Business
Nigeria bleeding from rising petrol smuggling, says NNPC GMD
About 42 million litres of petrol are being smuggled out of Nigeria daily through the borders, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has lamented.
The corporation said the country was bleeding from such huge amount of fuel smuggling, which had increased daily consumption of petrol from 60 million litres to 102 million litres.
The NNPC Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, stated this in Abuja when he met with stakeholders, adding that smuggling had gone beyond what the NNPC could handle.
This is contained in a statement by the corporation’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Dr Taiye Obateru.
He also put the subsidy on petrol being paid by the government every month at N150bn, a situation meant to keep the pump price of petrol at N162 per litre.
Those that attended the meeting were the leaderships of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and chief executives of agencies in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Other groups that attended the stakeholders’ meeting organised by the corporation to halt fuel smuggling were the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association (DAPPMA).
Kyari said fuel smuggling was increasing the country’s subsidy payment and exacerbating the foreign exchange crisis.
He said the gathering was at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari who mandated the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the NNPC, the EFCC and all other security agencies to do everything possible to stop crude oil theft and illicit truck-out of petroleum products, which he described as major economic crimes that have hindered Nigerians from enjoying the benefits of subsidised petroleum products.
He urged all industry stakeholders to collaborate with the NNPC to ensure that the daily national petroleum products consumption, which shot up to 102 million litres in May, is reduced to about 60 million litres.
He added that it was obvious that that huge volume of petrol was not consumed by Nigerians alone.
Kyari said, “We all agree that smuggling is not a business that should be condoned because even for deregulated petroleum products, it brings extra cost burden on this country both in terms of safety and security of supply and in securing of foreign exchange.
“It even constitutes more burden to this country when the product involved is a regulated product like Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).”
He noted that with the increasing price of crude oil at the global market and the OPEC+ production cuts, the country could not afford to shoulder the cost of smuggling.
“We all know that our daily consumption is not up to 60 million litres. We all know that, and that is why we have to pull it down. We will pull it down by every means necessary,” he said.
He said the NNPC would introduce advanced cargo declaration in line with global best practices to tackle crude oil theft.
Kyari stated that going after smugglers was beyond the call of the corporation, adding that with the involvement of the EFCC, the situation would improve considerably.
“But we in the NNPC, we are not in control of that, we are not in every depot, we don’t keep products in all the depots, but when the volume goes down, it comes down to us. When there is tight supply, it comes back to the NNPC and we solve the problem,” he added.
Kyari said, with the extant directive from the President that smuggling had to be halted, all the stakeholders must begin to work together to address the problem, especially with the involvement of the security agencies.
He said Buhari had instructed that the menace must be stopped by every means necessary, and called on the stakeholders present to think outside the box since all the layers of controls that had been put in place before now seemed to have failed.
He stated that with the current exchange rate and considering other price determinants, the pump price of petrol should be N256 per litre.
“What we sell today is N162; so the difference is at a cost to the nation,” he said.
Kyari said, “I know that so much work is going on, and then we have to manage the volume that we are exposed to between this price of N162 and N256. The difference comes back to as much as N140bn to N150bn cost to the country monthly.
“And as long as the volume goes up, that money continues to increase and we have two sets of stress to face, the stress of supply and the stress of foreign exchange for the NNPC.”
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, also said, “We brought in the big hammer, and the big hammer as you can see is the EFCC because it is economic sabotage and I believe with the EFCC in the picture, the system will work even better.”
Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, said smuggling of petroleum products was worrisome, and assured Nigerians that the EFCC was fully committed to the special operation, codenamed “Operation White” designed to check illegal exportation.
He said since part of the commission’s duty was to ensure the reduction of financial crime, the EFCC would do all it could to stop smuggling.
Insurance
Stanbic IBTC Insurance Wins Top Honour at CRe Africa Awards 2026
Stanbic IBTC Insurance Wins Top Honour at CRe Africa Awards 2026
Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited has emerged as the overall winner of the CRe Momentum Award at the inaugural CRe Insurance Awards for Africa 2026, announced during the Continental Reinsurance CEO Summit held in Kigali, Rwanda, on April 17, 2026.
