IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Nigerian banks have stocked their ATMs with cash following the implementation of a N100 withdrawal fee on March 1, 2025, in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s revised policy.

Under the new structure, withdrawals from an individual's bank’s ATMs remain free, but customers using other banks' ATMs will be charged N100 for withdrawals of N20,000 or less at on-site ATMs (located within bank premises). Off-site ATMs, such as those in malls or fuel stations, will incur an additional surcharge of up to N500 per transaction. International withdrawals will attract cost-recovery-based charges.

A survey of ATMs across Lagos showed that most banks had updated their machines to notify users of the new charges before processing withdrawals.

Meanwhile, customers have expressed frustration over the additional cost, citing economic hardship. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have condemned the policy, urging the CBN and the government to suspend the charges. They argue that the new fees further burden already struggling Nigerians.

The CBN has advised customers to use their bank’s ATMs or alternative payment channels, such as mobile apps and POS devices, to avoid the charges. 

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has identified major obstacles to implementing the July 11, 2024, Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.

Key Challenges:

749 out of 774 local governments have yet to submit their bank account details, a key requirement for receiving direct allocations.

Determining which LGAs have democratically elected leadership remains a challenge.

Government Efforts to Resolve Issues:

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) Technical Sub-Committee discussed the issue during a recent meeting chaired by AGF Oluwatoyin Madein.

The OAGF and the Attorney General’s Office have begun discussions to address the setbacks.

Only Delta State’s 25 local governments have submitted their account details so far.

CBN’s Role & ALGON’s Concerns:

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has started profiling local government chairmen and bank signatories to ensure financial accountability.

However, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) claims they have not been contacted for signatory verification.

Supreme Court Ruling & Current Status:

The Supreme Court ruled on July 11, 2024, that state governors can no longer control local government funds.

The Accountant-General was directed to pay allocations directly to LGAs.

Eight months later, financial autonomy is yet to take effect, with the delay linked to unresolved administrative issues.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 42-year-old Angolan businessman, Mbala Dajou Abuba, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano for attempting to smuggle a substantial quantity of cocaine to Istanbul, Turkey.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Abuba, a native of Zaire province in Angola, was apprehended on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, while undergoing security screening before boarding Egypt Air flight MS 880 en route to Istanbul via Cairo.

A body scan confirmed that he had ingested illicit substances, leading to his placement under observation. Over seven excretions, he expelled 120 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.829 kilograms.

In his confession, Abuba admitted to previously operating a township delivery service in Angola before venturing into drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation, NDLEA operatives intercepted Okeke Ebuka Igwe, an auto spare parts dealer, attempting to smuggle 1.10kg of cocaine hidden in vehicle propellers to Angola via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Acting on intelligence, officers arrested him on Monday, February 24.

Similarly, a large consignment of 5.40kg of cocaine bound for Owerri, Imo State, was intercepted in a Toyota Sienna on Sunday, February 23. The suspect, Ezechi Iyke Cyprian, was arrested after weeks of surveillance.

At the Tincan seaport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives uncovered 128 parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent cannabis strain, hidden in two mattresses inside a Toyota Venza imported from Canada. The 63.75kg consignment was discovered during a joint inspection of a targeted container from Montreal. The consignee, 44-year-old Bamidele Joseph, was taken into custody.

Nationwide Drug Crackdown

In Delta State, NDLEA operatives, backed by the military, raided a forest plantation in the Innam-Abbi/Orogun community, Ndokwa West LGA, destroying over 50,000kg of cannabis cultivated on 20 hectares. Five suspects were arrested during the operation.

In another Delta operation, a Mercedes-Benz truck carrying 101 bags of skunk, weighing 1,111kg, was intercepted along the Abraka-Orogun road on Friday, February 28.

Elsewhere, NDLEA officers in Edo State raided a warehouse in Okpuje, Owan West LGA, where over 100 jumbo bags of skunk were seized. Two suspects, Oikelomen Osere Monday, 38, and Glory Iroyo, 42, were arrested.

Additional arrests included:

Ibadan, Oyo State: Michael Omoloki, 46, caught with 58.5kg of skunk.

Ilorin, Kwara State: Lawali Mohammed, a Beninese national, arrested with 2,980 tramadol tablets.

Osun State: Sunday Ogbu, 45, detained with 1.05kg of skunk concealed in detergent and biscuit cartons.

