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Dagogo Blasts N’Delta Govs Over Derivation Fund Misuse

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Former federal lawmaker, Farah Dagogo, has accused Niger Delta governors of mismanaging the 13 percent derivation funds meant for the development of oil-producing communities.

Dagogo, who represented the Bonny-Degema Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, expressed his concerns in a statement released on Monday in Port Harcourt, signed by his media aide, Ibrahim Lawal.

Read Also: Ex-FBN Manager Exposes How Loans Were Diverted To Companies Linked To Otudeko

The ex-lawmaker, a governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general elections, lamented that despite receiving trillions of naira over the past 23 years, the Niger Delta region remains plagued by extreme poverty, poor infrastructure, and widespread disease.

Dagogo revealed that in the first half of 2024 alone, over ₦600 billion was disbursed to the region through the derivation fund. However, he criticized successive state administrations for failing to translate these funds into tangible improvements in the lives of the people.

“The people of these oil-rich communities still live in squalor despite the trillions allocated to the region,” Dagogo said.

He also noted that while the Federal Government has made efforts to steadily increase the 13 percent derivation, the funds have yet to deliver meaningful change in the Niger Delta.

The statement reads, “In January, N57.92 billion was released to oil-producing states. In February, it rose to N85.10 billion, and in March, the Niger Delta oil-producing states got N166.24 billion.

“The sums were N90.12 billion, N120.45 billion, and N106.50 billion for April, May, and June, respectively. Yes, we all agree that this Federal Government has not lived up to its billing.

“However, in this instance, you have to agree and acknowledge that these allocations demonstrate the Federal Government’s continued support for state governments, particularly in oil-producing regions, where the derivation funds serve as a critical source of revenue for addressing their unique challenges.”

Dagogo pointed out that the poor management of the funds has caused the public to develop a “subconscious apathy” towards the amounts being allocated.

He expressed frustration that the 13 percent derivation, meant to address the infrastructural and environmental challenges in oil-producing communities, is largely squandered or unaccounted for by the governors.

The former lawmaker further accused the governors of treating the funds as “free money” rather than taking on their responsibilities as stewards of these vital resources.

“This 13 per cent derivation is the fund set aside to assist oil-producing communities in tackling infrastructural decay and degradation—my emphasis on the oil-producing communities!

“It is a constitutional requirement, and what it means is that in sharing the federation account revenue, 13 per cent should be set aside to assist the development of these oil-producing communities. More than two decades down the line, what is there to show for the humongous monies that have come in?

“This is a very sad commentary as it relates to the oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta. What we have instead are governors trying to impose their stooges to continue that lineage of plundering that fund.

“That’s the result of most in-fighting between former governors and their installed successors. Conduct an investigation into these areas, these oil-producing communities, and you will weep when you gauge their abject living conditions against what has been allocated for them. No electricity, no drinking water, no roads—total lack of basic amenities.”

“Why are the Governors, who receive these funds on behalf of these communities, so indifferent to their plight? They have established a pattern of filling their pockets with funds and continuing to live large rather than committing them to the development of the communities.

“The answer lies in how the governor wishes to expend the funds, as opposed to its constitutional provisions.

“We need an explanation, with irrefutable facts, on how the derivation funds intended to better the lives of the people and their oil-producing communities have been expended.”

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NEWS

Tinubu Hails EFCC as FBI Commends Nigeria Over International Child Sextortion Crackdown

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following recognition by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of Nigeria’s role in an international operation targeting sextortion networks exploiting minors.

The commendation followed a letter from FBI Director Kash Patel to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, acknowledging the Commission’s contribution to Operation Artemis, a joint investigation targeting criminal networks involved in the sexual exploitation and extortion of children.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed this in a statement  released on Saturday.

ALSO READ: ADC Accuses Tinubu of Using N50,000 Cash Relief to Woo Voters Ahead of 2027

The operation resulted in the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, in August 2026. Both suspects are facing federal charges in the United States.

In his letter, Patel credited the EFCC’s cooperation for the successful outcome of the investigation.

“The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration,” the FBI Director wrote.

Reacting to the recognition, President Tinubu described the commendation as evidence of Nigeria’s progress in tackling financial crimes and strengthening international law enforcement cooperation.

The President praised the EFCC Chairman and his team for their professionalism and commitment, stressing that Nigeria must not become a safe haven for individuals involved in criminal activities.

“This is the kind of institutional performance we are determined to build across our country. I commend the EFCC Chairman and his team for their professionalism and dedication,” Tinubu said.

