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Savannah Energy acquires SIPEC

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Savannah Energy Completes Acquisition of SIPEC, Targets Production Growth

Savannah Energy PLC, a British independent energy company, has announced the successful acquisition of Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Nigeria Limited (SIPEC),Thecable reports.

In a statement on Monday, Savannah revealed that the acquisition has increased its reserves and resource base by approximately 30%, rising from 151 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) to 197 mmboe.

The deal also brings an additional 227 billion standard cubic feet (Bscf) of “2C gross gas resources” at the Stubb Creek Field, significantly boosting long-term feedstock gas supply for Accugas customers.

ALSO READ: FG investigates food quality in Federal Unity Colleges

Key Details of the Acquisition

Savannah explained that SIPEC’s primary asset is a 49% non-operated interest in the Stubb Creek oil and gas field, which is operated and 51% owned by Universal Energy Resources Limited, a Savannah affiliate company.

The acquisition was financed through a $60 million Reserve-Based Lending debt facility arranged by The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited. At the time of completion, the total consideration paid was approximately $35.1 million, which included $19.5 million in SIPEC’s available cash. Additionally, $2 million in deferred cash consideration will be paid over eight quarterly installments.

Following the acquisition, Savannah has launched an 18-month expansion plan to increase production at Stubb Creek Field from an average of 2.7 kbopd in 2024 to approximately 4.7 kbopd.

Stubb Creek Field Overview

Located in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, the Stubb Creek Field is a producing oil field with substantial undeveloped gas resources. As of year-end 2024, it held:

  • 11 million stock tank barrels (MMstb) of 2P gross oil reserves
  • 515 Bscf of 2C gross gas resources

Commercial oil production began at the field in 2015, with cumulative production reaching 8.1 MMstb by December 2024. The field’s crude is processed onsite before being transported via a 25 km pipeline to the Qua Iboe terminal.

Additionally, the field was converted into a 20-year Petroleum Mining Lease under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, effective December 1, 2023.

Savannah Energy’s Growth Strategy

Andrew Knott, CEO of Savannah Energy, described the acquisition as a major milestone in the company’s 2025 strategy.

“Our focus now shifts to the expansion project at Stubb Creek Field, where we anticipate increasing production by nearly 75% over 2025 and 2026,” Knott said.

He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for its support in facilitating the deal and extended a warm welcome to SIPEC employees joining Savannah.

Knott assured shareholders that regular updates on the expansion and other key business priorities would be provided in the coming months.

FG investigates food quality in Federal Unity Colleges

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FG Inspects Federal Unity Colleges, Recalls Principals Over Substandard Meals

The Federal Government has begun inspections of Federal Unity Colleges, uncovering that two institutions failed to meet the required standards for student meals,Daily Trust reports.

As a result, the Principals of the affected schools have been recalled to the Ministry’s headquarters for further investigation.

ALSO READ: El-Rufai Resigns From APC, Joins SDP

In a statement, the Director of Press & Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to student well-being in Federal Unity Colleges. To ensure strict compliance with feeding standards and student welfare, senior officers have been deployed to oversee the operations of the affected schools during the investigation.

Furthermore, the Ministry has launched a nationwide assessment of all Federal Unity Colleges to evaluate the quality of food and pastoral care provided to students.

The Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to upholding high standards in its institutions, ensuring that students receive the proper nourishment and care essential for their academic and personal growth.

El-Rufai Resigns From APC, Joins SDP

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El-Rufai Resigns from APC, Joins SDP

Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State and a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially resigned from the party and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP),leadership reports.

In a statement issued on Monday announcing his defection, El-Rufai cited developments over the past two years as evidence that those currently in control of the APC have no intention of addressing the party’s internal challenges.

“As a founding member of the APC, I had hoped that my personal values would continue to align with those of the party until my retirement from politics. However, the trajectory of the APC has become increasingly capricious,” he said. “I have raised my concerns privately and, more recently, publicly, but it has become clear that meaningful change will not happen.”

ALSO READ: ‘I was really touched I had to shed tears’, Fubara narrates…

El-Rufai revealed that he had submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Kaduna, effective immediately, after consulting with mentors, colleagues, and loyalists across the country. He added that he had now chosen the SDP as his new political platform.

