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Inferior fuel: FG demands Dangote refinery’s diesel report, orders new test
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, is expecting fresh reports to confirm the real sulphur content of the diesel produced by the Dangote refinery as the company debunked claims of inferior fuel production.
The NMDPRA spokesman, George Ene-Ita, in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, said the agency had done its job and would not engage in a media fight with anybody over the claims made by the NMDPRA Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, that Dangote’s diesel has more sulphur content than imported one.
According to Ene-Ita, the authority has about 15 engineers and scientists embedded in the Dangote refinery, whose fresh report about the refinery’s sulphur content will be out on Monday (today).
The PUNCH reported Ahmed as alleging that the diesel from the Dangote refinery contains high sulphur content.
Reacting to Dangote’s allegations that the NMDPRA was giving licences to some traders to import dirty fuel into Nigeria last week, Ahmed argued that it was the Dangote fuel that had a larger content of sulphur.
He also said the refinery, which has been selling diesel and aviation fuel in Nigeria for months, had yet to be licensed, stating that it was still at the pre-commissioning stage.
“The claim by some media houses that there were steps to scuttle the Dangote refinery is not so. The Dangote refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage. It has not been licensed yet; we haven’t licensed them yet. They are still in the pre-commissioning. I think they have about 45 per cent completion,” Ahmed declared.
The NMDPRA boss warned that Nigeria could not rely heavily on the Dangote refinery for its fuel supply.
According to him, the refinery had requested the regulator to stop giving import licences to other marketers so as to be the only fuel supplier in Nigeria.
“We cannot rely heavily on one refinery to feed the nation, because Dangote is requesting that we should suspend or stop importation of all petroleum products, especially AGO and direct all marketers to the refinery, that is not good for the nation in terms of energy security. And that is not good for the market, because of monopoly,” he stressed.
Speaking about quality, he said, “So, in terms of quality, currently the AGO quality in terms of sulphur is the lowest as far as the West African requirement of 50 ppm is concerned.
“Dangote refinery and some modular refineries, like Waltersmith refinery and Aradel refinery, they are producing between 650 to 1,200ppm. So, in terms of quality, their product is much more inferior to the imported quality,” he alleged.
Reacting during a tour of the refinery by members of the House of Representatives led by the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, over the weekend, Dangote asserted that products refined at the world’s largest single train refinery are of superior quality compared to the imported fuel.
The speaker and other members had observed the testing of Automotive Gas Oil from two petrol stations alongside the same taken from the Dangote refinery.
The diesel samples were procured from two well-known filling stations near Eleko junction along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, by the lawmakers.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Downstream, Ikeagwunon Ugochinyere, and Chairman of the House Committee on Midstream, Okojie Odianosen, oversaw the collection of samples from the Mild Hydro Cracking unit of the Dangote refinery for testing of all the samples.
The Dangote laboratory tests were said to have revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm while the other two samples showed sulphur levels exceeding 1,800 ppm and 2,000 ppm respectively.
Dangote faults NMDPRA
Speaking, Dangote emphasised that the findings had debunked claims made by Ahmed that imported diesel surpasses domestically refined products.
The Africa’s richest man openly challenged the regulator to compare the quality of refined products from his refinery with those imported, advocating for an impartial assessment to determine what best serves the interests of Nigerians.
“We produce the best diesel in Nigeria. It is disheartening that instead of safeguarding the market, the regulator is undermining it. Our doors are open for the regulator to conduct tests on our products anytime; transparency is paramount to us. It would be beneficial for the regulator to showcase its laboratory to the world so Nigerians can compare. Our interest is Nigeria first because if Nigeria doesn’t grow, we have limited capacity for growth.
Dangote argued that the imported products being encouraged by Ahmed have failed in tests, saying most of the importers have fake certificates because the owners of the laboratories have been told what to write.
On the allegation of monopoly, Dangote said, “If you are saying how can Dangote alone supply the market, are you saying the N4bn that the NNPC spent now on the activation of their refineries in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt is down the drain? Are the refineries not going to work? They have announced a date. If they are there, we cannot be a monopoly because we are not the only one; actually, they are more powerful than us. So, there is no way we can be a monopoly, it is not done.”
