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No fewer than nine people have been reportedly killed in another attack in Yelwa village of Heipang District, Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State.

The Nation gathered the attack took place around 10;00pm on Tuesday as the villagers retired to the bed.

President Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM), Barr Dalyop Mwantiri, also alleged that the gunmen rustled a herd of Cattle from Yelwa village during the attack.

Nwantiri said: ‘It’s gathered that the attack lasted up to two hours as security forces from Sector 4 rapidly responded to avert further casualty.’

Attempts to get confirmation from security forces failed.

The Federal Government has finalised implementation frameworks for N4 trillion in government-backed bonds to settle verified arrears owed to power generation companies (GenCos) and gas suppliers.

The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Head of the media and communications unit in the SA’s office, Senan Murray, yesterday.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, and Ms Verheijen.

According to the statement, the agreement was reached at a meeting between federal government officials and the senior executives of GenCos to review settlement modalities for the outstanding debt.

‘The meeting concluded with a consensus on the way forward, which includes conducting bilateral negotiations to finalise full and final settlement agreements that balance fiscal realities with the financial constraints of the GenCos.

‘This intervention- the largest in over a decade, addresses a legacy debt overhang that has constrained investment, weakened utility balance sheets, and hindered reliable power delivery across the country. ‘

This is a major step by the Federal Government toward restoring financial stability and investor confidence in the electricity market,’ the statement said.

It explained that the agreement followed a landmark initiative approved by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to address structural bottlenecks and lay the groundwork for large-scale private sector-led investment and sustained economic growth.

According to Murray, at the meeting, Ms Verheijen said the Federal Government’s focus was on creating the right conditions for investment by modernising the grid, improving distribution and scaling embedded generation. The step would also help in closing metering gaps, aligning tariffs with efficient costs, improving subsidy targeting to support the poor and vulnerable, and restoring regulatory trust.

‘The sector is shifting from crisis response to sustained delivery and building the confidence needed to attract large-scale private capital,’ she said.

Also at the meeting, Edun said the reforms were beyond liquidity, as it would help in ‘rebuilding the fundamentals so that Nigeria’s power sector works for investors, for citizens and for the next generation.

‘This is how we create the enabling conditions for sustained private investment and transform reliable power into a catalyst for economic growth. Complementary efforts to scale renewable energy, leverage domestic gas as a transition fuel, and build local technical and institutional capacity will position Nigeria not just for energy security, but for energy sovereignty, creating one of Africa’s most attractive power markets,’ he said.

The Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Transcorp Power, Tony Elumelu, noted that for the first time in years, the sector is seeing a credible and systematic effort by the government to tackle the root liquidity challenges in the power sector. He commended President Tinubu and his economic team for the bold and transformative step.

Speaking in the same vein, Goup Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina said the initiative was significant in every respect.

According to him, it renews confidence in the reform process and is a clear signal that the government is serious about building a sustainable power sector. Adesina noted that, beyond clearing arrears, the debt reduction plan signalled a strategic reset of Nigeria’s electricity market. The Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Plan is being jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, in collaboration with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc and other key stakeholders.

The Nigerian Army has sustained nationwide onslaught against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, neutralising four terrorists and apprehending 53 suspects in recent operations.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the operations were conducted between Oct. 10 and Oct.13.

He said the operation led to the rescue of nine kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, and over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil.

According to the source, the operations targeted insurgents’ strongholds, logistics routes, and criminal hideouts across the North East, North Central, North West, South East and South-South regions.

In the North East, he said the troops of 26 Task Force Brigade apprehended two suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers at Gwoza Wakane in Borno.

He added that the 156 Task Force Battalion nabbed a terrorist spy at Mainok in Kaga Local Government Area.

‘Similarly, troops of 1 Battalion (Rear), in collaboration with the NSCDC, apprehended a terrorist collaborator at Augie, Kebbi State, recovering a motorcycle and mobile phone,’ he said.