Zamfara State: Ayuba Mustapha, 30, caught with 24,700 tramadol pills.

Borno State: Mustapha Shettima, 50, arrested with 31kg of skunk, 1,000 tramadol pills, and N720,000 in cash.

Kano State: Adamu Idris, 40, nabbed with 140 blocks of cannabis weighing 73.5kg.

NDLEA also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitization programs in schools, religious centers, workplaces, and communities across the country.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the agency’s operatives for their relentless efforts in combating drug trafficking and ensuring a balanced approach to supply and demand reduction.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, for rehabilitation work. The closure began at 3 a.m. on Monday to facilitate the asphalt phase of repairs on the A2 Taxiway link.

FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, confirmed the development in a statement, assuring that flight operations will not be affected as all flights will be diverted to the alternative Runway 18L/36R.

She reiterated FAAN’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of airport users. 

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned that foreign airlines refusing to patronize local caterers for outbound meals risk having their summer flight schedules rejected.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on ‘Transforming the Aviation Industry’ in Lagos on Friday, Keyamo criticized international airlines for neglecting local caterers. He insisted that approval for their flight schedules would be contingent on signing agreements with Nigerian catering companies.

“I will not approve the summer schedule for foreign airlines until they provide proof of partnership with our local caterers,” he declared.

The minister further stated that any airline unwilling to comply could stop flying into Nigeria, adding that local carriers like Air Peace could take over their routes.

Additionally, Keyamo announced plans to establish the first international airport in the North East, revealing that the Maiduguri airport is currently being upgraded to achieve international status. 

Bitcoin has fallen below $80,000, marking a 25% drop from last month’s peak, as US tariff threats from President Trump and crypto-related scandals shake investor confidence.

Key Factors Behind the Decline:

Bybit Hack: The Dubai-based exchange lost $1.5 billion in Ethereum, with the FBI blaming North Korea.

Argentine Crypto Scandal: President Javier Milei is under investigation for promoting the now-collapsed $LIBRA token.

Investor Sell-offs: Bitcoin traded at $95,000 earlier in the week before investors moved funds to safer assets.

Trump’s Influence on Crypto:

Despite once calling crypto a "scam", Trump now supports Bitcoin, promising to make the US a crypto hub.

He launched $TRUMP and Melania Trump introduced $MELANIA, both of which lost value quickly.

SEC lawsuit against Coinbase dropped, signaling regulatory easing under Trump.

Market Outlook:

With ongoing trade tensions, regulatory shifts, and security concerns, Bitcoin’s recovery remains uncertain. 

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has called on external solicitors to assist in recovering assets from closed banks. NDIC Managing Director, Dr. Bello Hassan, made the appeal at a seminar in Abuja, emphasizing the role of asset recovery in settling uninsured deposits, contractor claims, and liquidation dividends.

He cited the collapse of Heritage Bank, highlighting the complexities of bank liquidation and the need for legal expertise. He stressed that NDIC plays a dual role in litigation, representing depositors and creditors while pursuing debt recovery.

Dr. Hassan reaffirmed that legal support is crucial to fulfilling NDIC’s mandate, particularly in orderly bank liquidation. He praised external solicitors for their efforts, noting that their contributions have improved legal diligence, judicial decisions, and public awareness of deposit insurance in Nigeria. 

Stakeholders have emphasized the need for sustained efforts, collaboration, and ethical conduct in tackling corruption in Nigeria.

At the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room in Abuja, EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, and NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr called for a unified approach to fighting corruption at both national and subnational levels.

Olukoyede stressed that governance should be a responsibility, not a means of amassing wealth, attributing high levels of public sector corruption to this mindset. He urged citizens to refrain from defending corrupt individuals and instead support anti-corruption agencies.

ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu outlined a three-pronged strategy for combating corruption: enforcement, prevention, and public awareness, while Sawyerr highlighted the importance of technology in reducing corruption risks.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, called for greater public involvement in the fight against corruption, urging EFCC to mobilize workers, intellectuals, and youth to demand accountability.

Meanwhile, HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju stressed that Nigeria’s major challenge is not a lack of laws but the political will to implement them effectively. 

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has initiated discussions with the Nigerian government to address the N100 billion bridging claims owed to petroleum marketers, aiming to prevent a nationwide shutdown.

PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, made this known in a statement on Wednesday, following a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over the unpaid claims.