Speaking about the sulphur content, he added, “I am surprised for somebody to come and mention that we have a bad quality; we and other modular refineries. I can’t talk of the quality of the modular refineries, but our own today is 87ppm and by Monday, we will be at 50ppm, by the beginning of August, we will be at 10ppm.
“All the test certificates people are busy flaunting around today are fake. Where are the laboratories? We have the laboratory.
“The demarketing of a company by a regulator that he is supposed to protect is very very unfortunate. We produce the best diesel in Nigeria and if the regulator wants, he can come any time to conduct a test. I would like the media to show our lab and I would like the regulator himself to show us which lab is he using. As a regulator, he is supposed to have a lab. If the regulator doesn’t have a lab, then we have an issue because he cannot rely on somebody. He is supposed to check us.”
However, while commenting on the claim that the Dangote’s diesel has 87ppm sulphur content, the NMDPRA spokesman posited that a lot might have changed within a space of five days.
“We are not fighting anybody. Dangote refinery is the same as an indigenous local refinery. We are regulators, we don’t fight in the media. We have done our job, and that is it.
“You know we are dealing with engineering and time, and when we deal with engineering and time, it means that whatever claims put forward can be put to test and verified or debunked. If you recall, the ACE made that pronouncement on the sideline of an interaction on Wednesday or so. Between that time and now, it’s been like five days, a lot can change. So, 650ppm or 500 can come down to whatever.
“What I am saying is that I can’t give you any verifiable result for now, being a Sunday evening, until perhaps tomorrow when we will be in a position to review our technical report that must have been submitted by our engineers who are embedded in that plant. What normally comes to us are weekly reports. These particular tasks are done across the week from Monday to Sunday; even now, operations are going on and our engineers are there. So, I can’t speak to the claims made by that refinery now,” Ene-Ita explained.
On the insinuation that ACE may be relying on a report from other laboratories to describe his fuel as inferior, he replied, “Of course we have laboratories all over the country. Does Dangote work in NMDPRA? He doesn’t work in NMDPRA.”
The NMDPRA official fumed over the allegation that the regulator was demarketing a company it should protect, wondering if Dangote wants the agency to bend the rules in his favour.
“Why should we protect any company? We are regulators, operations are going don’t protect anybody; we regulate operators. If he says protect, it means we are shielding. It means that we should bend the rules. We don’t do that, we regulate every company.
“And we don’t demarket, what does he mean? You only demarket your competitors to gain an advantage. We are not competing with an operator. The word, ‘demarketing’, is only used when two competing brands are fighting. We are not an operator; we are a regulator. How can we demarket? Please, I take exception to that, on behalf of my organisation. We are not demarketing anybody. We are regulating every local refinery, including NNPC,” he clarified.
When told perhaps the business mogul means the regulator should be boosting local refining capacity, he retorted, “That’s what we are doing. As we speak, there are over 15 engineers and scientists of the NMDPRA working with them for the last how many months. That’s how we get our reports. We have engineers and scientists there, who go there. That’s how we get them. That is why I keep on saying we don’t want to personalise this matter. We are working to see that the local refining capacity is booted to a point where we are self-sufficient in producing our fuel here.”
Dangote imports crude
Meanwhile, the Dangote refinery is in talks with Libya to secure crude for the 650,000 barrels per day plant and will also seek Angolan oil, a senior executive, Devakumar Edwin, told Reuters, as the refinery seeks to overcome problems with domestic crude supplies.
Since Dangote began operations in January, it has been unable to get adequate crude supplies in Nigeria, which, although Africa’s biggest oil producer, is struggling with theft, pipeline vandalism and low investment.
Dangote has resorted to importing crude from as far as Brazil and the United States.
“We are talking to Libya about importing crude,” Edwin told Reuters late on Saturday. “We will talk to Angola as well and some other countries in Africa.”
He declined to give details about the talks but said international traders and oil companies were among the biggest buyers of Dangote’s gasoil, much of which was being exported.
“The biggest off-takers are the two big traders Trafigura and Vitol and BP and, to some extent, even TotalEnergies. But all of them are saying they are taking it to offshore,” Edwin said.
