EFCC Arrests One For Naira Mutilation In Maiduguri

The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 7, 2025 arrested one Fatima Muhammed for an alleged Naira mutilation.

The suspect was arrested following a viral video circulated on tiktok where she was seen cleaning mucus from her nose using N500 Naira note.

Following the release of the video, operatives of the Commission traced and arrested her in the Maiduguri metropolis area.

EFCC

The suspect is currently under investigation at the Maiduguri detention facility while investigation is ongoing.

She will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

NNPC Ltd Unveils New Crude Grade, Ships 950,000 Barrels To Netherlands

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has commenced the export of a new crude oil grade, Cawthorne, in a move aimed at boosting Nigeria’s crude output and strengthening its footprint in the global oil market.

The national oil company disclosed on Tuesday that the maiden cargo of the new blend was successfully shipped to Europe, signalling what industry observers describe as a renewed push to diversify Nigeria’s crude export streams and improve revenue generation.

In a statement, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Andy Odeh, said the first cargo of the Cawthorne blend was lifted on April 5, 2026, aboard the MT Eburones vessel en route to the Netherlands.

The statement read, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has commenced export of its new crude grade, Cawthorne, marking a significant milestone in the company’s drive to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production and expand its portfolio of globally competitive export streams.

“Cawthorne blend crude, the latest addition to Nigeria’s basket of crude grades, has an API gravity of 36.4, placing it firmly within the light, sweet category, comparable to Bonny Light, and highly valued in the global market for its superior petrol and diesel yields.

“NNPC Ltd confirms that on Sunday, April 5, 2026, the Cawthorne blend crude, which was loaded on the MT Eburones vessel, is headed to the Netherlands and onward to the global market.”

Odeh noted that the maiden cargo, estimated at 950,000 barrels, was exported through the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading vessel located offshore Bonny, Rivers State.

“The cargo was exported via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading vessel, which is strategically located offshore Bonny.

“The facility enhances crude evacuation from OML 18 and strengthens Nigeria’s export reliability, operational efficiency, and overall energy security”, he said.

The new crude grade, with an API gravity of 36.4, falls within the light, sweet category, making it attractive to international refiners due to its high yield of premium products such as petrol and diesel.

This places Cawthorne in the same league as Nigeria’s flagship Bonny Light crude, which is widely sought after in global markets.

The development comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to ramp up crude production and meet ambitious national targets, including three million barrels per day of oil and 12 billion cubic feet per day of gas by 2030.

NNPC said the introduction of the Cawthorne blend is part of a broader strategy to unlock value from its asset base, expand market offerings, and reinforce Nigeria’s competitiveness in the international oil market.

The company noted that the new grade builds on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting a structured effort to optimise production and diversify export options.

Commenting on the development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, said the milestone reflects the company’s shift towards commercial efficiency and value creation.

“This milestone reflects the direction we have set for NNPC Limited, one anchored on execution, partnership, and value creation. We are moving decisively from resource potential to resource monetisation, ensuring that every asset delivers measurable commercial outcomes,” he said.

Ojulari added, “The successful export of the Cawthorne crude grade is not an isolated achievement; it is part of a broader, deliberate strategy to grow production, deepen market relevance, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a reliable global energy supplier.

“We remain firmly focused on delivering sustainable growth in line with national objectives and global market expectations.”

He also commended the Federal Government’s reform agenda and collaboration among key stakeholders, including OML 18 partners and regulators, in achieving the milestone.

NNPC reiterated its commitment to leveraging innovation, partnerships, and operational discipline to maximise the value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources while ensuring long-term energy security.

Nigeria has in recent years struggled with declining crude oil production due to challenges such as oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and underinvestment in upstream operations.

To address this, the Federal Government and NNPC have introduced reforms and partnerships aimed at boosting output and improving efficiency across the value chain.

NNPC

The introduction of the Cawthorne crude comes months after the country last added new export grades to its crude slate, reflecting a gradual but deliberate effort to expand its offerings in the international market.

The most recent additions before Cawthorne were Nembe crude, introduced around 2023, and Utapate crude, which entered the market in 2024. These followed a relatively long period during which Nigeria’s crude oil exports were dominated by established grades such as Bonny Light, Qua Iboe, Forcados, and Escravos.

Expanding the country’s crude slate could help Nigeria remain competitive amid shifting global energy dynamics and increasing demand for cleaner, high-quality crude blends.

Akpabio Lauds Governor Umo Eno’s Christ-centred Leadership, Commends Unity In Akwa Ibom

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, has again praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, describing his leadership style as Christ-centred, inclusive, and unifying.

Senator Akpabio made the remarks during an Easter visit to the Governor at his country home in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, where he commended Eno’s humility and commitment to fostering unity and development across the state.

The Senate President noted that the Governor’s leadership has been marked by a strong sense of inclusiveness and purpose, which, according to him, has strengthened cohesion among the people.

He expressed satisfaction with the prevailing atmosphere of unity in Akwa Ibom, stressing the need for sustained collaboration between leaders at both state and federal levels.

According to him, “This visit may appear a surprise, but it is something I should do more often—coming to identify with my Governor, a leader who loves his people, does not discriminate, and has demonstrated clear and purposeful leadership.”

Senator Akpabio further applauded the Governor’s humility in governance and expressed optimism about the state’s future under his administration, adding that divisive tendencies such as hatred, bigotry, and disunity would continue to recede.

He briefed the Governor that he had earlier worshiped and represented him at the convention of the Apostolic Church at Ikot Ekpene and Ikono, saying “I sent your message of felicitation, and they were quite happy and prayed for you that God will help you to govern the State in peace and in good health; grant you your heart desires and particularly, your second term successful, and we all echoed Amen.”

Reflecting on the significance of Easter, Akpabio said the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolises victory over adversity, expressing hope that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges, including insecurity and poverty.

Earlier, Governor Eno expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as thoughtful and symbolic, particularly during the Easter season.

He noted that while he had visited the Senate President on several occasions, he did not anticipate such a gesture in return, describing it as a demonstration of genuine goodwill and leadership.

“This reflects the true spirit of Easter—love, sacrifice, and resurrection. It is an uncommon gesture and we don’t take it for granted. In some States, leaders in Abuja and those in the States do not see each other and hardly interact, but here in Akwa Ibom, we can all sit together and continue to foster unity and mutual respect,” the Governor said.

Governor Eno, who described Akpabio as a political grandfather, thanked him for his continued support and fatherly guidance, and assured him of sustained cooperation and prayers.

The Senate President was accompanied by the Member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Dr Patrick Umo, and the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Ntiedo Usoro, Executive Director, Projects of the NDDC, Victor Antai, among others.

Akpabio Lauds Governor Umo Eno

Present to receive the Senate President alongside the Governor were the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; Deputy Speaker, KufreAbasi Edidem; members of the National and State Assemblies; Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; led by the Dean of Commissioners, Hon Frank Archibong, MD of Hensek International Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko and other top government officials.