The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned politicians against linking stampedes that occurred during food distributions in Oyo, Anambra and Abuja to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms.

He however sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incidents which claimed over 70 lives, including about 40 children.
The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, had blamed the stampedes on the systemic failures in Nigeria amid widespread hardship in the country.

The minister in a statement signed by his media Senior Special Assistant, Rabiu Ibrahim, said the tragedies underscored the importance of ensuring proper crowd management during such charitable activities, especially in the festive season.

He acknowledged the noble intentions of organisers seeking to bring relief to vulnerable members of society and admonished all individuals and organisations planning similar events to comply with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun on liaising with the police formations for effective crowd control and security measures.

He emphasised that collaboration with the police and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was crucial to safeguarding lives and ensuring that such efforts to assist those in need do not inadvertently lead to further distress.

Idris appealed to politicians and other stakeholders to refrain from politicising the unfortunate incidents, stressing that those tragic events were in no way connected to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s economic reforms.

“It is worth noting that similar unfortunate occurrences have been recorded in the past, before the current administration, as such, making any attempt to link these tragedies to the President’s reforms is unfounded and disingenuous,” he said.
Idris said the reforms, while repositioning the Nigerian economy for sustainable growth, were designed to uplift the lives of all Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable without causing distress.

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, and Thursday, December, 25 and 26 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations, respectively.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government on Monday morning, extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.

Tunji-ojo, in a statement signed by the Ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, further emphasised the importance of the season as a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

The Minister also felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion.

Dr Tunji-Ojo enjoined Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ in his practice and teachings of humility, service, compassion, and patience.

He stressed that peace and security are critical prerequisites for economic development and prosperity.

The minister assured that the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, will continue to put in place effective measures for the security of lives and property.

He urged Nigerians to be security-conscious, and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agencies.

Tunji-Ojo noted that the Yuletide season calls for discipline to protect the lives and property of everyone in their respective communities and the nation as a whole.

The Minister urged all citizens to remain focused that the year 2025 will be a better year with the Renewed Hope agenda of the President.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” he stated.

He assured citizens of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, he expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu-led administration ushering in the New Year a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has presented service awards to its retiring Directors and other staff for their contributions to the progress and performance of the Commission in the discharge of its mandate to develop the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the ceremony to celebrate the service of retired staff at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stressed the need to recognise and honour retired staff for playing different roles in driving the development process.

The NDDC boss commended the retirees for the decades of meritorious service they had given to the Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria as a whole, noting that it was a big honour to be recognised by one’s organisation.

He urged the Commission’s serving and retired staff to see the interventionist agency as their common patrimony that must be protected from unwarranted attacks.

He said that the NDDC management had approved an annual Christmas package for all former Commission directors, noting that it was always important to recognise and reward the efforts of staff and retirees who have served with unblemished records.

Ogbuku told the retirees, “You have an institutional memory of the NDDC that is invaluable to those still in service. We will, therefore, continue to tap into your wealth of experience by engaging some of you as consultants.”

In his opening remarks, the NDDC Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Ekade, described the ceremony as a celebration of the retirees’ service.

He said that the current NDDC management thought it wise to make the retirement process less stressful: “The honour the NDDC bestows on the retirees is to give hope to those still in service. It is a celebration of hope for the retirees.”

Responding on behalf of the retirees, the former Director of Corporate Affairs, Dr Pius Ughakpoteni, thanked the NDDC Board and Management for recognising their contributions and celebrating them even in retirement.

He promised that they would continue to support the efforts of the NDDC whenever they were called upon to assist.

He remarked: “Retirement is one of the greatest opportunities to rediscover oneself. It is a time to learn new things, relearn and unlearn. It is also a time to give back to society by mentoring young people.”

The Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas, and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria (HOSTCONYCN) has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and its leadership. This decision was made at a World Press Conference held at Top Rank Hotel, Utako, Abuja.

According to Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei PathFinder, President of HOSTCONYCN, the council commends Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for its tireless efforts in securing the nation’s oil and gas assets, resulting in a significant increase in oil production output from 900,000 barrels to 1.8 million barrels per day.

The council also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for re-awarding the Tantita Security Pipeline Surveillance Contract, which has contributed to the increase in oil production. HOSTCONYCN expressed hope that the output will increase to over 2.5 million barrels daily by January and February 2025.