Traders and shipping data have shown that Dangote is increasing gasoil exports to West Africa, taking market share from European refiners.
Dangote has said the refinery will begin the sale of Premium Motor Spirit in August, with a plan to stop the importation of refined fuel into Nigeria.
Marketers worried
However, Nigerians and marketers have been expressing concern over the ongoing controversies, especially after the regulator said the country would continue to import refined petroleum products into Nigeria.
The PUNCH recalls that while accusing the IOCs of plans to frustrate the refinery, the Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Edwin also accused the NMDPRA of granting licences indiscriminately to marketers to import dirty refined products into the country.
According to Edwin, the Federal Government issued 25 licences for the construction of refineries in Nigeria, but only the Dangote Group delivered on its promise.
The vice president noted that more than 3.5 billion litres of diesel and aviation fuel had been exported to Europe by the refinery in the past few months. The exported fuel, it was said, represented about 90 per cent of its production.
“The Federal Government issued 25 licences to build refineries and we are the only one that delivered on our promise. In effect, we deserve every support from the government. It is good to note that from the start of production, more than 3.5 billion litres, which represents 90 per cent of our production, have been exported. We are calling on the Federal Government and regulators to give us the necessary support to create jobs and prosperity for the nation,” Edwin stated.
It was alleged that even though Dangote was producing and bringing diesel into the market, complying with the regulations of the Economic Community of West African States, “licences are being issued, in large quantities, to traders who are buying the extremely high sulphur diesel from Russia and dumping it in the Nigerian market.”
Edwin lamented, “The decision of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in granting licenses indiscriminately for the importation of dirty diesel and aviation fuel has made the Dangote refinery expand into foreign markets. The refinery has recently exported diesel and aviation fuel to Europe and other parts of the world. The same industry players fought us for crashing the price of diesel and aviation fuel, but our aim, as I have said earlier, is to grow our economy.”
He noted that because the refinery meets the international standard as well as complies with stringent guidelines and regulations to protect the local environment, it has been able to export its products to Europe and other parts of the world.
“It is regrettable that in Nigeria, import licences are granted despite knowing that we can produce nearly double the amount of products needed in Nigeria and even export the surplus. Since January 2021, ECOWAS regulations have prohibited the import of highly contaminated diesel into the region,” Edwin stated.
Meanwhile, some Nigerians online have called on President Bola Tinubu to relieve the NMDPRA chief executive of his job for saying the fuels produced by local refineries are inferior to imported ones.
Also, the House of Representatives said the allegations would be investigated.
Source: The Punch
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the release of ₦8.4 billion to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for the settlement of long-standing contract liabilities dating from 2010 to 2023.
The intervention is aimed at restoring contractor confidence, revitalizing grassroots development, and stimulating economic activity across the state’s oil-producing communities.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Communication, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing journalists at Government House, Asaba, after a meeting between the Governor and the Management of DESOPADEC.
Aniagwu explained that the funds would be used to pay contractors who executed verified projects for the Commission but had remained unpaid for years.
He noted that contractors owed ₦20 million and below would receive 100 per cent payment, while those owed above ₦20 million would receive 50 per cent as first installment.
He stated that the approval reinforces the Governor’s resolve to confront inherited financial burdens rather than ignore them, in line with the administration’s MORE Agenda of Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
“You will recall that not long ago, His Excellency directed the release of ₦10 billion to the State Pension Bureau to clear a substantial portion of outstanding pension liabilities.
“This is consistent with his earlier intervention on the settlement of promotion arrears. Despite the fact that many of these challenges predated his administration, he has continued to address them with courage and compassion,” Aniagwu said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, commended the Governor for the financial intervention, describing it as a major step towards restoring trust and ensuring continuity in project delivery across oil-producing communities.
Ochonogor added that since the Oborevwori assumed office, the current DESOPADEC Management has sustained regular payments to contractors for projects executed under its watch, stressing that the newly approved funds are specifically to settle inherited contractual obligations from previous years.
He said the debts covered a range of projects including road construction, school rehabilitation, water supply schemes, jetties, and other community development initiatives.
He noted that the Governor had earlier directed the Commission to conduct an extensive audit to verify claims and ensure transparency before approving the payments.