“Moving forward, I will focus on uniting and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to come together under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027, by the grace of God,” he declared.

Reflecting on his time in the APC, El-Rufai recalled the party’s early days and his role in its formation.

“I have fond memories of working with fellow compatriots to negotiate the merger that gave birth to the APC. Since 2013, I had envisioned a long-term alignment between my values and those of the party. Unfortunately, recent developments have proven otherwise,” he stated.

Acknowledging the difficulty of leaving a party he helped build, El-Rufai emphasized that leaders must be pragmatic when faced with an unbridgeable divergence.

“I have diligently served the APC and contributed to its viability as a political platform. However, the party has strayed far from the vision of its well-meaning founders. It has marginalized its members, disregarded internal democracy, and rendered its organs ineffective over the last two years. This is no longer acceptable to me,” he added.

The former governor also highlighted his commitment to progressive governance during his tenure in Kaduna State, citing reforms in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation. However, he lamented that such principles now hold little significance within the APC.

“Despite our efforts to advance nation-building and secure victories for the party in 2015, 2019, and 2023, the APC has abandoned its founding ideals. It is time to move forward,” he stated.

El-Rufai concluded by calling on his supporters and other like-minded Nigerians to join the SDP in the collective effort to rebuild the country.

“I invite all who are passionate about Nigeria’s future to join us in the SDP as we work toward making our nation a beacon of hope for Africa and the Black race,” he said.

‘I was really touched I had to shed tears’, Fubara narrates recent encounter

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has shared a heartfelt moment that brought him to tears,Daily Trust reports.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Palace of Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom and a residential quarters for King Eze Levi Amos Oriebe—both built and furnished by his administration—Fubara expressed joy that his government had positively impacted lives.

Despite ongoing political tensions, he reassured Rivers people that they would emerge stronger and urged them to remain peaceful and law-abiding. He recounted how, ten months ago, during the flag-off of the Okania-Ogbogoro Road reconstruction in Obi Akpor Local Government Area, the people requested the construction of the palace.

“I was deeply moved to the point of shedding a few tears when the Royal Father spoke. He said that in over 200 years of Akpor Kingdom’s existence, it had never had a palace,” Fubara recalled. “But God makes no mistakes. Perhaps, He left this task for our administration to fulfill so that we would be part of Akpor Kingdom’s history forever.”

The governor further explained that his administration not only built the palace but also provided a private residence for the Nyeweali, recognizing that while the palace serves the entire kingdom, the ruler’s family would need a home of their own after his tenure.

“We didn’t stop at just constructing the palace; we went further to build a personal residence for the Eze. This ensures that when he steps down or when nature calls, he and his family will have a comfortable place to live,” he said.

Addressing his supporters, Fubara encouraged them to stay hopeful despite recent events in the state.

“I know some of you are feeling discouraged, while others remain hopeful. But one thing is certain—God never starts something and abandons it halfway,” he assured. “No matter the challenges we face today, we will emerge stronger and better. Stay on the path of peace, because if anything goes wrong, we are the ones who stand to lose the most.”

Emphasizing that his commitment to Rivers State is driven by the collective well-being of its people rather than personal gain, Fubara urged citizens to remain law-abiding.

“I will not support disobedience or violence, but that does not mean we will tolerate evil. We will never support wrongdoing,” he declared.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to good governance and impactful, people-centered development.

“Our projects and services will continue to touch the hearts, souls, and spirits of our people. No matter the circumstances, we will not waver in our promise to serve the good people of Rivers State.”

TCN targets 10,000MW power transmission capacity by 2026

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced plans to increase the country’s power evacuation capacity to 10,000 megawatts (MW) by 2026,Thecable reports.

Speaking at the ‘meet-the-press’ program at the presidential villa in Abuja on Thursday, TCN Managing Director, Sule Abdulaziz, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing the national grid and ensuring a stable power supply.

Highlighting the recent peak power generation record of 5,801.84MW achieved on March 4, Abdulaziz stated that TCN is steadily working toward its 10,000MW target, building on the current evacuation capacity of 8,500MW.

