NEWS
N625bn Refunds: SERAP Calls On Nine Governors To Give Accounts
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the nine oil-producing states in Nigeria to give account of how they spent N625.43billion oil derivation refunds the Federal Government gave them.
Recall that the federal government recently paid N625.43billion oil derivation refunds to the governors of Edo, Abia, Rivers, Ondo, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Delta states. The payments covered 13 percent oil derivation, subsidy and SURE-P refunds. The refunds date from 1999 to 2021.
In a letter signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP asked the governors to “provide and widely publish details of spending of the oil derivation refunds of N625billion recently paid to them by the federal government of Nigeria, including details and locations of projects executed with the money.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we haven’t heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and your state to comply with our request in the public interest,” SERAP’s letter reads in part.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched a 5-day Hands-on Oracle Primavera P6 Training in Rivers State, targeting 50 participants.
The training, being executed by Mathnebi Nig. Ltd, commenced today, March 16th and will run until Friday, March 20th.
The intensive hands-on program aims to equip participants with practical skills in project management using Oracle Primavera P6, enhancing their capabilities in the energy and construction sectors.
The NCDMB’s sponsorship of the training underscores its commitment to boosting local capacity and driving Nigeria’s economic growth through skills development.
ALSO READ: Senate Approves Abe as Chairman, NUPRC Board
The training is expected to benefit participants and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s project management landscape.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Mr. Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s new Minister of State for Finance at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The swearing-in ceremony took place shortly after the Senate confirmed Oyedele’s nomination last Wednesday.
Oyedele, 50, from Ikaram, Akoko in Ondo State, brings over two decades of experience in fiscal policy and tax administration.
ALSO READ: SERAP Asks Tinubu To Probe N5.9bn Spent On NNPC Rebranding
He previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system, introducing zero income tax for Nigerians earning N800,000 or less and exemptions for small businesses with turnovers below N50 million.
During his Senate screening, Oyedele described his appointment as “a call to serve at a critical time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges and remarkable opportunities.”
He replaces Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
Oyedele also spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, held executive programs at top global institutions including the London School of Economics and Harvard Kennedy School, and currently serves as a professor at Babcock University.
The minister’s appointment signals a continued focus on implementing the Tax Reform Acts, which took effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to simplify Nigeria’s tax system while boosting economic growth.
Passengers were thrown into panic on Monday after a train operating along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor derailed, leaving several passengers injured and disrupting services on the busy route.
The train, which was travelling from Kaduna to Abuja, reportedly failed to reach its destination as scheduled after the incident occurred along the rail line linking both cities.
According to passengers on board, the incident happened suddenly, sending shock through the coaches as the train came to an abrupt halt.
SEE MORE: Value Creation: NCDMB to train Six Young Engineers in Electrification Interdependency
Some passengers said they heard a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several occupants off their seats.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden impact caused confusion inside the train compartments, with some passengers sustaining cuts and bruises after hitting seats and metal fittings.
Initial reports suggested that the Abuja-bound train might have collided with another train along the corridor, forcing rail operations to pause temporarily while authorities assessed the situation.
A source within the Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the incident but declined to give full details, noting that he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.
One of the passengers, Sada Malumfashi, shared his experience on social media shortly after leaving the train.
He described the moment as frightening, stating that the loud sound and sudden stop caused many passengers to be flung from their seats.
He said the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before the journey resumed slowly toward Kubwa, located on the outskirts of Abuja.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed the development and said an official statement would be issued.
Authorities are yet to disclose the exact cause of the derailment or the full extent of injuries as investigations continue.
NCDMB, Renaissance Africa Train Pipeline Engineers
NLNG Inducts 103 Trainees Into Empowerment Scheme
NCDMB Sponsored Oracle Primavera P6 Training Underway In Rivers State
Senate Approves Abe as Chairman, NUPRC Board
Tinubu Swears in Taiwo Oyedele as Finance Minister
Burna Boy Breaks Record as Africa’s Top-Grossing Concert Artist
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
