Less than a week after a major explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana LGA of Rivers State, another blast has reportedly occurred at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru LGA. The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots NGO with deep networks in the Niger Delta, confirmed the incident on Sunday. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC revealed that its youth volunteers reported an early morning explosion at the Soku oil facility, operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited. According to the statement: “An explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area, which is difficult to reach. The fire is still ongoing as of the time of this report.” The cause of the latest explosion remains unclear, with speculations ranging from equipment failure to sabotage or a deliberate attack. This marks the third explosion at oil facilities in Rivers State within a week. The first occurred in Ogoni, while the second took place in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni LGA—an incident referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide address, during which he declared a six-month state of emergency in the state. In response to the escalating crisis, the President suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing the governor’s alleged failure to protect vital oil infrastructure. This decision followed a viral video in which some youths issued threats over Fubara’s possible impeachment. YEAC-Nigeria has called for an urgent investigation into the Soku explosion. The group urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause.

In a resounding show of strength and unity, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, on Saturday, received over 2,000 new members who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other opposition parties, further consolidating the PDP’s grassroots dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defectors, under the banner of the Delta Political Actualisation Network (DPAN) in Ughelli Urban, led by Comrade Fejiro Ishaka, alongside political heavyweight Alex Idu and his teeming supporters from Orogun, were officially received during the inauguration of the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency Forum at Oharisi Primary School, Ughelli. While receiving the new members, Delta State PDP Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, reaffirmed that the PDP remains the only truly people-oriented party with the structure, strength, and grassroots reach to mobilize the people at every level. “The PDP is not just a political party; it is a movement deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. In Delta State, we are never in doubt when it comes to election victories, because the PDP has continued to deliver on its promises and carry the people along in governance,” Chief Arenyeka declared. He emphasized that the party’s doors remain open to all progressive-minded individuals who are ready to join hands in advancing the development of the state, adding that the PDP is fully prepared and strategically positioned to reclaim and secure victories in all constituencies come 2027.

The Federal Government has dismissed the belief that tuberculosis (TB) is caused by spiritual forces, emphasizing that the disease is curable. It also reaffirmed that TB screening and treatment are free at government-owned health facilities. Dr. Urhioke Ochuko, Deputy Director of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, stated this on Saturday during a roadshow and awareness walk in Abuja to mark World TB Day. The event was themed *“Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver.”* World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise awareness and mobilize political commitment, resources, and healthcare financing to eliminate TB. Ochuko explained that the awareness walk was designed to encourage Abuja residents to seek medical attention if they experience persistent cough, chest pain, weakness, weight loss, night sweats, or other TB symptoms. He stressed that TB is both preventable and curable, underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment to halt its spread. “The whole essence of this exercise is to get people around, people within the marketplace, the areas where we’ve moved through, to be able to know that TB is still with us, and for them to get the right message. If anyone is coughing for two weeks or more, has a fever that has lasted for more than two weeks, or is losing weight unintentionally, they should seek care at the nearest hospital closer to them so that they can be tested. “If they are found to have TB, they will be treated for free. So the whole essence is to say that TB is still with us. It is not caused by superstition; it is not caused by spiritual forces; it is caused by germs that can be cured.” He noted that while Nigeria has made significant progress in the fight against TB, there is a need for more effort to target undiagnosed TB cases, especially those in underserved areas. He said, “We’ve made good progress in terms of the fight against TB because, in recent years, we’ve been able to improve TB case notification. Last year, we were able to enrol over 400,000 Nigerians on TB treatment out of about 500,000 estimated to have the disease. “The government has deployed digital X-ray machines to health facilities and communities across the country to enhance prompt screening and diagnosis of TB. “With the government’s renewed commitment and collective effort, Nigeria is working towards a TB-free future,” he stated.