ALSO READ: ‘Why No Senator Openly Support Natasha’, Ex-Lawmaker Shehu Sani Explains

“With the numerous transmission projects completed in the last two years and new ones underway, I can confidently state that in less than two years, the Transmission Company of Nigeria will conveniently evacuate 10,000MW of generated power,” he said. “We currently have a capacity of 8,500MW, and by the end of next year, it will reach 10,000MW.”

$486 Million World Bank-Funded Grid Monitoring System Nears Completion

Abdulaziz also highlighted progress on the World Bank-funded grid monitoring system, which is now 69% complete. He noted that World Bank-backed projects have added 6,000 megavolt-amperes (MVA) of transmission capacity, with another 3,000MVA in progress.

Other key projects include the new Kano-Kaduna 330kV DC transmission line, the Zaria 330kV substation, and the 132kV substation in Jaji, Kaduna—funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Presidential Power Initiative and Siemens Project

Under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), also known as the Siemens project, the government has delivered 10 mobile substations, seven of which are already installed, along with 10 transformers of various ratings connected to the grid.

“The FGN Power Company, a special-purpose vehicle for implementing the presidential power initiative, has completed the pilot phase with transformer installations. Phase 1B has also been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to reinforce seven existing transmission substations,” Abdulaziz explained.

Future phases of the project are being planned, though TCN itself does not manage the Siemens project directly. Instead, FGN Power Company, a sister agency, oversees its execution.

Strengthening Grid Stability and Renewable Energy Integration

To improve grid reliability, TCN has developed a generation load drop sensitivity system, which helps prevent cascading failures in the absence of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

Abdulaziz noted that the ongoing SCADA project, funded by the World Bank at $486 million, is 69% complete. Once fully operational, it will enhance real-time monitoring, making fault detection and response times significantly faster.

“Once SCADA is fully implemented, operators will no longer need to manually track faults or rely on phone calls to determine the status of grid infrastructure,” he said.

On renewable energy integration, Abdulaziz revealed that the federal government is rolling out solar power projects across all 19 northern states, leveraging the region’s abundant sunlight. Each state is expected to generate 100MW of solar power, which will gradually be fed into the national grid.

However, he cautioned that only 10% of total generation can come from solar power without destabilizing the grid.

With these initiatives, TCN aims to enhance Nigeria’s power transmission network, ensuring a more stable and efficient electricity supply for the country.

‘Why No Senator Openly Support Natasha’, Ex-Lawmaker Shehu Sani Explains

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Senator Shehu Sani, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has shed light on why the suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, found herself isolated in her clash with the leadership of the 10th Senate,leadership reports.

According to LEADERSHIP, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on Thursday for six months over alleged violations of Senate rules and other misconduct. Her suspension followed a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding seating arrangements in the Red Chamber two weeks ago.

Reacting to the development, Shehu Sani—who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate between 2015 and 2019—took to his verified Facebook page, recalling how he narrowly escaped a similar six-month suspension for publicly revealing the actual salaries and allowances of senators on a TV show.

ALSO RAED: FG freezes bank accounts of Simon Ekpa, 16 others for terrorism

Sani implied that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusation of sexual harassment against Akpabio had left her politically abandoned, as no senator would risk openly supporting her for fear of repercussions.

“When I publicly disclosed the salaries and allowances of the Senators, it nearly earned me a SIX-month suspension if not for Divine Intervention,” Sani wrote. “Just know that if you are there and you blow the whistle too loudly, you will be ‘On Your Own.’ No senator go bring him head and neck to support you.”

FG freezes bank accounts of Simon Ekpa, 16 others for terrorism

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The federal government, on Thursday, designated several individuals, including Simon Ekpa, and entities on the Nigeria Sanctions List due to their involvement in terrorism financing,Daily Trust reports.

These individuals and entities were recommended for designation by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee during a meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.

According to official documents, this action aligns with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The Attorney-General of the Federation, with presidential approval, mandated their inclusion on the Nigeria Sanctions List.

ALSO READ: Insecurity: Over 12,000 killed in Northwest –Kukah

As a result, the committee is required to immediately identify and freeze all funds, assets, and other economic resources belonging to the designated individuals and entities—without prior notice—and report these actions to the Sanctions Committee.

