications for PDP’s performance in key states like Rivers and Ekiti.
A coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Benue South (Zone C) has delivered a blistering ultimatum to Governor Hyacinth Alia, warning that the state party chairman, Dr. Benjamin Omale, and the Och’Doma of Idoma Land, His Royal Highness John Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, bear responsibility if the APC suffers defeats in the 2027 elections due to their alleged meddling in party affairs.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Dr. Mathew Achigili (Chairman), Hon. Simon Adanu (Secretary), and Hon. Mrs. Grace Inalegwu (Woman Leader), the group accused the duo of sowing discord by imposing party officials and manipulating appointments across the zone, leading to widespread disarray.
“The exclusive right to appoint point men in any local government belongs to the governor; however, in Apa-Agatu, we firmly believe the governor was misinformed by the state party chairman, who acts as the errand boy of the Och’Doma,” the statement asserted. “As it stands, the APC in Apa-Agatu, Ohimini, Otukpo, and Ogbadibo is in complete disarray. Without urgent action, the party risks total anarchy.”
The coalition singled out Apa-Agatu as a flashpoint, alleging the leaders are scheming to favor recently decamped lawmaker Hon. Ojotu Ojema. While vowing to stay within the APC, the group issued a stark threat: “We vow not to leave the party but remain to sabotage it from inside.”
Six Key Demands The stakeholders laid out a series of demands to avert further fallout, including: – Mandatory consultation with Zone C stakeholders before any appointments or political decisions. – An immediate halt to the intimidation of local government chairmen who voice dissent. – A call for the Och’Doma to uphold political neutrality, akin to his counterpart, the Tor Tiv. – A ban on imposing ward and local government executives ahead of upcoming APC congresses. – Safeguarding existing zoning arrangements, particularly for the Apa-Agatu and Otukpo-Ohimini federal constituencies. – Protection against the alleged handover of party structures to the Och’Doma, which they claim has pushed some members toward the Action Democratic Congress (ADC).
The group further charged that Omale has effectively ceded control of Zone C structures to the traditional ruler, exacerbating internal fractures in the nine-local-government-area region—a perennial hotspot for rivalries among elected officials, monarchs, and party operatives.
Palace Rebuttal: Allegations ‘Politically Motivated’ In a rapid response, the Palace of the Och’Doma dismissed the claims as a baseless smear campaign against a revered traditional leader.
Palace Secretary Mr. Adegbe Uloko emphasized that His Royal Highness—a PhD-holding pastor renowned for his integrity—remains staunchly apolitical and has never sought to sway electoral outcomes in Benue State.
“The House of Representatives member referenced is the younger brother of the Och’Doma’s wife; his political choices are his own,” Uloko stated. “The Och’Doma avoids politics entirely. His track record is spotless, and he will not be derailed by those spreading rumors for political advantage.”
Broader Implications for APC’s 2027 Prospects Political observers caution that the deepening rift—particularly the coalition’s pledge to undermine the party internally—poses a grave threat to APC’s hold on Benue South ahead of the 2027 polls. The zone’s volatility could ripple across the state if Governor Alia fails to broker reconciliation.
The coalition implored Alia and top APC brass to step in “to restore order, fairness, and stakeholder consultation” in Zone C without delay.
As of press time, neither the Governor’s Office nor the State APC Secretariat had responded to requests for comment.
Nigeria took a landmark step toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) on Friday as the Federal Government and stakeholders signed the expanded UHC Compact Addendum, for the first time binding private sector actors, local government authorities, traditional institutions, and other ministries to shared accountability obligations.
The historic signing capped the 2025 Health Sector–Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR), held from November 12–14 at Transcorp Event Centre, Maitama, Abuja. Nearly 1,000 participants—double last year’s turnout—gathered, representing federal and state governments, development partners, private sector, academia, civil society, traditional leaders, ALGON, and the media.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, hailed the renewed commitments as “a decisive step to build a health system that delivers measurable results for every Nigerian, no matter who they are or where they live.”
Co-chaired by Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the three-day Review endorsed the Compact expansion, new digital tools, and performance resolutions to accelerate the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and advance UHC.
