Uncategorized
Justice or Cover-Up? By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Justice or Cover-Up?
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“Dangote’s Explosive Petition Demands ICPC Probe of NMDPRA Boss Over $7m Corruption Allegations.”
In an unprecedented public confrontation that threatens to upend Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory architecture, Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has formally petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate, arrest and prosecute Engr. Ahmed Farouk, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), on allegations of epic corruption, abuse of office, and living far beyond his means.
The petition, filed December 16, 2025, and received by the ICPC under the chairmanship of Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has triggered a major political and legal storm that speaks to deeper (and deeply troubling) issues of governance, regulatory capture, and corruption within one of Nigeria’s most strategic sectors.
Allegations That Strike at the Heart of Public Trust
In the 12-page petition submitted through Dangote’s senior counsel, Ogwu James Onoja (SAN), the industrialist alleged that Farouk Ahmed has been living “far above his legitimate means,” citing specific claims that he spent over $7 million (about N5 billion+) on the foreign education of his four children in Switzerland and payments made upfront over a six-year period without any lawful income history that could justify such expenditure.
Information Nigeria
Dangote’s legal team not only named the four children and the elite Swiss schools but itemized amounts allegedly paid on their behalf, explicitly urging investigators to verify the claims against documented school fee records.
In his petition, Dangote asserts in unmistakable terms:
“It is without doubt that the above facts in relation to abuse of office, breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, corrupt enrichment and embezzlement are gross acts of corrupt practices…” petition as quoted.
The petition states that, under Section 19 of the ICPC Act, such offences (if proven) warrant prosecution and carry a minimum five-year prison sentence without the option of a fine.
ICPC’s Response: Probe Begins or Politically Tempered Silence?
Immediately after receiving the petition, the ICPC publicly acknowledged receipt and reaffirmed its statutory mandate to investigate corruption allegations. ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey confirmed that due process would be followed.
Yet, the commission’s caution (though standard for anti-graft agencies) has drawn both applause and criticism. Anti-corruption scholar Prof. Aisha Suleiman of the University of Abuja’s Department of Governance and Development Studies warns:
“Transparency without action is cynicism in official garb. The ICPC must show Nigerians that law applies to mangers of public trust as it does to the wealthy or politically connected.”
Her assertion underlines a bitter truth: Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture has all too often been perceived as reactive rather than transformative and willing to pursue mid-level officials but hesitant when accusations climb the ladder of power.
Corruption expert Dr. Emmanuel Obinna of the Centre for Democratic Accountability adds a crucial dimension:
“If Dangote’s claims are accurate, this is not merely ‘corruption’, it is a systemic erosion of public confidence in regulatory institutions. The ICPC’s handling of this case will either anchor public trust or accelerate its decay.”
Broader Sectoral Context: Regulatory Conflict and Public Outcry
This petition does not exist in a vacuum. It follows months of mounting tensions between Dangote’s oil and gas operations (especially the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki) and Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory architecture, including NMDPRA.
Dangote has repeatedly accused the regulator of issuing fuel import licences that undermine domestic refining capacities, skewing policy in favour of importers and to the detriment of local capacity building.
This conflict has spilled into public protests. In June 2025, civic groups marched on anti-corruption agencies demanding Farouk’s resignation over alleged misuse of office; accusations eerily aligned with Dangote’s current petition.
The Sahara Nigeria has described the situation as a “downstream sector wobble,” warning that regulatory battles risk deterring investors and heightening supply volatility in a sector that already struggles with foreign exchange pressures and infrastructure deficits.
NMDPRA’s Reaction and the Politics of Denial
While Dangote and allied civil society organizations such as the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) have amplified calls for an ICPC probe, the NMDPRA has denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations a “coordinated smear campaign.” Critics inside and outside government accuse the regulator of defensive posturing rather than transparent engagement.
CACOL, in its own petition, described the allegations as potentially amounting to “economic sabotage,” alleging that regulatory decisions were skewed in ways that could “frustrate local refining efforts, discourage investment, and perpetuate dependence on fuel imports.”
Rule of Law or Rule of Influence? The Stakes for Nigeria. This controversy strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s credibility on two fronts:
Anti-corruption enforcement. Can the ICPC act decisively when allegations involve powerful public officials?
Petroleum sector governance. Will regulatory agencies uphold impartiality when their decisions intersect with economic and political interests?
University of Lagos governance authority Dr. Faith Eze says:
“Corruption thrives not only where there is greed, but where institutions are weak, accountability mechanisms are superficial, and enforcement agencies bow to pressure. This case must be adjudicated on facts and not public sentiment.”
Her position reminds us that Nigeria’s fight against graft must be anchored in evidence-based prosecution, not theatrics or media spectacle.
Why the Outcome Matters. At stake is far more than the future of one man or the reputation of one agency. This petition has become a litmus test for Nigeria’s broader anti-corruption resolve.
If the ICPC acts swiftly, transparently, and equitably, it could strengthen the country’s anti-graft architecture and reassure both citizens and international investors that no one is above the law. Conversely, a perfunctory or politically palatable response risks cementing the perception that Nigeria’s most critical institutions exist only to protect the powerful.