Furthermore, the council recognized Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, including the reconstruction of the 3 Battalion Soldiers’ Transit Accommodation, donation of educational materials, and construction of a 15-kilometer pedestrian bridge.

HOSTCONYCN urged all stakeholders to ensure the protection of oil pipelines and facilities and to support Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in its efforts to increase oil production and reduce oil theft.

The council also appealed to President Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Engr. Mele Kyari, to increase funding for Tantita Security Services’ pipeline surveillance contract and expand its scope to include revenue collection from vessels operating in Nigerian territorial waters.

In conclusion, HOSTCONYCN reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to ensure greater impact in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says that achievements recorded by the Commission in the recent past should be ascribed to the benevolence of God.

Ogbuku spoke during the Annual Thanksgiving Service, organised by the NDDC Christian Fellowship at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

This was contained in a statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.

The NDDC boss enjoined NDDC staff to imbibe the culture of thanksgiving to attract more blessings from God, noting that the Almighty Father had been faithful and merciful to the Commission and thus deserved to be praised to pave the way for a more prosperous new year.

Ogbuku declared, “We must glorify the Lord for making us who we are. I am elated that we have sustained the annual thanksgiving service because we have many things for which we need to be thankful to God.

“The Lord has been so good to us this year. We have every reason to thank God. This year, we carried out activities and events that were the first of their kind.

“I am amazed at what God has done for us. God’s hand is in everything we do. This year, we hosted the first-ever Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit.

“I want to thank all NDDC staff for their physical and spiritual support. We wouldn’t have achieved all these without their prayers.”

Ogbuku assured that next year’s thanksgiving service would be held in the Commission’s chapel, not in an open tent.

He said: “Last year, I promised that our next Thanksgiving would be held in a proper edifice for the worship of God. The place will be specially designated and dedicated to Christian worship. This edifice is going to be for the good of the people of the Niger Delta.”

In his exhortation, the Provincial Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Port Harcourt, Mr. Remi Odebode, enjoined the NDDC staff to be thankful to God in every situation and commended the members of the Commission’s Christian fellowship for their steadfastness in praising God.

He appreciated God’s blessing on the NDDC, noting, “If you want miracles, learn to honour and thank God. When you learn to praise God, he raises you and fights your battle.”

In his own remarks, the NDDC Executive Director Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, stated that by honouring God, the Commission was attracting more blessings, noting that the Almighty Father had been faithful and merciful to the NDDC and thus deserved to be praised and adored.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Ekade thanked God for the successes the NDDC had recorded over the years.

Also speaking, the NDDC fellowship Pastor, Mr. Udoma Sabbath, observed that God had answered the prayers of the staff by bringing a Board and a Chief Executive Officer “that is humane and eager to make a difference in the Niger Delta region.”

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Amid ongoing scepticism and criticism surrounding the revamp of the Port Harcourt Refinery, former group managing directors (GMDs) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) have commended the efforts of the current management team, led by Mele Kyari.

After inspecting the refinery during their former NNPC GCEOs Forum in Port Harcourt, the ex-GMDs described the achievement as “magic.”
Speaking on behalf of the group, Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, who served as GMD from 1999 to 2003, explained that many critics fail to understand the magnitude of work involved.

He clarified that this was not a routine Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) but a full rehabilitation that modernised a plant originally built in 1965 into a state-of-the-art facility by 2024.

“Some of those who criticise do not understand the extent of the work carried out. They mistake it for the usual Turnaround Maintenance. This is a complete rehabilitation—transforming a plant built in 1965 into a modern one in 2024. We appreciate the effort,” Dr. Obaseki stated.

On petroleum pricing, he emphasised that petrol pump prices are influenced by crude oil prices and called for public understanding.
The rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery has sparked significant criticism due to concerns over its cost, efficiency, and the historical context of Nigeria’s oil sector.

Originally commissioned in 1965, the refinery has suffered from years of neglect, leading to a drastic decline in operational capacity.
The federal government approved a $1.5 billion contract for its rehabilitation in 2021, aiming to restore it to 90 per cent capacity by 2025.

Critics argue that investing such a large sum in rehabilitation may be economically unwise compared to building a new facility. They highlight the persistent issues of corruption, pipeline vandalism, and crude oil theft that have plagued Nigeria’s refineries, raising doubts about the long-term viability of the Port Harcourt facility.

Despite the resumption of operations, skepticism remains regarding the actual output and quality of products being produced.