The prestigious award recognises insurers that demonstrate consistent growth, strong financial performance, and strategic impact across Africa’s insurance industry. Stanbic IBTC Insurance was singled out for its disciplined execution, strong commercial results, and highly effective bancassurance model, which has significantly driven its life insurance growth.
Judges at the awards noted that the company’s bancassurance strategy—leveraging banking platforms to distribute insurance products—remains one of the most efficient on the continent. The firm’s ability to combine innovation, customer reach, and operational efficiency has positioned it as a leader in Nigeria’s insurance market.
Beyond its growth metrics, Stanbic IBTC Insurance has built a reputation for prompt claims settlement, sound risk management, and customer-focused service delivery, further strengthening trust among policyholders and stakeholders.
In the same CRe Momentum Award category, Cornerstone Insurance Plc (Nigeria) secured second place, while La Générale des Assurances (Benin) finished third, reflecting strong competition among leading African insurers.
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In the Emerging Champions category, which celebrates fast-growing and innovative insurance companies, Agrails Ltd (Kenya) emerged winner, while Britam Connect (Kenya) came second.
The event also featured the 11th Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards, organised by Continental Reinsurance Plc, to honour excellence in reporting the insurance and reinsurance sector across Africa. A total of 184 entries from both Anglophone and Francophone countries were reviewed.
Uganda’s Isaac Khisa of The Independent Publications was named Overall Winner, also clinching the top spot in the English Print category for his report on Africa’s reinsurance market. Nigeria’s Josephine Ogundeji of Punch Newspaper was named first runner-up, while Ojeme Sunday of New Telegraph came second.
In the English Online category, Henry Uche of Daily Sun (Nigeria) emerged winner, followed by Isaac Khisa as first runner-up and Tendai Makaripe of 263 Chat (Zimbabwe) as second runner-up.
The English Broadcast category was won by Blessing Ifechukwude of Voice of Nigeria, with Mercy Tyra Murengu of Media Max Network (Kenya) and Samuel Nana Effah Obeng of GN Media (Ghana) finishing as first and second runners-up respectively.
Taurai Museka won the English Social Media category, while winners also emerged from Burkina Faso in the French category and Egypt in the Arabic category, highlighting the awards’ growing continental reach.
Additionally, Josephine Ogundeji received the Dr Femi Oyetunji Future Talent Award, while Mercy Tyra Murengu earned Special Recognition for her contribution.
Speaking at the event, Group CEO of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, Lawrence Nazare, said the inclusion of 10 new participating countries reflects the expanding influence of the awards across Africa. Chief Judge Michael Wilson also noted that the quality of entries continues to improve, making the selection process increasingly competitive.
Winners across categories received certificates, trophies, and cash prizes, with the overall winner earning $2,000, category winners receiving $1,500, first runners-up $1,000, and second runners-up $500.
The launch of the CRe Insurance Awards for Africa marks a significant step in recognising excellence, innovation, and leadership within the continent’s insurance ecosystem. Stanbic IBTC Insurance’s victory further reinforces Nigeria’s growing role as a hub for insurance innovation and life insurance expansion in Africa.
Stanbic IBTC Insurance Wins Top Honour at CRe Africa Awards 2026
Auto
Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award
Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award
Jetour Nigeria has consolidated its position as the exclusive representative of the Jetour brand in the country following its 2022 appointment by Jetour International.
The company said the move to clarify its exclusive status came after its successful hosting of the “Jetour Experience” in Lagos, where it unveiled its nationwide dealership structure and addressed lingering market ambiguity over distribution rights.
Since securing the mandate in 2022, Jetour Nigeria has led the importation, distribution, and provision of manufacturer-backed after-sales services for the brand’s full vehicle range in the country.
