NNPC Denies $6.8 Billion Debt Allegation and Defends Federation Account Remittances

On Sunday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) refuted claims of a $6.8 billion debt to international traders. In a statement, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, clarified that the company does not owe the reported sum.

The NNPC Ltd’s response followed allegations that it has not contributed any funds to the Federation Account since January. Soneye emphasized that such claims are false, asserting that the company and its subsidiaries consistently remit taxes to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Soneye explained that while NNPC Ltd manages numerous open trade credit lines, it adheres to a first-in-first-out payment approach for its obligations. He also highlighted that the company is a major contributor to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) through its tax contributions.

Regarding the quality and quantity of imported petroleum products, Soneye clarified that NNPC Ltd does not oversee these matters, as this falls under the purview of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), an independent body.

The statement reinforced NNPC Ltd’s commitment to transparency and accountability, in line with the company’s TAPE (Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence) philosophy.

FirstBank Recognized for Excellence in ESG Investments with Euromoney Award

FirstBank has been awarded the 2024 Euromoney Award for its outstanding commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments in Nigeria, through innovative financial solutions and initiatives.

In a statement released Sunday, FirstBank announced that Euromoney recognized its significant progress in implementing an ESG management system, screening N4.2 trillion in new transactions for ESG risks in 2024.

FirstBank’s notable projects include a $10 million solar energy initiative to expand off-grid solar solutions in Africa and Asia via a pay-as-you-go model, aiding Nigeria’s green transition. Additionally, the bank invested N16 billion to develop four modular independent power plants for a major beer manufacturer, reducing reliance on diesel generators and lowering production costs.

The bank also launched a tree-planting campaign with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, planting over 50,000 trees in 2024, underscoring its ESG commitment.

Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, expressed the bank’s excitement over the award, stating, “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to enabling success in our employees, businesses, and communities. Sustainability drives our growth and innovation.”

Euromoney’s “Awards for Excellence” honor top banks and bankers who demonstrate exceptional differentiation in the global banking industry.

FirstBank has also recently received accolades as Best SME Bank in Nigeria, Best Bank in Africa, Best Private Bank in Nigeria, and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa by Global Finance.

Fuel subsidy was removed for Nigeria not to go bankrupt – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said that fuel subsidy was removed to save the country from going bankrupt.

Speaking as one of the panelists at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, April 28, Tinubu said he was convinced it was in the best interest of the people.

He said; “For Nigeria, we are immensely consistent with belief that the economic collaboration and inclusiveness are necessary to engender stability in the rest of the world.

“Concerning the question of the subsidy removal, there is no doubt that it was a necessary action for my country not to go bankrupt, to reset the economy and pathway to growth.

“It is going to be difficult, but the hallmark of leadership is taking difficult decisions at the time it ought to be taken decisively. That was necessary for the country.

“Yes, there will be blowback, there is expectation that the difficulty in it will be felt by greater number of the people, but once I believe it is their interest that is the focus of the government, it is easier to manage and explain the difficulties.

“Along the line, there is a parallel arrangement to really cushion the effect of the subsidy removal on the vulnerable population of the country. We share the pain across board, we cannot but include those who are vulnerable.

“Luckily, we have a very vibrant youthful population interested in discoveries by themselves and they are highly ready for technology, good education committed to growth.

“We are able to manage that and partition the economic drawback and the fallout of subsidy removal.”

The President who stated that fuel subsidy removal engendered accountability, transparency and physical discipline for the country, also talked about exchange rate unification.

According to President Tinubu, the management of the nation’s currency by the government was as well necessary to allow the Naira compete favourably with other world currencies.

He said; “The currency management was necessary equally to remove the artificial elements of value in our currency. Let our local currency find its level and compete with the rest of the world currency and remove arbitrage, corruption and opaqueness.

“That we did at the same time. That is two engine problem in a very template situation for the government, but we are able to manage that turbulence because we are prepared for inclusivity in governance and rapid communication with the public to really see what is necessary and what you must do.”

Fuel subsidy was removed for Nigeria not to go bankrupt – Tinubu