News
Reps Speaker Abbas assures improved financing for NHRC in 2025
The House of Representatives has commended the leadership of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, for the quality work it is doing to protect the rights of Nigerian citizens and others living in the country.
The Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, made the commendation on Tuesday in Abuja, while declaring open Legislative Forum on Human Rights, convened by the NHRC, as part of activities commemorating the 2024 International Human Rights Day.
Abbas said the House would ensure improved funding for the Commission in 2025 and going forward, to ensure it continued to discharge its constitutional obligations.
The Speaker who was represented at the event by the Majority Leader of the House, Prof Julius Ihonbvere said National Assembly will ensure that the Commission’s financial and operational autonomy, is achieved to enable it fulfil its mandate more effectively.
He stated that the National Assembly has consistently demonstrated its commitment to advancing human rights through legislative action, adding that significant achievement has been made in the sustained efforts to place the Commission on first-line charge of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
He said- “This year’s event reminds us of the historic moment on 10th December 1948, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document affirming the equal and inalienable rights of all individuals.
“The theme for this year’s celebration, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” is both timely and compelling. It serves as a clarion call for immediate and sustained action to advance human rights in Nigeria and underscores the critical role of rights in shaping a secure and prosperous future for all citizens. This theme challenges us to move beyond aspirations and commit to practical steps that translate the promise of rights into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
“As we reflect on this theme, it is essential to acknowledge the strides we have made in advancing human rights while confronting the challenges that persist. Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees and international commitments establish a strong framework for protecting the dignity and freedoms of all citizens. However, translating these commitments into reality requires addressing issues such as gender-based violence, police accountability, discrimination, and threats to freedom of expression.
“These challenges, exacerbated by insecurity, systemic poverty, and weak enforcement mechanisms, present opportunities for growth and reform. We must strengthen our institutions, enhance enforcement capabilities, and foster trust between the government and the people. By doing so, we can build a nation where human rights are respected and protected as the bedrock of our democracy.
“Insecurity remains a significant obstacle to human rights in Nigeria. From insurgency and banditry to the marginalisation of vulnerable groups in conflict zones, the impact on individuals and communities is profound. Addressing these issues requires holistic legislative and institutional responses that prioritise accountability, justice, and the welfare of the most affected.
“Parliament is the cornerstone of democracy and a critical actor in the promotion and protection of human rights. Through our legislative, oversight, and representative roles, we ensure that the laws we pass uphold fundamental freedoms and that institutions tasked with safeguarding these freedoms are effective and accountable.
“By securing its independence, we are empowering the NHRC to address human rights violations with the responsiveness and integrity Nigerians expect.
“The 9th Assembly also laid an important foundation for the promotion of human rights through the enactment of the Police Act 2020. This landmark legislation requires the Nigerian Police Force to uphold and protect fundamental rights as enshrined in our Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other international instruments. Among its key provisions, the Act mandates that every police division have a qualified legal practitioner to ensure compliance with human rights standards. This measure underscores our collective resolve to embed respect for human rights into the operational framework of law enforcement agencies.
“Building on these achievements, the 10th House of Representatives is working to further institutionalise accountability within the security sector. A notable effort is the consideration of amendments to the Armed Forces Act to establish a Human Rights Ombudsman. This initiative seeks to create a structured mechanism for addressing human rights violations within the military, ensuring that justice and accountability remain central to the operations of our armed forces.
“Through the work of its committees, particularly the House Committee on Human Rights and the Public Petitions Committee, the National Assembly continues to address pressing human rights concerns. These committees provide platforms for redress and oversight, ensuring that citizens have accessible mechanisms to seek justice when their rights are infringed. For example, the Public Petitions Committee is currently deliberating on over 70 cases of alleged human rights violations, highlighting its critical role in upholding accountability and justice.
“The NHRC remains at the forefront of human rights advocacy in Nigeria. However, its effectiveness is hindered by resource limitations, including the need for independently owned state offices, expanded headquarters facilities, and operational vehicles across all states and the FCT. The National Assembly is committed to providing the necessary support to ensure that the Commission can meet the growing expectations of Nigerians.
