Atiku Abubakar calls for suspension of NNPC’s refinery deal with Chinese firms
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the immediate suspension and public scrutiny of the “Technical Equity Partnership” announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPC with two Chinese firms, Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xingcheng Fuzhou Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd. Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the deal as a “dangerous gamble” with Nigeria’s economic future, accusing the administration of President Bola Tinubu of attempting to mortgage national assets through opaque arrangements lacking technical credibility, transparency, and accountability. He questioned the competence of the Chinese firms, stating that independent assessments indicated neither company possesses the necessary pedigree or technical depth for rehabilitating and managing complex crude oil refineries like those in Port Harcourt and Warri. Atiku highlighted that Sanjiang Chemical specializes in petrochemical derivatives, not crude oil refining, and that Xingcheng Fuzhou Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd. is primarily an industrial park and infrastructure management company. He also cited troubling financial indicators for Sanjiang Chemical, including declining revenues and significant short-term debt, questioning its ability to revive the refineries. Atiku warned that the deal risks turning Nigeria’s refineries into “another expensive black hole of failed promises, reckless ex
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Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom have lauded the Federal Government's recent passport reforms, particularly the contactless renewal system, for significantly reducing delays and streamlining the passport delivery process. Introduced in November 2024, the new system enables eligible individuals to renew expired or exhausted passports from home, eliminating the need for physical visits to the Nigerian High Commission. Testimonies from various Nigerian community members across the UK, as reported by the Ministry of Interior, highlight a stark contrast to previous experiences marked by frustrating delays, extensive travel, and bureaucratic hurdles. Timileyin Gbenga, a Nigerian community figure in Birmingham, noted that while the traditional process took over six months and required travel for biometrics, the contactless method for a family member resulted in passport delivery in less than two weeks. He credited the transformation to the leadership of Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo under President Bola Tinubu's administration. Gbenga Ogunderu, based in Coventry, described the initiative as a significant digital shift, allowing applications and doorstep delivery without stress, often within two weeks. Dr. Adekunle Shonola, a senior lecturer at Coventry University and president of Nigerians in Coventry, recalled the previous necessity of traveling from Coventry to London for biometrics, a process that often took over six months. He observed that community members no
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Eight people have died in a violent clash between farmers and herders in Gulma town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The incident began when a farmer was reportedly stabbed to death by a Fulani herder while working on his farmland. This led to a reprisal by members of the farming community, who allegedly attacked nearby Fulani settlements, resulting in eight fatalities and increased tension. Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident, stating it occurred around 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Security operatives intervened to control the situation, rescuing four injured individuals who were treated and discharged. Usman reported that normalcy has been restored, with security personnel deployed to maintain peace. He urged residents to remain calm and use appropriate channels for grievances instead of resorting to violence.