In the North Central, the source revealed that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke raided criminal hideouts at Angwan Kuje in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, nabbed three suspected kidnappers and recovered a motorcycle after an exchange of fire.

He added that troops of 177 Guards Battalion discovered an illegal mining site behind Gurku Hill in Karu Local Government Area and apprehended nine suspects who were handed over to the NSCDC.

‘In the South East, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade neutralized one IPOB/ESN member and arrested two others at Mbaïtoli Local Government Area to f Imo, recovering ammunition, mobile phones and charms.

‘Likewise, 143 Battalion apprehended an IPOB/ESN logistics supplier at Lokpaukwu in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia, seizing gunpowder, radios and other items.

‘Troops of 14 Field Engineer Regiment, Anambra State, also recovered a locally-made pistol, 48 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and walkie-talkies after criminals detonated an IED in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra,’ he said.

The source said the troops of 17 Brigade in Katsina State, repelled a terrorist attack at Mabai, neutralising one terrorist and recovered three AK-47 rifles and 11 motorcycles.

In Zamfara, he said the troops of 1 Brigade recovered 18 rustled cattle in Bukkuyum Local Government Area and handed them to local authorities.

He added that troops of 12 Brigade in Kwara rescued nine kidnapped victims along the Egbe-Okoloke-Pategi Road.

In the South-South, he said the troops of 16 Brigade and 29 Battalion uncovered several illegal refining sites in Rivers and Abia States and destroyed over 4,000 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined products.

According to him, troops also arrested 15 drug suspects in joint operations with the NDLEA in Edo and Lagos States, destroyed cannabis farms and handed over exhibits to relevant agencies.

The reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian army to maintaining operational momentum and improving security to enhance economic activities in line with the Federal Government’s food security and stability agenda.

Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman Adebayo Olasoju, has inspired youngsters at a career and lifestyle development program organised by Promasidor Nigeria Limited.

The event, tagged ‘Harness Your Dream’, is aimed at providing robust guidance and mentorship for young individuals.

The event had in attendance the management of Promasidor Nigeria Limited led by the Managing Director, Mr. Francois Gillet among other notable individuals.

As one of the guest speakers at the event, held at the Multipurpose Hall of Oshodi-Isolo, Olasoju emphasized the importance of self-discovery and self-belief for future leaders, urging the participants all of whom are Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3 pupils selected across public schools to identify their passions and set goals in life.

Sharing his personal experiences and political trajectory, Olasoju advised them never to let their background or circumstances limit their imagination or aspirations, stressing that no dream is too big or too small to achieve.

Highlighting education as a major pathway to a bright future, the council boss urged the youngsters to remain focused on their studies and strive for excellence in their examinations, assuring them that diligence and discipline always yield lasting rewards.

‘Your journey to greatness in life begins with self-discovery and believes in your capabilities. Set ambitious goals starting with your academics by coming out with flying colors. As a government, we are doing all we can to support your educational pursuit and we won’t spare any expense. Tertiary education has been made a lot easier. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), an initiative of the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government is there for you take advantage of. The onus is on you to make every investment made by government, your parents and even Promasidor; our host today, count as it’s our desire to see you become great in life,’ Olasoju said.

The council boss referenced some individuals who are doing well for themselves as he urged the pupils to take a cue from their success stories as motivation.

He thanked Promasidor for the laudable initiative, noting that the event aligns with his administration’s robust educational policy.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), and the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, have expressed concern over the slow pace at which courts determine corruption cases in the country.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, Aliyu, and Musa, who called for an urgent reversal of the current trend, argued that prompt determination of corruption cases will not only restore public confidence in the judicial process, but it could also deter those planning to engage in corrupt practices.

The three legal giants spoke in Abuja at a capacity-building workshop jointly organized by the NJI and the ICPC, with the theme: ‘Reinforcing effective management and trial of corruption cases.’

The CJN, who was represented by Justice John Okoro of the Supreme Court, decried the slow pace at which corruption cases are determined by the nation’s courts.

