Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating former executives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), along with recently dismissed managing directors of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, over the alleged misappropriation of approximately $2.96 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of the facilities. A senior EFCC official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the probe involves several high-ranking individuals. The investigation focuses on funds allocated for the short-term maintenance of the refineries, which have been plagued by long-standing operational challenges. Preliminary findings indicate that the EFCC is scrutinising specific disbursements: $1.56 billion…

A witness of the federal government testifying in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), says Simon Ekpa would soon be extradited from Finland to Nigeria to face trial for supporting the defendant. The witness, simply identified as “AAA” and a staff of the Department of States Services (DSS), was part of the team that arrested Kanu on October 15, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos. Under cross-examination by the defendant’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi, the witness said that although he is not aware of other supporters facing trial for agitating for…

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, on Friday, hit back at the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, stating that his leadership was instrumental in elevating Otti to the position he now enjoys. Abure made the remarks during an emergency meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee at the Labour Party secretariat in Abuja. His comments were in response to Otti’s appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show earlier today, where the governor claimed they had taken back control of the party from Abure, who he accused of “masturbating” over claims that he was still in charge. Otti…

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Friday said it has officially commenced the implementation of the Dual Mandate Policy across all Federal Colleges of Education, following the enactment of the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023. According to a statement by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, this legislation, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, empowers FCOEs to concurrently award the Nigeria Certificate in Education and Bachelor’s Degrees in Education — marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s teacher education reform. Announcing the policy rollout in Abuja, the Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa described the…

Alex Otti, governor of Abia, says Julius Abure, factional chairman of the Labour Party (LP), is well aware that his reign is over. The LP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, with Abure and his allies on one hand, and the caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman on the other. The Usman committee is supported by Peter Obi, the party’s ex-presidential candidate, and Otti. Last month, the supreme court ruled that the court of appeal lacked the jurisdiction to pronounce Abure chairman of the LP. Since the verdict, there have been various interpretations of the apex court’s pronouncement, with…

The Federal Government yesterday issued a stop work order on the 12-kilometre Sagamu-Iperu Road by the Sagamu Interchange on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Works Minister David Umahi gave the directive during an inspection tour of ongoing federal road projects in Lagos and Ogun states. He expressed displeasure at the quality and speed of work on the road. The minister gave a seven-day ultimatum to the contractor handling the project to remedy the default and remove the stone base. Umahi also directed the contractor to bring in the right milling machine and the right mixture of stone base. He directed the contractor…

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) yesterday said their searches for investigative records on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were ongoing. They hope to complete the process in 90 days and submit a joint report on or before July 31. It was anticipated that the agencies would release the records today as ordered. A United States District Court for the District of Columbia ordered both agencies to release the records following a Freedom of Information (FoI) request by an American, Aaron Greenspan. Judge Beryl Howell on April 8 ordered the FBI and DEA to release…

Funke Akindele, a famous Nigerian actress-turned-politician, has announced her political plans after an unsuccessful attempt in the last general elections. The actress was the running mate to Abdulazeez Adediran, the Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2023. Following their defeat by Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Funke Akindele took to her social media page to delete all politically related posts. However, in response to her loss during her most recent interview on the premiere live episode of the ‘WithChude’ podcast, the actress, who had been mute on political topics since 2023, stated…

Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, has announced that certain categories of civil servants in Nigeria will be exempt from paying tax, specifically those earning below N1 million per year. The Senator made this revelation in Minna, Niger State, shortly after the Workers’ Day celebration. He revealed that the tax reform bills, which include this provision, are set to be presented to the National Assembly next week for passage. “The Tax Reform Bills are ready for presentation before the National Assembly next week,” Senator Musa said. “Once passed, any worker earning below N1 million annually will…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government to raise the retirement age for all civil servants to 65 years or 40 years of service, aligning with conditions already granted to select sectors. Speaking during the May Day celebration at Eagle Square in Abuja on Thursday, NLC President Joe Ajaero made the appeal while presenting the union’s key demands. “It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service currently enjoyed by teachers, health professionals, and judges to all public servants,” Ajaero stated. He emphasised that equal treatment across all…