The Addendum introduces a transparent “Ask-and-Offer” framework and responds to evolving global health financing trends by integrating non-state actors into Nigeria’s accountability architecture.
Key Progress Under NHSRII Spotlight Sessions:
Maternal mortality reduced by up to 17% in early-implementing LGAs under the MAMII initiative
Enhanced PHC functionality, emergency referrals, and health insurance enrollment
Growth in local pharmaceutical and diagnostics manufacturing
Strengthened surveillance, laboratory systems, and emergency operations
Data-driven governance reforms amid anticipated declines in external funding
Digital Innovations Showcased:
BHCPF digital platform
National e-learning system for health workers
PHC revitalization dashboards
SAVE MAMA (RESMAT)
NHIA digital claims platform
Stakeholders emphasized that digitalization is central to transparency and real-time monitoring.
In a groundbreaking move, the JAR hosted an open dialogue on corruption, reviewing BHCPF utilization and cross-agency audits. Participants confronted persistent challenges: ghost workers, irregular payments, double expenditures, and weak fiscal tracking.
Anti-Corruption Resolutions:
Biometric verification across all PHCs and insurance platforms by Q1 2026
Digital expenditure tracking in BHCPF facilities by Q3 2026
An expanded Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee (ICC) session tackled immunization performance, vaccine financing, and data quality, stressing the need for predictable counterpart funding and reliance on validated data sources.
The JAR Learning Exhibition featured over 45 abstracts and exhibits, while the People’s Pulse Town Hall amplified citizen voices on cost, service quality, health worker conduct, and facility responsiveness.
Newly Launched National Frameworks:
National CEmONC Facility Readiness Assessment Report
Climate and Health National Adaptation Plan
Second National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS-2)
N-CAS Strategy for harmonized campaigns
Mini-DHS Framework for annual outcome tracking
Data visibility tools: HSSB, NHFR, NHMIS Assessment, MSDAT
Prof. Pate concluded: “The Review highlighted strong gains but also clear gaps. With renewed accountability, digital rigor, and collective resolve, Nigeria is building a health system that truly delivers for everyone.”
Damboa, Borno State – The Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba, personally led his patrol team to safety after insurgents ambushed them near Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government Area, on Friday.
The joint patrol—comprising soldiers from 25 Task Force Brigade and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)—had just completed a successful security sweep along the fringes of Sambisa Forest when it came under intense fire while returning to base.
Outgunned but undeterred, the troops responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the attackers to flee in disarray and abandon their assault.
The fierce exchange claimed the lives of two soldiers and two CJTF members. The Nigerian Army High Command commended the patrol’s gallantry while extending condolences to the families of the fallen.
Military authorities have strongly refuted online reports falsely claiming the Brigade Commander was abducted, urging the public to dismiss such misinformation.
In a statement, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (Nigerian Army Medal) praised the troops’ “uncommon bravery, resilience, and sacrifice” in one of the nation’s most perilous conflict zones, reaffirming their critical role in safeguarding Nigeria.
ABUJA, Nigeria – In a significant blow to one of Nigeria’s most elusive terror networks, the Department of State Services (DSS) announced the recapture of Abdulazeez Obadaki, a top Ansaru commander accused of masterminding the 2012 massacre of 19 Christian worshippers at a Deeper Life Bible Church near Okene, Kogi State. The Friday morning operation in Okene’s Lafia Obessa area—described by sources as a “well-oiled intelligence effort”—ends over three years of evasion for the fugitive, who escaped during the infamous July 2022 Kuje Custodial Centre jailbreak. 2 3 4 11 12 13 15 17
Obadaki, also known as “Bomboy,” allegedly confessed during interrogation to orchestrating the Kuje breakout shortly after his transfer from Kabba Custodial Centre in June 2022, where he had been held for prior offenses. 11 12 15 17 20 The daring assault freed over 800 inmates, including high-value Boko Haram and Ansaru operatives, in one of Nigeria’s most humiliating security breaches. 13 14 19 21
A Trail of Bloodshed: From Church Massacre to Bank Heists
The 2012 Okene attack remains a scar on Nigeria’s interfaith landscape. On August 7, three AK-47-wielding gunmen stormed the Deeper Life service, killing 19—including Pastor Moses Osadolor—in a hail of bullets that injured dozens more. Initially pinned on Boko Haram, intelligence later traced it to Ansaru, an al-Qaeda splinter group focused on “anti-Western” strikes, with Obadaki as the alleged architect. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 The assault, in a restive North-Central hotspot, fueled recruitment for the group, which split from Boko Haram in 2012 over ideological rifts.
