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SERAP Sues NNPCL in Abuja Over Alleged ₦5.9 Billion Rebranding Expenditure

Group demands full disclosure of rebranding costs; NNPCL yet to respond as calls for transparency intensify

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Group demands full disclosure of rebranding costs; NNPCL yet to respond as calls for transparency intensify

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to compel the oil corporation to account for an alleged ₦5.9 billion spent on rebranding. The suit was lodged on Sunday, 14 June, amid growing public scrutiny over transparency in public sector spending.

According to court filings, SERAP is requesting that NNPCL publish detailed information on the procurement process, contractors involved, and justification for the expenditure. The group maintains that such disclosure is necessary given the significant amount involved and persistent concerns about accountability within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The move by SERAP comes at a time when many Nigerians are demanding greater openness from state-run enterprises following years of allegations regarding mismanagement of public funds. NNPCL’s rebranding initiative, reportedly costing ₦5.9 billion, has drawn criticism from civil society organisations and members of the public who argue that such sums could be better utilised for critical infrastructure or social services.

As at press time, NNPCL had not issued any official response to the suit or provided clarification on how the rebranding funds were spent. SERAP insists that making this information public will set a precedent for fiscal responsibility across government-owned entities.

The case is expected to be heard in the coming weeks at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Observers say the outcome could shape future demands for transparency from other major government agencies handling large budgets.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887551-serap-sues-nnpcl-over-failure-to-account-for-%e2%82%a65-9-billion-rebranding-cost.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

IMF Urges Abuja to Impose Fuel and Telecom Taxes, Projects ₦14trn Revenue Gain

Fund warns hardship may worsen as it recommends higher VAT and stricter enforcement amid rising poverty levels

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26 minutes ago

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June 14, 2026

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Fund warns hardship may worsen as it recommends higher VAT and stricter enforcement amid rising poverty levels

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised government in Abuja to introduce new taxes on fuel and telecommunications services as part of efforts to boost public revenue, according to its latest Article IV Consultation report released on Friday. The proposal, if adopted, could see higher fuel prices and increased costs for airtime and data across Nigeria.

The IMF’s recommendation comes as government faces mounting challenges in funding essential services, with the Fund projecting that a combination of new taxes and tighter enforcement could generate up to 4.6 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product—equivalent to nearly ₦14 trillion over three years at current GDP estimates. The report specifically mentioned raising the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate above the current 7.5 percent and closing loopholes that have allowed some sectors to underpay tax.

However, the IMF also cautioned that any move to increase levies should take into account Nigeria’s worsening poverty levels and widespread food insecurity. “Timing is critical; new taxes must not exacerbate hardship for vulnerable households,” the Fund noted in its assessment. It recommended that a functioning cash transfer system be established before any upward adjustment in fuel or telecom charges is implemented.

Past attempts by government to introduce similar taxes have been met with resistance. In 2022, stakeholders in the telecoms sector—including network operators and consumer groups—successfully opposed a planned five percent excise duty on call and data services. Labour unions have also pushed back against measures that would further raise pump prices after subsidy removal drove up transport and food costs nationwide.

The IMF said improved compliance with existing tax laws could be even more effective than introducing new levies, projecting an additional 3.1 percent of GDP from better enforcement alone. While Abuja has not yet signalled whether it will act on the latest advice, policy decisions in the coming months will likely face scrutiny from both economic experts and ordinary Nigerians struggling with rising living costs.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/imf-recommends-fuel-telecom-taxes-nigeria-2026061411260816689

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Nigeria News (Standard)

NAFDAC Issues Alert in Lagos as US Recalls Children’s Ibuprofen over Safety Concerns

Agency urges parents, pharmacies to check imported stocks following US recall linked to potential contamination risk

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31 minutes ago

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June 14, 2026

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Agency urges parents, pharmacies to check imported stocks following US recall linked to potential contamination risk

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert in Lagos on Sunday, advising Nigerians to exercise caution after United States authorities recalled a batch of children’s ibuprofen due to contamination concerns. The regulatory agency warned pharmacies and parents against administering or selling affected products imported from the US.

According to NAFDAC, the recall in the United States was prompted by fears that some batches of children’s ibuprofen could contain dangerous contaminants. The agency stated that while no incidents have yet been reported in Nigeria, it is taking precautionary measures to safeguard public health by monitoring pharmaceutical imports and urging the public to verify medication sources before use.

Children’s ibuprofen is commonly used in Nigeria for treating fever and pain among infants and young children. NAFDAC explained that contaminated medicines could pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children who may react more severely to impurities. The agency called on health workers, importers, and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious pharmaceutical products encountered in the market.

“We are working closely with local distributors and international partners to ensure that any potentially contaminated products are swiftly identified and withdrawn from circulation,” a senior NAFDAC official said on Sunday. The agency also encouraged pharmacies to review their current stock of imported children’s medicines as at June 2026, especially those sourced from the United States.

NAFDAC assured Nigerians that it will provide further updates as investigations continue. In the meantime, parents are advised not to panic but to consult healthcare professionals if they have concerns regarding ibuprofen or notice any unusual reactions in their children after administration.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/887575-nafdac-warns-nigerians-as-us-recalls-childrens-ibuprofen-over-contamination-concerns.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe Dies in Katsina Bandit Captivity Despite Rescue Efforts

Katsina Government confirms ex-Army spokesman’s death, citing diabetes and hypertension complications after abduction with wife

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41 minutes ago

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June 14, 2026

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Katsina Government confirms ex-Army spokesman’s death, citing diabetes and hypertension complications after abduction with wife

Retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, former spokesman of the Nigerian Army, has died while being held by armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The incident occurred after Rabe and his wife, Amina, were abducted on 30 May along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road, with their driver sustaining gunshot injuries during the ambush near Zakin Baure village.

Following the abduction, security agencies and the Katsina State Government launched operations to secure the couple’s release. According to officials, several coordinated attempts were made to locate their whereabouts and negotiate their safe return, but these efforts did not yield results before tragedy struck.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about rising insecurity across northern Nigeria and the persistent threat posed by armed groups targeting both civilians and high-profile figures. Many Nigerians have expressed alarm over the inability of authorities to curb kidnappings and guarantee safety on major highways.

Confirming the development, the Katsina State Government stated that Rabe died in captivity due to complications linked to diabetes and hypertension. In an official statement, government representatives extended condolences to his family and commended security agencies for their efforts. The statement also reaffirmed government’s commitment to intensify operations against armed banditry in Katsina and neighbouring states.

While search and rescue operations continue for other victims of similar attacks in the region, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives. The death of Major General Rabe is expected to increase calls for renewed strategies in tackling insecurity across the North-West.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/how-nigerian-general-died-despite-rescue-efforts-from-bandits/

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