BUA Refinery: Nigeria’s Next Big Move to End Fuel Import Dependence

Nigeria is set for another major breakthrough in its energy sector as BUA Group pushes forward with the construction of its new 200,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Akwa Ibom State. Led by billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu, the project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to refine its own crude oil locally — a crucial step toward ending decades of fuel import dependence.

A Game Changer for Nigeria’s Economy

For years, Nigeria has exported crude oil only to import refined fuels at high costs. With the new BUA refinery coming onstream, this cycle is expected to change dramatically. The refinery will produce:
• Petrol (PMS)
• Diesel (AGO)
• Aviation fuel (Jet A1)
• LPG (cooking gas)
• Petrochemicals

This means more jobs, cheaper domestic fuel, and extra revenue for the nation through exports.

Why This Refinery Matters

✔ Supports fuel supply stability
✔ Reduces foreign exchange pressure
✔ Expands Nigeria’s refining capacity
✔ Encourages competition with other refineries — especially Dangote Refinery
✔ Boosts development in the Niger Delta region

The refinery is already attracting international partners in engineering, technology, and infrastructure.

Driving Local Content & Industrial Growth

BUA Group is one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing conglomerates — with investments in:
• Cement
• Foods & sugar
• Port operations
• Real estate
• Energy & power

The refinery project expands BUA’s footprint into the petroleum value chain, helping to keep more wealth within Nigeria.

Looking Ahead

Once completed, the BUA refinery will become one of West Africa’s largest privately-owned refineries, adding healthy competition to the market and supporting Nigeria’s long-awaited shift toward full downstream independence.

“Nigeria should not be importing fuel when we have crude oil.”
— Abdul Samad Rabiu

The journey continues — and the results could reshape the nation’s economic future.

Political Earthquake in Bayelsa: Governor Diri Dumps PDP for APC, Cites Tinubu’s “Love for Ijaw People”

Bayelsa’s political landscape has witnessed a stunning shift as Governor Douye Diri officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) — a move that has seen most members of the State House of Assembly follow his lead.

The Governor explained that his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to align Bayelsa State with the federal government for accelerated development and better opportunities for the people.

Speaking at the defection ceremony, Diri praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its “unprecedented commitment” to the Niger Delta’s development, describing it as proof of the President’s affection for the Ijaw nation.

“Government has shown us the will and the direction that they love the Ijaw people and Bayelsa State,” Diri declared during a live broadcast on Channels Television.


He highlighted three major developmental milestones achieved through federal partnership as justification for his defection:

1. Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road: A long-awaited project now actively pursued under President Tinubu, described by Diri as “the economic lifeline of the Ijaw people.”


2. Nembe–Brass Road Project: Once stalled, but revived after Tinubu’s swift approval. “When I met the President, he said, ‘Governor, it is done,’ and within days, contractors were on site,” Diri recounted.


3. ₦4 Billion Tax Waiver: Granted for the importation of 60-megawatt gas turbines to provide Bayelsa with 24-hour independent power supply, a breakthrough after years of darkness due to grid sabotage.

Diri concluded that these “acts of grace” proved Tinubu’s genuine commitment to Bayelsa’s progress, calling his move to the APC “a necessary alignment for the future prosperity of our people.”

Asari Dokubo Warns Trump: ‘Nigeria Will Be the Graveyard of Any US Invasion’.

Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has issued a stern warning to United States President Donald Trump, cautioning him against making good on his alleged threat to launch a military incursion into Nigeria over claims of widespread Christian persecution.

In a viral video shared via Facebook, the ex-leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF) vowed that any American troops sent to Nigeria would meet fierce resistance. According to him, Nigeria would become “the graveyard” of Trump and any invading US forces.

“Let Trump come with his America, they will all die,” Asari declared passionately. “This lunatic wants to annex Canada, wants Iceland, wants to kill the president of Venezuela and the Supreme Leader of Iran. America is a sick country that elects madmen as leaders.”

The former warlord accused Trump of hypocrisy, saying the US ignored several humanitarian crises around the world while choosing to target Nigeria. “He can’t see the genocide in Congo, Gaza, or Sudan, but he’s talking about genocide against Christians in Nigeria,” he said. “If you come here, you’ll die here Nigeria will be your graveyard.”

Asari, who described himself as a Muslim raised among non-Muslims, also dismissed the idea that the killings in Nigeria are purely religious, insisting that both Muslims and Christians are victims of the ongoing violence.

