Category: Daily Trust

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to vacate the order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government.

In a statement issued by the State House on Thursday, the president said while he was not opposed to the EFCC’s exercise of its statutory powers, the timing of the action raised some concerns.

‘It has come to my notice that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government.’

‘I must state that I feel deeply embarrassed not by the EFCC’s exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency’s action. This is so because every action taken by an institution of State, especially at the Federal level, is always credited to me, as the President, even when I may not have had any prior knowledge of the action.

‘Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference. I have therefore deliberately refrained from directing or interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC or any other investigative or prosecutorial agency because I firmly believe that strong democratic institutions, operating within the confines of the law, are indispensable to democratic good governance and the rule of law.

‘As President, I am committed to allowing institutions of State to function and take any action they consider necessary in the interest of proper governance without the need for any prior approval. Indeed, that is why institutions are set up by law with clearly defined powers.

‘While I am yet to be fully apprised of the facts which informed the action of EFCC in approaching the court to obtain the said order freezing the Osun State Government account, I am not in the slightest doubt that the timing of the action of EFCC is inauspicious, and therefore I feel compelled to intervene.

‘Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the federal government is being used to interfere with the election.

‘Based on the foregoing premise, I am duty-bound to issue a directive on this issue in consonance with the overriding public interest in preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility, and fairness of our democratic process.

‘Accordingly, I have directed the EFCC to immediately proceed to the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard.’

Seven-time African champions, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, booked their place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship after yesterday’s dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over host nation Côte d’Ivoire.

The pulsating semi-final encounter ended 2-2 after extra time, making the penalty shootout inevitable.

The hosts, who started on the front foot and controlled the tempo from kickoff, came close to an early opener in both the 12th and 14th minutes.

However, Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani remained alert and kept Nigeria in the game.

The pressure eventually told in the 16th minute when Côte d’Ivoire’s Kaita slotted home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

The Flying Eagles pushed for an equalizer before half-time with renewed urgency, but the Ivorian defense held firm to take their narrow advantage into the break.

The breakthrough for Nigeria finally arrived in the 67th minute when Captain Habila Simeon rose highest to nod in a cross, leveling the score at 1-1.

Despite several chances created by both sides, neither team could find a winner in regulation, sending the match into extra time.

Aliyu Abubakar put the Flying Eagles ahead 2-1 in the third minute of extra time, but Côte d’Ivoire responded immediately, leveling the tie at 2-2 before the end of the first period of extra time.

During the shootout, the Flying Eagles held their nerve from the spot to secure a 4-3 victory.

The hard-fought win sends Nigeria through to the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, where they will aim to retain their trophy and secure qualification for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The statement signed by Dr Ado Muhammad on behalf of its Steering Committee, indicated that the event would hold at the auditorium of the National Mosque in Abuja.

It added that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Saad Abubakar, would be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the foundation was established as a faith-inspired, non-profit platform.

It is also to harness the Zakat, Sadaqah, and other forms of Islamic philanthropy to reduce poverty, improve livelihoods and support vulnerable members of the society.

It seeks to strengthen the administration of Zakat through transparency, accountability, Sharia (Islamic law) compliance and the responsible use of technology.

At the heart of the vision is EasyZakat platform, a web and mobile application, designed to make the calculation, payment, collection, tracking and distribution of Zakat easier.

It is also expected to make the activity more transparent and accountable.

The platform connects givers, beneficiaries, administrators and relevant institutions through a secure digital interface.

It will also limit manual handling, human discretion and reduces the risk of interferences or manipulation.

The platform would provides digital records, beneficiary validation, auditable transaction trails, and real-time tracking of contributions from the giver to the intended beneficiary.

‘The platform is, therefore, not only a payment channel, but also a built-in accountability mechanism.’

‘It will enable givers to monitor their contributions, recall their giving history, view their dashboard, and obtain extractable records where required.

‘Effectively, it will strengthen donor confidence and ensure that every contribution can be transparently traced and responsibly accounted for,’ the statement explained.

It added that the inauguration of the BOT and the unveiling of the platform represented a major milestone in ‘building a credible, technology-driven and impactful institution dedicated to Islamic social finance, social justice, poverty reduction and inclusive community development across Nigeria’.(NAN)

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board has announced the restoration of potable water supply to Wuse 1, Wuse 2, Wuye and Maitama Districts, following the successful completion of emergency maintenance work on the main trunk line.

