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Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has accused oil thieves, former contractors, and political actors of attempting to pressure the government into cancelling a major pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta.

Adeyanju said those who once profited from illegal oil activities are now leading a campaign to compel the Federal Government of Nigeria to terminate the deal.

According to him, criticism of the contract is largely coming from individuals who lost both money and influence after security around oil pipelines was tightened.

He claimed some of these groups are also collaborating with corrupt officials in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the surveillance arrangement and push the government to scrap it.

The surveillance contract was awarded to a company linked to former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

Supporters of the deal say it has helped reduce oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. They argue that improved monitoring has enabled Nigeria to raise its oil production to more than one million barrels per day.

Before the contract was introduced, production had reportedly fallen to around 300,000 barrels per day due to frequent pipeline attacks and illegal oil tapping.

However, some critics believe the government should review the contract, arguing that the arrangement could be perceived as political favouritism and warning that it may increase the influence of former militant groups in the region.

Adeyanju dismissed these concerns, saying the contract has already delivered clear results in protecting Nigeria’s oil facilities. He also called on the government to investigate those advocating for the contract’s cancellation, suggesting some may have personal interests linked to oil theft.

The activist warned that scrapping the surveillance deal could weaken efforts to protect pipelines and allow illegal oil activities to surge once again in the Niger Delta.

He urged the government to remain focused on safeguarding the country’s oil resources and resist pressure from those he claims seek a return to the era of widespread pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

Oil thieves behind campaign against pipeline contract – Adeyanju

Scarcity of fuel has hit Delta State, first noticed on Monday in places like Asaba, Agbor, and Umunede.

The situation worsened on Tuesday as news of a price increase spread.

Most fuel filling stations in parts of Asaba and its environs witnessed long queues of vehicles as independent petroleum marketers increased pump prices to between N1,200 and N1,400 per litre.

Many stations locked their gates, while those still dispensing fuel sold at the new prices, resulting in long queues.

Some filling stations that sold fuel at N1,050 and N1,100 over the weekend have adjusted their prices to the current levels.

Rain Oil stations along Okpanam Road, the Expressway, and other outlets in Asaba, Ogwashi Uku, and within the state capital territory are dispensing fuel at N1,250 to N1,300 per litre.

Reports from Agbor indicated that some filling stations, including North West in Asaba, were selling at N1,250 per litre around 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

Intra-state transport fares have increased, with fears of further hikes if authorities do not intervene, given petrol prices in Delta State now range between N1,250 and N1,300 per litre.

An IPMAN official in the Delta State branch, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said independent marketers should not be blamed for the pump price increase, attributing it instead to OPEC.

The official added that his members have no choice but to sell fuel between N1,200 and N1,400 per litre after purchasing it from privately owned depot agents.

He appealed to the federal government to act quickly so that marketers can access fuel at the government-approved price.

Queues in Delta over hike in fuel price

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Abia State Command, has disclosed that about fifty persons, including graduates and undergraduates, are undergoing rehabilitation at its centre in Aba, Abia State.

According to the command, those undergoing rehabilitation were previously involved in drug addiction or abuse and were brought to the centre by their families and relatives for treatment by the NDLEA.

The disclosure was made by Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Bekwele Chukwu, in Umuahia when he delivered a lecture at a sensitisation programme organised by the Nigerian Army for the troops of 14 Brigade, Ohafia.

He noted that through the efforts of the NDLEA, youths and community leaders are being sensitised about the dangers of drug abuse and other harmful substances.

DCN Chukwu, who stood in for the Abia State NDLEA Commander, CN Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, gave an in-depth presentation on the various categories of illicit and psychoactive substances, their psychological and physiological effects, and the grave consequences of substance abuse on operational efficiency, discipline, and national security.

He emphasized that drug abuse within the military undermines professionalism, compromises judgment, and endangers lives. He encouraged troops of 14 Brigade to remain vigilant, uphold integrity, and seek help where necessary, stressing that prevention remains the most effective approach.

Graduates, undergraduates undergoing rehabilitation in our Abia Centre – NDLEA

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday approved the appointment of Lamido Abubakar Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Education
He has an M.Sc. in Money, Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom (1991)

– B.Sc. (Honours) in Accountancy – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria (1983)

Professional experience
Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Director, Reserve Management Department (2010–2016)

He led teams responsible for managing and diversifying Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves, implementing risk-aware investment strategies, and growing reserve assets significantly through disciplined portfolio management (cash, fixed-term deposits, foreign government treasury bills, etc.).

Various senior roles (2001–2010)
Focused on restructuring and diversifying the CBN’s foreign exchange reserve portfolio post-return from IMF.

– Senior Manager, Investment Office, Foreign Operations Department (1992–1997 onward progression)
He handled external debt service payments and investment of external reserves in liquid, high-quality assets.

Earlier assignments (1984–1992)
– Senior Supervisor, Foreign Operations Department (1984): Maintained Nigeria’s external debt records.
– Banking Supervision Department (1985): Worked on prudential regulation, bank licensing, and oversight.
– Debt Conversion Committee Secretariat (1988): Pioneer staff managing the Nigerian Debt Conversion Programme.

International Monetary Fund (IMF), Washington DC
– Economist, Africa Department (1997–2001)
He assessed economic policies and managed balance-of-payments support programs for IMF member countries in Africa.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria
– Director-General (2020–2024)
He oversaw regulation and development of Nigeria’s capital markets, driving reforms, investor protection, and market integrity initiatives. (Succeeded in 2024; previously served as a Board Member.)

Other affiliations
– Non-Executive Director, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)
– Non-Executive Director, Premium Pension Limited
– Attended executive leadership programs at Harvard, INSEAD, IMD, Saïd Business School (Oxford), Wharton, Haas, Kellogg, Chicago Booth, and London Business School.

Professional Qualifications & Certifications

– CFA Charterholder (Chartered Financial Analyst)
– Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA, ICAN)
– Fellow, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIBN)
– Certificate in Financial Asset Management and Engineering – Swiss Finance Institute, Geneva, Switzerland
– Certificate in Investment Performance Management – CFA Institute, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

Key Skills
– Reserve asset and foreign exchange portfolio management
– Monetary and economic policy analysis

Things to know about new CBN Deputy Gov nominee, Yuguda

The appointment is in accordance with Section 8(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

The post Tinubu appoints new CBN Deputy Governor appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

The big gains recorded in the country’s rice industry under the previous administration are being eroded by rising imports, with

read more Nigeria spends N51bn on rice imports in one year

The federal government says the fiscal incentives will unlock the long-delayed Bonga Southwest Aparo deepwater project, expected to attract about $20 billion in investment.

The post Tinubu approves incentives to unlock $20bn Bonga deepwater project appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

The new state-backed carrier plans to operate domestic routes from Enugu as part of efforts to improve air travel links in the South-east.

The post NCAA grants Enugu Air licence to begin commercial flight operations appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Jennifer Adighije, has said the organisation is committed to maintaining a gender-friendly workplace that allows both women and men to thrive and reach their full professional potential. Adighije, who is the first woman to lead the company since its establishment in

Read More: https://punchng.com/women-critical-drivers-of-social-national-development-ndphc-ceo/