He concluded by warning that unlike others who merely talk, he and his allies are ready to act if Nigeria’s sovereignty is threatened.

Trump’s military threat: ‘Nigeria will become your grave yards’ – Asari Dokubo warns US.

Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has warned President Donald Trump of the United States, US, against carrying out his threat of military incursion into Nigeria following allegations of Christian genocide.

Asari warned that Nigeria will be the grave yard of Trump and any US military if they dared to attack the country.

In a viral video on Facebook, the former leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, NDPVF, said US soldiers will be killed if they invade Nigeria in line with Trump’s threat.

He said: “Let Trump come with his America, they will all die, this lunatic wants to annex Canada, he wants Iceland, wants to kill the president of Venezuela, he wants to kill the Supreme leader of Iran.

“And that is why when they talk of America, I say it’s a sick country, a country of mad people, insane people and that is why they can elect a lunatic as their president.

“Satan has blessed and cursed him, even if America comes we will fight them, did America not go to Vietnam? Didn’t they run? Where have they gone to and stayed? Let Trump come with his America, you will all die.

“South Africa is committing genocide against Whites but he can’t see the genocide in Congo, in Gaza, in Sudan but he is saying South Africa is committed genocide against White, in Nigeria it’s genocide against Christians. I want to assure you, if you come to Nigeria, you all will die here, it will be your grace yard, Nigeria will be your grace yard.

“Everybody knows that people are being killed left, right and centre, this is not a lie. But is it Muslim or Christian? I’m a Muslim who is in the oasis of non-muslim.

“What I am today was not made by Muslims, I was made by non-Muslims, you people talk too much. We always tell you that we don’t just talk, we perform.

NDDC Demands Retraction, Apology.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has demanded a retraction and apology from the Punch and Daily Times newspapers over an alleged coup rumour against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Commission’s Legal Counsel, ADEDIPE AND ADEDIPE Legal Practitioners, in a strongly worded letter signed by Chief Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, demanded that The Punch, the Daily Times and others retract the offensive and false publication and tender an unreserved public apology.

Adedipe said the report, “falsely alleged that Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was arrested by military intelligence for allegedly co-sponsoring a failed coup plot against President Tinubu.

“The publication further claimed, without any factual or evidential basis, that Dr Ogbuku transferred funds from NDDC contracts to finance an alleged coup plot. These allegations are entirely false, malicious, and defamatory.”

According to the letter, “Dr Ogbuku categorically denies these baseless claims. He has not been arrested, invited, or interrogated by any authority in connection with any alleged coup plot or financial misconduct. The publication represents a gross violation of journalistic ethics, as no attempt was made to contact or verify the story with him or the NDDC before its release.

EFCC Chairman Finally Opens Up on How the ₦566bn, $411m Recovered Loot Are Used.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has finally revealed how the massive sums of money recovered by the anti-graft agency are being utilised.

According to him, the recovered funds totalling ₦566.3 billion and $411.6 million are being channeled into key social investment programmes across the country.

He made this known during a media briefing in Abuja to mark his second anniversary in office.

Mr. Olukoyede explained that part of the recovered money has been used to support national initiatives such as the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme, which are both aimed at improving access to education and financial stability for Nigerians.

“Part of the funds recovered by the commission in the last two years was invested in critical social investment programmes: the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme,” he said.

He also disclosed that several government agencies have benefited directly from recovered assets and funds. These include the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

According to him, a number of properties seized from corrupt individuals have been handed over to government institutions for use as offices and public service facilities.

Speaking further, the EFCC boss noted that in the last two years, the commission recorded significant recoveries, not just in cash but also in assets. He listed the recovered items to include 1,502 properties, comprising 402 in 2023, 975 in 2024, and 125 in 2025.

Falana vows legal action against oil companies over Niger Delta pollution.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, has vowed to convene a team of lawyers to begin a legal action against oil companies that have polluted and abandoned their host communities in the Niger Delta.

The human rights lawyer made this vow on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, during the Ken Saro-Wiwa 30th Memorial Lecture, organised by a coalition of environmental civil society leaders

According to him, communities producing the oil that sustains Nigeria’s economy deserve to live comfortably with all basic amenities provided, not in poverty and neglect.

The event, put together by a coalition of environmental activists, was held in honour of the 84th posthumous birthday of late environmental and human-rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed alongside eight others 30 years ago for alleged treasonable felony and recently granted state pardon and honours.

The event also drew activists, policymakers and community leaders who renewed calls for environmental justice in the Niger Delta.

