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Tinubu stops NNPC multiple deductions of oil revenues, orders immediate and direct remittance to Federation Account

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Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Precious Adelola
Irked by the continuous diversion of over 66 percent Nigeria’s oil and gas earnings by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, President Bola Tinubu ordered the National Oil Company to stop all such transactions forthwith, as he issued an executive order to immediately safeguard and enhance oil and gas revenues for the Federation, curb wasteful spending, eliminate duplicative structures in the critical sector of the national economy, and redirect resources for the benefit of the Nigerian people. The President signed the EO in pursuance of Section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
This is according to a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, and made available to Biztellers.com.ng. it reads in part that the Executive Order is anchored on Section 44(3) of the Constitution, which vests ownership, control, and derivative rights in all minerals, mineral oils, and natural gas in, under, and upon any land in Nigeria, including its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone, in the Government of the Federation.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu

The directive seeks to restore the constitutional revenue entitlements of the Federal, State, and Local Governments, which were taken away in 2021 by the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA). The PIA created structural and legal channels through which substantial Federation revenues are lost through deductions, sundry charges, and fees.
Under the current PIA framework, NNPC Limited retains 30 per cent of the Federation’s oil revenues as a management fee on Profit Oil and Profit Gas derived from Production Sharing Contracts, Profit Sharing Contracts, and Risk Service Contracts.
 In addition, the company retains 20 percent of its profits to cover working capital and future investments.
Given the existing 20% retention, the additional 30% management fee is considered unjustified by the Federal Government, as the retained earnings are already sufficient to support the functions NNPCL performs under these contracts.
NNPC Limited also retains another 30% of its profit oil and profit gas under the production sharing, profit sharing, and risk service contracts, as the Frontier Exploration Fund under sections 9(4) and (5) of the PIA. A fund of this size, being devoted to speculative exploration, risks accumulating large idle cash balances, which would encourage inefficient exploration spending, at a time when government resources are urgently needed for core national priorities, including security, education, healthcare, and energy transition investments.
There is also the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) under Section 52(7)(d) PIA, funded by the collection of gas flaring penalties provided under Section 104. The fund is to be used for supporting environmental remediation and relief for host communities impacted by gas flaring. However, section 103 of the PIA has already established a dedicated Environmental Remediation Fund, administered by NUPRC, specifically designed to fund the rehabilitation of communities negatively impacted by upstream petroleum operations, including gas flaring. Furthermore, Section 103 already imposes a fee on lessees to contribute to this fund for precisely this purpose.
All these deductions far exceed global norms and effectively divert more than two-thirds of potential remittances to the Federation Account. The continuing decline in net oil revenue inflows is largely attributable to these deductions and fragmented oversight under the current PIA architecture.
The Executive Order aims to resolve, among others, the duplicative 30 per cent deduction for Profit Sharing arrangements by addressing overlapping and redundant provisions across all relevant laws and regulatory instruments under the PIA framework and NNPC Limited’s governing structure. The objective is to eliminate unjustified multiple layers of deductions that erode revenues that ought to accrue to the Federation Account, enabling the three tiers of government to pursue critical national priorities.
The President has identified structural concerns regarding the continued role of NNPC Limited as a concessionaire under Production Sharing Contract arrangements. The existing framework, which allows the company to influence operating costs while simultaneously functioning as a commercial entity, creates potential competitive distortions and undermines its transition into a fully commercial operator as envisioned under the PIA.
The Executive Order, therefore, introduces immediate measures to curb leakages, enhance transparency, eliminate duplicative structures, and reposition NNPC Limited strictly as a commercial enterprise, while safeguarding the Federation’s interests.
In rolling out the order, the President affirmed that the reforms are of urgent national importance, given their implications for national budgeting, debt sustainability, economic stability, and the overall well-being of Nigerians.
President Tinubu noted that his administration will also undertake a comprehensive review of the Petroleum Industry Act in consultation with relevant stakeholders to address identified fiscal and structural anomalies.
According to the Presidential Executive Order, which has been officially gazetted, NNPC Limited will no longer collect and manage the 30% Frontier Exploration Fund. NNPC Limited will ensure that the 30% profit from oil and gas from production sharing, profit sharing, and risk service contracts currently earmarked for the frontier exploration fund is henceforth transferred to the Federation Account.
 NNPC Limited will no longer be entitled to the 30% management fee on profit oil and profit gas revenues, which should go to the federation account.
In the same vein, all operators/contractors of oil and gas assets held under a production sharing contract shall, from the date of the Executive Order, which is February 13, 2026, pay Royalty Oil, Tax Oil, Profit Oil, Profit Gas, and any other interest howsoever described which is due to the government of the federation directly to the Federation Account.
President Tinubu has also suspended payments of the Gas Flare Penalty into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund. The Commission shall, from the date of the Executive Order, pay proceeds from all penalties imposed on operators for flaring gas into the Federation Account and cease payment of such proceeds into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF). All expenditure from the MDGIF shall be conducted in line with extant public procurement laws, policies and regulations.
President Tinubu has approved the constitution of a joint project team to execute integrated petroleum operations. The Commission shall serve as the interface with licensees and lessees in respect of integrated operations where upstream and midstream petroleum operations are fully combined.
President Tinubu approved the establishment of an implementation committee to oversee and ensure the effective, coordinated implementation of the executive order. The members of the committee include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Budget and National Planning and the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil). Other members of the Committee are the Chairman, Nigeria Revenue Service; a Representative of the Ministry of Justice; the Special Adviser to the President on Energy; and the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation. The latter will provide a secretariat to the committee.