The approval has been well received across the oil-producing areas, where communities have awaited progress on essential infrastructure and development projects.
The Chairman of the Memorialisation Committee, ‘Ogun Pepe,’ Dr James Ojebode, has released the programme of activities for the festival.
He disclosed this during a press conference at Atiba Hall, Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria. Oyo, where he briefed the media and the general public on the forthcoming festival to be held between 5-15 November 2025.
According to Ojebode, the week-long activities include fasting and prayer on Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 by all the religious groups to seek the face of God for continued peace and harmony in the town.
This will be followed on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, there will be tree-planting and Fitila Night that will witness a procession from Owode to Aafin, the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo.
On Thursday, 13th November 2025, there will be a public lecture to be delivered at the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo. It will be delivered by Prof Akin Alao, a Professor of Legal History at the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile-Ife in Osun State.
He will be delivering the keynote speech on: Ogun Pepe @ 130: Memory as a call to renewal, Prof.
The don will be engaged in academic discourse by discussants, including Prof. Sekinat Kola-Aderoju, a distinguished historian, a proud daughter of Oyo, and a true Nigerian icon.
Others in the brainstorming session are: Prof. Niyi Gbadegesin, a prolific, prodigious and dizzyingly peripatetic scholar.
Prof. Ladun Oloruntoba, of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, will also join Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo to be part of the discussants at the lecture.
The father of the day for all the Ogun Pepe events is the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1; while the Chairman of the Committee is James Adesokan Ojebode, PhD, JP, ALA (CSN), Founder and President, Atiba University, Oyo.
The programme will also feature a command performance of ‘Ogun Pepe’ (a stage play written and produced by Gbemi Faleti and directed by Yomi Duro-Ladipo, a filmmaker, actor, theatre and movie director, musician, mechanical engineer, dance instructor/choreographer).
The grand finale of the week-long memorable programme will be the Cultural/Exhibition/Fundraising to be held at the Old Oyo National Park on Saturday, 15th November. The cultural aspect will be handled by Funmi Ajofeebo, while the exhibition will be coordinated by Folasade Adeyemi (a.k.a. Arewa).
According to Ojebode, the festival memorialises the face-off between one of the past rulers of Oyo, Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu 1 and the British colonial forces.
Going down the memory lane, Ojebode, disclosed that the the conflict began when the Alaafin’s traditional punishment of an Ilari from Iseyin provoked Captain Robert Lister Bower, the British Resident in Ibadan then.
Bower’s demand for submission of the ilari and kudefu was vehemently refused by the Alaafin, leading to a British invasion of Oyo on November 12, 1895. The People of Oyo, loyal to their king, resisted bravely but were eventually overpowered by superior British firepower. Alaafin, who was wounded, miraculously relocated to Oke-Owinni, later returned triumphantly after a peace treaty mediated by the Catholic Bishop of Oyo.
The war, named after the sharp sound of British gunfire—“pepe pepe pepe”—the war became a symbol of Yoruba pride and resistance. Though it ended in British indirect rule, Ogun Pepe remains a lasting testament to Oyo’s courage, unity, and unbroken spirit of sovereignty.
The Ogun Pepe Memorialisation Ceremony is therefore a cultural, historical, and spiritual commemoration dedicated to the enduring legacy of Ogun Pepe, a war that speaks volumes on the British invasion of Oyo land on 12th of November 1895, 130 years ago. This invasion, which demonstrates courage, loyalty, and sense of duty stand as timeless virtues in the annals of Oyo history.
“Today’s engagement offers us a valuable opportunity to share the history, vision, objectives, and significance of this landmark event and to invite the full participation of our people at home and abroad, ” Ojebode said.
Ojebode said the 1895 war between the people of Oyo and the British exemplified the noblest ideals of service and sacrifice — qualities that embody the strength, dignity, and resilience of the Yoruba spirit.
“This memorialisation therefore seeks to reawaken public consciousness to these enduring virtues and to ensure that the lessons of Ogun Pepe’s invasion are preserved for future generations. It is both a celebration of history and a call to cultural renewal.”
Explaining the objectives of the Memorialisation, the Committee Chairman said, these include,
Honouring and celebrating the life, heroism, and moral legacy of Ogun Pepe within the broader history of Oyo and Yoruba land.