He added: “Nigeria must never become a haven for criminals who exploit innocent people, whether at home or abroad. Our law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions have my full support to pursue offenders and bring them to justice in accordance with the law.”

The President’s commendation comes amid growing international recognition of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its financial crime prevention framework.

Nigeria was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 and the European Union’s list of high-risk financial jurisdictions in January 2026.

Tinubu said the developments demonstrate his administration’s commitment to improving financial integrity, restoring international confidence and creating a secure environment for legitimate businesses and investments.

“Our fight against corruption is not measured by publicity but by results. Stronger institutions, effective law enforcement and international cooperation are essential to building a Nigeria where honest enterprise can thrive, and criminals are held accountable,” the President stated.

He also urged the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to sustain their efforts, assuring them of his administration’s continued support in protecting Nigerians, combating financial crimes and strengthening the country’s relationship with international partners.

 

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FRSC Begins Five-Day Nationwide Crackdown on Fake, Obsolete Number Plates

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is set to begin a five-day nationwide enforcement operation targeting motorists using fake, covered, defaced and obsolete vehicle number plates.

The operation, code-named Operation Guduma Phase Two, will run from Monday, November 2, to Friday, November 6, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen road safety enforcement and address security concerns linked to fraudulent vehicle registration plates.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on October 31, 2026, by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, at the FRSC National Headquarters in Abuja.

SEE ALSO: FRSC Warns Drivers After Brake Failure Kills Two in Kano Crash

The exercise, approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, will be conducted across selected states, with designated senior officers assigned to coordinate and supervise the operation.

The renewed crackdown follows the first phase of Operation Guduma conducted in May 2026, during which the FRSC recorded 1,691 arrests across 11 states.

According to the Corps, 1,003 motorists were arrested for various number plate-related offences, while 683 were apprehended for overloading and mixed-loading. Five others were arrested for using fake diplomatic number plates.

The FRSC said the second phase was prompted by growing concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over the increasing use of fake, covered, defaced, obsolete and counterfeit diplomatic number plates.

It warned that vehicles operating with fraudulent or unidentifiable registration plates could allow criminal elements to evade identification, undermine security surveillance and frustrate investigations.

Beyond the enforcement of vehicle registration regulations, the operation will also focus on maintaining free-flowing traffic along designated corridors, emergency rescue interventions and the prompt clearance of road obstructions.

Speaking ahead of the exercise, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed warned that the use of fake, concealed, defaced or obsolete number plates would no longer be treated as a minor traffic offence because of its implications for public safety and national security.

He urged motorists to ensure their vehicle registration plates are genuine, valid, clearly visible and properly displayed, while calling on members of the public to cooperate with FRSC personnel during the operation.

Mohammed also directed officers participating in the exercise to discharge their duties professionally, maintain discipline and respect the rights of citizens.

He particularly emphasised that engagements involving diplomatic number plates must be handled with appropriate courtesy and in accordance with applicable diplomatic protocols.

 

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Keyamo Rolls Out Tinubu Aviation Revolution Series Ahead Of 2027 Re-election Campaign

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has rolled out a short television campaign series titled Tinubu Aviation Revolution Series to showcase the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in the aviation sector ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The initiative marks one of the first campaign communication interventions by Keyamo following his appointment as Director of the Directorate of Air Transport Mobilisation under the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC PCC).

The directorate is responsible for coordinating and facilitating air transportation for authorised campaign activities in support of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

SEE ALSO: Tinubu Sends Six NMDPRA Executive Director Nominees to Senate, Retains Three

Demonstrating his commitment to the new assignment, Keyamo swiftly mobilised his team to produce a 30-second television campaign material highlighting the administration’s achievements in the aviation sector.

The campaign material, which has been fully paid for, is scheduled to commence airing on November 1, 2026, across major television stations. The broadcasts are expected to continue until a few days before the presidential election.

According to a press release issued on Saturday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, the Tinubu Aviation Revolution Series is designed to present a concise, compelling and accessible account of the transformation of the aviation sector under the Tinubu administration.

Through the short-format television production, the campaign seeks to bring the government’s aviation record directly to the voting public, highlighting the sector’s progress and its contribution to national development.

The statement noted that aviation serves as a critical driver of economic growth, tourism, trade, investment and international connectivity.

It added that the series is intended to draw attention to the sector’s role in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and encourage an informed public assessment of the administration’s performance.

 

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