The senior lawyer explained that multinational oil companies have profited from Nigeria’s natural resources while leaving host communities in the Niger Delta impoverished and devastated.

Other speakers at the memorial, including Nnimmo Bassey, urged government agencies to hold defaulting oil firms accountable and prioritise a full cleanup of Ogoniland.

For civil society groups, the legacy of Ken Saro-Wiwa remains a rallying point for justice and environmental restoration across the Niger Delta.

They warned that anything short of calling for a halt to oil resumption talks in Ogoniland without extensive cleanup, would amount to wasting the sacrifice of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his comrades.

No Going Back On Strike, ASUU Tells FG.

YENAGOA – The President of the Academ­ic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Chris Piwuna, has re­stated that there is no going back on its planned two weeks nation­wide warning strike over some lingering issues, if the Federal Government fails to respond on or before October 13 expiry date.

The planned strike follows a two-week ultimatum issued by the union, last week, asking the Federal Government to address its unresolved issues, including the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.

Speaking with newsmen during the Orientation/Lead­ership Training for Academic Staff Union, Niger Delta Univer­sity branch, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Piwuna insisted that the union has agreed on their position on a warning strike which will not change except their demands with the Federal Government are met.

He said, “The warning strike has been issued and we are not meeting to discuss that again as a union because our position has been taken, and by midnight of Monday we will embark on two weeks warning strike, after which we will meet after the ex­piration to decide when to begin an indefinite and comprehensive strike action.

“The issues still remain the same, re-negotiation of our 2009 documents is still lingering over the years, and we want Nigerians to know that we have been talking and the strike action is coming after several years of negotiations and we are not just jumping on a strike.

“We have given government enough time on this particular issue, just imagine they gave us three weeks to get back to us and never did till this moment. Ni­gerians must always look at the actions of government that has al­ways pushed us to such actions”.

On the issue of NELFUND, Pi­wuna said, “We have told govern­ment that we do not support loan in such a depressed economy. An economy where unemployment rate is high, families can’t feed, so where from where do they want them to repay the loan.

“If they truly want to give them monies, they should come out clean; where are the jobs that will enable them repay the loans, if the monies are meant to make the universities run better it should be given as a grant, not a loan.

Nigerian Army Arrests 35 Suspected Gunrunners, Criminals In Niger Delta Region

Frequent U-Turns: Tinubu’s Presidency Faces Criticism Over Appointment Reversals

Since taking office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has faced mounting criticism for its frequent reversal of federal appointments — at least eight documented cases across key agencies and commissions.

Analysts warn that these repeated U-turns raise serious concerns about due diligence, vetting procedures, and internal coordination within the presidency.

One notable case involved the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where Rotimi Pedro was announced as Director-General in August 2025, tasked with modernizing the broadcaster. Within days, however, the decision was reversed, reinstating Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos. Similar reversals have been recorded at the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Federal Character Commission (FCC), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and even ministerial and CBN board nominations.

Other cases include controversies at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the Solid Minerals Development Fund, the South East Development Commission, and the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, many of which were linked to political pressure, legal disputes, or inadequate verification.

Observers argue that while some reversals may be rooted in geopolitical balancing or public backlash, the recurring pattern undermines public trust and disrupts institutional stability.

FCT’s First female Head of Civil Service, Grace Adayilo, slumps, dies.

The first female Head of Civil Service for the Federal Capital Territory, Grace Adayilo, has passed away under sudden and tragic circumstances.

It was gathered that Adayilo slumped and lost consciousness early Monday morning and could not be revived.

The cause of her death has not yet been officially disclosed.

Her demise has thrown the FCT Administration into mourning, especially considering her trailblazing status.

Adayilo was appointed in October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.

She made history as the first female and first indigenous person to occupy the position of Head of Service in the Federal Capital Territory.

Chain Reactions Africa names Franklin Ozekhome as Executive VP, launches Africa’s first intelligent robot to service clients
Breaking: FCT’s First female Head of Civil Service, Grace Adayilo, slumps, dies
Big Brother Naija and evolution of Nigeria’s entertainment industry Union Bank of Nigeria completes merger with Titan Trust Bank Niger Delta Stakeholders To Ojulari: Stop playing victim over failed refineries Until her death, she had remained active in duty. Her last official assignment was on Thursday, August 28 where she represented the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the G7 Security Meeting held in Abuja.

