Economy
Nestoil, Neconde To Remain Under Receivership As Court Adjourns Case After Lawyers’ Tussle
Nestoil, Neconde To Remain Under Receivership As Court Adjourns Case After Lawyers’ Tussle
Nestoil, Neconde to remain under receivership as court adjourns case after lawyers’ tussle. A disagreement over authorised legal representatives of respondents has stalled proceedings at the court of appeal in Lagos in the suit filed by FBN Merchant Bank Ltd and First Trustees Ltd against a ruling of a federal high court.
On Thursday, Yargata Nimpara, presiding judge at the court, held that the issue of legal representation of Nestoil Limited and Neconde Energy Limited (the respondents) must be resolved before the court could hear the matter.
As a result, In effect, the accounts of Nestoil, Neconde, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesi remain frozen while Nestoil/Neconde’s 45 percent interest in OML 42 JV remain under Receivership.
Nestoil was placed under receivership by a consortium of lenders over an alleged debt of $1.01 billion and N430 billion following an order of a federal high court.
However, Nestoil, its affiliate, Neconde Energy, and their promoters — Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesi — obtained another high court injunction directing the receiver to suspend further action.
The receiver retook possession of the property after the court of appeal granted a “restorative injunction” in an ex-parte application filed by FBN Merchant Bank and First Trustees.
The court scheduled the hearing of the motion on notice for December 4, 2025.
At the hearing on Thursday, confusion broke out after the court directed counsel to announce their appearances.
Ayoola Ajayi, senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), announced appearance for the first respondent (Nestoil Limited), while Ayo Olorunfemi, SAN, announced appearance for the second respondent (Neconde Energy Limited).
In addition, Muiz Banire, SAN, and Wole Olanipekun, SAN — who represented Nestoil and Neconde respectively at the lower court — also announced appearances for both firms.
On the other hand, Babajide Koku, SAN, appeared for the appellants alongside Kunle Ogunba, SAN.
Speaking on the matter, Ajayi argued that it was evident there was a dispute over who was authorised to represent both firms, urging the court to address the issue and provide direction on the appropriate counsel for each party.
In response, Banire maintained that his representation was not in question and that he remained counsel of record from the lower court.
On his part, Olanipekun argued that since the court had not heard any application challenging his representation, he remained the recognised counsel for the second respondent.
He added that he had not been served with any application questioning his role.
Addressing the situation, Nimpar expressed dissatisfaction, asking both parties to resolve the issue before the next hearing.
“There is an obvious conflict regarding the applications for change of counsel filed on behalf of the first and second respondents,” she said.
“Those applications must be taken first to resolve the issue of legal representation before the court can proceed with any other application. The applications, which are not yet ripe for hearing, have now been filed.”
She, therefore, adjourned the case to January 15, 2026.

Banks Place Nestoil Under Receivership Over $1Bn Debt
LEGAL SHOWDOWN
A federal high court sitting in Lagos had on October 22, 2025 issued an order of Mareva authorising First Trustees and its subsidiary, FBNQuest Merchant, to take over the company’s assets.
Justice D. I. Dipeolu issued the injunction against the defendants — Nestoil and its affiliate, Neconde Energy, as well as Azudialu-Obiejesi and Obiejesi.
Dipeolu restrained dealings in the sum of $1,012,608,386.91 and N430,014,064,380.77 — the total indebtedness as of September 30, 2025.
There were other debts personally guaranteed by Azudialu-Obiejesi, with over N366.8 billion, $61.2 million, $152 million, and N10.4 billion owed to Access Bank, First Bank and Zenith Bank.
However, Nestoil and its principal promoters approach a federal high court to set aside the order of Mareva which was granted before the latest development.
Economy
FG Inaugurates PenCom Board, Tasks Members On Protection Of Pension Assets
FG Inaugurates PenCom Board, Tasks Members On Protection Of Pension Assets
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Board of the National Pension Commission, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of over ₦28 trillion in pension assets.
Speaking at the ceremony, the SGF, Senator (Dr.) George Akume, charged members to uphold strong corporate governance while maintaining a clear boundary between oversight and management.

