Oil Resumption: MOSOP Assures Ogoni People of a Good Deal, Announces Minor Cabinet Changes

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has assured the Ogoni people of a good deal emanating from the ongoing dialogue with the Federal Government. 

President of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke gave the assurance at a Steering Committee meeting of MOSOP yesterday.

Nsuke said for over 30 years, the Ogoni people have sought a mutual dialogue with the Federal Government of Nigeria and that is now ongoing with substantial progress being made on the part of community mobilization and the dialogue process.

"For over 30 years, we have advocated for a peaceful resolution of the Ogoni conflicts. I am glad that the dialogue is ongoing and it is going well. I am also very optimistic that we will strike a good deal from the process."

A statement signed by Alex Akori, Secretary-General,MOSOP on August 19, 2026 said Nsuke described the dialogue process as a reward for non-violence and urged other regions of the country to emulate the peaceful resistance of the Ogoni people rather than taking to arms struggle.

"The Ogoni dialogue process is significant for several reasons. First, it has gained overwhelming acceptance as a pathway to resolve the Ogoni problem and that is very important. Secondly, It is an encouragement for non-violent struggles. Thirdly, it is people-centered and designed to accelerate development in Ogoni"

He thanked the Ogoni people for giving peace a chance and for accepting to go into a dialogue describing the initiative as one of the best decisions ever taken in the direction of a three-decade search for peace, development and a new beginning for the Ogoni people.

In a related development, the MOSOP Steering Committee, the highest decision-making organ of the organisation today elected Chief Nwale Emereonwi, Mr. Kpoobari Gbidum, and Gbene (Hon.) Lekue Zini as Deputy President, Assistant Secretary-General, and President of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) respectively.

The trio were elected after a thoughtful and careful assessment of all candidates presented for the positions. MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke who congratulated the trio in a post on WhatsApp noted that the election of the new leaders was long overdue following the abscondment of the former occupants of the positions.

 

Customs Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency, Modern Reforms, Dismisses Smuggling and Revenue Leakage Allegations

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has firmly rejected a series of allegations bordering on smuggling, revenue leakage, recruitment impropriety and succession manipulation, describing the claims as a misrepresentation of the Service’s operational and administrative realities.

 

The Service maintained that the allegations, were contained in a said investigative report published by SaharaReporters on August 7, 2026, claiming that smuggling activities had intensified along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors in Ogun and Oyo States, and which alleged that weaknesses in Customs valuation procedures, particularly around the “846” Extended Procedure Code used for vehicles with non-standard Vehicle Identification Numbers, were being exploited to under-declare and undervalue imported vehicles at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.

 

Responding on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO), Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, said the claim of a “surge” in smuggling along the affected land border corridors did not reflect the true state of enforcement operations adding that the frequency and volume of seizures recorded along these corridors, routinely displayed at media briefings hosted by respective Area Controllers, contradicted the notion of unchecked movement of vehicles and trucks into the country, even as he insisted that the Service, had remained committed to enforcing extant Federal Government restrictions and prohibitions while facilitating the movement of legitimate trade.

 

On the contentious 846 valuation code, the Service clarified that "it is an established digital tool within the Customs portal designed specifically for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant VINs, such as specialized heavy equipment, classic models, customized vehicles and vintage builds, which cannot be automatically assessed through the standard VIN-Valuation database." 

 

DC Maiwada further explained that standard vehicles are processed automatically through a system tied directly to global manufacturer specification databases, removing human discretion, while non-standard 846 applications are subject to mandatory secondary approval by designated Valuation Officers and Area Controllers. 

 

He added that “discrepancies uncovered during post-clearance audits routinely trigger Demand Notices for the recovery of short-collected duties and the suspension of offending clearance licences.”

 

 He also averred that revenue collections at Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML had in fact hit historic high under the current framework of digital oversight.

 

On allegations that the recently released Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II) recruitment list was published without statutory approval, the Service maintained that the entire exercise, from application through computer-based testing, physical screening and final shortlisting, was conducted under the direct supervision and authorization of the Nigeria Customs Service Board, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and Federal Character Commission guidelines. 

 

The published list, the Service clarified, reflected candidates granted provisional offers of appointment, subject to further medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.

 

Addressing questions on a recent leadership training programme for Deputy Comptrollers, the Service described human capital development as a key pillar of its strategic vision, aimed at modernising trade operations, strengthening intelligence management and preparing officers for executive leadership. It stated that official training courses and international exposures, whether delivered locally at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, or abroad, were funded through approved budgetary allocations from the Federal Government or formal bilateral technical assistance arrangements with partner institutions such as the World Customs Organisation.