She argued that the development was capable of eroding public confidence in the Judiciary’s capacity to dispense justice and at the same time, embolden the criminals, who are neck deep in corrupt practices.

CJN said, ‘A major concern in the adjudication of corruption cases in Nigeria is delay. It is a matter of great regret that many corruption trials drag on for years, sometimes even decades, undermining public confidence in the administration of justice.

‘Justice delayed is, indeed, justice denied. Delay in corruption cases breeds doubt, fuels impunity, and creates the perception that corruption pays.

‘If the Judiciary is to retain the confidence of the people, we must devise and implement effective strategies to curb unnecessary adjournments, discourage frivolous interlocutory applications, and embrace robust case management practices that ensure trials proceed with speed without sacrificing fairness.

‘This calls for a renewal of our commitment to judicial courage and efficiency. Case management powers must be exercised firmly but fairly. Procedural loopholes must not be allowed to become the refuge of the accused.

‘At the same time, however, the Judiciary must never lose sight of its sacred duty to uphold the fundamental rights of all persons who come before it.

‘The balance between expeditious trial and fair trial is delicate, but it is one we must constantly strive to maintain,’ she said.

Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that corruption today is not what it was two or three decades ago, adding that ‘the advancement of technology, the globalization of financial systems, and the increasing complexity of commercial transactions have created new avenues for corrupt practices.

‘Money is laundered through elaborate schemes, assets are concealed across jurisdictions, and digital platforms are exploited to cover illicit dealings.

‘The judge, who must preside over corruption cases, cannot afford to remain static. Continuous training, exposure to emerging trends, and familiarity with both local and international instruments against corruption are indispensable.

‘Workshops such as this are vital; they serve not only as platforms for knowledge transfer but also as opportunities for introspection and re-commitment.

‘With courage, integrity, and steadfast commitment, the Judiciary can and must play its role in expunging corruption from our society,’ the CJN said.

Aliyu said the policy of the ICPC under his leadership, which prioritizes corruption prevention while maintaining a strong enforcement focus, has yielded commendable outcomes.

He said, ‘This strategic shift has already begun to yield positive results in 2024, with the commission blocking over 20 billion naira from reaching the pockets of ghost workers and pensioners.

‘Additionally, we initiated a programme, Accountability and Corruption Prevention in Local Government Councils in Nigeria, to enforce the Supreme Court’s decision on local government autonomy.

‘In this programme, too, from May 2025 to date, across six states, we recovered more than N2.5 billion in outstanding remittances of tax deductions from ministries overseeing local government affairs on joint projects between local and state governments,’ he said.

Aliyu argued the effective administration of justice in corruption cases requires both vigorous law enforcement and scrupulous judicial oversight.

He noted that the recent developments in the fight against corruption necessitate this capacity building to enhance judicial officers’ ability to handle corruption cases with speed and consistency, because the cases were becoming more complex due to rapid technological advancement and societal challenges.

The ICPC boss explained that the expected outcomes of the capacity-building workshop were to enhance judges’ skills, knowledge, and professional ethics in handling corruption cases.

He added that the workshop is equally intended to strengthen institutional performance through practical application of anti-corruption laws and strategies, and foster greater collaboration and innovation between the judiciary and the ICPC, thereby promoting integrity, fairness, and public confidence in the justice system.

Justice Adejumo said the workshop became imperative in view of the deleterious effect of corruption on the nation’s development, noting that ‘corruption has remained one of the greatest impediments to our national growth and the consolidation of our democratic institutions.

‘Its deleterious impact touches every aspect of governance, the economy, and indeed the administration of Justice. For the Judiciary, corruption not only undermines our ability to deliver justice but also erodes the confidence of the very public we are sworn to protect.

‘For the fight against corruption to succeed, judicial officers must be properly equipped with the tools, knowledge, and ethical compass required to rise above challenges and discharge this sacred duty with courage and integrity.

‘To this end, this workshop is carefully designed to sharpen our skills in handling corruption-related matters.

‘It will expose participants to contemporary issues in case management, best practices in the trial of corruption cases, as well as emerging global trends that can guide our local experience.