Additionally, all accounts linked to the designated individuals and entities must be frozen, including those associated with their signatories and directors, to ensure comprehensive enforcement of the sanctions.

The designated individuals and entities are:

  1. Simon Ekpa Njoku (21-03-1985) – Guaranty Trust Bank: 0118835791, 0115442299, 0115442275
  2. Godstime Promise Iyare (20-05-1996) – Access Bank: 0060032439, 1187008630, 1448136683; UBA: 2212655102; Moniepoint: 8197394552; Kuda: 2007096158; Promicool Venture – Moniepoint: 8197394576
  3. Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi (27-09-1987) – Eco Bank: 3941072599; Fidelity: 6239280146; Opay: 8037688095; Moniepoint: 8196060258, 8196028438, 8196028452, 5380383959, 5612325508, 4730823866, 8037688095
  4. John Anayo Onwumere (05-03-1987) – Sterling: 0026224269; Zenith: 4230646454
  5. Chikwuka Godwin Eze (05-05-1975) – First Bank: 3031299977; Access Bank: 0110709618, 0108595489, 1132518632
  6. Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo (27-05-1983) – Union: 0010808495, 0110232286, 0069247850; Eco Bank: 2321194539; Opay: 8169916076; Moniepoint: 6786290317, 6786290300
  7. Chinwendu Joy Owoh (10-02-1982) – First Bank: 3125731837; GTB: 0115848475; Moniepoint: 6474876289; Union: 0014660761
  8. Ginika Jane Orji (05-10-1995) – Blueridge: 8039231985; Opay: 7059681248, 8106940744
  9. Awo Uchechukwu (11-12-1978) – First Bank: 3060144916
  10. Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali (07-07-1998) – Access: 1612608952; FCMB: 6594319019; First Bank: 3147574474
  11. Ohagwu Nneka Juliana (15-08-1985) – UBA: 2147559148
  12. Eze Chibuike Okpoto (12-01-1989) – Access: 0071127599, 1138098116; FCMB: 3723955016; GT Bank: 0123014963
  13. Nwaobi Henry Chimezie (12-06-1991) – Access: 1113046148, 1113046148; UBA: 2115584448, 2117752704; First Bank: 3067985749; Moniepoint: 8276850931
  14. Ogomu Peace Kewe (27-06-1997) – Access: 1840168323; UBA: 2096777826; First Bank: 3124937333, 2041450556 (USD) 3180578127; Zenith: 2547460190; Opay: 9069071154; Kuda: 2028607838; Fidelity: 6552642526; GT Bank: 0258732080; Stanbic: 0021280495
  15. Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises (3750733) – Access: 1872085373, 0800331795; Fairmoney: 2683102063; Fidelity: 5090919707; GTB: 0206153527, 0044247093, 0044247086, 0044247079, 0044247062, 0044247055, 0044247103, 4020644423; Opay: 9023765613, 8035144914, 8126308128; Polaris: 3124277058; Carbon: 0629821223; Zenith: 1226773554
  16. Seficuvi Global Company (3225098) – Access Bank: 1436852548; Eco Bank: 3831141439
  17. Lakurawa Group NLLKW

Compliance Measures

Authorities have issued the following directives:

  • Financial institutions and relevant entities must report any frozen assets or actions taken in compliance with the sanctions.
  • A Suspicious Transactions Report (STR) must be filed with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for further investigation.
  • All transactions involving these individuals or entities before or after this designation must also be reported as STRs to the NFIU.

The freezing obligation applies to:

  1. All funds and assets owned or controlled by designated individuals and entities, even if not directly linked to a specific act of terrorism.
  2. Assets jointly or indirectly owned or controlled by these individuals and entities.
  3. Funds or assets derived from their financial resources.
  4. Any assets held by individuals or entities acting on their behalf or under their direction.

Insecurity: Over 12,000 killed in Northwest –Kukah

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The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto and Founder of The Kukah Centre (TKC), Matthew Hassan Kukah, has revealed that insecurity in Northwest Nigeria has claimed over 12,000 lives in the past decade,

Speaking on Tuesday at the second edition of the Northwest Regional Conference on Women, Peace, and Security in Abuja, Kukah also noted that 76% of all abductions recorded in Northern Nigeria occurred in the Northwest region.