 

On claims that the current leadership was manipulating succession by favouring particular officers or groups, including allegations that officers recruited in 1994, 1995 and 1997 were being sidelined in favour of the 2009 intake, the Service described the allegations as baseless. It explained that succession and promotion within the NCS are governed strictly by the Public Service Rules, the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and established career progression structures anchored on seniority, merit as demonstrated in promotion examinations, and the availability of establishment vacancies, rather than personal preference. The Service said promotion exercises under the current leadership had been made regular, transparent and prompt, with no qualified officer denied elevation on account of their year of recruitment.

 

On calls by stakeholders for independent investigation by the Presidency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the National Assembly and the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Service reiterated that it operates under the statutory oversight of the Federal Ministry of Finance and remained subject to scrutiny by the National Assembly, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and relevant anti-graft agencies. It said "it does not fear, evade or oppose legitimate scrutiny, and regularly cooperates with parliamentary committees, the EFCC, the ICPC and the ONSA.

 

According to him,” the management maintains a firm, intolerant posture toward corruption, revenue leakage, or administrative misconduct", insisting that "any officer or stakeholder found complicit in unethical activities will face institutional disciplinary procedures and prosecution under the law.”

 

By Bon Peters,

 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

 

 

Politics of alignment and realignment: let the eagle perch and let the kite perch, says Obiaruko Ndukwe

As the 2027 general poll draws close, a seasoned investigative journalist and National President of the Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative, Chief Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe, says she does not understand the futile efforts by some people to condemn those who have chosen to tread on a different path after sojourning like the pilgrim in the movie “The Pilgrim’s Progress.”

Chief Obiaruko in a Facebook post recently with the caption “Politics of alignment and realignment happens from the top to bottom – Leaders and followers alike” noted that “no one is restricted from shifting grounds.”

According to her, “the whole essence of being a leader is to get to the top and contribute your quota to nation building as well as upgrade your followers to the top and watch them do better, and not to keep them at the lower rung of the ladder as permanent cheerleaders who are fed with occasional crumbs!”, adding that followers or supporters are expected to be loyal to the core but not stupid! They also have the right to aspire to the top because every human being is ambitious! 

She observed that in Nigeria politics, leaders have switched camps severally and in some cases, do not seek the opinions of their followers in doing so. Everyone is supposed to be mute and follow sheepishly. 

“No! Not everyone would continue on this route” she said

“There are those who have courage to take a chance and sometimes, they succeed when they do things differently” she opined 

It’s unfortunate that people are labelled “hungry” or “betrayers” just because they have chosen to follow their convictions. 

“Before you come to the post to defend or condemn anyone, make sure you have never been led by hunger or been a betrayer somewhere” she advised.

She said people should be allowed to make their choices and stop what termed “emotional blackmail” for a popular Igbo proverb says, “Mgbe onye tetara n’ura bú útútú ya” which literally means “your morning starts whenever you wake up.” 

“Lastly, not everyone is led by hunger. Some are led by anger while some are led by ambition. in all, let the eagle perch and let the kite perch” she finally declared

Freight Forwarding Associations, MWUN to Down Tools at Onne Port, Issue 4 Day Ultimatum

 By Bon Peters

 

The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA and other freight Forwarding associations including Maritime Workers Union Truck Unit, Onne Youths Congress and other stakeholders operating at Onne Port Rivers state may withdraw their services if no concrete agreement is reached to forestall the move by the management of Nigerian ports Authority and other relevant stakeholders within the next four days.

 

They cited the dilapidated state of the Port access roads and the collection of electronic truck call- up system otherwise known as E- Call up levies and the non availability of Truck Holding bays as the reasons for their action.

 

This decision was reached in  a joint Press Conference organized by the affected associations, Union and other relevant stakeholders Wednesday, August 12, at Onne, Port Harcourt, the Rivers state Capital whereby  a 4 day Ultimatum to NPA management to stop the E-call and fix the roads was issued.

 

Reading the Communiqué jointly signed by all the affected stakeholders, the Onne Chapter Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents, ANLCA, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku, called on Federal government to allocate a fraction of the sum of N487bn revenue generated from Onne Port between January to July, 2026 to fix and maintain the internal Port access roads leading to Onne Port for the safety of its members and Onne host community.