Tributes have started pouring in from colleagues, public servants, and civil society members, who described her as a committed and dedicated leader in public service.

UN human rights experts have warned that recent oil asset sales in Nigeria by Shell, Eni, ExxonMobil, and TotalEnergies violate international law, citing a lack of transparency and failure to ensure cleanup of decades of pollution. In letters to the companies and governments of Nigeria, the UK, US, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, the UN stressed that divestments without remediation risk worsening human rights abuses in the Niger Delta. The experts urged urgent cleanup, compensation, and accountability for historic environmental damage.

#NigerDelta #OilPollution #UNHumanRights

BREAKING: A coalition of Niger Delta Youth leaders today staged a protest at NNPCL Towers in Abuja with a call on the Group Chief Executive Officer of the oil giant, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari to quit over alleged corruption and mismanagement.

Port Harcourt Youths Set Construction Equipment Ablaze.

In a dramatic outburst of frustration, Port Harcourt witnessed a fiery scene earlier today, Tuesday, August 26, as protesting youths set construction equipment ablaze on Airport Road. The conflict, sparked by a land dispute, saw the youths block the highway, turning the area into a chaotic battleground of smoke and flames. The affected communities, including Rumuosi, have been at the heart of this tension, accusing certain parties of land grabbing. The protest escalated quickly, with heavy machinery worth millions of naira reduced to ashes, causing significant disruption to traffic and local businesses.

Eyewitnesses reported a scene straight out of a action movie, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky and the crackling of flames filling the air. Signs reading “Rumuosi Community” and “Land Grabbing” were held high as the youths made their stand. This incident is part of a recurring pattern of land disputes in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta, where such conflicts often lead to economic losses due to disrupted projects and infrastructure damage.

The event highlights the ongoing challenges of governance and security, where community protests can turn violent, demanding immediate attention from authorities. As the smoke clears today, the question remains whether this fiery protest will lead to a resolution or merely intensify the already burning issue of land grabbing in Port Harcourt. One thing is certain, today’s events have left a lasting impact on Airport Road, marking another chapter in the city’s turbulent history of land disputes.

2027 Elections: Ijaw Youths Rally Behind Tompolo’s Endorsement of Tinubu

The Arogbo Ijaw Youths Stakeholders’ Forum in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State has declared full support for High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, in his Door-to-Door campaign initiative aimed at ensuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures a second term in 2027.

In a communiqué issued after their meeting in Agadagba-Obon, the forum praised Tompolo for what they described as his “pan-Niger Delta leadership”, commending him for integrating the Ijaw Nation into national politics and creating opportunities that directly benefit their people.

Tompolo has shown clear direction and leadership, which is why we unanimously support President Tinubu’s re-election bid to further advance the Renewed Hope Agenda, the communiqué read.

The youths urged Ijaw clans and kingdoms nationwide to align with Tompolo’s vision, pledging to actively mobilize grassroots support to deliver massive votes for Tinubu.

They also applauded the federal government for retaining Tantita Security Services Limited, noting that the company’s operations have boosted crude oil production and enhanced Nigeria’s energy security.

Additionally, the forum praised recent federal and state appointments, including Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Hon. D. I. Kekemeke as Chairman of the NIPOST Board, and two Arogbo Ijaw indigenes — Dr. Tob Loko and Hon. Lawrence Tibiebi Steven — in Ondo State’s cabinet and OSOPADEC board respectively.

Acknowledging the unique identity of the Arogbo Ijaw as a non-Yoruba-speaking community in Ondo State, the group also appreciated neighboring communities for supporting their political rise — especially in electing Rt. Hon. Donald Ojogo as the first Arogbo Ijaw representative at the National Assembly.

The forum concluded by pledging continued engagement in national development initiatives, while consolidating the political relevance of the Ijaw Nation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Niger Delta Group Issues 7-Day Ultimatum Over Refinery Shutdown, Alleged NNPCL Mismanagement

Ref: August 23, 2025

The Nigerian oil and gas industry is facing renewed tension as the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum has accused the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under Bayo Ojulari of corruption, job cuts, and the shutdown of the Port-Harcourt Refinery.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the group, led by Sir Jothan Lokpobiri Snr and Engr. Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding Ojulari’s removal and prosecution.

They alleged that Ojulari diverted $21 million in NNPCL funds to a private account linked to his associate, Abdullahi Bashir Haske, who is already under EFCC investigation; sabotaged the Port-Harcourt Refinery—which resumed operations in December 2024 after a $1.5 billion overhaul—by shutting it down in May 2025 to allegedly sell off at scrap value; and illegally sacked over 400 workers, many of them Niger Delta youths.