‘Furthermore, it affords us the opportunity to reflect on the peculiar obstacles that impede the effective trial of corruption cases in Nigeria – including delay, procedural bottlenecks, technical objections, and ethical dilemmas- whilst collectively seeking practical solutions,’ Justice Adejumo said.

Contrary to reports, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun is in high spirits, looking hale and hearty in London, The Nation can confirm.

The Nation reports Edun visited the O’DA Art Gallery booth at 1-54 London on Wednesday, October 15, at Somerset House, London.

In the video seen by The Nation, the creative director and founder of the gallery, Obida Obioha was seen showing the works in the gallery booth and discussing with the Finance Minister.

Until his departure to London, the Minister had taken ill in recent days but the Presidency dismissed earlier rumours that he had suffered a stroke or was incapacitated.

Obioha said: ‘It was a pleasure to welcome the Honourable Minister of Finance, Wale Edun (@finminnigeria) to the O’DA Art Gallery booth at 1-54 London (@154artfair ) today, October 15, 2025, at Somerset House.

‘We had the privilege of walking him through our presentation, Lines of Spirit – featuring Simon Ojeaga, Paul Majek, and Afeez Onakoya – three artists whose practices explore the intersections of form, rhythm, and transcendence within contemporary African abstraction.

‘The presentation reflects O’DA’s ongoing commitment to championing artists who expand visual language while remaining deeply connected to questions of identity, memory, and community.’

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday said leaders and governors of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) due to the capacity of President Bola Tinubu.

Wike said those who once criticised the president are now members of the APC.

He disclosed this at the flag-off of the construction of the main carriageways on the outer southern expressway in Abuja.

The minister said Tinubu has shown leadership and the ability to deliver the dividends of democracy.

Wike said he has been justified that Mr President is a performer, adding that the governors should rather commend him for ‘doing a good job’ of paving the way for them to join the ruling party.

He said, ‘I have been watching on daily television and social media, people who said I want to destabilize the party, I am working for the APC. All of them are now in the APC. So, which means if it is true, they should commend me for working for where they are heading. So, I should be commended for doing a good job for them’.

In the past 48 hours, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, resigned his membership of the PDP and joined the ruling APC, stating that his decision was in the interest of national development under President Tinubu’s leadership.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, also resigned his membership of the party on Wednesday, along with 19 members of the State House of Assembly, making the fourth PDP governor to defect ahead of the 2027 general elections, bringing the number of PDP governors from 11 as of October 2024, to only eight as of today.

The Minister noted that the governors no longer had an excuse as the ‘decisive leadership’ of President Tinubu had ensured that every state had enough resources to pay salaries and embark on credible projects and activities.

Wike said, ‘Let every state be sincere to their people, and to Nigerians. I was a governor for eight years. I was a governor running around banks to look for money to do projects. Sometimes, every month, the money that comes will not be enough to pay salaries and all other allowances, not to talk about doing projects.

‘Today, by the leadership of somebody, by the decisive leadership of somebody who has made it possible for all the states, and the Federal Capital Territory, not to be running around banks again. Rather, banks are now looking for states to say ‘look, don’t throw us away, we are here.

‘Somebody has made that possible; every state now has money, not only to pay salaries, not only to carry out government activities, but also to embark on projects. It was not like that before’.

He described the decision to defect and support the Tinubu-led administration as ‘worthwhile’, adding that no governor will leave debts for their successors any longer, as it used to happen.

The minister said, ‘So, if, for that reason, so many people are going to support Mr President, I think it is worthwhile. Now, no governor will talk about leaving debts for his successor, unlike what used to happen before. That is the leadership of somebody.

‘And that’s what this country needs for now. Visionary leadership, purposeful leadership, that will be able to make decisions. Decisions that people were running away from taking when they had the opportunity’.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a bold step toward easing traffic flow, stimulating economic activities, and enhancing mobility for residents across the Federal Capital Territory.