 

Isikaku noted that the federal government has realized about N487bn in revenue from Onne Port between January and July and argued that a fraction of the money should be used to fix the dilapidated internal roads at Onne where he said the money was generated.

 

 His words “That we place on record that the total customs revenue realized from Onne Port Command between January and July 2026 is approximately N439 Billion, while revenue from Oil and Gas Free Zone Customs within the same period is approximately N48 Billion, Totaling N487 Billion within 7 Months.”

 

“With deep concern and frustration, the house deliberated extensively on the worsening plight of our Unions and members. Of particular note is the unabated illegal parking of trucks across Onne roads and the imminent chaos occasioned by the Nigerian Ports Authority’s failure to honour its commitment to provide adequate facilities and sufficient Holding bays at Onne Port prior to the commencement of the E-Call Up System,

 

“Compounding this crisis is the deplorable and death trap condition of the access roads leading to Onne Port, which continued to endanger lives, destroy goods and cripple legitimate business.

 

“In view of the foregoing and in the interest of safety, sanity and the welfare of our members and the host community we resolved that there shall be no more illegal parking of trucks on Onne roads to ensure free flow of traffic for the community and our members.

 

”That all access roads within Onne leading to the port be properly maintained to prevent frequent container fall incidents, injuries to members and loss of lives arising from the deplorable state of the roads.

 

“That our members shall no longer participate in the arbitrary and bogus payments associated with the E-Call Up System of transport at the port.

 

“That the implementation of the E-Call Up System of transport be suspended until adequate Holding Bays are built to accommodate the number of trucks operating at Onne Port. This suspension takes effect Monday, 17th August 2026

 

“That suspension of the E-Call Up system of truck at Onne port remains effective until all the challenges listed above are adequately addressed.”

 

In his Contribution, the  unit Chairman  Truck Owners  Association of the Maritime Workers Union Of Nigeria , Eastern Port, Comrade Uche Ogbu  said that the dilapidated state of Onne internal roads and haphazard ways trucks are lined up for E-Call Up levies is affecting the smooth operation of business at the Port

 

Comrade Ogbu, said that the Nigerian Port Authority, NPA, has refused to provide Holding bays for trucks that come into the Port despite all the appeals made by stakeholders at the Port on the danger of operating E-Call Up without designated Holding bays.

 

He said that the poor state of Onne Port access roads and the haphazard ways trucks were lined up for E-Call Up levies was constituting danger to the lives of Port users.

 

He hinted that at the end of the 4 day ultimatum which he said expires on Monday August 17, 2026 the union in collaboration with other stakeholders at the Port will shutdown business activities at the Port.

 

“We are the people carrying the burden of the E-Call Up levies. We the maritime workers in collaboration with other stakeholders and Onne communities are going to down tool from Monday.”

 

 Ogbu insisted "We want to draw the attention of the government about the poor state of the facilities where we do our businesses. We are going to down our tools and after downing our tools and even when we are going to start operations we will ask our members to go inside the Ports and ensure that they stop the operation of E-Call Up. We are going to stop the E-Call Up operations by Monday. I am promising you that."

 

“The Nigeria factors play out on the issues that concern government business,  if you ask NPA they will tell you that they are getting their allocation from the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and that the allocation is not even enough to cover their overhead costs.”

 

“That they don’t have any power or budget to carry out any work. The NPA do generate money but the money they generate according to them goes straight to the federal government it’s their responsibility to inform the Federal government about the state of infrastructure at the Eastern Port", adding, “they are the eyes of the federal government and  we are not saying that NPA should take action that is beyond their capacity, they should know how to reach out to the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, reach out to the Managing Director of NPA and through that channel they can get to the Presidency about our plights.”

 

“They are not ready to live up to their responsibilities, but only interested in the E-Call Up. A huge percentage of the E-Call Up goes to NPA. We know that if we stop the E-Call Up they will sit up and do something about our plights” Ogbu emphasized. 

 

Present at the event include National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders  (NAGAFF) Onne chapter Chairman Dr. Ike Okechukwu Anselem,  Chief Emeka Nwosu, Chairman, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Onne Seaport chapter, Comrade Prince Obinna Ugochukwu, Chairman, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), Onne Seaport, Forwarder Kolawale Atanda, Chairman APFFLON Onne chapter, Hon. .Eric Asor  Kalu ,Chairman ANLCA Oil And Gas Free Trade Zone and the representatives of Onne Youth Congress among others.