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Dangote Cement Shareholders Earn N3.3 Trillion Dividend in 15 Years

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Shareholders of Dangote Cement Plc are set to receive a record dividend of N45 per share for the 2025 financial year, which represents a 50 percent increase over the previous year’s payout.

Biztellers reports that it also reinforces the company’s position as one of the most rewarding investments on the Nigerian capital market, as it has now distributed over N3.3 trillion in dividends to shareholders over the last 15 years, underscoring its unwavering commitment to creating sustainable value for investors.

The latest dividend announcement reflects the strength of Dangote Cement’s business model, its resilient financial performance, and its disciplined approach to balancing expansion with superior returns to shareholders. Over the years, investors have benefited not only from robust dividend payments but also from significant capital appreciation in the company’s stock.

Speaking on the company’s commitment to value creation, Chairman of Dangote Cement, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, reaffirmed the company’s determination to deliver consistent returns while maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and operational excellence.

“Our commitment remains to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. We are proud of the confidence reposed in us by our shareholders over the years, and we will continue to pursue strategies that enhance profitability, strengthen corporate governance, and deliver superior returns on investment,” he said.

The company’s dividend history has become one of the most impressive on the Nigerian Exchange. Dangote Cement previously increased its dividend by 50 per cent from N20 per share to N30 per share, demonstrating a consistent track record of rewarding shareholders even in challenging economic conditions.

On his part, Dangote Cement’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Arvind Pathak, noted that the company’s growth strategy remains firmly anchored on expanding production capacity, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening its pan-African footprint.

ALSO READ: Nigeria’s IEA Membership Tickles Minister

Commenting on the Board’s decision to increase the dividend payout to N45 per share, Pathak said: “The decision to increase our dividend by 50 percent to N45 per share demonstrates the strength of Dangote Cement’s earnings capacity and cash generation capability. As we continue to execute our pan-African growth strategy, we remain committed to creating lasting value for our shareholders, investing in the future of the business, and supporting Africa’s industrial development. Our shareholders have stood by us throughout our journey, and we are delighted to reward that trust with another significant increase in returns.”

According to him, Dangote Cement aims to expand installed capacity to 80 million tonnes per annum by 2030, supported by strategic investments across Africa. “In 2025, we marked a milestone with the successful commissioning of a 3Mta grinding plant in Cote d’Ivoire, strengthening our presence in West Africa. With this addition, Dangote Cement now operates fully commissioned assets in 11 African countries, with total installed capacity of 55Mta-comprising 33.5Mta in Nigeria and 19.7Mta across our pan-African operations”

Pathak emphasized that the company remains focused on its vision of making Africa self-sufficient in cement and clinker production while maintaining strong returns for shareholders.

The company’s remarkable dividend record highlights the success of its long-term growth strategy, which has seen it evolve into Africa’s largest cement producer with operations spanning ten African countries. Through continuous investments in capacity expansion, logistics, energy efficiency, and innovation, Dangote Cement has consistently strengthened its earnings profile and market leadership.

Market analysts say the increase in dividend payout to N45 per share sends a strong signal of confidence in the company’s future earnings prospects and underscores management’s commitment to shareholder wealth creation. The milestone dividend distribution further cements Dangote Cement’s reputation as a premier blue-chip stock and a benchmark for value creation on the Nigerian Exchange.

As the company continues to execute its expansion strategy across Africa, shareholders are expected to remain key beneficiaries of its sustained growth, operational excellence, and long-term commitment to delivering superior returns.

