Nigeria's state-owned oil company has failed to pay the government $16bn (£11bn) in a suspected fraud, according to an official audit.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) provided no explanation for the missing funds, the auditor general told MPs.
Oil revenue accounts for two-thirds of the government's funding.
President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to crack down on corruption since coming to office last May.
The NNPC has not commented on the auditor general's findings.
The state oil giant has been mired in corruption allegations and losing money for many years.
Last month, the government announced that the NNPC would be broken up into seven different companies.
Nigeria's former central bank governor Lamido Sanusi, now the Emir of Kano, was dismissed by the previous administration after saying that $20bn (£12bn) in oil revenue had gone missing in 2013.
A separate audit ordered under former President Goodluck Jonathan and carried out by global accountancy firm PwC, found that the NNPC had failed to pay the government $1.48bn between January 2012 and July 2013.
It did not provide a total figure for how much revenue the NNPC should legally have handed over to the treasury.
However, the company said that it could not vouch for the integrity of the information it was given when it conducted the audit.
Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer, but the economy has suffered because of the fall in the price of oil.
BBC
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016
Video - Electricity bills increase in Nigeria despite irregular supply
Nigerians will soon be facing higher electricity costs as providers say it's the only way to improve power supply.
But consumers do not agree. Many say access to power should improve, before prices go up.
Video - South Africa president visits Nigeria to boost trade
The relationship between two of Africa's largest economies South Africa and Nigeria seems to be on a new path of recovery. South Africa's President Jacob Zuma's two-day state visit to Nigeria this week has seen a raft of agreements signed to boost diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
Government of Nigeria to deal with power supply saboteurs
The Federal Government has warned that it will deal ruthlessly with those engaged in pipeline vandalism and the sabotage of power infrastructure that have combined to drastically reduce power generation/transmission as well as fuel supplies in recent times, thus inflicting untold hardship on Nigerians.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said the repeated attacks on oil and gas pipelines and the wilful shutdown of power facilities by protesters amount to economic sabotage which no government will tolerate.
”Vandals, whatever their motives are, cannot and will not be treated with kid gloves because their actions constitute a clear and present danger to the nation’s economic, social and political well being. The attack on the Forcados Export Terminal that has affected gas production by oil firms and reduced gas supply to power generating plants and the shutdown of the Utorogu gas plant are totally condemnable and cannot be allowed to continue.
”Also, while this Administration will not do anything to abridge the constitutional rights of any individual or group to carry out protests, it will also not tolerate a situation in which anyone will hide under the guise of legitimate protests to sabotage power infrastructure. The shutdown of the national transmission facility in Osogbo and the Ikeja Disco by some unionists amount to economic sabotage,” he said.
Mr. Mohammed said the government is not unaware that as it steps up the fight against corruption, corruption will vigorously fight back in many forms, including the destruction/sabotage of key national infrastructure to make the government look bad.
”However, nothing will make this government to slow down in its anti-corruption fight and no one who is corrupt will be spared,” he assured.
The minister appealed to Nigerians to join hands with the government to check the activities of the unscrupulous and unpatriotic elements who have taken it upon themselves to continuously work against the interest of the people.
”When oil and gas facilities are vandalized, the impact is felt directly by Nigerians. When power infrastructure is sabotaged for whatever reasons, Nigerians bear the brunt. While those actions may be aimed at discrediting the government, those who pay the price are the vast majority of innocent, law-abiding and well-meaning Nigerians, not just the vandals or the saboteurs. This is why Nigerians must not allow the few recreants behind these attacks to hold sway,” he said.
Mr. Mohammed said the power situation is gradually improving as generation has now increased to around 4,000MW while the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, has assured that the prevailing fuel queues will gradually ease in the next few days.
Premium Times
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said the repeated attacks on oil and gas pipelines and the wilful shutdown of power facilities by protesters amount to economic sabotage which no government will tolerate.
”Vandals, whatever their motives are, cannot and will not be treated with kid gloves because their actions constitute a clear and present danger to the nation’s economic, social and political well being. The attack on the Forcados Export Terminal that has affected gas production by oil firms and reduced gas supply to power generating plants and the shutdown of the Utorogu gas plant are totally condemnable and cannot be allowed to continue.
”Also, while this Administration will not do anything to abridge the constitutional rights of any individual or group to carry out protests, it will also not tolerate a situation in which anyone will hide under the guise of legitimate protests to sabotage power infrastructure. The shutdown of the national transmission facility in Osogbo and the Ikeja Disco by some unionists amount to economic sabotage,” he said.
Mr. Mohammed said the government is not unaware that as it steps up the fight against corruption, corruption will vigorously fight back in many forms, including the destruction/sabotage of key national infrastructure to make the government look bad.
