National Oil Corporation:
NILEPET Leadership Advances Institutional Reform Amid Regional Challenges

National Oil Corporation:
NILEPET Leadership advances institutional reform amid regional challenges. ​JUBA, South Sudan — February 13, 2026 — The Public Relations Department of Nile Petroleum Corporation (NILEPET) wishes to address the recent circulation of reports targeting the reputation of the National Oil Corporation.

​On Inaccurate and Outdated Reporting back to 2013 _ 2019:

NILEPET notes with concern that several reports currently being circulated rely on data from over a decade ago. We categorically state that information from ten years ago cannot be used to evaluate the operational reality of today. Furthermore, we clarify that the absence of a published audit at this specific moment does not, in any way, justify unfounded allegations of financial misconduct.

We urge the media and international observers to exercise restraint and maintain professional standards, as spreading misinformation only serves to damage the nation’s reputation.
​
Leadership and Staff Welfare

Under the visionary leadership of Managing Director Emmanuel Athiei Ayual, the current management team is working tirelessly to restore institutional integrity. This new era of leadership began with a firm commitment to the people of South Sudan.
​In the last 100 days alone, the management has successfully launched intensive programs focused on staff welfare and technical capacity building.

This internal transformation is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of meeting international corporate standards. By investing in our employees, we are ensuring that NILEPET remains a competitive and professional player on the global stage.

Operationa Resilience in Times of Crisis

Despite the severe logistical and economic challenges posed by the ongoing war in neighbouring Sudan, NILEPET continues to work hard to produce oil and stabilise the national budget. Our commitment to the Republic of South Sudan is unwavering.

NILEPET

​The fact that our international partners continue to work seamlessly with NILEPET within the DPOC, SPOC, and GPOC JOCs is a clear sign of collective responsibility and trust. It is a testament to our good management that oil production has been maintained, ensuring the country remains economically resilient during these difficult times.

A Message to Stakeholders

MD Emmanuel Athiei Ayual and his management team are dedicated to a transparent and professional future. We assure the public, our international partners, and global finance indicators that we are restoring the situation with urgency. NILEPET will provide all necessary information and progress updates in due time as we continue to professionalise our operations.

​We remain the cornerstone of South Sudan’s economy, moving forward with integrity and a focus on national development.
​
The Department of Public Relations
Nile Petroleum Corporation (NILEPET)
Juba, South Sudan

Recovered N33.16bn,$1.8m, Numerous Assets On N2.8bn Budget: Reps Demands Funding Overhaul For ICPC

Recovered N33.16bn,$1.8m, numerous assets on N2.8bn budget: Reps demands funding overhaul for ICPC. The House of Representatives has declared that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is deserving of significantly increased funding and official commendation from the Federal Government.

This endorsement follows the Commission’s impressive performance, which has been sustained despite severe financial constraints.

Lawmakers made this assertion on Friday during the ICPC’s defense of its 2026 budget proposal before the House Committee on Anti-Corruption. Committee members lauded the Commission for its substantial financial recoveries on behalf the Federal Government, especially given what they termed “inadequate funding” for its operations.

They questioned the logic of underfunding an agency with a statutory mandate to combat corruption, warning that such neglect could compromise the safety and integrity of personnel handling sensitive cases nationwide.

During the session, Rt . Hon Kayode Akiolu, opened the box of praises for the ICPC and its Chairman by stating that the ICPC is an Anti- Corruption agency in Nigeria whose methods are wholesome and meet international best practices.

He commended the Chairman for being firm in sustaining solid foundations and examples for purposeful law enforcement. Also speaking, Hon. Abdulmaleek Abdulraheem, representing the Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency of Kogi State, highlighted the Commission’s remarkable return on investment.

“You only got N2.8 billion last year, yet you were able to recover N33.16 billion and 1.8 million dollars, alongside numerous convictions,” Hon. Abdulraheem stated.

“There are agencies that are heavily funded but return nothing to the coffers of the Federal Government. As a committee, we must do something for the ICPC.

They deserve commendation, and we must also scrutinize their appropriation. Whatever was deducted from their 2026 budget should be refunded. If they cannot be given more than what was approved in 2025, they should not go below that figure.”

He further cautioned that persistent underfunding could expose the Commission to undue pressure and compromise, as resource scarcity can create vulnerabilities within critical anti-corruption institutions.

Echoing these concerns, other committee members requested amendment that would allow the Commission to retain a percentage of its recovered funds to directly support its operational and administrative activities.

According to Dr. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi, representing the Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency, “We, as a committee, must push for an arrangement that allows the Commission to retain a certain percentage of its recoveries, just as the Nigeria Customs Service, NNPC, and other agencies do, in order to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on unpredictable budgetary allocations.”

