Business & Economy
Senate sets up Ad-hoc C’ttee to investigate importation of adulterated diesel into Nigeria
By George Mgbeleke (Abuja)
Senate has set up an Ad-hoc committee to investigate importation of adulterated diesel and fuel into the country to undermine the economic prosperity of the country.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio who announced the 15-man committee appointed the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) as the chairman.
Senate decision to set up the Ad-hoc committee was sequel to adoption of a motion on “Need to investigate the continued importation of Hazardous Petroleum Products and dumping of substandard Diesel into Nigeria” sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong (Cross River South).
Senator Ekpeyong noted with deep concern the continued importation of hazardous petroleum product and dumping of substandard diesel into the Nigeria;
He observed that on 16th June, 2024, it was reported that 12 diesel cargoes, conveying a total of 660kt of diesel was exported by refineries to offshore Lome, Togo for further distribution to West African markets, mainly Nigeria;
“Also notes that the quality of the said diesel is below the Nigerian standard in terms of flash and Sulphur levels. However, in spite of the substandard nature of the diesel, it still finds its way into the Nigerian markets, as a track on Mt “Kallos” which arrived Lome on the 16th of June, which immediately did ship-to-ship (STS) transfer to DV MT (Matric Triumph” and then proceeded to discharge into Matric Jetty in Warri on 21st June, 2024. Thereafter, another STS was made to DV MT “Matric Pride”, which then proceeded to discharge into Obat Oil terminal on 22nd June, 2024;
He noted that the “diesel is priced below fair market value, which constitutes dumping on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, which stipulates that countries are permitted to take measures to protect their local industries in the event of dumping. The WTO also recognises the impact of dumping on domestic industries, and therefore stipulates tariff regimes, such as anti-dumping duties and import restriction measures to ensure that domestic producers are not unfairly disadvantaged;
“Aware that even though the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has recently revised the standards of diesel importation into Nigeria in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, it is apparent that they are incapable of enforcing compliance with the standards;
“Also aware that NMDPRA has persistently continue to issue import licenses for diesel and jet, despite sufficient local production capacity. Therefore, the best also option for protecting Nigerians and our local refineries against dumping is to place a total ban on the importation of diesel in so far as our local refineries can meet the Nigerian demands;
“Further aware that the said ban on importation of diesel will be beneficial to the Nigerian petroleum Industry and indeed the entire nation, and as such, the NMDPRA should cease to issue import licenses in order to address all concerns. However, if the situation is allowed to continue, local production will have no option than to stop the commissioning of gasoline units and shutdown refineries until regulatory environment improves. This is against the backdrop that local production has been able to sell on 20kt of jet fuel in the last 3 months, relative to local demand of 180kt over the same period”.
Contributing to the motion, Senator Solomon Olamilekan (Ogun West), chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation expressed disappointment with the operation of if the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by some government officials in the petroleum and gas sector, adding that “heads must roll” as the upper chamber hopes to carry out a major reform.
According to the Ogun West senator, “there are some information we can’t share here”.
The Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume in his contribution, said Dangote has complained loudly that if he had known the problems that he was going to encounter, he wouldn’t have started the Dangote Refinery as he is being frustrated locally in addition to that of the international oil companies (OIC).
He said the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) issues licences to import adulterated foreign diesel deliberately to put Dangote out of business, adding that the Ad-hoc committee should find out why Dangote Refinery is forced to sell its diesel outside the country while toxic diesel is imported into Nigeria at the same time.
The Senate after thorough debate on the motion on urgent national importance, accordingly resolves to set up an Ad-Hoc Committee to “Examine the pre-shipment and pre-discharge standard test parameters, adopted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, with a view to uncovering loopholes, if any, exploited to get toxic cargoes into the country”.
Other prayers of the motion, which now forms the terms of reference for the Ad-hoc committee are as follow:
“Determine the level of compliance of the NNPCL’s Direct Sale and Direct Purchase (DSDP) arrangements in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, including the extent of transparency and accountability in the scheme;
“Beam legislative searchlight on the activities of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund, including payments made to transporters in the last 10 years;
“Enquire from the NNPCL the state/status of the 22 Depots built by the NNPC to eliminate road distribution of petroleum products;
“Engage with stakeholders within the oil and gas industry with a view to identifying possible gaps in regulating and strengthening the surveillance and monitoring structures in place to enable Nigeria detect violations of best practice standards in the importation of products before they enter into domestic supply chains;
“Also engage with the NNPCL with a view to understanding the extent of its determination and timelines for the start-up of Government funded oil refineries; and
“Investigate how institutions across the importation and distribution chain failed to conduct quality sampling, shipped in products without auditing, port validations by the Nigerian Customs Service; Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR); National Maritime Authority (NMA); and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON)”.