Post-escape, Obadaki’s shadow loomed over the February 2022 Uromi bank raids in Edo State. Five commercial branches were hit in broad daylight, leaving eight dead—including two policemen—and 12 injured, with robbers fleeing with hundreds of millions of naira. Security sources link Obadaki’s network to the chaos, which paralyzed the South-South region and exposed vulnerabilities in financial security. 3 8 12 15 17 19
The timing of Obadaki’s arrest—mere weeks after DSS arraigned five suspects in the June 2022 Owo Catholic Church bombing that killed 40—underscores a renewed offensive against Ansaru. 15 16 That attack, claimed by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), highlighted the group’s resurgence in the Southwest.
Confessions and Cracks in the Network
Interrogation revelations paint Obadaki as a linchpin: Beyond the church and banks, he allegedly coordinated the Kuje plot from inside, exploiting his Kabba transfer to relay instructions. 11 12 15 17 20 Security officials say his capture, alongside August’s arrests of Ansaru “emir” Mahmud Usman (Abu Bara’a) and deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri, signals the network’s unraveling—dismantling cells tied to uranium site plots, expatriate kidnappings, and emir abductions. 21
Under new Director-General Tosin Ajayi, appointed in August 2025, DSS has notched a string of wins: Over 150 high-value terrorists nabbed since January, per internal tallies, with accelerated trials via specialized courts. 16 “This is a testament to enhanced intelligence fusion,” a source told Premium Times, crediting tech upgrades and community tips. 11
Reactions: Relief Amid Lingering Fears
On X, the news sparked cautious optimism. “DSS don recapture Abdulaziz Obadaki, Ansaru big boy wey mastermind 2022 Kuje jailbreak—879 inmates comot, but na him plan! Justice go land now,” tweeted @priscanall, echoing viral posts with over 32,000 views. 0 Kogi Governor Usman Ododo hailed it as “a victory for peace,” vowing support for victims’ families. 3 Rights groups like Amnesty International urged swift prosecution, warning against “recidivism risks” in underfunded custodial systems.
Yet, experts caution: Ansaru’s decentralized cells—fueled by Sahel jihadist ties—could regroup. “One arrest doesn’t end the threat,” said North-Central analyst Kabiru Adamu. With 2026 polls nearing, Obadaki’s haul of intel could preempt more strikes, but Nigeria’s terror fight demands sustained investment.
As Obadaki faces arraignment—potentially joining Owo suspects in Abuja’s high-security courts—this recapture isn’t just closure for Okene’s ghosts; it’s a reminder that shadows linger in the North-Central’s folds.