She said the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu constantly reminds Nigerians that progress is built not only in policy but in the visible transformation of lives and communities.

In the same breath, Mahmoud hailed the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his unwavering energy, foresight, and passion in ensuring that infrastructure development in the FCT is both meaningful and people-centered.

According to her, ‘under your watch, the FCT has truly become a construction powerhouse and a beacon of national renewal.’

A group, Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), has called for integrity among the citizens, saying the image of the country is shaped not by slogans or policies alone, but by the conduct, integrity, and values of the citizens.

According to a statement from the group endorsed by its Chairman, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya to commemorate the inaugural edition of Nigeria Reputation Day today, he said rebuilding Nigeria’s reputation, therefore, is not only about fixing systems, it is about restoring trust, strengthening character, and living with integrity.

Badejo-Okusanya said Nigerians have shown, time and again, that the citizens are creative, resilient, and unbreakable in spirit, adding that to fully harness these gifts, honesty and accountability are crucial.

‘Every act of fairness, every promise kept, and every truth spoken is a quiet brick with which we build a stronger, more respected Nigeria,’ he said.

According to him, the country’s challenges are real, but they are not insurmountable, adding that across the world, ‘and within our borders, we have seen communities revived and nations renewed when people chose to act differently, persistently, and together’.

‘Today marks a defining chapter in our nation’s story, the inaugural Nigeria Reputation Day. It is a day for reflection and renewal; a day to recognise one of our greatest national assets: our name.

‘The theme of this year’s commemoration, ‘Better Reputation, Better Nigeria,’ carries a truth that speaks to all of us, that the image of our country is shaped not by slogans or policies alone, but by the conduct, integrity, and values of each Nigerian.

‘Our reputation is not merely perception; it is power. It determines how the world receives us, how investors trust our markets, how our youth are treated abroad, and how proudly our children identify with their homeland.

‘Rebuilding Nigeria’s reputation, therefore, is not only about fixing systems, it is about restoring trust, strengthening character, and living with integrity.

‘Nigerians have shown, time and again, that we are creative, resilient, and unbreakable in spirit. ‘Yet to fully harness these gifts, we must anchor them in honesty and accountability. Every act of fairness, every promise kept, and every truth spoken is a quiet brick with which we build a stronger, more respected Nigeria.

‘Yes, our challenges are real, but they are not insurmountable. Around the world, and within our borders, we have seen communities revived and nations renewed when people chose to act differently, persistently, and together,’ he said.

Badejo-Okusanya said to guide the nation’s collective journey, the NRMG identified five pillars for building and sustaining Nigeria’s reputation. The pillars include Consistency – Acting with integrity not occasionally, but always; Transparency – Being open in our decisions and accountable for outcomes; and Responsibility – Owning our actions and correcting our missteps.

Others are Respect – Treating our people, institutions, laws, and environment with dignity; and Excellence – Rejecting mediocrity and striving for higher standards in all things.

‘On this first Nigeria Reputation Day, we call on every Nigerian, at home and abroad, to take up the #BetterReputationBetterNigeria# challenge: commit one act of integrity, live it daily, inspire others to do the same, and carry Nigeria’s name with honour,’ Badejo-Okusanya said.

He said the M-Factor is the country’s cultural power grid

According to him, the nation’s reputation is not built by policies alone, it is expressed daily through creativity, culture, and the people. ‘Across the world, Nigeria’s image is shaped by what we call ‘The M-Factor’, our five engines of soft power: music, movies, media, minds, and fashion.

These five dimensions, he said are the pulse of the Nigerian story, vibrant, expressive, and deeply human.

He said music – the rhythm of resilience, turning challenges into chants and hope into harmony;

movies – the nation’s mirror and megaphone, projecting truth, humour, and courage with global reach while media – the voice that frames perception, building or breaking trust depending on how it is used.

‘Minds – our thinkers, innovators, and reformers – the conscience behind our creativity; fashion – the fabric of our identity, where culture meets confidence and design meets dignity,’ he added.