Abuja Metro reports that the affected districts have been without water for over three weeks, causing hardship to many residents.

Public Relations Officer of FCT Water Board, Umar Suleiman Ako, who announced this in a statement, said, the maintenance became necessary to prevent a major system failure and to guarantee sustainable water supply to the affected areas and the FCT at large.

‘The Board sincerely appreciates all our esteemed customers and the general public for your endurance, understanding and uncommon patience during the period of disruption. We recognise the inconveniences caused and thank you for your cooperation while our engineers worked to resolve the challenge.

‘With the completion of the repairs, the Board is fully committed to efficient and improved service delivery across the FCT. We will continue to prioritise prompt response to burst pipes, leakages, and other service-related issues.

‘In the spirit of shared responsibility, we kindly appeal to all customers to reciprocate this commitment by paying their water bills promptly and in full. Timely payment of bills enables the Board to sustain operations, carry out necessary maintenance, and ensure uninterrupted water supply to all residents.

‘For enquiries, complaints, or bill payment assistance, please visit the Customer Care Unit, FCT Water Board Headquarters, Garki Area 3, or contact our customer service lines’, the statement added.

President of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has felicitated the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, on the occasion of his 66th birthday.

Professor Gwarzo described the renowned industrialist and philanthropist as a visionary leader whose remarkable contributions have continued to transform lives, strengthen industries, and promote economic growth across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

He noted that Rabiu’s unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship, job creation, infrastructure development, and philanthropy has earned him widespread respect as one of Africa’s most influential business leaders.

According to Professor Gwarzo, the BUA Chairman’s investments in critical sectors of the economy have not only contributed to national development but have also created opportunities for thousands of young people while supporting education, healthcare, and other humanitarian causes.

‘We are celebrating Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu as a leader who continues to shape lives, build industries, and unlock opportunities for millions of people. His achievements in business and philanthropy remain an inspiration to the younger generation and a testament to what visionary leadership can accomplish,’ Professor Gwarzo said.

On behalf of the management, staff, and students of the MAAUN Group of Universities, as well as his family, Professor Gwarzo wished Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu many more years of good health, wisdom, and continued success in his service to humanity.

He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the business mogul abundant blessings and strengthens him to continue making meaningful contributions to Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected kidnappers, three alleged gunrunners and six suspected counterfeit currency dealers, while recovering firearms, stolen property worth millions of naira, livestock and hard drugs during operations across the state over the past two weeks.

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this during a press briefing in Kaduna on Tuesday, saying the command also neutralised several notorious kidnappers in separate operations during the period.

He said the command recovered 10 firearms of different calibres, 190 solar inverters valued at about N69 million, one stolen vehicle, 83 packs of hard drugs, 32 stolen mobile phones, two plasma televisions, 410 cattle and 170 counterfeit United States dollar notes.

According to the commissioner, the successes were recorded through intelligence-led operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

‘Within the two weeks under review, the Kaduna State Police Command neutralised notorious kidnappers, arrested 16 suspected kidnappers, six suspects found in possession of 170 counterfeit US dollar notes, three suspected gunrunners and recovered 10 firearms of different calibres,’ he said.

Muhammad said operatives arrested a 20-year-old woman, Aisha Barau, in Ramin Kura village on July 21 after she was allegedly caught attempting to exchange suspected counterfeit US dollar notes for naira.

He said the suspect confessed that the fake currency had been given to her by Abdullahi Muhammad and Danbala Jibrin, leading to the arrest of other members of the alleged syndicate.

The commissioner also disclosed that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested three suspected gunrunners in Jos, Plateau State, following credible intelligence.

The suspects, identified as Luka Samuel, John Paul and Musa Elisha, were allegedly found in possession of two locally fabricated pistols and reportedly confessed to supplying arms and ammunition to bandits.

In another operation, Muhammad said security operatives arrested Abdullahi Mohammed, popularly known as ‘Aala’, during a joint operation involving officers from the Anchau Division and members of the Yan Sa Kai vigilante group in Kargi village.