Se-Alabo Dan-Jumbo, a landlord to Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) in Bonny, Rivers State, has accused the oil giant of illegally divesting its assets without the consent of host communities. He has threatened a $5 billion lawsuit in the UK if Shell fails to meet its obligations. In a letter to Shell CEO Wael Sawan, Dan-Jumbo—Chief and Head of the Dan-Jumbo House of Bonny Kingdom—condemned the company’s recent $2.4 billion asset sale to Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings. The Dan-Jumbo Chieftaincy House, along with the Jumbo Major House and John-Jumbo House, forms the Jumbo group of houses, which co-owns the land with the Brown House, all of Bonny Kingdom, leased to SPDC. The disputed asset is Shell’s Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal (BOGT), a key facility for storing and exporting Bonny Light crude worldwide. Dan-Jumbo argued that Shell’s divestment violated Clause 2.3 of the 1958 Bonny Terminal Agreement, which requires the consent of the Jumbo and Brown Houses before any land lease transfer. “It is obvious that you obtained the consent and approval of Nigeria’s oil minister, but did you obtain the consent of the Lessors – Jumbo House and Brown House of Bonny Kingdom before commencing and concluding the sale of your assets?” Dan-Jumbo questioned. He further accused Shell of environmental degradation, stating that over six decades of oil exploration had rendered Bonny’s land and waters uninhabitable. “Over 60 years of oil exploration have polluted our land to a level where we can no longer fish in our rivers or drink water from our wells,” he lamented. To address the alleged breach, Se-Alabo Dan-Jumbo urged Shell to promptly convene a meeting with Renaissance, the landlords (Jumbo and Brown Houses), the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, and the Bonny Chiefs Council to renegotiate the 1958 lease agreement. He also demanded that Shell publicly disclose its environmental liabilities and present a clear clean-up plan before its exit. “The families did not foresee this sale when they leased the land to you in 1958. I believe that if they did, they may not have leased the land at the price they did,” he stated, adding that any exit plan must include a full environmental remediation strategy. He further warned that failure to comply within 14 days would force the Bonny Kingdom to initiate legal proceedings in the UK, where Shell’s headquarters is located. “Please be assured that we shall not hesitate to commence legal action against your esteemed company here in the United Kingdom. Should this matter go to court, we shall be demanding the sum of $5 billion to cover compensation and clean-up of our land,” he declared. The letter was also sent to global institutions and government agencies, including the United Nations, the British Parliament, Greenpeace, and the Nigerian government, highlighting the intensifying dispute. While Shell has not yet issued a public response, Se-Alabo Dan-Jumbo confirmed that the company acknowledged receipt of the letter at its UK office.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a public disclaimer warning about a fake X account impersonating Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle. In a post on the Super Eagles’ official X account on Saturday night, the NFF clarified that Chelle does not have an account on X (formerly Twitter) and stated that any account claiming to represent the Malian coach is fraudulent. “Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, does not have an X account. His only official social media presence is on Instagram: [@eric_chelle],” the post read. “Please be advised that Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, does not possess an X account. Exercise caution and be wary of scams or any misleading information.” the post added. The warning follows rising concerns over misinformation and fraud on X, where fake accounts frequently spread misleading content about Chelle. Chelle’s team is set to face Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

Nigeria’s Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) recorded a revenue drop of N194.664 billion in February 2025. According to the FAAC communiqué, N1.678 trillion was shared among the federal, state, and local governments in February, down from N1.848 trillion in January. The federal government received N569.656 billion, states got N562.195 billion, and local councils received N410.559 billion. Additionally, N136.042 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was allocated as derivation revenue. The total distributable revenue of N1.678 trillion included N827.633 billion in statutory revenue, N609.430 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), N35.171 billion from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), N28.218 billion from solid minerals, and a N178 billion augmentation. While oil and gas royalties and EMTL saw significant increases, VAT, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), excise duty, import duty, and CET levies declined in February.