According to him, when the M-Factor aligns with integrity, Nigeria becomes unstoppable.

‘Let our music carry messages of dignity as much as rhythm; Let our films uplift as much as they entertain; Let our media amplify truth, not toxicity; Let our fashion express pride anchored in purpose; And let our minds lead with clarity, conscience, and courage.

‘This is how a nation earns respect, when culture and character move in the same direction.

‘Our national image will not be defined by headlines alone, but by the quiet consistency of millions choosing what is right. Let this day be a turning point, a reminder that the reputation we desire begins with each of us.

‘From now on, Nigeria Reputation Day will be marked annually on October 15 as a national reminder that integrity and reputation are the foundations of progress. Each year, we will renew our shared commitment to honour, trust, and uphold the values that make Nigeria great.

‘Together, we can build a nation that commands respect, attracts opportunity, and reflects the greatness that lies within us all. The Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) stands ready to lead, support, and collaborate with every Nigerian in restoring and protecting our national character,’ he said.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has commended Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for what he described as a courageous and patriotic decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the interest of the state.

Lokpobiri praised the governor for ‘jumping out of the sinking ship’ and demonstrating maturity, foresight, and a deep understanding of the times. He said Diri’s decision reflected a commitment to Bayelsa’s growth and its alignment with national development priorities.

The Minister urged Governor Diri to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure full alignment with the Federal Government and take advantage of the transformative policies and opportunities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Top APC leaders in Bayelsa – including former Governor-elect David Lyon, Senator Degi Eremienyo, Osomkime Blankson, and Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli – have also welcomed Diri’s resignation from the PDP, describing it as a strategic step toward greater collaboration with the Federal Government.

There are indications that Diri, along with members of his Executive Council, lawmakers, Local Government Chairmen, and key supporters, are preparing to officially declare for the APC in what is seen as a collective and strategic political realignment.

Governor Diri’s exit from the PDP came less than 24 hours after his Enugu State counterpart, Governor Peter Mbah, also dumped the party and joined the APC – a development that signals a growing wave of defections across the South-South and South-East regions.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to investigate why the government-funded modular refinery in Brass, Bayelsa state, has failed to commence despite an investment of about 35 million dollars in the project.

This followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), alleging that despite the investment, there is nothing on the ground to suggest that the government has made such a huge investment.

In view of the motion, the House directed its committee on Downstream and Midstream to investigate the circumstances surrounding these huge financial commitments to the tune of $35m, with nothing on the ground to suggest such a huge investment.

Leading the debate on the motion, Osawaru argued that an increased revenue base for the nation reduces the pressure on the foreign exchange regime and lowers the debt burden, especially as it relates to budget financing.

According to him, it was in the light of the above that the Buhari administration graciously embarked on the need to encourage the funding of modular refineries in the Niger Delta region.

He maintained that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, indigenous refining has been identified as a key driver of energy independence, job creation, and industrial revitalization.

He said the key objective of the present administration is to ensure energy security through improved oil production output in order to increase the Nation’s revenue base, and that every available opportunity has been geared towards this objective.

He explained that sometime in 2020, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) invested the sum of Thirty-Five Million Dollars ($35 million) in Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited – a modular refinery to be located in Brass, Bayelsa State.

He expressed concern that despite this huge investment of $35 million dollars which is more than N50 billion and enough to fund fundamental components of the national budget, the proposed modular refinery was never set up, adding that there is nothing on the ground to show that such a huge financial commitment had been made.

He disclosed that despite the move by the House to unravel the mystery behind this wastage by mandating its relevant committee to investigate the monumental economic sabotage, nothing has been heard in respect of the subject matter.

He said, ‘In May 2024, a stakeholder submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) urging the anti-graft organization to probe the multi-million dollar investments made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) among which was the Atlantic Refinery project; and that despite this noble move by the said stakeholder, nothing has been heard about this profound national waste almost a year ago’.

He said the continued inactivity of this Brass modular refinery project raises significant questions about the management of public funds and the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms in Nigeria.