Business
Unmasking the Maltese Cross of Corruption* By Arnold Owie
*Unmasking the Maltese Cross of Corruption*
By Arnold Owie
A national scandal has unfolded with the revelation of substandard petroleum products being imported into Nigeria, linked to a shadowy oil blending plant in Malta. Leaked documents and interviews expose a complex web of corruption involving NNPC personnel, oil traders, and terminal operators. Matrix Energy, owned by Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, a member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), is at the center of this scandal. The company has been importing low-grade petroleum products from Russia, blending them in Malta, and selling them in Nigeria.
Aliu’s actions demonstrate a disregard for the Nigerian people’s welfare. Matrix Energy’s logistical infrastructure suggests a deliberate attempt to undermine local refinery efforts, ensuring continued importation of inferior fuel products. The allegations against Aliu are severe, including securing preferential access to crude oil cargoes and trading them through a UAE-based entity.
The Malta saga is a damning indictment of the entire system, with Farouk Ahmed and Mele Kyari facing scrutiny for their alleged complicity. The NNPC’s failure to curb substandard fuel imports is a testament to its incompetence or complicity, betraying public trust and national pride.
The exposé’s severity is heightened by Russia’s expulsion from the SWIFT global banking network, making oil and gas dealings between Nigerian entities and Russian refineries illicit. Shipping data reveals a disturbing trend: 15,000 tons of petroleum products were transloaded onto the ‘Matrix Triumph’ vessel on June 16 and discharged at Matrix Jetty in Warri on June 21 without rectification, implying toxic diesel is being sold to unsuspecting Nigerian consumers.
The House of Representatives’ visit to the Dangote Refinery on July 20, 2024, confirmed Matrix Energy’s importation of subpar diesel. Diesel samples from Matrix filling stations had a sulphur content exceeding 2,653ppm, far surpassing the 50ppm requirement. Aliko Dangote presented findings from an exhaustive analysis of diesel samples, revealing alarming sulphur content levels. The testing, conducted at Dangote Refinery’s state-of-the-art laboratories, employed precise protocols to measure total sulfur content in petroleum products.
Dangote revealed that the diesel samples were purchased in the presence of lawmakers, ensuring transparency and accountability. The test results showed that his refinery’s diesel boasted an exemplary quality, with a sulfur content of 600-650 ppm initially, and a remarkable 87 ppm currently. In stark contrast, the samples from TotalEnergies and Matrix Retail exhibited alarmingly high sulfur concentrations of 1,829ppm and 2,653ppm, respectively.
These findings corroborate the disturbing fact that certain companies have been peddling diesel with sulfur levels exceeding 2,000 parts per million, indicative of off-spec, adulterated products sourced from Russian refineries and purportedly “corrected” at blending plants in Malta and Lome. However, instead of rectifying the subpar fuel, a large-scale adulteration scheme was perpetrated, thereby posing grave dangers to the lives of consumers.
A report by Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), a non-governmental not-for-profit organization, said it appears to be easy for sub-standard fuel imports to enter Nigeria. “So it is probable that large volumes of fuel consumed are of poor quality, causing significant damage to public health, engines, and the environment. “This contributes to air quality levels that cut life expectancy by 4.7 years in the Niger Delta, the worst hit area across the African continent,” SDN said in its report.
The diesel produced locally in Nigeria is of a significantly higher quality than the fuel blended in Malta. This fact alone underscores the criminal nature of this operation. By importing inferior fuel, these unscrupulous individuals are not only defrauding the Nigerian government but also endangering the lives of millions of Nigerians. The long-term damage to vehicles and other machinery caused by these substandard products is incalculable.
In contrast to the greed and avarice displayed by those involved in the Malta saga, the figure of Alhaji Aliko Dangote stands tall as a beacon of patriotism and entrepreneurial spirit. Dangote’s strong commitment to building a world-class refinery in Nigeria is a testament to his belief in the potential of his country. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, he has persevered in his efforts to create jobs and generate wealth for the Nigerian people. Dangote’s refinery represents a tangible solution to the perennial fuel crisis and a catalyst for economic growth.
It is no coincidence that those involved in the Malta saga are vehemently opposed to Dangote’s refinery project. Their business model relies on the continued importation of substandard fuel, a practice that would be rendered obsolete by the existence of a local refinery. The Maltese cross of corruption is a formidable obstacle, but Dangote’s determination, coupled with the support of the Nigerian people, can overcome it.