Police alleged that the suspect confessed to masterminding several kidnappings in Kuzuntu village, Ikara Local Government Area, and parts of Kano State, as well as participating in the killing of two Yan Sa Kai members last year.

Police said an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the investigation.

The commissioner further disclosed that detectives from the Anti-Car Theft Section recovered a stolen Toyota Sienna in Zaria shortly after it was stolen from the premises of a Juma’at Mosque in Ungwan Rimi.

He said the arrest of one Mohammed Shehu led to another suspect, Zakari Abubakar, who allegedly specialised in producing duplicate vehicle keys for car thieves.

Muhammad also said police recovered 80 cattle and 10 sheep after engaging suspected cattle rustlers in a gun battle at Damanko village in Zaria Local Government Area.

He added that two livestock owners sustained gunshot injuries before police arrived and are receiving treatment at a hospital.

The commissioner also announced the recovery of 190 solar inverters and 10 lithium batteries from a store in Zaria, adding that investigators suspect the items were stolen from a container in transit.

Even in their states of moribund, billions of naira is spent on staff salary and wages. The Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Warri refinery companies, all under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), while been closed since 2020 continue to pay massive sums to their employees.

In 2020 alone, NNPC’s audited financial statements reveal that these three refineries spent N60.547 billion on salaries and wages. This wasteful and unproductive trend continued into 2021, with an additional N66.779 billion allocated to employee compensation, even though the facilities produced no refined crude oil during this period. The Port Harcourt Refinery Company, which has long been at the center of government promises for revitalization, expended N22.547 billion in 2020 and N32.023 billion in 2021 on salaries and benefits.

Similarly, the Warri Refinery Company, despite its inactivity, spent N12 billion in 2020 and N14 billion in 2021 on staff expenses. The Kaduna Refinery Company, which also remains non-functional, reported personnel costs of N26 billion in 2020 and N20 billion in 2021.

The situation is compounded by the fact that the Kaduna Refinery Company turned itself to lender of last resort, provided loans to its employees totaling N2.2 billion between 2020 and 2021, raising further questions about the financial management of these entities. This circle of waste, corruption and inefficiency continued unabated for decades.

Now, however, a new chapter beckons. Under the administrative ingenuity of Engr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has signed a fresh agreement with two Chinese firms to accelerate the long-delayed rehabilitation and commercial restart of Nigeria’s refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri, while opening a new window for technical equity partnerships.

This agreement which was executed in Jiaxing City, China, on April 30, 2026, by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside the Chairman of Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong, and the Chairman of Xingcheng Industrial Park, Bill Bi is clear evidence of the transformative initiative of NNPC Limited in repositioning itself as Africa’s leading energy generator.

Unlike in the past when turnaround maintenance contracts were influenced by politicians for local and inexperienced contractors; the Sanjiang Chemical is a reputable Chinese private chemical manufacturing company established in 2003 and headquartered in the Zhapu Economic Development Zone, Jiaxing Port Area, Zhejiang Province. It is a listed firm on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is recognised as one of China’s leading integrated petrochemical producers with verifiable asset and liability.

the company specialises in ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol production and operates one of the world’s largest single-unit chemical processing facilities. Its product portfolio includes petrochemicals such as ethylene, propylene, polypropylene, butadiene, hydrogen, methanol derivatives, surfactants, and industrial gases.

Sanjiang runs a large integrated refining and petrochemical complex anchored on a 1,000 KTA EO/EG unit and a 1,250 KTA light hydrocarbon utilisation unit, supported by multiple downstream plants, including polypropylene and surfactant facilities.

It plays a key role in China’s industrial strategy, focusing on high-end petrochemical integration, supply chain security, and export-oriented chemical production, while leveraging advanced logistics connectivity within the Yangtze River Delta industrial corridor.

The second company also has a reputation of global standard petrochemical identity. Xingcheng is an industrial park development and management company based in Guangdong Province, China, operating within the Xincheng Industrial Park in Xinxing County, Yunfu City.

Xingcheng provides a full industrial ecosystem support, including land development, utilities (gas, power, and wastewater systems), tax incentives, and investment services.

