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If you don’t kill NNPC, It will kill Nigeria

Published

11 years ago

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Written by Wale Ewedemi

The governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el Rufai, has said Nigeria must do away with its “corrupt” oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, or stand the risk of itself being destroyed.

“If you don’t kill the NNPC, it will kill Nigeria,” Mr. el-Rufai said Monday at the 7th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series in Abuja, where he was a guest speaker.

Mr. El-Rufai said the NNPC has become so entrenched in corruption that the only way out for Nigeria is not to attempt to salvage the corporation, but to destroy it and create a new oil company.

He said he hoped President Muhammadu Buhari will implement that proposal.

The governor said as a former director general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, he was confident a messy organisation could be disbanded and turned into a useful one.

He said NNPC has become so corrupt and arrogant that it runs a parallel government and unilaterally decides what it remits to a nation of 170 million people, while its hundreds of employees feed fat on Nigeria’s resources.

In the last three years, Mr. el-Rufai said the NNPC retained 42 per cent of Nigeria’s money, and remitted only 58 per cent.

“About N971bn was budgeted for subsidy payments in 2014 alone (more than twice that was eventually paid). You all recall how trillions of naira were paid out as oil subsidy in 2011, when only N254bn was appropriated. No one has been successfully prosecuted for this scam. Huge deficits in gas supply have ensured that the country’s thermal plants cannot produce power at optimal levels,” he said.

“The long and short of the situation of our oil industry is best exemplified by the parallel government called the NNPC. In 2012, it sold N2.77tn of ‘domestic’ crude oil but paid only N1.66tn to the Federation Account. In 2013, it earned N2.66tn but paid N1.56tn to FAAC; in 2014, (it earned) N2.64tn, but remitted N1.44tn; while between January and May 2015, it earned N733.36bn and remitted only N473.2bn.

“That means that the NNPC only remitted about 58 per cent of the monies earned between 2012 and the first half of 2015. A company with the audacity to retain 42 per cent of a country’s money has become a veritable parallel republic!”

He said the examples he gave were only with respect to domestic crude oil sale. “Similar leakages exist in the NPDC, NAPIMS procurement and subsidiary budgets,” he said.

“The NNPC feels entitled to consume more resources than the 36 states, the FCT and the Federal Government combined. How could a country so dependent on oil revenues have been so lax about the proper governance, efficiency and security of its oil industry?” he lamented.

He identified the need to remove the undue premium on public ownership and control of every major oil asset, while checking the impact of corruption and distortion of oil subsidy on the country’s economy, and restructuring of the NNPC in the national interest.

To realise the potentials of the oil industry, he said the government must not only define exactly what the country wants the oil industry to be and to achieve, but also the structure that would best deliver it.

“An efficient and productive oil sector, able to create jobs, spur industrialization and earn more revenues requires that we tackle the monster that the NNPC has become,” he said. “We should replace the NNPC with brand new organizations that are fit for purpose – a commercialized and corporatized national oil company and new industry regulators.

He said the new national oil company should be capitalized once and for all, and then freed to fend for itself like other national oil companies, by seeking its financing independently from the financial markets and paying due taxes and royalties.

“An efficient and productive oil sector, able to create jobs, spur industrialisation and earn more revenues, requires that we tackle the monster that the NNPC has become. This country can no longer afford to maintain an NNPC that arrogantly, unlawfully and unconstitutionally spends an unhealthy proportion of national oil earnings on itself,” he said.

“We should replace the NNPC with brand new organisations that are fit for purpose, among others, a commercialised and corporatised national oil company, and new industry regulators. This new national oil company should be capitalised once and for all, and then freed to fend for itself like other national oil companies do, seeking its financing independently from the financial markets and paying due taxes and royalties.

He said no one qualified more to appreciate the rot in the NNPC, and to deal with the menace, than President Buhari who was the pioneer head of the NNPC in 1977.

“No one can appreciate the gap between the vision of the NNPC’s founding fathers, the beautiful baby of 1977 and the 38 year-old monster it has become better than President Buhari. The NNPC of today must make Chief Sunday Awoniyi of blessed memory squirm in his grave. Something fundamentally decisive must be done to tame this monster,” Mr. el-Rufai said.

Mr. el-Rufai lamented the irony of about 70 million, or 40% of Nigeria’s total population, currently living below the poverty line, despite the country’s earning of at least $1trillion from oil in the last 50 years.

“For our vast masses, oil is no fortune,” Mr. El Rufai said. “It is more of a mirage, but a more insidious kind, because the fortune is visible in the lifestyles of a few thousands of the privileged elite, but is stubbornly inaccessible to tens of millions of ordinary people.

“Our rich enjoy the lifestyles of the richest in the world, while our poor are truly the wretched of the earth. This inequality is most unfortunate.”

To avoid sinking deeper into poverty, Mr. El-Rufai said the country must resolve to spend wiser, and do more with less by changing its big appetite to consume rather than save; import, rather than produce domestically, or neglect to prioritize capital investments.

The major responsibility of a democratic government, he said, was to ensure that people were moved away from pain of extreme poverty, by managing the country’s resources in a way that would sustain building the people, through diligent revenue collection and cost-effective and resulted –oriented application.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Business

Blue Lagos Launches Community Sensitisation and Engagement Campaign in Riverine Areas

Published

21 hours ago

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April 15, 2026

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Blue Lagos Launches Community Sensitisation and Engagement Campaign in Riverine Areas

 

 

Blue Lagos has officially commenced its community sensitisation and engagement campaign across riverine and coastal communities in Lagos State.

 

The initiative is designed to amplify the voices of underserved communities, raise awareness on civic responsibilities, and highlight the unique challenges faced by residents living along the waterways.