Economic governance strategist Mr. Chukwuemeka Okafor argues:
“Nigeria’s global competitiveness and investor confidence depend on the ability of its anti-corruption agencies to act independently. Anything less than full, impartial investigation will send a sobering message to Nigerians and global partners alike.”
Final Word: A Turning Point in Nigeria’s Fight Against Corruption? The Dangote petition against the NMDPRA boss represents a seismic moment in Nigeria’s contemporary anti-corruption narrative. It blends judicial process with public outcry, economic policy with regulatory accountability, and elite conflict with national interest.
As Nigeria watches the ICPC’s next steps, one question looms largest: Will the rule of law prevail, or will influence and inertia dilute justice?
The answer will echo far beyond Abuja’s courtrooms and into the lives of ordinary Nigerians whose faith in public institutions has been eroded by decades of impunity.
Only a transparent, evidence-based conclusion to this case can begin to rebuild that trust.
news
Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.
Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.
As Muslims all over the world begins the 30 days compulsory fasting and prayer today,top Fuji Musician Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido has congratulates them for witnessing another month of Ramadan.
Akanni advised them to follow the teachings of the the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which is peaceful co existence among themselves and their neighbor ‘because Islam is Religion of peace”.
He said the month of Ramadan is an holy month therefore Muslims should try as much as they can to maintain peaceful coexistence among themselves and others and that they should see themselves as ambassador of peace.
While praying for Nigeria,Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido said he believes that there will be an economic turnaround soon because what’s is happening now are signs of thought times that never last “if we can pecevere things will get better”.
The Scorpido crooner who recently released a hip hop single titled “Magbelo” said he is currently working on a complete album which will be released before the end of the year.
Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido whose last album ‘ABCD” is still in hot demand said that his next album will be a pot pouri of all kinds of music because his brand of Fuji music is a blend Fuji , Hip-hop,Apala ,Highlife and others.
Uncategorized
The Enemies Within: Jonahs Are Not Manageable — Dr. Chris Okafor
The Enemies Within:
Jonahs Are Not Manageable — Dr. Chris Okafor
…….“To remove Jonah, you must bring Jesus into the matter.”
When a “Jonah” enters a person’s life, confusion, gossip, blackmail, betrayal, and the pull-him-down syndrome often follow. But the moment Jesus Christ is invited into the situation, the storm subsides and stability is restored.
This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr. Chris Okafor, during the midweek non-denominational Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions Service (PHDS) held at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Clergyman also declared that Nothing Happens Without Spiritual Influence
In his sermon titled “The Enemies Within,” Dr. Okafor declared that nothing happens without spiritual involvement. According to him, every visible battle has an invisible root.
Referencing the biblical story of Jonah, the Man of God explained that Jonah’s presence on the ship gave access to a contrary spirit that tormented everyone onboard.
Despite the losses suffered by innocent traders and sailors, the storm persisted because of one man’s disobedience.
However, he noted that when Jesus speaks into a situation, every storm must obey. Just as Christ rebuked the storm and it ceased, so too will the storms in believers’ lives subside when He is invited into their “boat.”
*The Impact of a Jonah*
Dr. Okafor further emphasized that “Jonahs” are difficult to manage. When such individuals are present in one’s circle, progress becomes delayed.
What should ordinarily manifest quickly may be prolonged or frustrated because someone close—someone who understands you deeply—may be operating as a spiritual adversary.
He explained that negative narratives, unnecessary battles, and unexplained setbacks often begin when a “Jonah” gains access to a person’s inner circle.
*The Solution*
“To remove Jonah from the boat of your life,” the Generational Prophet declared, “you must invite Jesus Christ into the matter.”
According to him, when Jesus takes control of the boat, the plans of the enemy are overturned.
What was designed for downfall becomes a testimony. No storm or battle can succeed where Christ reigns, and the enemy is ultimately put to shame.
The midweek service witnessed a strong prophetic atmosphere, with the power of God evident through deliverance, restoration, and divine revelations.
The Generational Prophet ministered deeply in the prophetic, calling out names, villages, and addressing alleged spiritual strongholds, as many lives were reportedly restored—all to the glory of God.
By Sunday Adeyemi
Uncategorized
FROM BORDER TO MARKETS: HOW NIGERIA’S REFORMS ARE REWRITING AND MODERNISING TRADE FACILITATION By O’tega Ogra
FROM BORDER TO MARKETS: HOW NIGERIA’S REFORMS ARE REWRITING AND MODERNISING TRADE FACILITATION
By O’tega Ogra
On the surface, the 2026 World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi, held in the last week of January, followed a familiar script: flags, formal sessions, carefully worded speeches. But beneath the choreography, something more consequential was unfolding. As customs chiefs and trade officials compared notes on the future of borders, Nigeria arrived not with theory, but with a working proposition.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Modernisation Project, being implemented through Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited, unveiled to a global audience of customs administrators and policy leaders a window into how Africa’s largest economy is confronting one of the most complex challenges in public administration: reforming the machinery of trade while it is still running.