Its growing influence recently earned global recognition at the 2026 Jetour Global Conference, where the firm received the “Market Share Leadership Award 2025,” underscoring its dominance in the African market.
To strengthen nationwide service delivery, the company operates through a network of seven authorised dealers — Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe Plc, TAB Autos Limited, and Mandilas Motors.
These partners, according to the company, are the only entities authorised to sell and service Jetour vehicles in Nigeria.
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At the four-day exhibition held at the Podium Events Centre, the dealers provided product information and customer engagement services, reinforcing what the company described as a unified and regulated distribution ecosystem.
“The ‘Jetour Experience’ was more than a celebration; it was a statement of clarity,” noted a representative of Jetour Nigeria. “By bringing our seven authorized dealers together under one roof, we have shown the public exactly where the Jetour brand lives.
“Since our 2022 appointment, we have invested heavily in a structure that guarantees customers genuine parts, expert technicians, and valid warranties—benefits, only available through our official channels.”
The company also received a boost from the visit of Anguo Yuan, Vice President of Jetour International, who commended the Nigerian team for its rapid expansion and infrastructure investment.
Industry recognition has followed the brand’s growth, with awards including the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association’s New Entrant of the Year, Fastest Growing Auto Brand, and Car of the Year for the Jetour Dashing.
Jetour Nigeria said its current lineup — including the rugged T2, plug-in hybrid models, and the flagship G700 — reflects its commitment to innovation and market leadership.
It advised customers to engage only its authorised dealer network to guarantee access to genuine parts, certified service, and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Jetour Nigeria consolidates as sole authorised distributor, gets global market award
Railway
Rail transformation on Abuja–Kaduna route excites NIPR delegates
Rail transformation on Abuja–Kaduna route excites NIPR delegates
Members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have applauded the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s rail system, describing it as a clear sign of renewed confidence in public transport under the leadership of Dr. Kayode Opeifa at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
The commendation came on Monday as hundreds of NIPR members travelled aboard the Abuja–Kaduna train to attend the Institute’s Annual General Meeting in Kaduna.
The journey itself became a moving testament to the rail sector’s resurgence, with fully booked coaches buzzing with networking, reunions and professional camaraderie.
Delegates from across the country, particularly from the southern states, converged on Abuja before boarding the train alongside their counterparts from the Federal Capital Territory.
For many, the decision to travel by rail was both practical and symbolic—a vote of confidence in the improving fortunes of the NRC.
Inside the coaches, the atmosphere was said to be lively. Old colleagues reconnected, new relationships were forged, and passengers commended the professionalism and efficiency of NRC staff.
Many described the experience as seamless and refreshing, noting that with the right leadership, public institutions can deliver quality service.
While praising the progress recorded so far, the NIPR members called on the Federal Government to deepen investment in rail infrastructure.
They stressed that sustained funding is critical, given the capital-intensive nature of railway operations, and expressed confidence that such investments would yield strong economic returns.
Among dignitaries on board were the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesha, Oba Dr. Jacob Adetayo Haastrup; President of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Chief Tony Akiotu; and media veteran, Dr. Mohammed Kudur Abubakar.
Oba Haastrup particularly commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Opeifa as NRC Managing Director, noting that his performance within a year highlights the corporation’s potential as a driver of economic growth.
Lagos NIPR Chairman, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, said the coordinated rail trip was also influenced by safety considerations and served as a deliberate endorsement of the NRC’s ongoing reforms.
He urged the government to extend rail connectivity to more parts of the country, providing Nigerians with reliable alternatives to road travel.
The NRC delegation to the conference was led by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr. Callistus Unyimadu, alongside the MD’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Mr. Yinka Aderibigbe.
The Kaduna conference, which runs until April 24, is expected to equip communication professionals with fresh insights and innovations in public relations practice.
It also serves as a precursor to the World Public Relations Conference scheduled to hold in Abuja later this year, where global stakeholders will converge to address emerging challenges in the profession.
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