 

Through on-ground interactions and digital advocacy, Blue Lagos aims to foster inclusive participation and ensure that no community is left behind.

 

Speaking on the campaign, The Director of Mobilisation & Community Engagement for the Blue Lagos Team, Hon. Ashade Abdul-Salam emphasized the importance of engaging directly with residents to better understand their daily realities, from access to basic services and transportation challenges to opportunities for development and improved governance.

The campaign will feature community visits, short sensitisation videos, interactive sessions, and stakeholder engagement, all geared towards empowering residents with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in shaping their future.

 

Blue Lagos calls on riverine and coastal residents to take advantage of this initiative, share their experiences, and stay informed on civic processes, including voter registration and community development programs.

 

This campaign marks a significant step towards building stronger connections between communities and decision-makers, while promoting inclusive growth across Lagos State.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Blue Lagos Team via email: [email protected]

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Business

One Universe Launches to Redefine How People Find and Pay for Trusted Services

Published

22 hours ago

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April 15, 2026

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One Universe Launches to Redefine How People Find and Pay for Trusted Services

 

 

One Universe, a new trusted digital marketplace designed to connect people who need services with skilled professionals, has officially launched and is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

 

Built to solve the everyday challenge of finding reliable service providers, One Universe brings trust, convenience, and transparency into one seamless platform. From beauty and lifestyle services to technical, creative, and professional support, users can now discover verified professionals, agree on terms, and complete payments securely – all within the app.

 

A Safer, Smarter Way to Get Things Done

 

One Universe was created to eliminate uncertainty in service transactions. The platform enables buyers to find professionals, chat directly, agree on pricing and timelines, and make payments securely. Funds are held safely until the job is completed, ensuring protection for both parties.

 

Empowering Professionals to Grow

 

For service providers, One Universe offers a powerful opportunity to showcase skills, receive referrals, build credibility through reviews, and access more customers without the usual barriers. Professionals can focus on delivering quality work while the platform supports visibility, trust, and secure payments.

 

Introducing the One Universe Recruiter Program

 

As part of its launch, One Universe is rolling out the Recruiter Program, designed to reward individuals who help grow the community. Recruiters earn incentives by inviting people to join the platform – especially buyers seeking services – thereby helping professionals get more jobs while expanding the ecosystem. The program turns everyday referrals into real value and shared growth for all participants.

 

Key Features Include:

 

• Verified professionals across multiple service categories

• Secure in-app payments with buyer and seller protection

• Transparent pricing and direct communication

• Ratings and reviews to build trust

• A growing community driven by referrals and reputation

• Incentives through the Recruiter Program for community growth

 

*Now Available on iOS and Android*

 

One Universe is now live and ready for use. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to download the app, explore services, and experience a smarter way to connect and transact.

 

Download One Universe today:

Apple App Store

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/one-universe/id6753012310

 

Google Play Store

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oneuniverse.oneuniverse

 

About One Universe

One Universe is a trusted digital marketplace built to connect people with skilled professionals, making service discovery, engagement, and payment simple, safe, and reliable. The platform is committed to empowering service providers while giving users confidence and peace of mind.

 

Media Contact:

www.oneuniverse.ng

[email protected]

08083327368

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Business

Adron Homes Unveils Sallah Mega Promo with 30% Discount and Exciting Gift Rewards for Subscribers

Published

3 days ago

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April 13, 2026

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Adron Homes Unveils Sallah Mega Promo with 30% Discount and Exciting Gift Rewards for Subscribers

 

As the festive spirit of Eid al-Adha (Sallah) approaches, Adron Homes & Properties, Nigeria’s leading real estate company, has announced a nationwide Sallah Mega Promo designed to reward subscribers with unbeatable discounts, flexible payment plans, and exciting gift items.

The limited-time promotional campaign aims to empower Nigerians to celebrate the season of sacrifice with both joy and long-term investment security by making property ownership more accessible and rewarding. Subscribers can enjoy a 30% discount on all plots across Adron estates nationwide, alongside a flexible payment plan of up to 36 months. In addition, clients can spread their initial deposit over four months, easing financial pressure while securing valuable real estate assets.

According to the company, the Sallah promo reflects its continued commitment to providing affordable housing solutions while rewarding both new and existing clients during key festive periods.

“Sallah is a time of giving, sacrifice, and celebration. At Adron Homes, we believe there is no better time to empower families and investors with the opportunity to own land while also receiving valuable gifts that enhance their celebration,” the company stated.

As part of the promo, subscribers will enjoy a wide range of gift rewards tied to their payment milestones. Platinum plot subscribers stand to receive items such as bags of rice ranging from 10kg to 50kg, food packs with chicken and seasoning, goats and rams for Sallah celebrations, and even a cow or a double-door refrigerator for high-value subscribers. Compact plot subscribers will also benefit from gift items including bags of rice, vegetable oil, cartons of noodles, goats, and other household essentials designed to support festive celebrations.

Over the years, Adron Homes & Properties has remained at the forefront of real estate development in Nigeria, consistently delivering affordable luxury and flexible payment structures tailored to a wide range of investors. The Sallah Mega Promo further reinforces the company’s mission to democratize property ownership while strengthening its relationship with clients through value-driven initiatives.

Prospective subscribers are encouraged to take advantage of this limited-time offer by contacting Adron Homes through its official channels.

📲 WhatsApp: +234 805 101 1951
🌐 Website: Adron Homes Official Website

With the Sallah season fast approaching, this promo presents a unique opportunity for Nigerians to celebrate meaningfully by securing their future through real estate investment while enjoying generous festive rewards.

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