The Federal, State, and Local Governments shared approximately N1.678 trillion in revenue allocated by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for February 2025. A statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa, confirmed that the revenue distribution took place at the March 2025 FAAC meeting in Abuja. The session was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, with the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, in attendance. The total distributable revenue comprised: - Statutory revenue: N827.633 billion - Value Added Tax (VAT): N609.430 billion - Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL): N35.171 billion - Solid Minerals revenue: N28.218 billion - Augmentation: N178 billion According to the FAAC communiqué, the total gross revenue for February 2025 stood at N2.344 trillion. Deductions for the cost of collection amounted to N89.092 billion, while transfers, interventions, refunds, and savings totaled N577.097 billion. The gross statutory revenue for February 2025 was N1.653 trillion, marking a decline of N194.664 billion from the N1.848 trillion received in January 2025. VAT revenue also dropped from N771.886 billion in January to N654.456 billion in February, a decrease of N117.430 billion. From the total distributable revenue: - Federal Government: N569.656 billion - State Governments: N562.195 billion - Local Government Councils: N410.559 billion - Derivation revenue (13% of mineral revenue): N136.042 billion to benefiting States Further breakdowns included: - From N827.633 billion statutory revenue: FG received N366.262 billion, States N185.773 billion, LGs N143.223 billion, and derivation States N132.374 billion. - From N609.430 billion VAT revenue: FG received N91.415 billion, States N304.715 billion, and LGs N213.301 billion. - From N35.171 billion EMTL revenue: FG received N5.276 billion, States N17.585 billion, and LGs N12.310 billion. - From N28.218 billion Solid Minerals revenue: FG received N12.933 billion, States N6.560 billion, LGs N5.057 billion, and derivation States N3.668 billion. - From N178 billion Augmentation: FG received N93.770 billion, States N47.562 billion, and LGs N36.668 billion. The communiqué also noted significant increases in Oil and Gas Royalty and EMTL revenue, while VAT, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Excise Duty, Import Duty, and CET Levies recorded declines.

Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, warning that the move could tarnish Nigeria’s image. Speaking as Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan expressed disappointment over the removal of elected leaders. “These actions by key government actors cast the country in a negative light,” he stated. His remarks come days after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich South-South state, leading to the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly. Tinubu defended the decision, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, stating that it was necessary to restore stability amid ongoing political conflicts between the governor and state lawmakers. He confirmed that the proclamation had been published in the Federal Gazette and sent to the National Assembly. Jonathan, however, argued that such actions undermine investor confidence and damage the country’s democratic image. While acknowledging that former presidents typically refrain from political commentary to avoid inflaming tensions, he said he felt compelled to speak due to persistent appeals from Nigerians, particularly as a prominent Niger Delta figure. He also criticized undue interference in the judiciary, warning that it erodes public trust in the legal system. Tinubu added, “This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. “It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.”

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has stated that it cannot take a stance on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing its role in fostering unified policies and driving sustainable socioeconomic growth. In a statement on Saturday, NGF Director General Abdulateef Shittu emphasized that taking sides on divisive partisan matters, regardless of the framing, reflects a flawed grasp of history. Rivers State has faced political turmoil for nearly two years, with former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara, locked in a power struggle that has stalled governance. In response, Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all state House of Assembly members for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator. The NGF urged the public and media to exercise patience, expressing confidence that appropriate platforms and crisis management efforts would resolve the situation. It stated, “The Forum wishes to clarify that it is an umbrella body for subnational governments to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socioeconomic growth and the well-being of the people. “As a technical and policy hub comprising governors elected on different platforms, the body elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests. “In whatever language it is written, taking positions on contentious partisan issues would mean a poor sense of history —just a few years after the Forum survived a fundamental division following political differences among its members. “Regardless, the Forum is reputed for its bold positions on governance and general policy matters of profound consequences, such as wages, taxes, education, and universal healthcare, among others.”

The Super Eagles’ qualification campaign has taken another turn, as Zimbabwe’s players have been promised a $150,000 cash incentive to pull off an upset against both Benin’s Cheetahs and Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Initially, the Warriors—along with their technical crew and support staff—were set to receive $150,000 from the Zimbabwean government for defeating Benin on Thursday. However, that match ended in a 2-2 draw. Now, another $150,000 is on offer if they can shock Nigeria in Uyo. While the incentive serves as motivation for the Warriors, some might view it as an insult to the three-time African champions given its modest sum. Nigeria’s journey to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup—co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—has been far from smooth. The Super Eagles remain winless in four qualifiers, sitting fifth in Group C behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.