“Education is a powerful tool for fostering a culture of respect for dignity and equality. We must integrate human rights education into school curricula and public enlightenment campaigns to equip citizens with an understanding of their rights and responsibilities. This will not only empower individuals but also foster empathy, civic responsibility, and social cohesion.
“Such initiatives are critical for rebuilding trust between citizens and the government. When institutions are strong, and citizens are well-informed, the prevalence of human rights abuses diminishes, creating a stable and harmonious society.
The House Speaker charged Nigerians to recommit themselves to the collective endeavour of building a Nigeria where every citizen lives with dignity, free from fear and oppression.
Earlier in his welcome address,the NHRC Executive Secretary,Dr.Tony Ojukwu urged stakeholders to join the Commission in its quest to uphold rights of every citizens in Nigeria.He commended members of the National Assembly, civil society groups and the media for the unalloyed support to the commission.
Also in his goodwill message,the Chairman, House Committee on Human Rights,Hon Dr.Abiola P.Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon.Mudashir Lukman assured that House of Representatives will work towards increasing the budget allocation for the commission in the 2025 Budget.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters,Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire said the Nigeria Senate and National Assembly will work on legislation,make necessary amendments to ensure that NHRC live to the expectation of Nigerians.He therefore assured that 2025 budget wlll cater for financial challenges being faced by the commission.
There were goodwill messages from other members of the 10th National Assembly, State legislators, NHRC partners and civil society groups.
National Legislative Forum serves as a platform to bridge the gap between legislators, civil society, and human rights defenders. It aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and actionable strategies to promote and protect fundamental human rights in Nigeria.
….Writes NMDPRA, Engages Marketers to Stabilise Fuel Market
Photo caption: L R: Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Vishwajit Sinha; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird; President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and into the New Year.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.
“In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February, which translates to about 60 million litres per day,” Dangote said.
Photo caption: L R: President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.
Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered haulage.
“Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered in the cement sector,” he added.
He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to its vision, driven by the strong public support for the company’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic development.
During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, commended Dangote’s leadership and his continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capability, national energy security and long-term economic competitiveness.
She described the South-South region as Nigeria’s natural energy corridor, with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets, agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters. She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.
Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal Government’s energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.
“As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human capital advancement, and private-sector–led growth. In this regard, we stand prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for Dangote Group’s expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing, agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing,” she said.
In a letter from the refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, to the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the Authority’s support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product evacuation.
“In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media),” Bird stated. “We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies”.
By Bonaventure Phillips Melah
Photo caption: L R: Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Vishwajit Sinha; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird; President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and into the New Year.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.
“In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February, which translates to about 60 million litres per day,” Dangote said.
Photo caption: LR: President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.
Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered haulage.
“Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered in the cement sector,” he added.
He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to its vision, driven by the strong public support for the company’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic development.
During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, commended Dangote’s leadership and his continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capability, national energy security and long-term economic competitiveness.
She described the South-South region as Nigeria’s natural energy corridor, with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets, agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters. She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.
Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal Government’s energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.
“As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human capital advancement, and private-sector–led growth. In this regard, we stand prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for Dangote Group’s expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing, agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing,” she said.
In a letter from the refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, to the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the Authority’s support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product evacuation.
“In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media),” Bird stated. “We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies”.
Some women in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Saturday, staged a protest over the alleged kidnap of five residents and the shooting of another during an attack on the community.
The protesters, who marched through major parts of the community, said the incident had heightened fear and insecurity in the area.
One victim of the attack is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
A social media influencer, ‘Sen.’ Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, made this known via Facebook on Saturday.
Ugwuanyi revealed that resident who confirmed the incident said recent cases of abductions and shootings had left the community unsafe, prompting the women to demand urgent government intervention.
In a video shared on Ugwuanyi’s Facebook page, the protesters called on the Enugu State Government and security agencies to step in and restore peace, warning that residents could no longer live under constant fear of attacks.
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