The firm’s core strength lies in industrial park operations, infrastructure-led investment attraction, and enabling large-scale manufacturing ecosystems within China’s broader regional development strategy. The reputations of these companies underscore Ojulari’s vision and transparency which are the hallmark of NNPC limited today.

One of the most interesting aspects of the MoU according to a statement issued few months ago by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Andy Odeh, is that it sets the stage for a potential Technical Equity Partnership aimed at completing outstanding work at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, as well as ensuring their long-term operational efficiency. Both facilities have a combined capacity of 335,000 barrels per day.

The vision with which this MoU was signed is commendable for a collaboration that would go beyond rehabilitation of the refineries, extending into full-scale operation and maintenance of the facilities to achieve ‘best-in-class, sustainable performance represent a great departure from the wasteful past.

This agreement is more than a technical contract; it is a statement of intent. For the first time in years, Nigerians can look beyond endless promises and see a pathway to genuine progress. The significance of this MoU lies in its potential to restore confidence in the nation’s energy sector. Functioning refineries mean reduced reliance on imported fuel, which in turn stabilises pump prices and shields citizens from the volatility of global markets and monopoly. For the ordinary Nigerian, this translates into cheaper transportation, lower costs of goods, and relief from the inflationary pressures that have long eroded household incomes.

Beyond fuel prices, the revival of these refineries carries immense promise for job creation. Thousands of skilled and semi skilled workers will be needed to operate, maintain, and support the facilities. Ancillary industries from logistics to petrochemicals will flourish, creating a ripple effect across the economy. This is how industrial revival becomes social transformation: by putting food on tables, restoring dignity through employment, and giving young Nigerians a reason to believe in their country’s future.

The MoU also signals Nigeria’s readiness to attract foreign direct investment. Investors are drawn to stability, efficiency, and vision. Ojulari’s courage to depart from the corruption ridden, wasteful approaches of the past has set a new tone. By insisting on transparency and efficiency, he has positioned NNPC as a credible partner in the global energy space. This credibility is the bedrock upon which broader economic improvement can be built – from increased revenue to stronger currency reserves.

Most importantly, the socio economic lives of ordinary Nigerians stand to benefit. Affordable fuel means more accessible healthcare and education, as families spend less on transport and energy. It means small businesses can thrive without being strangled by high operating costs. It means farmers can move produce to markets at reasonable rates, reducing waste and boosting food security.

Engr Bashir Bayo Ojulari deserves commendation not just for his technical acumen but for his vision and courage. He has broken with a past defined by sabotage and waste, choosing instead a path of reform, partnership, and accountability. In doing so, he has rekindled hope that Nigeria’s refineries can finally serve the people rather than drain them.

The MoU is not merely about machines roaring back to life; it is about restoring faith in Nigeria’s ability to manage its resources wisely. It is about proving that leadership, when anchored in integrity and foresight, can turn failure into opportunity. And it is about ensuring that the benefits of oil wealth are felt not in boardrooms alone, but in the everyday lives of Nigerians.

The socio-economic impact cannot be overstated. Reliable access to fuel empowers small businesses, sustains livelihoods, and reduces the daily anxieties of ordinary Nigerians. It is the difference between a struggling economy and one that breathes with confidence.

All of this has been made possible by the courage and foresight of Engr Bashir Bayo Ojulari. His willingness to depart from the corruption, waste, and sabotage that defined past approaches marks a turning point. By embracing transparency and efficiency, he has not only repositioned NNPC but also rekindled hope that Nigeria’s oil wealth can finally serve its people.

The MoU with the Chinese company is therefore more than a technical arrangement; it is a promise of renewal. It is a chance to prove that leadership anchored in vision can deliver tangible benefits; cheaper fuel, jobs, investment, and dignity. And it is a reminder that when Nigeria’s refineries roar back to life, so too will the aspirations of her people.

Fresh from representing Nigeria at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, sprint sensation Miracle Ezechukwu and shot put silver medallist Jessica Oji headline the Nigerian team for the 2026 World Athletics U-20 Championship in Oregon, USA, where the world’s finest emerging track and field talents have converged to compete for honours.

Ezechukwu, who competed in the Commonwealth Games women’s 100m semifinal, will feature in the women’s 100m and 200m.