” To revive and promote cultural awareness through scholarship, dialogue, and artistic expression.
” To foster intergenerational learning, connecting elders and youth in a shared understanding of heritage and values.
” To promote unity, community pride, and cultural tourism, thereby contributing to the social and economic vitality of Oyo.”
According to Ojebode,
The ten-day celebration promises a rich and dynamic series of events, combining reverence, reflection, and rejoicing. Highlights will include:
Traditional rites and libations at designated heritage sites in Oyo;
Academic lectures and symposiums featuring renowned scholars and historians on the theme “Heroism,
Heritage, and the Oyo Identity;
Cultural performances and artistic exhibitions, including fitila/candle night, Tree planting at designated places, drumming, dance, drama, masquerade displays, igba titi, and theatrical representations of Ogun
Pepe invasion;
The Cultural Day, shall engage old and younger generations in heritage learning and artistic creativity;
Royal tributes and homages by traditional rulers and community elders; and
A Grand Finale and Thanksgiving Ceremony, featuring prayers, reflections, and reaffirmation of our collective commitment to preserving Yoruba culture and values.
China said on Wednesday it would extend a suspension of additional tariffs on US goods for one year, making official an agreement reached in talks between presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump last week.
The two leaders held talks in South Korea at the end of October that effectively extended a delicate truce for a year, after several rounds of trade negotiations in recent months.
A statement published Wednesday on the Ministry of Finance website, citing Beijing’s State Council, said that “for one year the 24 percent tariff on US goods will continue to be suspended, (and) a 10 percent tariff on US goods will remain”.
The statement said the pause follows “the consensus reached in the China–US economic and trade consultations” and would be effective from November 10.
Trump on Tuesday formalised an agreement that Washington would cut its additional tariffs on Chinese imports from 20 percent to 10 percent, also effective from November 10.
Temperatures have spiked between the world’s two biggest economies this year as Washington and Beijing imposed escalating tariffs on each other’s products.
At one point, duties on both sides reached prohibitive triple-digit levels, hampering trade.
The two have been engaged in an uneasy truce since, as top economic leaders met several times for talks in recent months, with tensions surging over export controls and other issues.
In a separate statement, China said it would “cease implementing the additional tariff measures” imposed in a March order hitting a list of American farm products.
That move was a response to Trump doubling additional tariffs on Chinese goods over Beijing’s handling of fentanyl — now back to 10 percent starting next week.
Beijing had placed an additional 15 percent levy on chicken, wheat, corn and cotton imported from the US and an additional 10 percent tariff on American soybeans, pork, beef, dairy and other farm products.
That had hurt a key source of Trump’s political support: farmers.
More than half of US soybean exports went to China last year, but Beijing halted all orders as the trade dispute deepened.
Also following talks, Beijing agreed to suspend for one year restrictions on the export of rare earths technology.
Rare earths are a strategic field dominated by China and are essential for manufacturing in defence, automobiles and consumer electronics.
Washington in turn agreed to suspend for one year a move imposing “Entity List” export restrictions on affiliates of blacklisted foreign companies in which they had at least a 50 percent stake, the Chinese commerce ministry said.
The United States also said it would halt for a year measures targeting China’s shipbuilding industry that led to both sides applying port fees against each other’s ships, it said.
China would suspend its “countermeasures” after the US action, they added, for one year too.
PUNCH
Following its designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’, the United States has said it will work with the Federal Government to take decisive actions aimed at arresting perpetrators of religious violence, protecting Christians, and rescuing those held hostage, as reported by The PUNCH.
The Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, Vicky Hartzler — whose recommendation led President Donald Trump to blacklist Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom — disclosed this while welcoming the US leader’s decision.
Hartzler, in a statement, commended Trump for taking steps to address what she described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
China, however, voiced strong support for Nigeria and criticised what it called foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Trump had announced Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern in a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, alleging that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat” and claiming that thousands of Christians have been killed by radical Islamists.
He warned that the United States could take decisive measures — including possible military intervention — if the Bola Tinubu administration failed to act.