In an update, PETROAN emphasized its intervention to facilitate a swift resolution of the debt, warning that a shutdown of the sector could lead to fuel scarcity, economic instability, and hardship for Nigerians.

Gillis-Harry called on IPMAN and other industry stakeholders to collaborate in pushing for the settlement of the outstanding claims.

“The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has taken steps to ensure the payment of pending bridging claims. We urge our members to remain operational while engaging in constructive dialogue with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA),” he stated.

He reiterated PETROAN’s commitment to fostering stability in the downstream petroleum sector through cooperation and innovative solutions.

"This issue affects not only our members but the entire industry and the Nigerian economy. We call on all stakeholders to unite in advocating for a swift resolution to this matter,” he added.

Earlier, IPMAN had threatened to halt operations if the government failed to settle the outstanding N100 billion bridging claims within seven days. 

The Abia State government plans to amend its laws on expired drugs to impose stricter penalties, including imprisonment, for those selling counterfeit, expired, and unregistered medicines.

Governor Alex Otti, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, issued a stern warning to traders during a meeting in Aba with NAFDAC officials and market representatives. He urged them to report illegal drug activities or risk severe consequences, including having their properties sealed.

NAFDAC Zonal Director, Martins Iluyomade, announced that shops not involved in illegal sales would be reopened, while those linked to counterfeiting would remain shut until their owners are identified. He also lamented that traders in Eziukwu market had rejected free NAFDAC registration aimed at legitimizing their businesses.

Abia’s PCN Director, Ngozi Nzenwata, called for government support in establishing a Medicine Mart to regulate pharmaceutical sales. Aba South LGA Chairman, Anyanwu Obialor, pledged to collaborate with the government and NAFDAC to enforce strict penalties, including revoking shops engaged in illegal sales.

Market leaders expressed appreciation for the reopening of some shops and promised to cooperate in curbing counterfeit drug sales. 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans on Tuesday to introduce a new "gold card" residency permit, offering a fast-track route to U.S. citizenship for wealthy individuals willing to pay $5 million.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump explained that the initiative aims to attract job creators and help reduce the national deficit. "We’re going to be selling a gold card. You have a green card, this is a gold card. We’re putting a price of about $5 million on it," he told reporters.

Trump, who has prioritized mass deportations of undocumented migrants in his second term, stated that the new permit would be a means for affluent individuals to live and work in the U.S. "A lot of people want to be in this country, and they’ll be able to work, provide jobs, and build companies," he added.

Sales of the residency permits are set to begin within two weeks, with Trump estimating that up to one million could be issued. "We have it all worked out legally," he assured.

When asked whether Russian oligarchs would be eligible, Trump did not rule out the possibility. "Possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs who are very nice people. They’re not as wealthy as they used to be, but I think they can afford $5 million," he remarked.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago, many oligarchs have been subject to Western sanctions. Meanwhile, Trump has stirred controversy in Europe by initiating talks with Russia to end the war, raising concerns about his approach to Ukraine.

Although lifting sanctions on Russia is not currently under consideration, Trump suggested it could happen "at some point."

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who stood beside Trump during the announcement, said revenue from the "gold card" sales could be used to reduce the national deficit.

Trump, known for branding luxury properties, even entertained the idea of naming the program after himself. "Someone asked, ‘Can we call it the Trump Gold Card?’ I said, ‘If it helps, use the name Trump,’" he joked. 

Unity Bank Plc recorded a gross earnings of N59.3 billion for the financial year ending December 31, 2023, reflecting a 3.84% year-on-year increase.

According to its audited financial report submitted to the NGX Group Limited, the bank also saw a 23% surge in customer deposits, rising to N402.9 billion from N327.4 billion. This growth highlights sustained retail expansion and strong customer confidence.

Key financial indicators from the report include total assets of N472.5 billion, net fee and commission income of N5.2 billion, and a 9.6% rise in interest income, which climbed to N53.7 billion from N48.8 billion.

Commenting on the results, Managing Director/CEO Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun acknowledged the challenges posed by the naira devaluation and forex shortages, which had affected economic stability. However, she noted that key performance indicators are now rebounding, reflecting the bank’s strategic efforts in recapitalization, asset creation, product innovation, and digital banking.

She emphasized that the bank remains optimistic about sustaining this momentum, driven by customer confidence, an expanding retail market, and upcoming digital innovations, including a soon-to-be-launched omnichannel app designed to enhance user experience and boost earnings.

Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently approved a business combination between Unity Bank and another innovative financial institution. This strategic partnership aims to merge traditional banking strengths with digital expertise, enhancing service delivery and growth prospects.

Analysts maintain a positive outlook on Unity Bank, citing its resilience, strong market perception, and growing investor confidence. 

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has clarified that Nigeria’s Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) policy has been upgraded, not scrapped, as previously reported.

Speaking after a closed-door meeting with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo addressed concerns over the policy changes. His remarks were echoed in a statement issued by PEBEC Director-General, Princess Zahrah, who emphasized the government’s commitment to streamlining business processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

The minister explained that while the VOA policy remains in place, new regulations now require pre-arrival clearance from Interpol, criminal record systems, and other security agencies in real time.

“The Visa-on-Arrival process is not being scrapped; it has been upgraded for greater efficiency and security. Travelers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals granted within 24 to 48 hours," Tunji-Ojo stated.

He added that once approved, visas would be sent directly to applicants via email, eliminating the need for a physical sticker upon arrival.

“This enhancement will streamline the process, reduce inefficiencies, and improve automation, ensuring better control over the movement of travelers. It is another step towards creating a more business-friendly environment and attracting foreign investment,” he said. 

The United States has released the list of countries eligible for its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), with notable exclusions, including the United Kingdom.

While the UK remains eligible under certain conditions, no African country—such as Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa—was included in the programme.

A key update in the 2025 list is the addition of Romania, reflecting the US’s focus on diplomatic ties and border security standards.

According to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, the VWP allows citizens of participating countries to visit the US for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. However, travelers must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.

The 2025 programme includes 40 countries whose citizens can enter the US without a visa.

Full List of Eligible Countries:

Andorra

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Chile

Czech Republic

Croatia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Israel

Norway

Poland

Portugal

San Marino

Singapore

Slovakia

Japan

Slovenia

Latvia

South Korea

Liechtenstein

Spain

Lithuania

Sweden

Luxembourg

Switzerland

Malta

Netherlands

New Zealand

Qatar

Romania

Monaco 

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has enough Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, in storage to sufficiently meet the local needs of Nigeria, according to the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote.

Speaking at the weekend, Dangote disclosed that the oil refinery has “more than half a billion litres of petroleum and over 600 billion Naira worth of products in its tanks. Dangote said, “…as we speak right now we have more than half a billion litres. The Refinery is producing enough refined products, like gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, to meet 100 per cent of Nigeria’s requirements.

Speaking after a tour of the Refinery complex by a Zambia Government delegation, led by the country’s Minister of Energy, Mr. Makozo Chikote, Dangote stated that the refinery project, like other projects in the past, is not for Nigeria alone. “This refinery is not only for Nigeria; it is for Africa. We must sustain the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) deal. We are trying to see how we trade with other African countries.

The Zambian Minister of Energy said his takeaway from the Dangote Refinery working visit was that the President, Aliko Dangote, is truly focused on the bigger picture for Africa. Chikote, who led a delegation of energy experts to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to partner Zambia on energy solutions, expressed satisfaction and readiness to work with the African manufacturing giant.

After a tour of the Dangote complex at the Free Trade Zone, Ibeju Lekki, starting from the Single Point Mooring to the Dangote Jetty, the biggest fertiliser plant in Africa and the 650,000bpd largest single-train refinery in the world, the Minister enthused that the presentation by the Vice President, Oil and Gas of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, made their hearts “jump”. He stated that the presentation speaks to the challenges of his country, Zambia. 

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has adopted a new Regional Development Master Plan to replace the previous 15-year plan, which expired in 2020. The decision was made during the NDDC 2025 Board and Management Strategic Retreat in Lagos, where stakeholders evaluated past progress and outlined strategies for improved regional development.

The communiqué, signed by Chairman Chiedu Ebie and Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized stronger collaboration with Niger Delta states, ensuring projects align with community needs. It also called for budget discipline, adherence to statutory tenures for board members, and digital transformation in governance.

Additionally, the retreat adopted the KPMG Corporate Governance Report, advocating for international best practices and sustainable development. The participants commended President Bola Tinubu for fully implementing the NDDC Act, ensuring consistent funding for the Commission. 

Scrap markets, commonly known as panteka, have resumed operations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), five weeks after the FCT Administration (FCTA) shut them down due to security concerns.

