NEWS
Reps To Grill Aviation, Justice Ministries Officials, Summons CBN Gov, Others
The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation has decided to postpone its investigative hearing regarding the contentious launch of Air Nigeria, the national carrier, under the previous administration led by Muhammadu Buhari.
Initially, the committee had called upon key stakeholders to attend the hearing, which was originally planned to take place on Monday in Abuja.
Unfortunately, many representatives from these stakeholders had already departed from the venue by the time the committee’s Chairman, Nnolim Nnaji, arrived, which was approximately two hours later than scheduled.
The committee had extended invitations to various stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Airline Operators of Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines, and aviation fuel (Jet-A1) suppliers.
Upon Nnolim Nnaji’s belated arrival, he expressed apologies to the stakeholders who had patiently remained at the venue. He requested that the hearing be rescheduled for 3pm on Tuesday (today).
During the Buhari administration’s eight-year tenure, the launch of Nigeria Air, the national carrier, faced significant controversy, ultimately resulting in the administration’s inability to successfully establish the airline.
The Federal Government had excluded domestic airlines, represented by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), and instead forged an agreement with Ethiopian Airlines to establish the Nigerian carrier.
As a result, the AON took legal action against the government and its affiliated entities, seeking a court injunction to halt the ongoing process.
According to a report, the Federal Government received the first aircraft for Nigeria Air, the national carrier, on Friday which occurred towards the end of the administration, leading to protests from local operators who claimed it went against a court order prohibiting the government from further progressing with the project.
Simultaneously, the House of Representatives has issued summons to Governor Godwin Emefiele of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Auditor General for the Federation, and the Accountant General of the Federation.
The summonses were in relation to a payment of N32.5 billion made to two companies, namely Messrs GSCL Consulting and Biz Plus, without proper documentation or formal records.
In addition, the House of Representatives has also called upon the Managing Directors/Chief Executive Officers of various oil companies, such as Exxon Mobil and Nigeria Agip Oil Company, to appear before them.
The summons were issued by the House’s Ad Hoc Committee, which is responsible for investigating the alleged loss of over $2.4 billion in revenue resulting from the illicit sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil exports in 2015.
The committee’s investigation encompasses all crude oil exports and sales conducted by Nigeria from 2014 until the present day. The summonses were issued during the committee’s ongoing investigative hearing in Abuja on Monday.
During the committee’s proceedings, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Bashir Jamoh, faced questioning from lawmakers.
He revealed to the committee that the Federal Government had not yet claimed a judgment debt of approximately $1.7 billion from a company that was found guilty of providing false information regarding the crude oil it received from Nigeria.
However, during the discussions, it was noted that committee records indicated that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) made payments of N16.5 billion each to two companies on the same day.
Additionally, it was revealed that these funds were withdrawn by the companies within a two-month period.
The committee chairman emphasized the importance of the CBN providing an explanation regarding these payments to the firms, especially considering that the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, had previously denied any knowledge of the payment.
Gbillah emphasized that it is the obligation of all agencies, officials, and companies summoned by the committee to comply with the summons.
He highlighted that even though the 9th House is nearing the end of its term, it retains the authority to issue a bench warrant for their arrest if necessary.
Following the committee’s proceedings, Jamoh informed journalists that NIMASA is continuing to pursue the case in court.
He said, “In 2013 when the revenue profile was low, NIMASA was directed from the Attorney-General’s office to coordinate two technical teams to source data on the actual lifting of crude oil and the last destination point to see if there are any discrepancies.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
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