”However, nothing will make this government to slow down in its anti-corruption fight and no one who is corrupt will be spared,” he assured.
The minister appealed to Nigerians to join hands with the government to check the activities of the unscrupulous and unpatriotic elements who have taken it upon themselves to continuously work against the interest of the people.
”When oil and gas facilities are vandalized, the impact is felt directly by Nigerians. When power infrastructure is sabotaged for whatever reasons, Nigerians bear the brunt. While those actions may be aimed at discrediting the government, those who pay the price are the vast majority of innocent, law-abiding and well-meaning Nigerians, not just the vandals or the saboteurs. This is why Nigerians must not allow the few recreants behind these attacks to hold sway,” he said.
Mr. Mohammed said the power situation is gradually improving as generation has now increased to around 4,000MW while the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, has assured that the prevailing fuel queues will gradually ease in the next few days.
Premium Times
China wants to buy more oil from Nigeria
In what might be perceived as a welcomed development, China has said that it would need more crude oil from Nigeria. NAN reports that Zao LingXiang who is the economic and commercial counsellor of the Chinese embassy in Nigeria made this declaration in Abuja.
In 2015, the total amount of crude oil export to China was only about one million barrels which was just 1.3 per cent of Nigerian annual export. He said: “In my opinion, it really doesn’t matter whether Iran comes back or not; Chinese companies want to import more crude oil from Nigeria.” He explained that current trade volume between Nigeria and China was $14.94 billion in 2014, making Nigeria third largest trade partner of China in Africa. The economic counsellor added that Nigeria’s trade figure was 8.3 per cent of China’s total trade volume with Africa and 42 per cent of the total trade volume between China and Africa.
“China is the largest developing country in the world and Nigeria is the largest developing country in Africa and both countries have complementary advantages in natural and human resources, funds and markets."
“Right now, the Nigerian government is trying to diversify its economy which is fully in line with the 10 China-Africa cooperation plans announced at the summit on China-Africa trade in Johannesburg in 2015. “There are great potential for cooperation between China and Nigeria in the fields of industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, infrastructure construction, financial services, trade and investment facilitation, among others.”
LinXiang said that in the area of infrastructure, the two countries had made significant development. He said that President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to visit China in April and that this visit would facilitate the implementation of agreements reached at the 2015 China-African summit which took place in South Africa. The economic counselor explained that the total investment volume between China and Africa exceeded $100 billion in 2015 in spite of the decline in imports from Africa.
“The amount in import from Africa to China declined but did not decline remarkably."
“Moreover, the economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa is not only about trade but technical cooperation as well."
“China’s total investment volume in Africa last year increased by 100 times more in a short span of 10 years, which shows that cooperation between both parties is moving to a new level,” he said.
Oil prices rose close to $40 per barrel on March 7. The reduction in the output of US production increased the North American WTI crude benchmark. Brent crude which is the benchmark in the pricing of Nigerian oil increased by nearly 0.76 percent and reached some of the highest levels since early January and standing at $39.48 per barrel.
Naij
In 2015, the total amount of crude oil export to China was only about one million barrels which was just 1.3 per cent of Nigerian annual export. He said: “In my opinion, it really doesn’t matter whether Iran comes back or not; Chinese companies want to import more crude oil from Nigeria.” He explained that current trade volume between Nigeria and China was $14.94 billion in 2014, making Nigeria third largest trade partner of China in Africa. The economic counsellor added that Nigeria’s trade figure was 8.3 per cent of China’s total trade volume with Africa and 42 per cent of the total trade volume between China and Africa.
“China is the largest developing country in the world and Nigeria is the largest developing country in Africa and both countries have complementary advantages in natural and human resources, funds and markets."
“Right now, the Nigerian government is trying to diversify its economy which is fully in line with the 10 China-Africa cooperation plans announced at the summit on China-Africa trade in Johannesburg in 2015. “There are great potential for cooperation between China and Nigeria in the fields of industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, infrastructure construction, financial services, trade and investment facilitation, among others.”
LinXiang said that in the area of infrastructure, the two countries had made significant development. He said that President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to visit China in April and that this visit would facilitate the implementation of agreements reached at the 2015 China-African summit which took place in South Africa. The economic counselor explained that the total investment volume between China and Africa exceeded $100 billion in 2015 in spite of the decline in imports from Africa.
“The amount in import from Africa to China declined but did not decline remarkably."
“Moreover, the economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa is not only about trade but technical cooperation as well."
“China’s total investment volume in Africa last year increased by 100 times more in a short span of 10 years, which shows that cooperation between both parties is moving to a new level,” he said.