Members of the committee include Senators Asuquo Ekpeyong (Cross River South), Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi ), Tahir Monguno (Borno North), Solomon Olamilekan (Ogun West), Diket Plang (Plateau South), Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers West), Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), Adetekumbo Abiru (Lagos East), Osita Izunaso (Imo West), Sahabi Ya’u (Zamfara North), Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central).
The committee has three weeks to submit its report before the Senate proceeds on its annual recess at the end of July, 2024.
Business & Economy
*HallowMace Foundation and Partners Unveil Final Three Nominees Per Geo-Political Zone for 2026 National Legislative Award, Announces Final Voting Stage*
ABUJA, April 16, 2026, The HallowMace Foundation and Partners have officially released the final list of the last three outstanding nominees per Nigeria’s six geo-political zones for the upcoming National Legislative Award, scheduled to take place in July 2026.
After a rigorous selection process incorporating input from Nigerian citizens and the National Assembly Press Corps, the Foundation and Partners finalized the roster of distinguished Senators and House of Representatives members who have demonstrated exceptional legislative performance.
The nominees are grouped by geo-political zone as follows:
*SOUTH EAST*
*Senate*
Sen. Enyinnaya Abariba
Sen. Victor Umeh
Sen. Osita Izunaso
*House of Reps*
Hon. Benjamin Kalu
Hon. Dominic Okafor
Hon. Chike Okafor
*SOUTH SOUTH*
*Senate*
Sen. Seriake Dickson
Sen. Adams Oshiomole
Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong
*House of Reps*
Hon. Frederick Agbedi
Hon. Francis Waive
Hon. Inombek Awaji-Abiante
*SOUTH WEST*
*Senate*
Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele
Sen. Solomon Olamilekan
Sen. Abdulfattah Buhari
*House of Reps*
Hon. Akin Rotimi
Hon. Babajimi Benson
Hon. Oluwole Oke
*NORTH CENTRAL*
*Senate*
Sen. Sani Musa
Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduanghan
Sen. Aliyu Wadada
*House of Reps*
Hon. Terseer Ugbor
Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi
Hon. Jonathan G. Gaza
*NORTH EAST*
*Senate*
Sen. Abdul Ninji
Sen. Muhammed Monguno
Sen. Muhammed Danjuma Goje
*House of Reps*
Hon. Laori K. Bitrus
Hon. Ahmadu Usman Jaha
Hon. Bello Usman Kumo
*NORTH WEST*
*Senate*
Sen. Hussaini Babangida Uba
Sen. Sunday Katung
Sen. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
*House of Reps*
Hon. Hassan Fulata
Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki
Hon. Sada Soli
According to the Organisers, these nominees represent the *“last three”* standing per zone following extensive voting by Nigerian public and legislative correspondents. They have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to lawmaking, oversight, and constituency representation.
*Voting For The Next Stage Now Open*
The HallowMace Foundation and Partners hereby announce that voting for the final selection stage has commenced effective today, April 16, 2026. In this crucial phase, members of the public are invited to vote to select one Senator and one House of Representatives member per geo-political zone from the list of final nominees.
Email: thenationallegislativeawards@gmail.com
This stage of voting shall close on the last day of April 2026 (April 30, 2026) . Winners will be determined by a combination of public votes and final validation by the National Assembly Press Corps.
The National Legislative Award ceremony is set to hold in July 2026, where the final winners will be unveiled and celebrated for their dedication to the Nigerian project.
*About HallowMace Foundation*
The HallowMace Foundation is a non-partisan organization committed to promoting legislative excellence and accountability across Nigeria.
*Signed:*
Amb. Oguh Hyginus John
*Head, Public Communications Desk*
The National Legislative Awards Planning Committee
Business & Economy
PPP Business Model Responsible for Success of NLNG -Fubara *Pledges Continued support for Corporate Organizations operating in Rivers State
By George Mgbeleke
Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has attributed the success of the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas ( NLNG) Limited to the Public Private Partnership ( PPP) business model adopted by the Federal Government and the multinational oil companies from the inception of the organisation.
Governor Fubara stated this while receiving the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NLNG, Mr Adeleye Falade who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The NLNG is jointly owned by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with 49%, Shell Gas B.V. with 25.6%, Total LNG Nigeria Ltd with 15%, and Eni International with 10.4%.This partnership model allows for shared risks, costs, and expertise in the LNG sector.
L to R: Miss Homa Nmegbu, Govt. Relations Advisor; Abdul Saleh, Technical Adviser to Exexutive Management; Dr Yemi Adeyemi, Manager Community Relations; Abdul Umar, Manager, Government Relations; Engr Adeleye Falade, MD/CEO, Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara; Dr Sophia Horsfall, GM, External Relations & Sustainable Development; Mike Igoni, Head, Govt Relations; Ifeanyi Umeh, Head Community Engagement & Liaison, Kate Allison, Senior Govt Relations Advisor and Emma Nwatu, Senior Media Advisor, in a group photograph during the courtesy visit on Wednesday.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary,Onwuka Nzeshi, governor Fubara observed that the NLNG has not only survived the difficult business environment but has made sustained progress in the nearly three decades of its existence. According to him, the decision of the Federal Government to allow the multinational oil companies who have the needed expertise to run the establishment while government plays a supervisory role over it, has largely been responsible for its success.