This despicable scandal necessitates a prompt and resolute response from the government, entailing a comprehensive and unbiased investigation to hold accountable those responsible for these reprehensible actions. A radical overhaul and restructuring of the NNPC is imperative to prevent the recurrence of such abuses of power and ensure transparency. Moreover, the government must foster a conducive environment, conducive to the growth and prosperity of local refineries, thereby safeguarding our economy from the pernicious influence of saboteurs and revitalizing our oil and gas sectors with utmost haste.
Consequently, Male Kyari must be forthwith stripped of his position, while Adisa Aliu must be subjected to a meticulous and thorough investigation regarding his involvement in these sham dealings. The Nigerian populace deserves a government firmly committed to their welfare, and a petroleum sector distinguished by transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
The laxity in regulating fuel quality poses a grave and formidable health risk to the citizens of Nigeria, underscoring the imperative for a government that prioritizes their well-being. The Malta saga serves as a stark reminder of the formidable challenges confronting Nigeria, yet simultaneously presents an opportunity for transformative change. By unmasking the entrenched corruption and collusion that has long plagued the oil and gas sector, this scandal can catalyze a paradigm shift, heralding a new era of reform and accountability.
The Maltese saga Is a dark chapter in Nigeria’s history, but it can also be a turning point. By exposing the corruption and greed that have plagued the oil and gas sector, this scandal offers an opportunity to build a better future. A future where the nation’s resources are used for the benefit of its people, not the enrichment of a few.
Only by taking these steps can Nigeria hope to break free from the stranglehold of corruption and build a brighter future for its citizens.
Owie is an oil and gas expert writing from the United Kingdom.
Precision and Heritage: How Fifi Stitches Is Rewriting African Fashion Narratives
A Nigerian-born designer is gradually carving out a cross-continental footprint in contemporary fashion, blending African textile heritage with British technical discipline.
Esther Fiyinfoluwa Adeosun, Founder and Creative Director of Fifi Stitches, is gaining recognition for structured womenswear and bridal couture that reinterprets traditional fabrics through architectural tailoring and precision construction.
Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Adeosun’s fashion journey began at home, seated beside her mother’s sewing machine. What started as childhood curiosity, sometimes jamming the machine just to understand its mechanics—evolved into a disciplined design practice now operating between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
During an interview with journalists the fifi Stitches once mentioned “I was fascinated by how flat fabric could transform into something structured and meaningful”.
In her Story , early designs made for her family, though imperfectly finished, were worn with pride—an encouragement that laid the foundation for her professional confidence.
Today, Fifi Stitches is recognised for sculpted bodices, controlled tailoring, corsetry construction, and the contemporary reinterpretation of Ankara, Aso Oke, and Adire textiles.
The brand challenges the long-held perception that African fabrics belong solely in ceremonial contexts, instead positioning them within global luxury and modern design spaces.
Adeosun’s training reflects this dual perspective. She studied Fashion Design and Entrepreneurship at the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Development Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, and earned a Diploma in Fashion Design through Alison Online.
In the UK, she undertook industry-focused technical training with Fashion-Enter Ltd and gained fashion business exposure through Fashion Capital UK.
Her technical expertise spans pattern drafting, draping, garment technology, structured tailoring, corsetry, and bespoke fittings—skills she describes as central to credibility in fashion. “Precision builds trust,” she says. “A designer must understand construction as deeply as creativity.”
Fifi Stitches has showcased collections at the Suffolk Fashion Show, Liverpool Fashion Show – FB Fashion Ball, Red Carpet Fashion Event in London, and through editorial features in London Runway Magazine.
The brand has also received coverage in The Guardian Nigeria and Vanguard Allure, expanding its visibility across markets.
Beyond couture, Adeosun integrates community impact into her practice.
She has facilitated garment construction workshops, draping sessions, and introductory training programmes for women and emerging creatives, promoting fashion as both artistic expression and vocational empowerment.
Fifi Stcithes Boss operates between Nigeria and the UK, in order to continue to shape her brand identity.
According to her “Nigeria provides cultural richness and expressive textile traditions, while the UK offers structured production systems, sustainability conversations, and institutional frameworks”.
Looking ahead, Adeosun said she plan to establish a fully structured fashion house spanning Africa and the UK, develop scalable production partnerships, launch capsule collections, and expand independent editorial visibility.
Her broader ambition is clear: to position African textile craftsmanship within global contemporary design conversations—through structure, discipline, and technical excellence.
GTCO Launches “Take on Squad” Hackathon 3.0, Opens Call for Applications
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has announced the launch of “Take on Squad” Hackathon 3.0, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation, empowering talent, and supporting the development of technology-driven solutions that address real-world challenges across Africa.