The event was organized by Global Rights Nigeria in collaboration with The Kukah Centre, Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative, and the Community Dialogue Committee, with support from UK Aid.

Addressing the gathering via Zoom, Kukah stated, “Reports indicate that in the Northwest alone, over 4,500 incidents of abductions and kidnappings have been recorded in Northern Nigeria. More than 12,000 men, women, and children have lost their lives. Abductions continue to escalate, with 76% of them occurring in the Northwest.”

ALSO READ: ‘He passed on in hotel’, Police confirm death of ex-Immigration CG

He described the region as a hotspot for criminal activities, emphasizing the need for women’s empowerment and community resilience to combat these challenges. He called for collective action to address the crisis, uphold human rights, and restore dignity to affected communities.

Kukah urged communities to take proactive steps in tackling insecurity, setting aside religious and political differences for a united response.

Earlier, the Executive Director of Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu, highlighted the worsening security situation in the Northwest over the past decade. She explained that the conference was convened to assess the threats to Nigeria’s peace and unity, explore the role of social cohesion in peacebuilding, and recognize the efforts of individuals working to foster security and stability in the region.

“Peacebuilding is a long and challenging journey that cannot be undertaken alone. It requires the combined efforts of security personnel, community leaders, men, women, youth, elders, indigenes, and settlers,” Baiyewu said.

In her goodwill message, the Executive Director of Partners West Africa – Nigeria (PWAN – Nigeria), Kemi Okenyodo, emphasized that including women in peacebuilding is not merely an issue of fairness but a proven strategy for effective conflict resolution and long-term stability.

‘He passed on in hotel’, Police confirm death of ex-Immigration CG

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Hama Media
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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the passing of former Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang,Daily Trust reports.

In an official statement on Tuesday, the FCT Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, refuted claims that Parradang was kidnapped and murdered, labeling such reports as false.

Adeh clarified that Parradang passed away after receiving a female guest at a hotel where he had checked in.

ALSO READ: With enough money, you win any election in Nigeria – Ex-Gov…

“To address recent reports alleging that the retired official was kidnapped and killed, we wish to set the record straight and provide accurate information on the incident,” she stated.

According to the statement, on March 3, 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM, Mr. Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, in a black Mercedes Benz. He checked into the hotel, paying ₦22,000 for a one-night stay. Shortly after, he instructed a hotel attendant to escort a female visitor to his room. The guest later departed the premises at around 4:00 PM the same day.

Parradang did not leave his room after the visitor’s departure. Concerned about his well-being, a military officer and friend traced him to the hotel at around 4:00 AM on March 4, 2025. Upon arrival, the officer and the hotel receptionist proceeded to his room, where they found him unresponsive, seated in a chair.

The Durumi Police Station was alerted, and officers promptly arrived at the scene to secure the area, document evidence, and ensure a thorough investigation. Parradang’s body has since been transferred to the National Hospital for further procedures, while hotel staff continue to cooperate with police inquiries.

With enough money, you win any election in Nigeria – Ex-Gov Udenwa

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Ex-Governor Udenwa: Nigerian Elections Can Be Bought

Former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, has asserted that Nigerian elections can be influenced by those with enough financial resources,Daily Trust reports.

Speaking on State Affairs, a podcast hosted by On-Air Personality Edmund Obilo, Udenwa—who governed Imo State from 1999 to 2007—expressed concern over the growing role of money in Nigeria’s electoral process.

He stated that both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies could be swayed by financial inducements.

ALSO READ: Governors’ Boycott Of FAAC Meeting Delays Salaries

“Unfortunately, our society has reached a point where when someone asks for votes, people no longer consider their track record, character, or competence,” he lamented.

“Even if I don’t vote for you, you can buy your way through—if you have the right amount of money,” he added.

When asked if politicians could influence INEC, the police, the army, and even voters, Udenwa responded bluntly, “You can buy everybody.”

PDP Crisis and APC’s Role

Udenwa, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, also blamed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the ongoing crisis within the PDP.

While acknowledging internal challenges, he argued that external forces were exacerbating the party’s instability.

“There are external hands trying to destroy the PDP through internal sources. We are still battling the problem, and I believe PDP will not be destroyed,” he said.

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