The refinery’s complex history includes multiple failed attempts at rehabilitation and operational setbacks. As of late 2024, reports indicated that only a fraction of expected production was realised, with allegations suggesting that recently loaded petroleum products were not freshly refined but rather stored from previous years.

This situation reflects broader systemic issues within Nigeria’s oil industry, where state-owned refineries have historically been financial burdens rather than profitable entities.

Supporters of the rehabilitation project argue it could create jobs and reduce fuel prices by decreasing reliance on imported petroleum products.

However, many experts caution that without addressing underlying operational inefficiencies and management issues, the investment may not yield the anticipated benefits. The contrasting views highlight a critical debate about Nigeria’s energy future and the role of state-run enterprises in achieving energy security and economic stability.

Gaius-Obaseki however hailed the achievement as a testament to courage and dedication, urging the GCEO, Mele Kyari, to remain focused on delivering value to Nigerians.

Other former GMDs present at the meeting included Chamberlain Oyibo, Funsho Kupolokun, and Andrew Yakubu, who collectively lauded the success of the project.

Nigeria’s Supreme Court and 14 other government bodies have failed ethics and integrity tests for 2024, the latest in the annual series of assessments by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The ICPC report is consistent with general perception of pervasive corruption and irregularities in the judiciary, which both serving and retiring justices of the Supreme Court have confirmed at various times.

The ICPC unveiled the 2024 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) at its headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

The anti-corruption agency said none of the 330 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) assessed in 2024 achieved full compliance.

The assessment covered key indicators, including Management Culture and Structure (MCS); Governance and Executive Management; Financial Management Systems (FMS); Finance, Revenue, and Audit Processes; and Administrative Systems (AS), which encompass policies, ethics education, and whistle-blowing mechanisms.

It was revealed that the 15 non-compliant MDAs failed due to systemic issues such as the absence of whistleblower policies, inadequate strategic plans, and ineffective stock verification systems.

More so, many of the institutions examined also failed to produce financial reports or conduct audits, further contributing to the erosion of public trust.

The Supreme Court and others at the bottom of the list scored zero per cent overall, compared with an agency like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which scored 89.75 per cent.

The 15 institutions with 0.00 score include: Supreme Court of Nigeria, Nigeria Press Council (NPC), Legal Aid Council (LAC), National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), and Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON).

The rest are Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe; National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, Ningi, Bauchi State; Institute of Archaeology and Museum Studies, Jos; Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State; Federal College of Forestry Mechanization (FCFM), Mando, Kaduna State; Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State; and Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, and University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Strengthening the perception of extensive judicial corruption and lack of transparency in the institution, a retiring Justice of the Supreme Court, Dattiji Mummad, in his valedictory remarks in October last year, made scathing comments about alleged corrupt handling of the judiciary’s funds and the judiciary’s affairs.

He said this questionable conduct permeated the Nigerian judiciary from the Supreme Court down the country’s court hierarchies.

Earlier in May in 2023, a retiring Justice of the Supreme Court, Ejembi Eko, similarly lamented the corruption in the Nigerian judiciary, especially in the handling of its finances. He, therefore, called on anti-graft agencies to probe the financial records of the judiciary.

The ICPC report comes amid ripples generated by activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi’s book, alleging widespread corrupt practices in the Supreme Court and other courts.

The book, a raw and unfiltered account of the author’s views about the Nigerian justice system, is titled, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.

Mr Farotimi is facing criminal and civil defamation cases as a result of the book.

High performing agencies and other findings
A review of the report by PREMIUM TIMES showed some high performers, including JAMB with 89.75 per cent.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), scored 88.73 per cent, while the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) scored 88.73 per cent

ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, represented by spokesperson Demola Bakare at the unveiling of the report on Thursday, noted the commission’s role in fostering compliance through the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) in MDAs.

He said the units are expected to monitor the effectiveness of accountability systems within institutions, contributing to improved service delivery and public welfare.

Mr Bakare said out of the MDAs evaluated, 29.55 per cent obtained substantial compliance, 51.62 per cent had partial compliance, and 15.91 per cent showed poor compliance.

While only 2.92 per cent were deemed completely non-compliant.

Risk assessment plan

“Common gaps included a lack of whistle-blower policies, strategic plans, and effective stock verification units.

“Many MDAs failed to conduct any forms of system studies or render financial and audit reports,” he noted.