ABUJA, Nigeria – In a vote of confidence for President Bola Tinubu’s economic overhaul, S&P Global Ratings upgraded Nigeria’s sovereign credit outlook to “positive” from “stable” on Friday, November 14, 2025, while affirming the long-term foreign and local currency ratings at “B-/B.” 0 1 2 3 4
The revision signals S&P’s expectation that Nigeria’s aggressive monetary, fiscal, and structural reforms—launched in 2023—will deliver sustained benefits, including higher growth and improved fiscal buffers over the medium term. 0 1 “The monetary, economic, and fiscal reforms being implemented by Nigerian authorities will yield positive benefits over the medium term,” the agency stated in its report, citing strengthened external reserves, rising oil production, and private sector confidence as key drivers. 0 3
S&P now forecasts average GDP growth of 3.7% annually from 2025–2028, up from its prior 3.2% estimate, bolstered by the Dangote Refinery’s full operations and gradual inflation moderation. 1 Inflation, however, is projected to linger above 20% in 2025–2026 before easing to 13% by 2028, amid persistent pressures from food costs and naira volatility. 7
A String of Positive Signals from Global Raters
The S&P move caps a series of encouraging assessments for Africa’s largest economy, which has grappled with decades of fiscal strain and oil dependence. In May 2025, Moody’s upgraded Nigeria’s rating one notch to “B3” from “Caa1,” praising enhancements in external buffers and fiscal discipline. 0 7 Fitch Ratings, in October 2025, maintained its “B” rating with a “stable” outlook, acknowledging reform progress despite implementation risks. 0
These upgrades reflect Tinubu’s bold 2023 playbook: the abrupt end to the $10 billion annual fuel subsidy, unification of the naira’s multiple exchange rates, and tax reforms aimed at broadening revenue beyond oil. 0 The measures, though sparking short-term pain—inflation hit 34.2% in mid-2024—have drawn $30 billion in foreign investment since inception, per Central Bank data, and stabilized reserves at $38 billion by October 2025. 3 6
Fiscal Lifelines and Lingering Shadows
To plug a 2025 budget deficit projected at 3.9% of GDP, Nigeria tapped international debt markets last week, raising $2.35 billion via a landmark Eurobond—its first since 2022—yielding 9.25% on a 10-year tranche amid strong investor demand. 0 2 6 Domestic borrowing continues through FGN bonds, with the Debt Management Office targeting ₦7.3 trillion ($4.3 billion) for the year.
Analysts, however, caution that execution remains the Achilles’ heel. “If sustained, these reforms could support long-term economic expansion,” S&P noted, but flagged risks from oil price swings—crude Brent hovered at $72 per barrel Friday—and geopolitical tensions in the Sahel. 0 5 CFG Advisory’s Tilewa Adebajo highlighted fiscal reporting gaps, with 2023–2024 accounts still pending, potentially complicating further upgrades. 6
On social media, reactions ranged from optimism—”Reforms paying off!”—to pragmatism: “Positive outlook, but naira needs to stabilize below ₦1,500/$.” 7 The naira traded at ₦1,620/$ in the investor window Friday, down 2% week-on-week.
A Glimmer for Investors?
This outlook shift could ease Nigeria’s borrowing costs, currently among Africa’s highest at 9–10% for sovereign debt, and lure more FDI into sectors like renewables and tech. Yet, with elections looming in 2027 and insecurity curbing non-oil growth, Tinubu’s team must navigate a tightrope. As S&P put it: Reforms are “on track,” but the jury on delivery is out.
For now, in a global landscape of rising U.S. rates and sluggish China demand, Nigeria’s positive pivot offers a rare bright spot for emerging markets.
AKURE, Nigeria – In a coastal enclave of Ilaje Local Government Area, where mangrove swamps meet the Atlantic’s restless waves, Ondo State is betting big on a vision to rival Africa’s industrial titans. On November 5, 2025, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sunshine Infrastructure Joint Venture (JV), a consortium led by Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (BINL), to build a 500,000-barrels-per-day (bpd) refinery and a sprawling 1,471-hectare free trade zone. Valued at over $50 billion—up from an initial $15 billion estimate—the project promises to eclipse Algeria’s Skikda facility as Africa’s second-largest refinery, trailing only the $19 billion Dangote behemoth in Lagos. 15 16 25
Proponents hail it as a “new dawn” for Ondo, a state rich in offshore oil but starved of processing muscle. Yet, as the ink dries, whispers of skepticism ripple through Abuja’s corridors and Ilaje’s fishing villages. Is this a blueprint for economic sovereignty, or another mirage in Nigeria’s long parade of mega-project pipe dreams? With no state funds at stake—Ondo is merely providing land—the deal’s allure is undeniable. But its perils, from opaque funding to environmental flashpoints, demand scrutiny before shovels break ground.