She is also listed for the women’s 4x100m relay, bringing valuable experience from Glasgow, where she was a part of Nigeria’s women’s 4x100m team that reached the final.

Oji will compete in both the women’s shot put and discus throw. She is in Oregon with considerable momentum after winning silver in the women’s shot put at the Glasgow Games.

The overall Nigerian contingent features a blend of promising sprint, hurdles, jumps, and throws talents seeking to make their mark on the global stage.

In the women’s 100m, Ezechukwu will be joined by Rosemary Nwankwo and Lucy Nwankwo, while Success Oyibu and Tejiri Praise Ugoh join Ezechukwu in the 200m. Becky Ebiyadi, Faith Ezechukwu, and Jecinta Lawrence will represent Nigeria in the women’s 400m, while Chika Bakwunye will compete in the 100m hurdles.

Nigeria has also named a strong women’s relay pool. Miracle Ezechukwu, Rosemary Nwankwo, Lucy Nwankwo, Success Oyibu, and Chika Bakwunye are listed for the 4x100m, while Becky Ebiyadi, Faith Ezechukwu, Jecinta Lawrence, and Success Oyibu make up the 4x400m squad.

On the men’s side, Gift Bright and Tejiri Godwin will compete in the 100m, with Bright returning for the 200m alongside Perfect Faye. David Udoh will fly Nigeria’s flag in the 400m, while Precious Opinion will compete in the triple jump. Nigeria’s men’s 4x100m relay pool comprises Gift Bright, Perfect Faye, Tejiri Godwin, Precious Opinion, and David Udoh.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) expressed confidence that the young athletes will draw inspiration from Team Nigeria’s recent performances in Glasgow as the country continues to strengthen its pathway from junior development to senior international competition.

The 2026 World Athletics U-20 Championships are scheduled to conclude on Sunday, August 9.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide him with hourly updates on seismic activities around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following Tuesday’s earth tremor in parts of Abuja.

Residents of several parts of Abuja reported experiencing mild tremors on Tuesday morning, prompting concern on social media and calls for official clarification.

Alake urged residents to remain calm and continue with their normal activities, assuring them that the tremor posed no threat to lives or property.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise.

According to the statement, the minister, who is in Washington, D.C., United States, engaging American investors on joint venture proposals in the solid minerals sector, instructed the NGSA to submit regular reports for his review and possible escalation to other relevant government agencies.

The minister’s response followed an alert from the NGSA that an earth tremor shook several buildings in Abuja on Tuesday, August 4.

The agency said its Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako recorded the tremor at exactly 11:23:27 a.m., noting that it originated from a depth of one kilometre and travelled about four kilometres within five seconds.

According to the NGSA, the tremor was a ‘light event of I to II magnitude on the Mercalli scale.’

‘This is a characteristic feature of a surface earth tremor that poses no threat to lives and properties except for the discomfort of the shake and fear of possible destruction,’ the agency said.

Nigeria rarely experiences significant seismic activity, although isolated earth tremors have occasionally been recorded in parts of the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states over the years.

Experts have consistently maintained that most of the recorded tremors have been of low magnitude and have not posed significant risks to lives or infrastructure.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has sanctioned 79 personnel for various offences.

The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday at the corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja.

Audi, represented by the corps’ spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, said disciplinary proceedings involving 75 personnel had been concluded, while four others were undergoing administrative processes over separate allegations.

He said the sanctioned personnel included one Assistant Commandant-General, two Deputy Commandants, 35 other senior officers and 37 junior officers.

According to him, the offences included job racketeering, illegal recruitment, financial misconduct, sabotage, theft, negligence, dishonesty, absenteeism and other breaches of service regulations.

The Commandant-General also revealed that 37 personnel were dismissed after disciplinary proceedings.Audi said the dismissed personnel included two Mining Marshals operatives, who have been recommended for prosecution over the February operational incident that claimed the life of their commander in Nasarawa State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two dismissed operatives of the Mining Marshal Unit were unlawfully providing illegal miners with firearms.

‘Their actions constituted grave misconduct, negligence and indiscipline,’ Audi said.

Audi said investigations cleared the Mining Marshals Commander, John Onoja, the lead prosecutor and other management team members of alleged complicity.

‘Allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis,’ he said.