 

As at the time of filing this report all efforts made to reach the management of NPA for reaction was  not successful as the  phone numbers of the Port Manager and the Corporate Communication manager Mr Okoroafor Nwachukwu were not reachable

 

By Bon Peters

in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

 

Jubilation in Lagos as Regnum Medical University Opens Its Doors for Admission into Medicine, Pharmacy, Others

....Receives License from NUC

 

A new world-class institution, Regnum Medical University, Anthony Village, Lagos, has obtained its License to operate as a private university in Lagos following the approval given to it by the Federal Executive Council of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 

Expected to play a defining role in Nigeria’s medical development, Regnum Medical University, Lagos will commence with programmes in Medicine (MBBS), Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Nursing (B.N.Sc.), Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS), Physiotherapy (DTP) and Radiography (B.Rad.)

 

The university License was presented by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu and his Management team to Professor Akin Osibogun who served as Chairman, Planning and Implementation Committee during the development of the Regnum Medical University, Lagos together with Akinbode Agbaoye, the Chairman, Board of Trustees and Chuks Ochonogor, the Proprietor of the Regnum Medical University, Lagos.

 

Professor Akin Osibogun will steer the affairs of the University as pioneer Vice-Chancellor. Professor Akin Osibogun, a Medical Teacher and Professor of Community Health has received the award, Fellow of The Nigerian Medical Association (FNMA) which is the highest honour the NMA can confer on any of its members and has also been honoured with appointment as Distinguished Professor by the University of Lagos in January 2026.

 

He was Chief Medical Director at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for eight years (2006-2014), President of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (2022/2023). He is Fellow by examination of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (FMPCH) and Fellow of West African College of Physicians (FWACP).

 

He has also received the highest honour of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria as Distinguished Fellow of the Medical College.

 

Akinbode Agbaoye, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Regnum Medical University, Lagos served and retired from the National Universities Commission after attaining the highest career position of Deputy Executive Secretary of the Commission.

 

He will use his enormous and untainted experience and ability to guide and support the affairs of the Regnum Medical University and position it to train tomorrow’s efficient healthcare services providers today in Lagos.

 

The University hopes to attract a cream of trainers in the medical and health professions and deploy innovative technologies to produce highly competent and compassionate health professionals capable of positively impacting on the growth and development of health systems locally and globally.

 

It also hopes to address Nigeria’s critical shortage of General Practitioners.

 

Credit: Henry Ovie

68th Birthday: Uduaghan Praises Ibori for Strong Leadership, Big Milestones

The Alema of Warri, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Monday, lavished praise on the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, describing him as an enduring icon

“We proudly celebrate the 68th birthday of His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Executive Governor of Delta State, whose leadership, philanthropy and enduring contributions to national development continue to inspire many.”

He also commended Ibori for transforming Delta State through strategic investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and rural development.

“Your commitment to good governance, industrial growth and human capital development laid a solid foundation for progress across the state.”

Uduaghan in a statement issued on behalf of his family and the good people of Abigborodo on the occasion of the former governor’s 68th birthday applauded Ibori for championing the cause of the Niger Delta people in their demand for true fiscal federalism.

“As a respected statesman and champion of resource control and true fiscal federalism, you gave strong voice to the aspirations of the Niger Delta and promoted justice, equity and national unity.”

He expressed gratitude to the former governor for his mentorship and generosity that positively impacted countless lives and produced many leaders across Nigeria.

“On this special occasion, we celebrate your remarkable legacy, unwavering patriotism and steadfast commitment to the progress of our nation.”

Ending the statement, Uduaghan said “We wish you continued good health, long life, divine wisdom and many more years of impactful service. Happy 68th Birthday and Congratulations.”

 

NAGAFF Chief, Ike Okechukwu Presents One Year Score Card, Unveils Land For Secretariat

 By Bon Peters

The Chairman, National association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Onne Seaport chapter, Dr Anselem Ike Okechukwu says the association under his leadership has rallied members to present his leadership scorecard, one year after assuming office even as he unveiled a landed property for building the association's secretariat at Onne.

This disclosure was made last week Thursday, at Onne, Port Harcourt the Rivers state Capital.

Speaking to journalists, Okechukwu said that what necessitated the event was his resolve for accountability on his stewardship and determination to make a difference in the leadership of NAGAFF insisting that his association has broken the Jinx in making sure that NAGAFF has her own befitting office secretariat in no distant time by acquiring land at a strategic place in Onne.

He added that on assumption of office last year 2025, after his first stint as an interim Chairman, and subsequently the substantive chairman, the first assignment was to remove all bottlenecks in terms of division at NAGAFF, saying that such positive step has brought the association where it is today.

