Business
How Oil Cabals Crippled Govt Refineries, Now Scheming Against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention in the face of efforts by unscrupulous oil marketers to thwart the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following the previous sabotage of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries.
The respected clergyman made the call for nationwide prayers during the November 2024 Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service themed ‘Total Restoration’, in Nigeria’s capital city.
Though Pastor Adeboye did not explicitly name the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, many read his remarks to have echoed ongoing attempts by oil marketers to prevent the refinery from functioning as it was designed to.
ALSO READ: FIRS Names Dangote Group Most Tax Complaint Business
With the Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos based Dangote Refinery about the only facility currently refining petrol in Nigeria, many read Pastor Adeboye’s comments to reflect the dispute between the refinery and oil marketers, who seek to continue importing refined products.
Pastor Adeboye reminded the congregation that it was God who raised Aliko Dangote to establish a refinery after years of failed attempts to revive Nigeria’s four public refineries, which had consumed billions of Naira with little result.
He questioned the persistence of fuel imports despite Nigeria’s status as a major crude oil producer.
“Are we under a curse?” he asked. “We have four refineries, we poured all kinds of money into them, none of them is working. But God raised someone to build a refinery that works. He is not my relative, he is not from my village. He is not even a Christian, but he is a Nigerian who says, ‘Why should my people suffer when I have the means to build a refinery that can work?’ Now he is refining petrol, and some people want to stop him from selling it, so they can keep importing.”
Pastor Adeboye also pointed out the damage caused by the fuel subsidy, describing it as a significant drain on Nigeria’s resources, contributing to the country’s mounting debts and corruption.
He stressed that when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the end of the subsidy in 2023, Nigerians largely welcomed the decision, but oil marketers, who benefitted from the subsidy regime, were furious.
The marketers, according to the renowned pastor, appear to have gone into alliances with some International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other powerful interests to obstruct the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This includes restricting access to crude oil, forcing Dangote to import crude from countries like the United States, among others.
He called for prayer for the total restoration of the country, noting that the Nigerian people are suffering the consequences, as the prices of essential goods have soared, pushing many items beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. “The masses are the ones suffering because these marketers, who are bent on keeping imports alive, already have more money than they can ever spend,” he said.
Despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity to meet Nigeria’s entire demand for petroleum products – and even to export surplus fuel – oil marketers continue to pressurise the government to allow ongoing petrol imports. This has placed additional strain on the Naira, which has continued to depreciate.
Recall that the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) had urged the government to protect local refineries from unfair competition posed by importers and international petroleum traders, in line with provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Business
Sahara Group, Amigo LNG Collaborate To Boost Global Energy Access, Security

Sahara Group, a leading global energy and infrastructure conglomerate, has signed a landmark 20-year LNG Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Amigo LNG S.A. de C.V., the Mexican subsidiary of Singapore-based LNG Alliance, to enhance global efforts at driving seamless energy access and security.
Biztellers reports that under the terms of the agreement, Sahara Group will purchase 0.6 MTPA of LNG from Amigo LNG’s export terminal in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico.
“Sahara Group is proud to partner with Amigo LNG in this transformative venture,” said Wale Ajibade, Executive Director at Sahara Group. “This agreement aligns perfectly with our goal to increase access to reliable and affordable energy, particularly in underserved regions. LNG is a critical enabler of energy security and economic growth, and we look forward to supporting a cleaner energy future together.”
During the execution ceremony, Kola Motajo, Director, Sahara Group, said the energy conglomerate will explore similar opportunities in pursuit of its commitment to making a difference in advancing the energy value chain.
ALSO READ: ‘No Such Meeting’ — Rivers’ Sole Administrator Denies Summoning Fubara, Deputy
“It is imperative that all stakeholders explore several collaborative avenues to enhance energy access. Sahara Group is unwavering in its dedication to promote sustainable development through investments and partnerships that will help accelerate energy security across the globe,” he said.
This long-term partnership represents a major milestone in the ongoing global transition to cleaner energy. The agreement secures a reliable LNG supply from Mexico’s West Coast, strategically positioned for efficient delivery to fast-growing markets across the Asia-Pacific and Latin America. LNG deliveries are set to begin in the third quarter of 2028.
“This agreement with Sahara Group reflects our shared commitment to accelerating the global shift toward cleaner, more sustainable energy,” said Muthu Chezhian, CEO of LNG Alliance. “As one of the first large-scale LNG export projects on Mexico’s west coast, Amigo LNG will not only help meet rising energy demand in key global markets but also serve as a catalyst for economic development and regional energy integration.”
Sahara Group’s offtake from Amigo LNG is expected to play a critical role in enhancing energy security for Asia over the next decade. As the region navigates increasing energy demand, supply diversification challenges, and efforts to reduce coal dependency, Amigo LNG provides a stable, geopolitically neutral, and cost-competitive supply route.
Amigo LNG’s 7.8 MTPA export facility comprises of two trains of 3.9 MTPA each and is currently under development in close cooperation with the State of Sonora and Secretaría de Marina, Mexico. Strategically located near the Port of Guaymas, the project plays a central role in Plan Sonora—Mexico’s national initiative to promote near-shoring, maritime decarbonization, and trans-Pacific energy connectivity.
Business
Dangote Cement Emerges Platinum Winner Of ICAN, NGX’s Corporate Reporting Award