In its reaction, the Federal Government rejected the US claim, describing it as inconsistent with facts, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating violent extremism, protecting citizens, and promoting religious freedom and inclusiveness.
As part of its response to Nigeria’s alleged violations, the United States Congress is considering a bill that would impose severe sanctions on state governors, public officials, and non-state actors involved in enforcing the Sharia Penal Code.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, has passed second reading and been referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations for further consideration.
The draft legislation, S. 2747, dated September 9, 2025, is titled ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025.’ It directs the US Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, impose specific sanctions, and take other related measures.
The proposed legislation also targets terrorist groups and individuals implementing or supporting Islamic laws in the country.
Under the draft law, penalties would extend to judges, magistrates, prison officials, and other judicial or law enforcement officers found complicit in terrorism, corruption, or the enforcement of blasphemy laws.
It specifically includes anyone responsible for prosecuting, convicting, imprisoning, or otherwise depriving individuals of their liberty on charges of blasphemy.
Reacting to the executive action, the USCIRF chair, Vicky Hartzler, said, “USCIRF applauds President Trump for speaking out on the religious freedom crisis in Nigeria and making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern.”
“The US Government can now develop a tough plan with Nigeria to ensure that perpetrators of violence are held to account, people of faith are protected, and those held hostage are rescued,” she added in a statement published on the commission’s website on Monday.
The USCIRF vice chair, Asif Mahmood, also told The PUNCH in an emailed response on Tuesday that the commission would ensure the Trump administration implements a series of executive actions against Nigeria, which it described as a serial violator of religious freedom since 2009.
During Trump’s first administration, the US State Department had placed Nigeria on its Special Watch List in 2019 and designated it as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020, citing recurring violent attacks against religious communities.
“The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom welcomes President Trump’s making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern,” the statement read. “USCIRF has recommended this designation since 2009 because of the government’s engagement in and tolerance of systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations.”
The statement cited several recent incidents, including the killing of at least 200 people — among them internally displaced persons — at a Catholic mission in Benue State in June, and the murder of at least 27 worshippers during an early-morning mosque attack in Katsina State in August.
“These and other violent incidents targeting religious communities are escalating tensions and threatening Nigerians’ ability to freely express their faith,” it added.
Mahmood noted that, in addition to violence by non-state actors, the Nigerian government must also be held accountable for allowing the enforcement of blasphemy laws in 12 states.
“Enforcing these laws and tolerating violence targeting Christians, Muslims, and other communities justify the CPC designation,” he said. “Now the administration can use this opportunity to impose Presidential Actions under the International Religious Freedom Act to incentivise needed change in the country.”
In his email to The PUNCH, Mahmood reiterated that Nigerian authorities had “repeatedly failed to address ongoing violence targeting religious communities.”
“In our 2025 Annual Report, which covered the calendar year 2024, we reported on violence targeting religious communities where Nigerian authorities far too often fail to adequately respond,” he wrote.
He explained that USCIRF uses international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, under the International Religious Freedom Act, to determine when to recommend a Country of Particular Concern designation for any government that “engages in or tolerates particularly severe violations of religious freedom.”
“Nigeria has met that standard since 2009,” Mahmood said, noting that 12 state governments continue to enforce strict blasphemy laws used to prosecute Christians, Muslims, and humanists for alleged insults to religion.
He added that the USCIRF, in its annual reports, had repeatedly recommended policy actions the US government and Congress could adopt to improve religious freedom conditions in Nigeria.
“Now that President Trump has named Nigeria a CPC, the International Religious Freedom Act empowers the US government to execute multiple Presidential Actions,” Mahmood said. “We encourage the administration to do so and not to waive these actions.”
On steps Nigeria could take to secure a reprieve, Mahmood explained that ending or significantly reducing “systematic, ongoing, and egregious” violations of religious freedom, as outlined in USCIRF’s Annual Report, was the key condition for removal from its list of Countries of Particular Concern.
“Our recommendation is based on international human rights law, facts on the ground, and our statutory mandate,” he stated. “USCIRF’s monitoring and reporting efforts are ongoing, and our next CPC recommendations will be included in our 2026 Annual Report, which is due to Congress no later than May 1 of each year.”
