Dangote Refinery Sues Attorney-General Over Fuel Import Licences

Fresh tensions have emerged in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector following a lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery challenging the continued issuance of fuel import licences to oil marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Court documents filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos showed that the refinery dragged the Attorney-General of the Federation to court over import permits allegedly granted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

According to the refinery, the approvals violate an earlier court order directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the matter.

The latest legal action comes months after Dangote Refinery withdrew a similar suit it filed in 2025 against the NNPCL and several fuel importers over the continued importation of petroleum products into the country.

While fuel marketers and regulators have defended the issuance of import licences, insisting that imported petrol remains necessary to guarantee stable supply nationwide, Dangote Refinery argued that the approvals undermine local refining efforts and contradict provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The company maintained that fuel importation should only be permitted when local production is unable to meet domestic demand.

Dangote Refinery, valued at about $20 billion with a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels of crude oil daily, was established to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

Despite the commencement of operations at the facility, fuel importation has continued, with industry stakeholders arguing that local refining output has yet to fully satisfy national consumption needs.

The dispute is expected to further fuel debates over market regulation, energy security, local refining, and the implementation of Nigeria’s petroleum laws.

The development also follows earlier complaints by the refinery accusing some local crude oil producers of failing to supply crude to the facility in line with provisions of the PIA.

In a previous statement, Dangote Refinery alleged that inadequate domestic crude supply forced it to rely heavily on international traders, resulting in increased operational costs due to additional premiums on crude purchases.

According to the company, the rising cost of sourcing crude oil has complicated efforts to maintain stable fuel supply amid fluctuations in the global energy market.

Kaduna Journalists Laud FCC Initiative On Birth Spacing Awareness

The Network of Health Journalists in Kaduna State has commended the Faith and Cultural Champions (FCC) initiative for its role in promoting awareness on childbirth spacing and maternal healthcare across communities in the state.

The praise was given during activities marking the 2026 International Day of Families by the team leader of the network, Ibrahima Yakubu, who is also the Head of Communication and Strategies at African Climate Reporters.

Yakubu described the FCC programme as a vital intervention that has helped improve maternal health awareness among women in both rural and urban areas of Kaduna State.

According to him, findings from a six-month assessment of the initiative revealed increasing acceptance of childbirth spacing services, particularly in rural communities where awareness was previously low.

He noted that the programme has encouraged more women to seek proper medical attention during pregnancy, contributing to safer childbirth and reduced health complications.

Yakubu also urged husbands, especially those in rural areas, to support their wives in accessing maternal healthcare services, stressing that family support plays a key role in ensuring safe pregnancies and healthy deliveries.

He further applauded FCC coordinators in Kaduna for working closely with journalists in advocacy and sensitisation campaigns, adding that the partnership has strengthened public awareness efforts across communities.

According to him, journalists have responsibilities beyond reporting events, as they also serve as advocates for critical social and health issues affecting vulnerable populations.

Yakubu congratulated families worldwide on the celebration of the International Day of Families and called on stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that promote healthy families and improved maternal wellbeing.

NNNGO Opens Applications For Funded Digital Rights, Safety Training In Abuja

The Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) has announced a call for applications for a one-day Train-the-Trainer Workshop on Digital Rights, Safety and Security scheduled to hold in Abuja.

According to the organisation, the initiative is aimed at strengthening the capacity and resilience of civil society organisations across Nigeria through improved digital safety awareness and cyber preparedness.

The workshop will focus on enhancing participants’ knowledge of digital rights, online safety, and digital security, while also equipping them with the skills needed to replicate the training within their organisations and networks.

NNNGO said the training is open to coalitions, associations, and individual civil society organisations interested in building stronger digital protection systems against emerging cyber threats.

The organisation further disclosed that modest travel support would be provided for shortlisted participants attending the workshop in Abuja.

Interested applicants are expected to complete the registration process through the official application form released by the organisers.

Click Here to Apply

BREAKING: EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO Over Alleged N36 Million Fraud

Popular social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, widely known as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N36 million fraud case.

Blessing CEO was brought before a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the anti-graft agency on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing.

According to the EFCC, the influencer allegedly obtained N36 million from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the guise of securing a lease for a six-bedroom duplex located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.

During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had already refunded N24 million to the complainant and requested a brief adjournment to allow both parties resolve the outstanding balance amicably.

The defence also stated that the petitioner had expressed willingness to approach the EFCC for possible withdrawal of the matter once the remaining amount was settled.

However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman argued that the Federal Government remained the complainant in the case and urged the court to continue with the arraignment process.

Presiding judge, Justice D.I. Dipeolu, ruled that any private arrangement between the defendant and the petitioner would not stop the court proceedings and subsequently directed that Blessing CEO take her plea.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against her.

Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.

The defence, however, appealed for her to remain in EFCC custody, explaining that the charges were only served on May 14, 2026, while efforts to perfect her bail conditions were still ongoing.

Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that Blessing CEO be remanded in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.

The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.

Call For Participation As Kano Hosts HR Fusion Event On Women’s Economic Growth

Business owners, HR professionals, and corporate decision-makers in Kano have been invited to participate in the upcoming HR Fusion event scheduled to hold on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Bristol Palace Hotel, Kano.

The event, organised by Jobberman in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is themed “Unlocking Women’s Potential for Economic Growth” and is expected to bring together stakeholders from different sectors to discuss inclusive workplace practices and women’s participation in the workforce.

According to information shared with Nworisa Michael's Blog, the initiative is focused on expanding workforce opportunities for women returning to work after career breaks, while also promoting more inclusive hiring systems within organisations.

Organisers noted that the programme aims to strengthen the regional employment ecosystem by encouraging businesses to adopt policies that support gender inclusion and economic empowerment for women.

Women, particularly female business owners and professionals, are strongly encouraged to register and participate in the programme.

Participants are expected to benefit from networking opportunities, business empowerment sessions, and entertainment during the event.

The programme is scheduled to begin by 2:00pm at Al-Murjan Hall, Bristol Palace Kano.

Interested organisations and participants have been asked to submit details including organisation name, contact person, designation, phone number, and email address through Mrs. Mabel via WhatsApp on +2348066375408 ahead of the event.