The markets, located in all six area councils of Abuja, were closed on January 14 following a security meeting led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, during which several scrap dealers were arrested.

Leaders of the affected markets confirmed the reopening after discussions with Abuja Market Management Limited and the FCT Police Command.

According to Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, chairman of the Dei-Dei scrap market—the largest in Abuja—market leaders underwent police profiling. As part of the new regulations:

Each market’s chairman, vice chairman, and secretary must provide national identity card details.

They must also present a guarantor, who must be an imam, pastor, or traditional leader.

Market unions are responsible for profiling their members.

Additionally, the Abuja Market Management Limited has taken over security and facility management in the markets. Shop owners are now required to pay N10,000 monthly for these services, in addition to their annual rent. 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has said the fire outbreak that started on a dry crude storage barge at Cawthorne Channel 1 in Rivers State has been successfully contained.

In a statement on Thursday, NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said the incident did not affect the operations of the flow station in the area. “Thanks to the swift response of our emergency teams and industry partners, the fire was successfully contained. The incident did not impact flow station operations,” he said.

According to Soneye, no lives were lost in the incident. NNPCL spokesman also assured the public of its commitment to safety, environmental protection, and operational integrity. “Most importantly, there were no casualties, and all personnel are safe. NNPC Ltd. prioritises safety and remains fully committed to environmental protection and operational integrity,” Soneye stated.

The fire, which broke out at around 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday, began on the BESTAF5 barge and spread to other barges in the area. The Cawthorne Channel is a major hub for oil and gas facilities, situated near the boundary between Bonny and Degema Local Government Areas in Rivers State.

However, quick action by emergency teams and industry partners prevented further damage. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire. 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confiscated a substantial quantity of smuggled petroleum in the first month of 2025. During a series of operations across border towns in Kwara State, customs officials seized 800 jerry cans of 25 litres each, along with a truck carrying 33,000 litres of petrol. The total estimated value of the seized fuel stands at N53 million.

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, revealed this during a familiarization tour of the Kwara State command in Ilorin on February 17, 2025. He stated that the interceptions, which took place between mid-January and February 15, occurred in various locations, including Baruten, Kaiama forest, Ilesha-Baruba, and Gure border towns.

“This operation is part of our intensified efforts to combat smuggling nationwide,” Adeniyi stated. “The Kwara border with Benin Republic remains a key focus area, and we are deploying senior officers to enhance surveillance and enforcement.”

Adeniyi also highlighted the achievements of Operation Whirlwind, an ongoing anti-smuggling initiative. Key outcomes include the closure of 12 illegal fuel retail outlets, the seizure of 460,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for smuggling, and the confiscation of 23 smuggling vehicles and over 8,000 kegs of PMS. Additionally, seven suspects have been arrested, and three marketers are currently facing prosecution for regulatory violations.

Addressing the growing sophistication of fuel smuggling networks, Adeniyi pointed out that despite the removal of fuel subsidies, price differences between Nigeria and its neighboring countries continue to drive illegal fuel trade. “While petrol prices in Nigeria hover around N1,000 per litre, the cost in Benin Republic and Cameroon is much higher—approximately N1,700 and N2,000, respectively. This price gap fuels cross-border smuggling,” he explained.

The Customs chief urged stronger collaboration in tackling smuggling and warned those involved to desist or face strict legal consequences. 

A potential crisis is brewing in Ogoni, Rivers State, following the alleged exclusion of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) from ongoing consultations regarding oil exploration.

MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke, warned that neglecting the group’s input could spark unrest reminiscent of the 1990s crisis in the oil-rich region. While urging Ogoni people to maintain peace, he assured them that the issues surrounding oil resumption would be resolved for the benefit of both the people and the Federal Government.

Speaking at a meeting with MOSOP kingdom coordinators in Bori, Nsuke criticized the Federal Government’s approach, stating it contradicts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for an inclusive process. He accused certain individuals of prioritizing personal gain over the interests of the Ogoni people and misleading the president.

“The president directed consultations with all stakeholders, but instead, some are manipulating the process for selfish reasons. We seek development, not conflict, and we trust that a democrat like Tinubu will not allow another era of Ogoni killings,” Nsuke stated.

He emphasized that MOSOP, which played a key role in the fight against Shell’s operations in Ogoni, must not be sidelined in discussions about oil resumption. He called on President Tinubu to intervene and ensure an inclusive and transparent process that restores trust among the people.