Beijing backs Tinubu
However, the People’s Republic of China has strongly criticised the US action against Nigeria, describing it as a flagrant interference in the country’s internal affairs.
At a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China stood firmly with Nigeria in pursuing its own development path and opposed the use of religion or human rights as tools for political pressure.
Her remarks, circulated by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, read, “As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that aligns with its national realities.
“We oppose any country’s interference in other nations’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion or human rights. We also oppose the wanton threat of sanctions or the use of force.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Bola Tinubu was taking concrete steps to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.
Speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, Idris said his discussions with Tinubu included the recent US comments on Nigeria.
He noted that the President had called for calm, assuring Nigerians that his administration remains focused on strengthening national security and promoting unity amid growing international scrutiny.
“It’s a routine meeting that we always have with Mr President,” Idris said. “Of course, the issue of the US also came up, and we discussed that extensively.”
According to him, the President is “calm and taking a holistic view of the situation,” while working to ensure the international community better understands Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security.
“Only last week, Mr President, in his desire to reinvigorate the country’s security architecture, appointed a new Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs. That tells you he’s been working seriously to ensure Nigeria remains safe for all,” Idris added.
He explained that the government was deliberately keeping its diplomatic tone measured while expanding engagement with international partners to clarify Nigeria’s position.
“We are opening channels of communication so that the international community understands what Nigeria has been doing and intends to do to address any domestic or international concerns,” he said.
Responding to calls for broader engagement with religious and community leaders, Idris said Tinubu had adopted a multi-pronged approach.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, on the occasion of his 74th birth anniversary, describing him as a visionary leader and trailblazer in Nigeria’s banking industry.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor lauded the Agbor-born banking czar for his exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s financial sector and for pioneering innovations that have redefined modern banking in the country.
Governor Oborevwori commended Ovia’s unwavering commitment to excellence, corporate governance, and youth empowerment through his numerous philanthropic interventions, particularly in education, entrepreneurship and security.
He said Ovia’s life and career remain a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians, noting that his achievements have placed Delta State and Nigeria on the global financial map.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate our dear elder statesman, Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, on the occasion of his 74th birth anniversary on November 4.
“Dr. Jim Ovia is a quintessential entrepreneur whose foresight and leadership have not only transformed Nigeria’s banking sector, but also empowered countless individuals and institutions,” Oborevwori stated.
The Governor joined family, friends, and associates in celebrating the renowned banker, praying God to grant him long life, good health, and greater wisdom to continue contributing to national development.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been honoured with the prestigious Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence at the ongoing Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos.
The award, which also recognised Vice President Kashim Shettima, celebrates outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed gratitude to the organisers of AFRIFF for the recognition, reaffirming Delta State Government’s unwavering commitment to the growth of the creative sector.
Onyeme said: “On behalf of the Governor and the people of Delta State, I want to thank the organisers of the Africa International Film Festival for this honour. We do not take it for granted; we truly appreciate.
“Delta is one of the states most renowned for its contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Many of the talented people in this sector hail from Delta State, and we will continue to do everything necessary to sustain our support for the film industry in Nigeria and across Africa.”
The Deputy Governor further highlighted the state’s initiatives to boost the creative economy, noting that Delta has remained peaceful and conducive for investments in entertainment, film production and other businesses.
Speaking further, he said; “rhe last administration built a massive entertainment complex housing film studios, cinemas, and children’s recreational facilities.
“The current administration is planning to go even further by establishing a full-fledged film village, a mini-Hollywood, where actors, musicians, and other professionals can live and work.
“Delta State has always been at the forefront of entertainment development, and we will continue to improve the welfare of creative professionals and provide the resources they need to thrive.”
In his remarks, Pastor Shingle Wigwe, father of the late Herbert Wigwe, commended AFRIFF for instituting the award in his son’s honour, describing the festival as a vital platform for Africa’s creative advancement.
“Seeing this event today brings me great joy. When I retired from the Nigerian Television Authority, there were no film festivals in Nigeria. What I see here is a true marketplace of ideas and creativity, a hub for Africa.
“This festival is a force that will contribute greatly to Nigeria’s economy and enhance our global recognition. It is truly gratifying to witness such progress in our creative landscape”, he said.
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