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Shell, Banks Launch $3bn Contractor Support Fund

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Senate probes Shell over Joint Venture default, seeks $200m refund to FG

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) has taken a major step towards empowering Nigerian contractors with the launch of a $3-billion Contract Finance Facility in partnership with nine leading Nigerian banks.

A company statement has it that the facility is designed to provide credit support for local contractors executing projects for SNEPCo operations and will be available in both Naira and US Dollars.

The participating banks are First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa, Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered Bank, First City Monument Bank and Fidelity Bank, it added.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos, the SNEPCo Managing Director, Ronald Adams said, “the initiative reflects the spirit of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, which is aimed at in-country value retention. Our partner banks offer capital and discipline. SNEPCo brings contracts and domiciliation of payments that de-risk lending. On their part, the contractors provide performance. Each is accountable to others, and the mutual accountability gives the arrangement its strength.”

ALSO READ: DPRP, Congo National Oil Consider Strategic Partnership

Also, at the signing ceremony, the Vice President Finance, Shell Nigeria, C. J. Akwaeze, said the scheme reflects Shell’s commitment to the growth of oil and gas operations in Nigeria.

The chairman of indigenous oil and gas contractor group PETAN, Wole Ogunsanya, represented by Dr Joan Faluyi, lauded the scheme as a “gateway to unlocking contractor financing issues which will also drive efficiency in contract execution.”

Representatives of the banks commended SNEPCo for the opportunity to partner on an initiative aimed at empowering contractors and assured the company of their continued support and cooperation.

Nigerian companies have continued to play key roles in supporting SNEPCo’s operation and project execution. Early this year, 43 wholly Nigerian companies took part in the turnaround maintenance exercise at the Bonga Floating Production and Offloading (FPSO) vessel out of the total of 53 companies involved.

The Contract Finance Facility is expected to further boost the capacity of Nigerian companies to deliver even more value in the operations of Nigeria’s premier deepwater producer.

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DPRP, Congo National Oil Consider Strategic Partnership

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Dangote Refinery to Open Global Markets for Nigeria’s Downstream, Midstream Sectors

The national oil company of the Republic of Congo, the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) are discussing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the Republic of the Congo’s supply of refined petroleum products.

The parties also have on the agenda, advancing regional energy cooperation and industrial integration across Africa, Biztellers can report.

SNPC Managing Director, Maixent Raoul Ominga, who led a delegation from his country on a visit to the DPRP, described the facility as a strategic asset for Africa and expressed the national oil company’s interest in developing a long-term partnership with Dangote.

“We have visited this remarkable refinery, which represents a major industrial achievement for Africa. The Republic of the Congo has refining capacity and we are keen to explore strategic cooperation that will help strengthen the supply of refined petroleum products while creating value for both organisations,” Ominga said.

ALSO READ: PETROAN Calls for Dialogue over Fuel Prices

Discussions between both organisations, he said, focused on opportunities for collaboration in refining, petroleum products supply, energy security, industrial development, and knowledge sharing.

He praised the Dangote Group for demonstrating that Africa can successfully finance, build and operate world class industrial infrastructure, describing the refinery as an important milestone in the continent’s industrial transformation.

Ominga also commended the Group’s investments in the Republic of the Congo, particularly in the cement sector, noting that they have strengthened local industrial capacity, expanded production and improved access to construction materials.

On his part, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to Africa’s industrialisation through value addition, regional partnerships and investment across the continent.

“We are for Africa, not just Nigeria. Tell us what you need, and we will see how we can work together,” Dangote said.

He noted that the refinery has established a new benchmark for fuel quality in Africa by producing petroleum products that meet the highest international specifications, while improving access to cleaner fuels and reducing the continent’s dependence on imported refined products.

In the same vein, the Vice President, Oil and Gas, DIL, Devakumar Edwin, outlined the Group’s long term expansion strategy, which will increase its total refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day, comprising 1.4 million barrels per day in Nigeria and a planned 700,000 barrels per day refining complex in Kenya to serve East African markets.

He also disclosed plans by the Group to invest an additional US$46 billion between 2026 and 2028 across its refining, cement and fertiliser businesses as part of its drive to accelerate industrialisation across Africa.

The engagement underscores the shared commitment of SNPC and the DPRP to deepen African energy cooperation, strengthen regional value chains and promote greater self sufficiency in refined petroleum products as the continent advances towards enhanced energy security and increased intra African trade.

Also present at the meeting were Group Executive Director, Commercial, Oil and Gas, DIL, Fatima Aliko Dangote; Adviser to the President of the Republic of the Congo, Peggy Ndongo and advisers to the SNPC Managing Director, Aymar Ebiou and Norbert Mabiala.

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