 "There is no more rancour and acrimony, NAGAFF today is united than ever before and all  aggrieved members are  now under one umbrella"  Okechukwu said.

Continuing, he noted that with a laid down rules on how the association would be administered, his administration has renovated the office, furnished it and provided the necessary office equipment, as well as plastic chairs for administrative purposes.

Okechukwu whose disclosure of the purchase of a plot of land for NAGAFF secretariat at Onne   attracted  praises and admiration from all members present.  He also stated his intention to start the construction of the building in no distant time even as  he called on his members and other stakeholders for support.

On the relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service, he stated that his association has maintained a robust synergy with Customs, importers,  terminal operators and other relevant agencies and stakeholders at the port for seamless cargo clearance insisting that members must comply with the fiscal policies of the federal government and shun any act that would bring the association to disrepute,  noting that for his members to be knowledgeable in their area of operations, he would continue  the training and retaining of members through seminars and workshops.

He used the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the founding father of NAGAFF, Chief Boniface Aniebonam, as well as the National President of the association, Mr. Tochukwu Ezisi, describing them as pacesetters whose contributions have brought glory to the present-day NAGAFF.  

In his remarks, the Chairman Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Onne Seaport chapter, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku praised the Onne NAGAFF boss, Ike Okechukwu for his determination and commitment to changing the narrative at NAGAFF, Onne.

ANLCA chapter chairman lauded him for all his achievements in just one year in office urging him to start developing the land so as to secure a befitting office for his association while calling on all and sundry to support him.

In his goodwill message, NAGAFF administrator, Ibeto Chapter and Area 1, Chief Patrick Ogbo praised Dr Ike Okechukwu for breaking the jinx of acquiring land for NAGAFF. 

Speaking further, Ogbo advised NAGAFF members to desist from any form of practice that would tarnish the image of the association, while calling on interested freight forwarders that want to join NAGAFF to do so without delay by picking the membership form.

Also speaking, the former Chairman and BOT, member, NAGAFF Onne chapter, Hon. Christopher Ibeabuchi Uwakwe, commended  NAGAFF chairman Ike Okechukwu  and  his executive 

Hon. Uwakwe, who was a Special Assistant (SA) to various political office holders in Abia state, reiterated that he has been an ardent supporter of Dr. Okechukwu hence he ensured his emergence as the chairman of NAGAFF, Onne Seaport chapter.

Uwakwe further commended NAGAFF, EXCO for the creation of NAGAFF Elders and Women Forum, and called on the representative of NAGAFF national body to always take care of the elders, since according to him "they are no longer active in the business of freight forwarding."

In his contribution, the National Vice President of NAGAFF, Eastern Zone, Comrade Ngozi Uzohuo,   applauded the achievements of Dr. Ike Okechukwu in the last one year, describing his leadership as “very peaceful.” even as he praised him for his bold step in land acquisition insisting that the EXCO has done well.

The high point of the event was the presentation of an ‘Award of Good Leadership’ to Dr. Ike Okechukwu Anslem by Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku on behalf of all the clearing and forwarding associations in Port Harcourt accompanied by Chief Emeka Nwosu, Chairman, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Onne Seaport chapter and Comrade Prince Obinna Ugochukwu, Chairman, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), Onne Seaport.

Others present include, the immediate past Interim Chairman of NAGAFF, Onne Seaport chapter, NAGAFF Legal Advisor, Women Forum leader, elders among others

By Bon Peters,

in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

 

Austin Orette, Delta South Senatorial Aspirant resigns from NDC

 

A prominent Nigerian-American medicine physician, Dr. Austin Orette, has officially resigned from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

“I hereby tender my resignation from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) with immediate effect.”

Orette in a resignation letter dated May 28, 2026 said his decision followed careful reflection on his political future.

“The decision has become necessary due to personal reasons, failure of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to conduct credible primaries and a deep reflection on my political journey and future direction.”

The letter routed through the secretariat of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expressed gratitude to the leadership of NDC for the opportunity and support he enjoyed during his time in the party.

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me by the party to serve as an aspirant for the Delta South Senatorial District. I am grateful for the support, encouragement and relationships built during my time in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). I wish the NDC and all its leaders, members and supporters success in their endeavours for a greater Nigeria.”

 Recall, Orette in May, 2026 vowed to expose the wrong doing of NDC national leadership in court.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Credit: Henry Ovie