For decades, customs reform was treated largely as a technical exercise—frequent patches here, shoddy fixes there; new software in one corner, revised procedures in another. Nigeria’s presence in Abu Dhabi signalled something different. TMP Limited, working in partnership with the NCS, advanced the argument that trade is a cornerstone of economic development and must be supported by organic, sustainable partner ecosystems. Such ecosystems deliver speed and trust, revenue and credibility, and secure borders without stifling commerce.
That argument resonated in a room increasingly aware that global trade is no longer defined solely by tariffs and treaties, but by data, interoperability, and the quiet efficiency of systems that simply work.
The annual WCO Technology Conference has, in recent years, become a barometer for the direction of global trade governance. This year’s discussions reflected a shared anxiety: supply chains are more fragile, compliance risks are rising, and governments face mounting pressure to collect revenue without discouraging investment. Customs administrations now sit at the intersection of all three.
Nigeria’s response has been to attempt a full reset.
At the heart of this effort is the NCS Modernisation Project, implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with TMP Limited as the concessionaire. The project seeks to replace fragmented technology deployments and manual processes within the Nigeria Customs Service with a single, integrated framework. This is anchored on B’Odogwu, a Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) that brings together cargo clearance, risk management, payments, and inter-agency collaboration. The ambition is sweeping—and so are the stakes.
Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, OON, Chairman of TMP, framed the initiative as nothing less than an institutional reconstruction, designed to position the NCS at the forefront of global customs administration technology, aligned with international standards and assurance frameworks.
“Digital trade modernisation is not just about upgrading systems,” he told participants in Abu Dhabi. “It is about upgrading trust, predictability, and confidence in how trade flows through our borders.”
That choice of words matters. Nigeria’s economy has long struggled with the perception gap between its size and the ease of doing business. Investors cite delays. Traders complain of opacity. Government points to revenue leakages. In this context, customs reform becomes as much a credibility project as a technical one.
Saleh’s message was timely and direct: modern trade demands modern customs. Data-driven processes, automation, and risk-based controls are no longer luxuries; they are prerequisites for competitiveness in a world where capital moves faster than policy.
The institutional face of this digital transformation is the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who led Nigeria’s delegation to Abu Dhabi. His message reflected a subtle but important shift in how customs leadership now understands its role.
“Customs administrations today must evolve from gatekeepers to facilitators of legitimate trade,” Adeniyi said. “Nigeria’s customs modernisation project reflects our determination to place the Nigeria Customs Service at the centre of national economic transformation.”
It is a familiar refrain globally, but one that carries particular weight in Nigeria, where customs revenue remains a critical pillar of public finance. Automation, Adeniyi argued, is not about weakening control; it is about strengthening it through intelligence rather than discretion.
Risk management systems reduce unnecessary physical inspections. Integrated platforms limit human contact. Data analytics improve compliance targeting. When executed well, the result is faster clearance for compliant traders and tighter scrutiny for high-risk consignments.
In Abu Dhabi, peers from Asia, Europe, and Latin America listened closely to Nigeria’s presentation. Reforming customs in a small, open economy is one thing. Doing so in a market of over 200 million people, home to some of Africa’s busiest ports and its largest economy, is quite another.
Nigeria’s engagement emphasised that customs modernisation is embedded within a broader economic reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Simplifying trade procedures, strengthening revenue assurance, and aligning with international standards form part of a wider effort to reposition the economy for investment-led growth.
What makes the project particularly noteworthy is its insistence on end-to-end coherence. Rather than digitising isolated functions, the reform aims to connect agencies, harmonise data, and reduce duplication across government—an all-of-government approach that acknowledges an uncomfortable truth: trade friction is often created not at the border, but between institutions.
The WCO 2026 Technology Conference offered Nigeria more than a platform; it provided a stress test. Questions from peers were pointed. How will change be sustained across political cycles? How will capacity be built? How will entrenched institutional behaviours be unlearned?
The responses were pragmatic. Reform is being phased. Training programmes are ongoing. International benchmarks are being adopted not as slogans, but as operating standards. There were no claims of perfection—only a clear statement of intent.
“Our engagement here underscores Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation,” Adeniyi noted. “We are learning, sharing, and contributing to global conversations on the future of customs administration.”
That contribution matters. As Africa moves to deepen regional trade under continental frameworks, customs efficiency will determine whether integration succeeds in practice or remains aspirational on paper. Nigeria’s experience, if successful, could offer a valuable template for other developing economies navigating similar constraints.
In Abu Dhabi, the mood was cautious but curious. Reform fatigue is real in many countries. Yet there was a growing sense that Nigeria’s effort—precisely because of its scale and difficulty—deserves attention.
Borders are rarely glamorous. But they are decisive. In choosing to modernise its borders in public, under global scrutiny, Nigeria is signalling something beyond technical competence. It is signalling seriousness.
And in global trade, seriousness still counts.
O’tega Ogra is Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, responsible for the Office of Digital Engagement, Communications and Strategy in the Presidency.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING









