The Atlantic Bell

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted legal action against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the state-owned oil firm to account for ₦211 trillion recorded in its 2023 audited financial statements under “Sundry Receivables” and “Accrued Expenses.” In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1427/2026 and filed last week, SERAP contends that the NNPCL failed to provide sufficient explanation or supporting documentation for the transactions, thereby denying Nigerians the opportunity to scrutinise the management of public resources.

The organisation is seeking an order of mandamus directing the NNPCL to disclose all documents relating to the transactions and provide a detailed reconciliation of the entries contained in its audited accounts.

Specifically, SERAP wants the court to compel the company to explain the ₦107.6 trillion recorded as “Sundry Receivables,” including the identities of debtors, amounts owed, the legal basis for the receivables and the status of efforts to recover the funds.

It is also requesting a comprehensive breakdown of the ₦103.4 trillion listed as “Accrued Expenses,” including the identities of creditors and beneficiaries, the nature of the liabilities, their legal basis and supporting documents establishing their legitimacy.

The rights group further urged the court to order the NNPCL to disclose all records used in preparing and approving the disputed entries in the company’s 2023 audited financial statements.

SERAP argued that there is an overriding public interest in ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil revenues, insisting that the NNPCL has a legal obligation to demonstrate that the transactions are lawful, accurate and supported by credible documentation.

According to the organisation, the Freedom of Information Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantee citizens access to information held by public institutions, including the NNPCL, to enable effective public oversight.

It maintained that Nigerians have a right to know who owes the ₦107.6 trillion recorded as receivables, who is entitled to the ₦103.4 trillion in accrued expenses, and whether the transactions comply with applicable laws and public accountability standards.

The suit, filed by SERAP’s legal team comprising Oluwakemi Agunbiade, Kehinde Oyewumi, Andrew Nwankwo and Maryam Mumuni, argued that the NNPCL remains subject to the Freedom of Information Act despite its corporate status under the Petroleum Industry Act because it is wholly owned by the Federal Government and manages the nation’s petroleum resources on behalf of the federation.

SERAP further alleged that the company failed to respond to its Freedom of Information request within the period prescribed by law, a development it said amounted to a refusal under the Act and justified judicial intervention.

The organisation maintained that greater transparency in the management of Nigeria’s oil wealth is essential to strengthening public trust, combating corruption and ensuring that petroleum revenues are deployed for the benefit of Nigerians.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate as part of its intensified operations to dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo
disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the arrests were made following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, to strengthen the ongoing crackdown on one-chance operators and other violent criminals.

The suspects were identified as Uche Samuel, 45, from Omunato in Imo State, and Nkechi Amadi, 42, of Nekede, Imo State.

According to the police, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the criminal activities during interrogation, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate who remain at large.

“The Rivers State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on one-chance syndicates with the arrest of two suspected members of a notorious gang operating within the state,” the statement said.

The Command noted that the arrests underscored its commitment to tackling the growing menace of one-chance robberies through intelligence-led policing and proactive security operations.

Reaffirming the Command’s resolve, Adepoju declared that there would be no respite for one-chance operators and other violent criminals in the state.

“The Rivers State Police Command has declared an onslaught against one-chance operators and all violent criminals.

There will be no hiding place and no room for one-chance syndicates or other criminal elements in Rivers State,” he said.

The Commissioner assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to identify, arrest and prosecute criminal elements, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to assist security agencies in preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and professional development of civil servants, describing the public service as the engine room of effective governance and national development.

Fubara gave the assurance on Thursday at a state banquet held in honour of delegates attending the 48th National Council on Establishments at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor said his administration would continue to prioritise policies that strengthen the Civil Service, noting that its role remains indispensable to sustainable development.

He said Rivers was honoured to host the national gathering, adding that the event was particularly significant as it was expected to be the final National Council on Establishments to be presided over by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, before the end of her tenure.

Paying tribute to Walson-Jack, Fubara described her as an accomplished administrator whose visionary leadership and reforms have made lasting contributions to Nigeria’s public service.
“We are proud of you as our daughter and as a Nigerian woman. Your innovative ideas, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, will leave an enduring legacy for the nation’s Civil Service,” he said.

The governor also said the successful hosting of the council underscored Rivers State’s peaceful and secure environment, dismissing perceptions that could discourage national events in the state.

Drawing from his experience as a former Permanent Secretary and Accountant-General of Rivers State, Fubara said he understood the challenges confronting civil servants. He noted that his Deputy, Prof. Odu, also rose through the Civil Service as a Permanent Secretary, giving the administration a unique appreciation of the needs of public servants.

He described the Civil Service as the largest employer of labour and the backbone of government, stressing that no nation could achieve sustainable development without a motivated, efficient and professional workforce.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, commended Governor Fubara for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of civil servants and for creating an enabling environment for the successful hosting of the council.

She said the governor’s support reflected his recognition of the Civil Service as a critical institution for good governance and thanked the Rivers State Government for its hospitality throughout the week-long event.
Walson-Jack also praised the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi Brown, for her effective coordination of Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries from across the federation, which contributed to the success of the council.

In her remarks, Brown expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for his support and visionary leadership, describing the banquet as a fitting conclusion to a productive week of policy discussions.

She said the technical sessions of the council provided valuable opportunities for the exchange of ideas and best practices that would enhance policy formulation, institutional efficiency and public service delivery across the country.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has honoured 78 members of staff with Long Service Awards in recognition of their dedication, loyalty and invaluable contributions to the growth of the intervention agency and the development of the Niger Delta region.

Speaking at the award ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed that staff welfare remains a central priority of the Board and Management, describing employees as the institutional memory and driving force of the Commission.

Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Ogbuku congratulated the recipients for their years of meritorious service and commended them for their commitment, which he said had contributed significantly to the Commission’s achievements over the years.

He noted that the awards were not only a celebration of longevity in service but also a recognition of the dedication, professionalism and mentorship demonstrated by the recipients in helping to strengthen the Commission.

“The awardees have devoted decades of their lives to the NDDC, mentoring younger colleagues and playing vital roles in addressing the challenges confronting the Commission. Today, we celebrate your dedication, loyalty and commitment to service,” he said.

Ogbuku added: “We are proud of your achievements and grateful for your immense contributions. Each of you has helped shape our processes and our success story. We thank you for investing your talents and time in advancing the sustainable development of the Niger Delta.”

Also speaking, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, praised the award recipients for serving the Commission and the Niger Delta with distinction, noting that the recognition reflected years of exemplary service, unwavering commitment and professional excellence.

Responding on behalf of the honourees, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Awele Chukwudifu, expressed appreciation to the Executive Management for the recognition, describing the award as a source of motivation and encouragement.

She said the honour would inspire staff to remain committed to the Commission’s mandate of driving sustainable development across the Niger Delta region while sustaining excellence in service delivery.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local manufacturing capacity and expanding indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry with an inspection visit to the Brentex Petroleum Services Limited (BPSL) Steel Pipe Induction Bending and Coating Facility at the Onne Port Complex in Rivers State.

The visit formed part of the Board’s sustained drive to accelerate Nigerian Content development by supporting strategic investments that enhance in-country industrial capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing for critical oil and gas infrastructure.

During the inspection, officials of Brentex Petroleum Services Limited presented a comprehensive overview of the facility, outlining its strategic importance in providing steel pipe hot induction bending and coating services within Nigeria. They highlighted key operational units, including the induction bending workshops, coating plant, heat treatment unit, laboratory and quality assurance systems, while updating the delegation on construction progress and the facility’s commissioning schedule.

The NCDMB delegation also undertook an extensive tour of the plant to assess the level of installation and operational readiness.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile commended Brentex Petroleum Services Limited for the remarkable progress achieved on the project, describing the facility as a critical investment that aligns with the Board’s vision of building sustainable local manufacturing capacity.

He reiterated the Board’s resolve to continue supporting indigenous companies undertaking value-adding projects capable of deepening Nigerian Content, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the country’s industrial base across the oil and gas value chain.

In his response, the Managing Director of Brentex Petroleum Services Limited, Mr. Nzerem Chidi, expressed appreciation to the NCDMB for its unwavering support, noting that the Board’s interventions have continued to encourage indigenous investors to undertake strategic industrial projects.

He also praised the leadership of the Executive Secretary for championing policies and initiatives that promote local manufacturing, increase indigenous participation and position Nigerian companies to compete effectively across the oil and gas value chain.