“These actions are unforgivable crimes against the Niger Delta and the Nigerian state. Ojulari must not only vacate the office — he must face justice,” the statement read.

The Forum also insisted that the next NNPCL boss must be appointed from the Niger Delta, saying the region that produces the nation’s oil wealth should not continue to be marginalised.

Warning of mass action if their demands are ignored, the group said: “This is not a threat, but a warning born of deep concern. The fragile peace in the Niger Delta is being endangered by Ojulari’s conduct and federal silence. We will not sit by while our people are betrayed.”

#NNPCL #NigerDelta #Refinery #Corruption

Troops Burn Seized Vessels Over Weak Prosecution — CDS Musa

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, says the military destroys vessels used for oil theft because the country’s slow and weak legal system allows offenders to return to crime with little consequence.

Speaking on Politics Today, Musa lamented that soldiers risk their lives to arrest suspects, only for them to be freed on technicalities or fined lightly. He cited Niger Delta cases where seized vessels were returned to operators, forcing troops to burn them despite environmental concerns.

He stressed that the flawed legal process frustrates counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations, urging the establishment of special courts and tougher penalties to deter impunity.

#NigeriaSecurity #OilTheft #JusticeSystem

News Brief: Army Chief Reaffirms Commitment to Soldiers’ Welfare

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian soldiers and their families, describing it as a top priority under his leadership.

Oluyede made the remarks at the end of a three-day operational visit to the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The visit, he said, was aimed at assessing operational readiness, interacting with troops, and engaging stakeholders in the Niger Delta.

He noted that welfare remains critical to maintaining morale and operational effectiveness, promising to address challenges within available resources, with Federal Government support.

During the tour, the Army Chief commissioned multiple projects, including a new 6 Division Administration Building, a filling station, the Headquarters 6 Division Extension, Python Harmony House, a Guard Room, two blocks of Corporal Below Quarters, renovated family quarters, and remodelled facilities at 29 Battalion and Elele Barracks.

Oluyede assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to build on its operational successes nationwide.

#NigerianArmy #SoldiersWelfare #ArmyChief #OlufemiOluyede #MilitaryNews
`` ChannelTV

EXCLUSIVE: Tinubu’s Top Security Aides Implicated in $1.5m Bribery Scandal

President Bola Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Adegboyega Fasasi, and Chief Personal Security Officer, Usman Shugaba, have been accused of collecting $1.5 million to grant access for embattled NNPC CEO, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, to meet with the President at the Aso Rock Villa.

Sources told SaharaReporters that the payment was facilitated through Abdullahi Bashir-Haske, Atiku Abubakar’s son-in-law, who is under EFCC investigation for money laundering. Fasasi allegedly issued Villa access tags and promised to lobby the EFCC chairman on Haske’s behalf.

Investigators said the scandal is part of a broader pattern of bribery at the Presidential Villa, with Fasasi previously accused of collecting $500,000 from a Niger Delta militant in December 2024. Despite past controversies, including a removal order by the DSS in 2024, Fasasi was reinstated amid strong political backing.

The latest revelations have sparked concerns over corruption and abuse of power within the President’s security circle.

#Tinubu #NNPC #Corruption #EFCC #BreakingNews #Nigeria #BriberyScandal #AsoRock

Neglecting the Niger Delta? Ex-Lawmaker Blasts Amaechi, Backs Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road

Hon. Oghene Egoh, a former member of the House of Representatives, has accused ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi of sidelining the Niger Delta during his tenure.
Egoh alleged that Amaechi placed more importance on constructing a railway to Niger Republic than on delivering vital infrastructure projects in the South-South region.

Speaking in Lagos while responding to Amaechi’s criticism of the Lagos–Calabar coastal road project, Egoh defended the initiative, calling it a “transformational” venture capable of boosting trade, strengthening interstate relations, and stimulating economic growth.

Amaechi, a former presidential aspirant, had reportedly labelled the coastal road project “fraudulent” and vowed to scrap it if he became president.

Egoh, who joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2024, also commended President Bola Tinubu’s policies, including the fuel subsidy removal, expressing confidence that they would yield lasting benefits despite current economic challenges.


#NigeriaPolitics #Amaechi #NigerDelta #LagosCalabarCoastalRoad #BolaTinubu #APC #EconomicGrowth