He said while ICPC continues to enforce penalties for non-compliance, the commission’s primary focus is on helping agencies align with ethical standards.

“Our approach is to support MDAs in improving their internal systems, but if they fail to comply after due processes, we will pursue legal action,” said Mr Bakare.

“The Supreme Court of Nigeria, for example, has been flagged for non-responsiveness to several requests and will be closely monitored in the coming year.”

Mr Bakare said the commission is set to launch sectorial rankings of government agencies, including corruption risk assessments, aimed at identifying high-risk institutions and guiding them toward better compliance.

“We’re taking a proactive approach by assessing corruption risks in sectors and enforcing accountability,” Mr Bakare added. “While we understand the challenges in many MDAs, we are committed to using these rankings to prioritise reforms.”

Whistleblower, recovery

On the issue of whistleblower protection, Mr Bakare reassured the public that it is dedicated to safeguarding individuals who report corruption.

He said that there have been no recent reports of retaliation because ICPC has intervened in the past to protect whistleblowers.

Mr Bakare explained that between December 2023 and December 2024, the ICPC tracked 1,500 projects across 22 states valued at N610 billion.

He said during this period, the commission recovered N346 million in cash and assets worth N400 million and helped the government save N30 billion.

“Many of these projects were either abandoned or poorly executed due to lack of oversight,” Mr Bakare noted. “Our focus is on ensuring that the funds meant for these projects are used properly and that public services meet their intended objectives.”

Call for systemic reform

He urged the federal government to implement deeper reforms to address the persistent gaps in governance spotlighted by this year’s EICS.

The commission called for stronger whistleblower protections, better management systems within MDAs, and more rigorous oversight mechanisms to prevent the misuse of public funds.

“We cannot fight corruption alone,” Mr Bakare added. “The support of Nigerians and the media is essential in ensuring the success of our efforts to bring transparency and integrity to the public sector.”

Constituency projects monitoring

Meanwhile, the Head of the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), Jimoh Sulaiman, explained the positive impact of project tracking on governance.

He emphasised that the initiative had significantly improved project completion rates while fostering greater public awareness and engagement with constituency projects.

“Nigerians now realize that funding for these projects comes from the Federal Government, not the personal finances of politicians. This understanding has driven them to demand greater accountability,” Mr Sulaiman remarked.

The Lagos Blue Line Phase 1, spanning 13 kilometers from Marina to Mile 2, successfully transported 2.37 million passengers by December 2024, 15 months after its launch on September 2023.

Constructed and operated by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the electric light rail project is a key milestone in Lagos State’s transportation plan.

This data was disclosed earlier in the week by John Zhao, a senior CCECC official, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

“On September 4, the Lagos Light Rail Blue Line Phase 1 celebrated its first year of operation. Built and operated by #CCECC, this phase spans 13 kilometers, including 8.1 kilometers of elevated bridges and a 530-meter sea-crossing bridge.

“The line features 5 stations and a design speed of 80 km/h. Since its official launch, it has safely transported 2.37 million passengers, providing residents with a more convenient and comfortable transportation option,” Zhao’s tweet read.

The 2.37 million passengers recorded by December 2024 builds on earlier milestones, including 1 million passengers transported within the first 219 days, 1.6 million in the first year of operation, and 583,000 passengers moved during the initial four months of service, from September 4, 2023, to January 4, 2024.

What you should know
The Lagos Blue Line metro rail, spanning 27 kilometers, is a vital component of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) system. The first phase, a 13-kilometer stretch from Marina to Mile 2, was completed in 2023 and began commercial operations in September of the same year.

The second phase, a 14-kilometer extension from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, is currently under construction by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and is expected to be completed by 2026.

As of December 2024, 26-27% of Phase 2 was completed, according to Olasunkanmi Okusaga, Director of Rail Transport at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

As part of Phase 2, LAMATA plans to demolish the Mazamaza Bridge and construct a new one after structural tests revealed the existing bridge could not support railway operations.

Two additional bridges—the Satellite Bridge and the LASU Bridge—will be constructed, each designed with a lifespan of over 75 years to guarantee long-term durability and safety for rail operations.

The Phase 2 project will include six stations at Festac, Alakija, Trade Fair, Volkswagen, LASU, and Okokomaiko.

Additionally, a 400,000-square-meter depot at Okokomaiko will serve as the central hub for rail maintenance and operations, ensuring seamless functionality and supporting future expansions of the rail system.