” I’m very proud to say that if there is one establishment that has shown resilience, that has survived in the face of all the political issues prevalent in this country, it is the NLNG. And what is the reason? The reason is very simple. Government has no business in business. That is the truth. Leave the business for those people who can operate it. Let the government play its supervisory role to ensure that there is compliance with the laws; ensure that standards are maintained and also ensure that the right people with the needed expertise are at the helm of affairs. That’s all. I think that is the reason why we still record a lot of successes in NLNG,” he said.
Governor Fubara pledged the continued support of his administration for the NLNG, stressing that the success of the organisation is equally the success of the government of Rivers State and the success of the Federal Government of Nigeria. He gave assurance that his administration will continue to contribute it’s own quota in support of the NLNG.
“Our duty is to make sure that we support whoever is operating in our state. We are the ones here. If we don’t support you and you don’t succeed, we also will not succeed and Mr President will also not succeed.
“So the success of your establishment is the success of our state, and overall success of Nigeria. So you can count on our support. Wherever you think we need to come in to support you, please do not hesitate to call upon us.
“You just mentioned here that your predecessor left a handover note showcasing the level of support that he got from the state. It is not going to be different in your own case. I can assure you that. I will also ensure that other units of the government will liaise with you when necessary. So even if you can’t get to me, you can always get to them and if there is anything we can do to help your establishment succeed, we will do it for you,” he said.
In his opening remark, the new CEO of the NLNG, Mr Adeleye Falade who led other top officials of the company on the visit, expressed appreciation for the audience granted them and appealed to the Government of Rivers State to continue to support the organisation.
” We appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and deepen this important relationship.We deeply value the support the Rivers State Government continues to extend in fostering an enabling operating environment for businesses. NLNG remains deliberate in its contribution to Nigeria’s development, and Rivers State, our primary host, continues to be central to that commitment,” he said.
The company, Falade said, has continued to work with its host communities to strengthen their capacity to identify, prioritise, and deliver sustainable development initiatives that create lasting impact. According to him
communities including Amadi-ama, Abua, Ekpeye, Okrika, Kalabari, and Emohua have continued to benefit from this model. He said that beyond community infrastructure, the NLNG have sustained investments in economic empowerment through initiatives such as Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme (VIBES) and Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) schemes. These, he said, were designed to support small businesses, build capacity, and stimulate local enterprise across the state.
Among officials of the company who accompanied the Managing Director where General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr Sophia Horsfall; Manager, Government Relations, Mr Abdul Umar; Manager, Community Relations; Dr Yemi Adeyemi; Head of Government Relations, Mr Mike Igoni; Head of Community Liaison and Engagement, Chief Ifeanyi Umeh. Others are Technical Assistant to Executive Leadership, Mr Hassan Saleh; Senior Media and Publicity Advisor, Mr Emma Nwatu; Government Relations Advisor, Miss Homa Nmegbu, Senior Government Relations Advisor, Mrs Kate Allison and Audio -Visual Advisor, Mr Dawood Ahmed.
Business & Economy
*HallowMace Africa and Partners Announce First Stage Results For July 2026 National Legislative Awards*
*Abuja, Nigeria, April 1st, 2026.* HallowMace Africa, a leading media and advocacy organisation dedicated to promoting legislative accountability and excellence, has officially released the results of the first stage of voting for its highly anticipated July 2026 National Legislative Awards.
Following an intensive initial voting phase, Nigerians, in collaboration with the National Assembly Press Corps, have successfully nominated a distinguished list of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives. These nominees represent the pinnacle of legislative performance across the nation’s six geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory.
The first stage of voting saw robust participation from citizens and accredited press corps members, who evaluated lawmakers based on legislative impact, constituency representation, and public service delivery.