The Promise: A Catalyst for Industrial Renaissance
Ondo’s refinery gambit arrives amid Nigeria’s refining renaissance. The nation, Africa’s top oil producer with 1.4 million bpd output, imports 80% of its fuel due to moribund state plants. 33 Dangote’s 650,000 bpd monster, operational since early 2025, has slashed imports by 30%, but gaps persist. Enter Ondo: The JV’s $50 billion infusion—sourced from Canadian firm NEFEX Holdings and partners like China Harbour Engineering and Honeywell—would process 500,000 bpd, yielding gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals for domestic and export markets. 15 17 18
Economic Windfalls:
Jobs and Growth: Construction could employ 15,000, with 5,000 permanent roles in refining and logistics. The free trade zone, a tax haven for manufacturers, might spawn ancillary industries in aviation, agriculture, and healthcare, injecting $2–3 billion annually into Ondo’s $5 billion GDP. 7 19
Energy Security: Paired with Dangote, the duo could refine 1.15 million bpd—enough for Nigeria’s needs and surplus for West Africa—saving $10 billion yearly in forex. 25
CSR Commitments: The JV pledges education scholarships, youth training, and infrastructure upgrades in Ilaje, a Niger Delta hotspot plagued by militancy and poverty. 16 22
Governor Aiyedatiwa, sworn in amid 2024’s political turbulence, frames it as diversification: “This marks a new dawn… fast-tracking industrial development.” 17 BINL’s chairman, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, adds gravitas, touting the phased rollout—starting with a 100,000 bpd modular unit in 48 months—as a “game-changer.” 34 On X, supporters echo the hype: “Ondo rising!” one user posted, sharing renderings of gleaming terminals. 11
The Perils: Echoes of Past Follies
Nigeria’s refinery ledger is littered with ghosts: The $1.5 billion Port Harcourt plant, built in 1989, idles at 20% capacity due to sabotage and neglect. Dangote’s odyssey, announced in 2013, ballooned from $9 billion to $19 billion amid forex woes and crude disputes. 36 Ondo’s blueprint risks similar snares.
Funding Fog: The $50 billion “secured” via NEFEX—a firm incorporated in 2024 with scant track record—smacks of overreach. Initial MoU pegged costs at $15 billion; the tripling lacks detailed breakdowns. 31 37 Partners like MJ Care Investment Finance have “no online presence,” per critics, evoking Equatorial Guinea’s Bata refinery scam—where opaque deals masked elite capture. 32 PDP chieftains call it a “publicity stunt,” questioning: “Where’s the feasibility study? Environmental clearance?” 35
Operational Hurdles:
Crude Crunch: NNPC’s allocation monopoly could starve the plant; Dangote battled for months over supply. 33
Timeline Traps: Phased build? Dangote took a decade. Rainy-season logistics in Ilaje—prone to floods—could delay by years. 36
Market Glut: With global oil demand peaking amid EVs, oversupply risks devaluing output. Nigeria’s naira volatility adds forex peril.
On X, doubters amplify: “Phantom project,” one thread decries, citing BINL’s unverified claims. 8 A Roving Reporters exposé warns of a “heist in the making,” urging audits. 31
Pitfalls of Unverified Ambition: Broader Lessons
Ondo’s deal isn’t isolated; it’s symptomatic of Nigeria’s “announce-and-forget” syndrome. Subnational megaprojects often falter on due diligence—recall Akwa Ibom’s $2 billion gas city, mired in litigation. The APC retorts: “No state money risked; sceptics lost us Dangote.” 30 Yet, land concessions bind future governments, and CSR pledges evaporate without oversight.
Environmental red flags loom largest. Ilaje, in the oil-soaked Niger Delta, bears scars from spills; a 500,000 bpd behemoth could amplify methane emissions and mangrove loss, clashing with Nigeria’s net-zero 2060 pledge. Community buy-in? Recent Navy raids dismantled illegal refineries nearby, signaling volatility. 38 Without EIA transparency, protests—like those that stalled Ogoniland projects—beckon.
Charting a Cautious Course Forward
This $50 billion wager could crown Ondo as Southwest’s energy jewel, exporting refined gold while curbing youth unrest. But peril lurks in haste: Rushed MoUs breed rot. Aiyedatiwa must mandate public audits, NNPC pacts, and Delta-wide consultations. As one analyst notes: “Capital’s easy; execution’s the Everest.” 33
In Ilaje’s salt-laced air, promise and peril collide. Will Ondo refine its future—or repeat history’s crude mistakes? The jury, like the first barrel, awaits.
