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Fueling Corruption: How Conflicted Officials Are Killing Tinubu’s Gas Dreams

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A recent investigation has revealed that black market activities and deep-seated conflicts of interest are threatening the success of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PICNG), a key federal programme introduced to lower transportation costs following the fuel subsidy removal.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Spanning several weeks, the probe combined field reporting, open-source data analysis, and exclusive interviews with insiders, including key stakeholders in Nigeria’s CNG ecosystem.

President Bola Tinubu introduced the PICNG in May 2023 as a palliative strategy to cushion the economic shock of subsidy removal. “President Tinubu has directed the distribution of one million free CNG conversion kits for commercial vehicles nationwide,” said Michael Oluwagbemi, PICNG’s Project Director and CEO, in a statement last year.

According to Oluwagbemi, the initial phase targeted 10,000 free conversion kits for ride-hailing platforms and transport unions such as NURTW, Moove, UBER, and KSTA. In response to a Freedom of Information request, the initiative disclosed that it had distributed 15,310 kits between June 2024 and May 2025—but declined to reveal procurement costs, citing the Ministry of Finance’s oversight.

Billions Spent, but Questions Mount

over ₦45 billion had been disbursed under the Commercial Vehicle Conversion Incentive Programme (CV-CIP), which supports PICNG’s rollout. Public spending data revealed 19 payments to 14 firms, including the Ministry of Finance, for kit and bi-fuel bus procurement.

Despite the hefty expenditure, the programme is dogged by allegations of inflated pricing, procurement opacity, and diversion of subsidised kits to the black market. While PICNG says it costs ₦1.2 million to convert a V4 vehicle, private operators like NIPCO reportedly offer the same service for ₦750,000. Price lists from Redi Autos Nigeria put the kit’s market value at ₦582,000–₦600,000.

Conflict of Interest and Regulatory Abuse

Findings also revealed that a key government official involved in PICNG, Mr. Idakwo, owns a controlling stake (70%) in a company benefiting from the initiative—violating the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and multiple anti-corruption statutes. Corporate records show his wife owns the remaining 30%.

Legal experts say such conflicts are both unethical and prosecutable. “This is clearly a breach of the law,” said constitutional lawyer Festus Ogun, who called for a probe by the Code of Conduct Tribunal and anti-graft agencies.

Subsidised Kits Flooding the Black Market

On WhatsApp groups and online forums, vendors offer government-distributed CNG kits for as low as ₦200,000. One seller, Sam Ogidi, claimed insider access and offered to sell three kits at ₦300,000 each, while another, a Bolt driver named Omuah Charles, sold a kit to PREMIUM TIMES for ₦295,000.

These transactions were linked to PICNG intermediaries, including a consultant, Yusuf Oke, who denied complicity but admitted past kit sales.

Private Sector Hit Hard

Legitimate CNG businesses say the black market has distorted the industry and made it harder to stay afloat. “The fraud is hurting our margins and the programme’s credibility,” said Sina Kawonise, a CNG kit importer.

Operators like Mr. Goriola of C&L Smart Energy Solutions echoed the sentiment, saying government kits are saturating black market channels.

“This programme needs urgent cleansing,” Goriola said. “The EFCC and DSS must act before this noble initiative is destroyed.”

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

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Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

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Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

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