PenCom
The Board, led by Chairman Agbaje Opeyemi Olukayode, pledged to safeguard contributors’ funds and support national development, while the Director-General Omolola Oloworaran reaffirmed commitment to collaboration in delivering secure and timely retirement benefits for Nigerians.
Economy
SEC Sign MoU With NYSC To Fight Ponzi Schemes
SEC Sign MoU With NYSC To Fight Ponzi Schemes
SEC sign MoU with NYSC to fight Ponzi schemes. The initiative was designed to sensitise young Nigerians to the risks of fraudulent investment schemes and promote sound, legitimate investment practices.
The Securities and Exchange Commission and National Youth Service Corps have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a community development service group focused on investment education for corps members.
The initiative was designed to sensitise young Nigerians to the risks of fraudulent investment schemes and promote sound, legitimate investment practices.
According to a statement by the SEC on Sunday, the MoU was recently signed by its director-general, Emomotimi Agama and NYSC director-general, Olakunle Nafiu.
It was also meant to promote financial literacy and sound investment habits among young Nigerians.
In addition, the collaboration will help equip corps members with essential knowledge and skills to identify and avoid Ponzi schemes and other illegal investment practices.
It will also help enhance public awareness campaigns against illegal financial schemes across all LGAs in the country, among other objectives.
“Based on the scope of the collaboration, SEC shall develop and provide relevant and up-to-date educational content, materials, and training modules on capital market operations, safe investment practices, and the identification and avoidance of Ponzi schemes.
“SEC will also be responsible for the content, resources and funding of training sessions for selected corps members and NYSC supervisors who will serve as trainers and facilitators in their respective communities.

SEC
“On its part, the NYSC shall facilitate the integration of anti-Ponzi scheme education into its Education and Enlightenment CDS programme. This may involve dedicated sessions, workshops, or awareness campaigns during orientation camps and throughout the service year,” said the statement.
The parties shall collaborate on joint awareness campaigns, utilising various channels and platforms, including social media, traditional media, and community outreach, to disseminate information on safe investment and expose fraudulent schemes.
Economy
Persistent Grid Collapse, Weak Power Supply Worsening Economic Hardship: Oyintiloye
Persistent Grid Collapse, Weak Power Supply Worsening Economic Hardship: Oyintiloye
Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye said the situation had continued to deteriorate despite assurances and reforms introduced by authorities.
He described unreliable electricity as a major setback to the federal government’s reforms in the power sector.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene, noting that poor power supply is worsening economic hardship across the country.
Oyintiloye said the poor supply has compounded the effects of the current heatwave, making living conditions more difficult for many Nigerians.
The former lawmaker called for the constitution of a panel to investigate recurring national grid collapses and persistent supply challenges despite significant investments.
“It is a terrible situation across Nigeria with persistent poor power supply,” he said.
“Many small-scale businesses and large industrial players are affected, while most homes cannot boast of even three hours of electricity supply daily for domestic use.
“Despite numerous reforms and promises, the national grid continues to collapse. The situation is now compounded by gas supply shortages, weak transmission infrastructure, and chronic underinvestment across the power value chain.
“Nigerians are groaning, and urgent action must be taken by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and his team. The situation cannot continue like this.”
Oyintiloye warned that the situation has already triggered protests in parts of the country and could escalate if not addressed promptly.
“The situation must be quickly addressed before it becomes a national embarrassment. Nigerians need to be informed whether the issue is due to structural failure or sabotage within the power sector,” he said.

Electricity
“This epileptic power supply has led to a series of peaceful protests nationwide. I appeal for the President’s intervention before these protests turn violent.
“Electricity is essential for households and the survival of businesses. Since the end of last year, there has been no stable power supply across the country, despite assurances by those in charge and huge investments in the sector.
“Poor power supply should not be added to the challenges Nigerians are currently facing. The high cost of fuel has also made it difficult for those relying on generators to cope.”
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