For its excellence in corporate transparency and governance, Dangote Cement Plc has been honoured as the Platinum winner of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and NGX Regulation Limited (NGX REGCO)’s Corporate Reporting Award for the financial year ending 2023.
Organised by ICAN-NGX REGCO, the event was meant to celebrate excellence in corporate transparency and governance. It was a moment of positive appraisal for the Cement company’s adherence to corporate governance with other winners comprising MTN Nigeria, Seplat Energy, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, GTCO, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa, and International Breweries.
It was gathered that in the Corporate Reporting Award guidelines issued by ICAN-NGX REGCO, 30 listed companies were evaluated across three key categories with marks allotted for compliance.
ALSO READ: NGX Group Celebrates Former Directors, Moves To Strengthen Collaboration
The categories and allotted marks are; financial reporting taking 35 percent, corporate governance allotted 30 percent and sustainability reporting accounting for 35 percent.
Biztellers reports that the awards were ranked in Platinum, Gold and Silver categories.
Dangote Cement, according to the Assessment Panel, excelled in all the assessment parameters as it emerged the platinum award winner, MTN won Gold and Seplat Energy carted home the Silver award.
President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Davidson Alaribe, the platinum award is conferred upon the overall top-performing company across all three categories. This prestigious recognition is reserved for an organisation that demonstrates excellence in corporate reporting, effectively addressing all key elements evaluated.
He explained that the final score is derived from a combination of weighted averages and a scoring matrix based on the rigorous and independent evaluations of individual assessors.
Said he, “This award underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable corporate practices within, the Nigeria Capital Market.
“The demand for corporate entities to disclose their environment, social and governance (ESG) impact beyond the confines of their traditional financial reporting has grown exponentially in recent years. The shift reflects a global call for greater transparency, accountability, and sustainability in business practices.”
He then described the honourees as exemplary, stating that their achievements reflect a commitment to the highest standards in corporate reporting. According to him, they’ve gone beyond compliance to set a benchmark for trust, growth, and sustainability in Nigeria’s financial landscape.
In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer, NGX Regulation Limited, Olufemi Shobanjo described the award as the celebration of outstanding achievements in corporate reporting among the listed companies over the past year and that it has continued to underscore the commitment to promoting excellence and transparency in financial reporting.
According to him, effective corporate reporting is vital for fostering trust and accountability in the capital market as it enhances the investors’ confidence and promotes best practices within the industry.
Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with 52.0Mta capacity across Africa. A fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer, with a production capacity of 35.25Mta in its home market, Nigeria. Obajana plant in Kogi state, Nigeria, is the largest in Africa with 16.25Mta of capacity across five lines; Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta; Gboko plant in Benue state has 4Mta; and Okpella plant in Edo state has 3Mta. Through recent investments, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into an exporter of cement and clinker, serving neighbouring countries.
Business
NGX Group Celebrates Former Directors, Moves To Strengthen Collaboration

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) celebrated the extraordinary contributions of its retired directors, whose visionary leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of Nigeria’s capital market.
Biztellers reports that the ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, on the heels of the Group’s 64th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.
It brought together a distinguished gathering of regulatory leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic community.
The event underscored the NGX Group’s commitment to sustaining the legacy of innovation, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement, principles championed by the honorees. Their foundational work continues to guide the Group’s mission to deliver long-term value and market growth.
ALSO READ: Oraganisers Unveil Gateway Games Logo, Theme Song, Mascot
In his opening remarks, Alh Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, paid tribute to their enduring impact: “Tonight, we honor the remarkable men and women whose leadership, dedication, and foresight have left an indelible mark on our Exchange and Nigeria’s financial markets. Their legacies remain ingrained in our DNA and will continue to inspire our path forward.”
On his part, Abayomi Oluyomi, Commissioner for Finance, Lagos State, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasized the honorees’ broader economic influence.
“Their contributions extended beyond the Exchange, reinforcing Lagos’s position as Africa’s leading financial and economic hub,” he said.
In the same vein, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), acknowledged their transformative role, describing them as distinguished leaders.
Dr Agama said, “These distinguished leaders laid the groundwork for today’s dynamic, transparent, and globally competitive capital market. Their governance standards and bold decisions remain benchmarks for excellence.”
Adding royal commendation, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, praised their national impact.
“As a custodian of tradition and progress, I celebrate these trailblazers whose wisdom and commitment have driven Nigeria’s economic advancement and inspired future generations,” the royal father noted.
In his contribution, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, a former president of The Nigerian Stock Exchange and Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, reflected on their legacy.
“Capital markets are the backbone of thriving economies. The progress we see today stems directly from these directors’ vision, integrity, and leadership, which established enduring governance standards,” he pointed out.
A poignant moment came with a tribute to the late Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman, whose leadership was instrumental in NGX’s demutualization and modernization.
Other key figures, including Oscar N. Onyema, former CEO of The Nigerian Stock Exchange and GMD/CEO of NGX Group, were also celebrated for steering the Exchange through landmark transformations.
Closing the event, Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group, remarked, “Tonight, we honor not only the architects of our past but also the partners shaping our future. To our retired directors, your legacies ignite the aspirations of tomorrow’s leaders. Together, we will continue building a market that embodies Nigeria’s innovation, resilience, and strength.”
With decades of collective service, the retired directors have propelled NGX Group into a modern, technology-driven exchange. Their contributions have strengthened governance, elevated investor confidence, and enhanced Nigeria’s capital market on the global stage, laying a robust foundation for sustainable growth and investment across Africa.