*List Of Outstanding Nominees By Geo-Political Zone:*
*SOUTH EAST*
*Abia:* Sen. Enyinnaya Abariba (Senate); Hon. Benjamin Kalu (Reps)
*Anambra:* Sen. Victor Umeh (Senate); Hon. Dominic Okafor (Reps)
*Ebonyi:* Sen. Peter Nwaebonyi (Senate); Hon. Nkemkanma Kama (Reps)
*Enugu:* Sen. Osita Ngwu (Senate); Hon. John Nnolim (Reps)
*Imo:* Sen. Osita Izunaso (Senate); Hon. Chike Okafor (Reps)
*SOUTH SOUTH*
*Akwa Ibom:* Sen. Godswill Akpabio (Senate); Hon. Patrick Umoh-Ikor (Reps)
*Bayelsa:* Sen. Seriake Dickson (Senate); Hon. Frederick Agbedi (Reps)
*Delta:* Sen. Ned Nwoko (Senate); Hon. Francis Waive (Reps)
*Edo:* Sen. Adams Oshiomole (Senate); Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (Reps)
*Cross River:* Sen. Asuquo Elpenyong (Senate); Hon. Michael Etaba (Reps)
*Rivers:* Sen. Harry Banigo (Senate); Hon. Inombek Awaji-Abiante (Reps)
*SOUTH WEST*
*Ekiti:* Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (Senate); Hon. Akor Rotimi (Reps)
*Lagos:* Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (Senate); Hon. Babajimi Benson (Reps)
*Ogun:* Sen. Solomon Olamilekan (Senate); Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim (Reps)
*Ondo:* Sen. Emmanuel Ipimsagba Olajide (Senate); Hon. Donald Ojogo (Reps)
*Osun:* Sen. Francis Adenigba Fadaunsi (Senate); Hon. Oluwole Oke (Reps)
*Oyo:* Sen. Abdulfattah Buhari (Senate); Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe (Reps)
*NORTH CENTRAL*
*Kwara:* Sen. Saliu Mustapha (Senate); Hon. Muktar Shagaya (Reps)
*Benue:* Sen. Abba Moro (Senate); Hon. Terseer Ugbor (Reps)
*Niger:* Sen. Sani Musa (Senate); Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (Reps)
*Kogi:* Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduanghan (Senate); Hon. Leke Abejide (Reps)
*Nasarawa:* Sen. Aliyu Wadada (Senate); Hon. Jonathan G. Gaza (Reps)
*Plateau:* Sen. Diket Plang (Senate); Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Reps)
*NORTH EAST*
*Adamawa:* Sen. Abass Aminu Iya (Senate); Hon. Laori K. Bitrus (Reps)
*Bauchi:* Sen. Abdul Ninji (Senate); Hon. Manu Soro Mansur (Reps)
*Borno:* Sen. Muhammed Monguno (Senate); Hon. Ahmadu Usman Jaha (Reps)
*Gombe:* Sen. Muhammed Danjuma Goje (Senate); Hon. Bello Usman Kumo (Reps)
*Taraba:* Sen. David Jumkuta (Senate); Hon. Jaafara Yakubu (Reps)
*Yobe:* Sen. Ahmad Lawan (Senate); Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba-Ibrahim (Reps)
*NORTH WEST*
*Jigawa:* Sen. Hussaini Babangida Uba (Senate); Hon. Hassan Fulata (Reps)
*Kaduna:* Sen. Sunday Katung (Senate); Hon. Shehu Agilo (Reps)
*Kano:* Sen. Jubil Barau (Senate); Hon. Aliyu Madaki (Reps)
*Katsina:* Sen. Abdulazeez Musa Yar’Adua (Senate); Hon. Sada Soli (Reps)
*Kebbi:* Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate); Hon. Bello Kaoje (Reps)
*Sokoto:* Sen. Amimu Waziri Tambuwal (Senate); Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki (Reps)
*Zamfara:* Sen. Bilbis Aliyu Ikra (Senate); Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji (Reps)
*FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY*
*FCT:* Sen. Ireti Kingibe (Senate); Hon. Ajiya Abdulrahman (Reps)
*Next Stage of Voting*
With the first stage concluded, the competition now enters a critical phase. The goal is to identify one Most Outstanding Senator and one Most Outstanding House of Representatives member per geo-political zone.
In the upcoming second stage, the current list of nominees will be narrowed down to a final three (3) nominees per zone. These top three finalists will then advance to the final voting stage, where the ultimate winner for each geo-political zone will be determined.
*“The massive participation we witnessed in the first stage is a testament to the growing interest of Nigerians in legislative accountability,” said Amb. Anderson Osiebe, Executive Director, HallowMace Africa. “As we proceed to the next stage, we urge the public to remain engaged. We are committed to a transparent process that celebrates the lawmakers who truly exemplify service to the people.”*
*Voting links and timelines for the next stage is as follows:*
thenationallegislativeawards@gmail.com
The voting commences immediately using the above email, *also this voting timeline shall expire on the 14th day of April 2026 by 11:59pm.*
The National Legislative Awards 2026 is Powered by HallowMace Africa in partnership with International Goodwill Ambassador Club, ERGAF Africa, Isabella Ayuk Foundation and many others.
*About HallowMace Africa*
HallowMace Africa is a non-governmental organization focused on promoting democratic values, legislative excellence, and civic engagement across the African continent.
*Media Contact:*
Amb. Oguh Hyginus John
*Head of Public Communications Desk*
HallowMace Africa
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