The Brentex Steel Pipe Induction Bending and Coating Facility is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s in-country capacity for specialised pipe processing services, further advancing the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act through technology transfer, value retention and industrial growth.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel in a major effort to strengthen the country’s security architecture and enhance the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.

The Presidency said the restructuring forms part of the administration’s broader investment in the military, which includes the acquisition of critical combat platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and sustained support for operational readiness and force modernisation.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said the decision reflects Tinubu’s commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and reinforce the nation’s defence capabilities.

Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions strategically located across the country. They include the 1 Division, Kaduna, covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states; 2 Division, Ibadan, serving Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo; 3 Division, Jos, covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe; the newly established 5 Division, Makurdi, for Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi; 6 Division, Port Harcourt, covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River; and 7 Division, Maiduguri, serving Borno and Yobe.

Others are 8 Division, Sokoto, covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara; the new 9 Division, Ilorin, serving Kwara and Niger; the new 10 Division, Jalingo, covering Taraba and Adamawa; 81 Division, Lagos, covering Lagos and Ogun; 82 Division, Enugu, serving Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo; and the newly created 83 Division, Benin City, covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa.

According to the Presidency, the establishment of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, bolster counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure quicker military responses to emerging threats across the country.

The implementation of the new force structure will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, comprising the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 divisions alongside the reorganisation of existing formations, is expected to be completed by September 2026. The second phase, which includes the establishment of the 83 Division and further restructuring, is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

President Tinubu also praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, for what he described as their professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in the Armed Forces to ensure they remain well-equipped, highly motivated and fully prepared to defend the nation and guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerians.

Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has reaffirmed his commitment to defending Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, declaring that no amount of intimidation, political persecution or propaganda would deter him from pursuing what he described as the collective struggle to rescue the nation’s democratic values.

In a lengthy message of appreciation to his supporters, Dickson expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa West, Bayelsa State, the Ijaw Nation and Nigerians at home and abroad for their steadfast support, solidarity and prayers throughout what he called his political journey to strengthen the country’s opposition.

The senator said that for the past eight months he had remained away from home while focusing on building the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which he described as “the biggest national opposition party” in Nigeria.
He credited the party’s rapid growth to the commitment of its members, candidates and political partners, particularly the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“I thank God Almighty for His grace and strength. I also thank our party officers at every level and Nigerians across political divides for their confidence, trust and unwavering support,” Dickson said.

He maintained that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, insisting that the survival of a vibrant multi-party system was essential to the country’s future.

According to him, ongoing legal battles and what he termed “contrived anti-democratic shenanigans” would ultimately fail, expressing confidence that the judiciary would uphold the rule of law and resist attempts to undermine democratic institutions.

The former governor also accused unnamed political figures whom he said he had helped to attain positions of authority of turning against him by allegedly weaponising state institutions, removing political opponents from office, victimising innocent citizens and spreading propaganda.
Despite what he described as nearly seven years of sustained persecution against him, his family and supporters, Dickson said the loyalty of his followers had remained unshaken.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace politics driven by ideas, conviction and principles rather than personal gain, appointments or what he called “stomach infrastructure.”

He said the enduring legacy he hoped to leave behind was a generation courageous enough to reject injustice, defend truth and demand accountability from leaders.

Dickson announced plans to return to Bayelsa in the coming weeks alongside the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, to personally appreciate party members and supporters across the state.

He called on citizens to reject violence and intimidation, urging them instead to participate actively in peaceful democratic processes and protect the sanctity of their votes.

The senator warned that politicians who relied on intimidation, abuse of state institutions and violence would ultimately be rejected by the electorate.

Reflecting on his political career, Dickson said he had weathered nearly two decades of investigations, allegations, political conspiracies and intimidation, yet continued to emerge stronger.

He argued that despite governing Bayelsa during a period marked by severe economic recession, his administration recorded lasting achievements across critical sectors and laid a solid foundation for the state’s development.

“I have seen it all and survived it all. The God who has stood by me has not abandoned me. He remains on His throne, watching and judging the actions of all men,” he declared.

Dickson concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon the NDC, Bayelsa State and Nigeria, while expressing confidence that justice, democracy and the will of the people would ultimately prevail.