Earlier in his presentation, the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, appealed to the National Assembly to facilitate improved funding, enabling the Commission to effectively discharge its statutory mandate.

Dr. Aliyu lamented that inadequate funding, compounded by the poor release of approved allocations, significantly hampered the Commission’s operations in 2025. He disclosed that out of the N7.82 billion approved for overhead costs, a mere N2.1 billion (approximately 28%) was released. This shortfall had tangible consequences.

“Our lawyers and investigators often had to deploy personal funds to attend court proceedings and conduct investigations due to limited operational vehicles,” Dr. Aliyu explained. “Several investigations were stalled, and we experienced difficulties in paying service providers, particularly for our rented state offices.”

The situation was even more dire for capital projects. Although N7.3 billion was approved for capital expenditure, only N400.49 million (about 5%) was released.

Furthermore, these funds were released late, on November 28, 2025. “With such a late release, we could not fully execute projects as planned or award contracts in strict compliance with standard procurement practices,” he added.

Despite these daunting challenges, the ICPC Chairman reported notable achievements within the review period. These included the recovery of N33.1 billion in cash and $1.8 million, in addition to other intervention recoveries and seized assets. The Commission also filed 72 cases, secured 36 convictions, and is currently prosecuting approximately 400 cases across various courts nationwide.

In the realm of prevention and public engagement, Dr. Aliyu stated that the Commission received 1,107 petitions, assigned 700 for investigation, and successfully concluded 150 inquiries.

ICPC

Furthermore, Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecards were deployed across 344 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and 131 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) were inaugurated nationwide.

Dr. Aliyu expressed deep concern over the proposed 2026 budget, noting a reduction from the Commission’s N25.8 billion proposal. The adjustments include a cut of N4.7 billion from overhead costs and N2.2 billion from capital expenditure. He warned that without urgent intervention, these cuts would adversely affect the Commission’s operations.

The ICPC Chairman reassured the Committee of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline and the prudent management of resources, should funding be improved.

It would be recalled that the ICPC management team had previously appeared before the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption to defend its 2026 budget proposal.

During that session, assurances were given that efforts would be made to engage the Senate Committee on Appropriation to consider enhancing the Commission’s funding.

J. Okor Odey
Spokesperson/Head, Media & Public Communications

Akwa Ibom Sets To Establish Electricity Regulatory Commission, Concession Power Plant

Akwa Ibom sets to establish electricity regulatory commission, concession power plant. Mr Robson said the development was part of efforts to improve electricity supply across the state.

News Agency of Nigeria • February 14, 2026
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom government says it has commenced the process of establishing the State’s Electricity Regulatory Commission as well as concessioning of the Ibom Power Plant.

Iniobong Robson, the state’s commissioner for power, disclosed this on Saturday in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Robson explained that the development was part of efforts to improve electricity supply across the state.

He also said that the development followed the signing of the amended Electricity Act by President Bola Tinubu, which empowered states to generate, distribute and regulate electricity within their jurisdictions.

According to him, the amended version of the electricity Act 2023 which has just been signed by the president, now empowers states to take charge of both generation and distribution of electricity.

He added that the state government was taking advantage of the new legal framework to assume greater control over its power sector and address persistent electricity challenges.

He revealed that within the shortest possible time, the state government would constitute a seven-member Electricity Regulatory Commission comprising five commissioners and two principal officers.

The commissioner also revealed that members of the commission would be selected based on professional competence, technical expertise and integrity to ensure effective regulation of the state’s electricity market.

Mr Robson noted that the state was strategically positioned to drive power sector reform, citing its vast gas reserves and the existing Ibom power plant as critical assets.

“The state-owned power plant will be revitalised through concession to a technically and financially capable operator to enhance efficiency and increase generation capacity.

“The goal is to ensure full commercial operations and improve service delivery to residents,” he said.

He added that within six months of establishing the commission, regulatory oversight of electricity distribution within the state would begin transitioning from the federal regulator to the state authority.

According to him, this is in line with the provisions of the amended law.

Electricity Regulatory Commission

He explained that while transmission of electricity would remain under federal control, the state could generate surplus power for export to other states through the national grid.

The commissioner acknowledged complaints from residents in some parts of the state over poor electricity supply, assuring that reforms were designed to address infrastructure deficiencies and improve service delivery.

He also said that the state government had developed a 10-year roadmap for the power sector, which include infrastructure upgrades, technical reviews and stakeholder engagement.

Mr Robson expressed optimism that the reforms would position Akwa Ibom to achieve stable and reliable electricity supply in the long term.