News

NNPCL Records 214 Oil Theft Cases In One Week

Published

2 years ago

January 23, 2024

Editor

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company has recorded at least, 214 incidents of oil theft in the past week.

The NNPCL said it uncovered 72 illegal refineries across the oil-rich Niger Delta from January 13 to 19, 2024.

In a video documentary released on Tuesday, the NNPCL disclosed that “between the 13th and 19th of January 2024, 214 incidences (of oil theft) were recorded from various incidence sources” in the Niger Delta.

According to the petroleum company “72 illegal refineries were discovered across several locations” in Rivers, Bayelsa and Abia States; especially in Ogubolo, Rivers, “where an illegal refinery is being destroyed”.

42 illegal oil connections were said to have been uncovered in Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa States.

Also, 26 cases of vandalism were reported in the past week in Rivers and Imo, some of which are being repaired

“Two cases of oil spill caused by vandals were reported in Bayelsa.

“Eight illegal storage sites were discovered across several locations in the Niger Delta. Large oil pits were discovered in Isiokpo and Okrika, Rivers State,” it was reported.

Similarly, sacks of oil were reportedly discovered in Oporomor Bayelsa, Obuzor in Abia and Ohaji/Egbema in Imo.

The NNPC also informed that “49 wooden boats conveying stolen crude were arrested and confiscated in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers.”

It was added that eight cases of Vessel AIS infractions and seven cases of vehicles conveying stolen crude were made in Delta

According to the visual report, eight of the cases occurred within the Blue Water, 28 in the Eastern region, 146 in the Central region and 32 took place in the Western region of the Niger Delta.

Meanwhile, 39 persons were reportedly apprehended within the period under review, even as the NNPCL threatened not to give up in the war against oil theft.

The PUNCH reported that 157 incidents of crude oil theft were recorded in the Niger Delta between December 30, 2023 and January 5, 2024.

Also, between January 6 and 12, a total of 211 incidents of oil theft and vandalism were reported, with no fewer than 83 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.