Now in its third edition, the Hackathon brings together developers, designers and entrepreneurs across Nigeria in a collaborative environment to build practical solutions across key sectors including financial services, healthcare, commerce and digital inclusion. Under the theme “Smart Systems: The Intelligent Economy,” participants are challenged to design and build intelligent, data-driven solutions that transform how communities engage with money.
Applications are now open, and interested teams can find full guidelines and registration details on the official portal at https://squadco.com/hackathon.
Speaking on the initiative, Eduophon Japhet, Managing Director of HabariPay, stated: “Today’s dynamic, digitally driven world demands continuous innovation, which is shaping how economies grow, how businesses scale, and how societies evolve. Through “Take on Squad” Hackathon, we are deliberately investing in the ideas and talent that will define the future. Our objective is not simply to encourage innovation, but to enable its translation into scalable solutions that deliver real and measurable impact. This reflects GTCO’s role as a financial services platform that connects capital, capability, and creativity to drive sustainable progress.”
The social coding event remains a cornerstone of HabariPay’s mission to foster creativity and problem-solving among emerging tech talents. Competing teams will leverage Squad’s advanced APIs to create scalable digital tools that address everyday challenges faced by businesses and individuals.
Through initiatives such as this, GTCO continues to position itself at the intersection of finance, technology and enterprise, actively shaping the future of digital transformation in Africa.
About HabariPay
HabariPay Ltd is the fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), one of the largest financial services institutions in Africa with direct and indirect investments in a network of operating entities located in 10 countries across Africa and the United Kingdom.
Licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), our goal is to support SMEs, micro merchants, large corporations and other fintechs (Tech Stars) with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving digital economy and expand beyond their current market reach. HabariPay’s solutions include Squad, a full-scale digital payments toolkit to make in-person and online payments simpler, HabariPay Storefront, an e-commerce website to facilitate online purchases, Value-Added Services to help merchants access cost-effective and flexible airtime and data bundles to run their businesses, as well as a switching infrastructure that enables tech-focused businesses to optimise cost and make transactions more efficient.
HabariPay’s contributions to Accelerating Digital Acceptance in Africa have not gone unnoticed–it received Mastercard’s Innovative Mobile Payment Solution Award at TIA 2022 for its innovative payment solution, SquadPOS.
About Squad
Squad is a complete digital payments solution that is reliable, secure, and affordable, making receiving in-person and online payments simpler and convenient.
Thousands of merchants currently leverage Squad’s payment solutions for their daily business operations. Squad’s current products and service offerings include SquadPOS, Squad Payment Links, Squad Virtual Accounts, USSD, and E-Commerce Storefront.
Find out more at www.squadco.com.
Electric 8-Seater Tula Moto Keke Enters Nigerian Market, Targets Higher Operator Earnings
LAGOS — A new electric-powered tricycle with an expanded passenger capacity has been introduced into Nigeria’s urban transport sector, offering operators a potentially more profitable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional petrol-driven “keke.”
The newly launched 8-seater electric tricycle, now available in Lagos with plans for nationwide distribution, features a dual-row seating arrangement capable of accommodating up to eight passengers per trip—significantly higher than the standard three-passenger configuration common across the country.
Promoters of the innovation say the increased capacity is designed to boost daily earnings for operators, particularly amid persistent fluctuations in fuel prices. By running entirely on electric power, the vehicle eliminates dependence on petrol, reducing operating costs and shielding drivers from fuel price volatility.
According to the distributors, the tricycle is equipped with a durable battery system capable of covering extended distances on a single charge, making it suitable for commercial operations across high-traffic routes, residential estates, campuses, and marketplaces.
“The concept is straightforward—enable drivers to earn more while spending less,” a company representative stated. “With higher passenger capacity and zero fuel requirements, operators can maximise each trip without the burden of daily fuel expenses.”
Beyond its cost-saving potential, the electric keke is also said to require less maintenance than traditional models, offering additional long-term savings. Its quieter and smoother operation is expected to enhance passenger comfort and overall commuting experience.
Industry analysts note that the introduction of electric mobility solutions reflects a growing shift toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation alternatives in Nigeria, particularly in densely populated urban centres such as Lagos.
The distributors added that the product is currently available under a limited promotional offer, with delivery options across the country.
For inquiries and purchase: 📞 08153432071
📞 08035889103
Office Address:
📍 Plot 9, Block 113, Beulah Plaza,
Lekki–Epe Expressway,
Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
As transportation costs continue to rise and environmental concerns gain prominence, innovations like the electric 8-seater keke may signal an emerging transition toward more efficient and sustainable mobility solutions nationwide.
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