Oil prices rose close to $40 per barrel on March 7. The reduction in the output of US production increased the North American WTI crude benchmark. Brent crude which is the benchmark in the pricing of Nigerian oil increased by nearly 0.76 percent and reached some of the highest levels since early January and standing at $39.48 per barrel.
Naij
Friday, March 11, 2016
Video - Oil workers suspend national strike in Nigeria
Nigerian Oil workers have suspended a country wide protest following an overhaul of the the county's most important parastatal -The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation. NNPC under the petroleum ministry is responsible for the regulation and making business sense of Nigeria's vast petroleum wealth. But it has been implicated severally for corrupt dealings that have cost the country billions.
MTN offers $1.5 billion to settle fine imposed by Nigeria
South African telecoms firm MTN Group has offered $1.5 billion to settle a much larger fine from Nigerian regulators for missing a deadline to disconnect unregistered SIM card users, a document seen by Reuters shows.
Africa's biggest mobile phone group has been in talks with Nigerian authorities to have the $3.9 billion penalty reduced and last month made a "good faith" payment of $250 million towards a settlement.
In a letter to the Nigerian government from MTN's lawyer, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, the company proposed a 300 billion naira ($1.5 billion) settlement to be paid through a combination of government bond purchases, cash instalments and network access to the Nigerian government.
Holder said in the letter, dated Feb. 24, the offer "ultimately is in the best interest of the FGN (Federal Government of Nigeria) and MTN Nigeria."
Johannesburg-based MTN said on Friday talks with the Nigerian government were ongoing.
"MTN has previously advised shareholders not to make decisions based on press reports and MTN again urges its shareholders to refrain from doing so," it said.
Nigeria's telecoms ministry had no immediate comment.
In its annual results last week, MTN said it had put aside $600 million to cover a deal over the fine, which was originally set at $5.2 billion on the basis of charging $1,000 for every unregistered SIM card.
Nigeria imposed a deadline on mobile operators to cut off unregistered SIM cards, which MTN missed, amid fears the lines were being used by criminal gangs, including militant Islamist group Boko Haram.
The fine, equating to more than twice MTN's annual average capital expenditure over the past five years, came months after Muhammadu Buhari was swept to power after an election campaign which pledged tougher regulation and a fight against corruption.
Shares in MTN, which makes about 37 percent of its sales in Nigeria, were little changed at 147.53 rand at 0839 GMT, after rising more than 2 percent shortly after the market opened.
Reuters
Africa's biggest mobile phone group has been in talks with Nigerian authorities to have the $3.9 billion penalty reduced and last month made a "good faith" payment of $250 million towards a settlement.
In a letter to the Nigerian government from MTN's lawyer, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, the company proposed a 300 billion naira ($1.5 billion) settlement to be paid through a combination of government bond purchases, cash instalments and network access to the Nigerian government.
Holder said in the letter, dated Feb. 24, the offer "ultimately is in the best interest of the FGN (Federal Government of Nigeria) and MTN Nigeria."
Johannesburg-based MTN said on Friday talks with the Nigerian government were ongoing.
"MTN has previously advised shareholders not to make decisions based on press reports and MTN again urges its shareholders to refrain from doing so," it said.
Nigeria's telecoms ministry had no immediate comment.
In its annual results last week, MTN said it had put aside $600 million to cover a deal over the fine, which was originally set at $5.2 billion on the basis of charging $1,000 for every unregistered SIM card.
Nigeria imposed a deadline on mobile operators to cut off unregistered SIM cards, which MTN missed, amid fears the lines were being used by criminal gangs, including militant Islamist group Boko Haram.
The fine, equating to more than twice MTN's annual average capital expenditure over the past five years, came months after Muhammadu Buhari was swept to power after an election campaign which pledged tougher regulation and a fight against corruption.
Shares in MTN, which makes about 37 percent of its sales in Nigeria, were little changed at 147.53 rand at 0839 GMT, after rising more than 2 percent shortly after the market opened.
Reuters
Thursday, March 10, 2016
U-17 World Cup winner Kelechi Nwakali signs with Arsenal
Arsenal have been in advanced talks with Nwakali and fellow Nigerian teenager Samuel Chukwueze since January, with both players helping Golden Eaglets win last year's FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
AllNigeriaSoccer reported that Nwakali told them on Thursday that he had put pen to paper, but the midfielder claimed he had not said those quotes. "I've seen it [the report]. I am surprised about it because I did not speak to anybody. I never said anything like that," he told ESPN FC.
Sources told ESPN FC that the deal is done, but that there are still some complications to be ironed out which is why the deal has not been announced.
The Gunners will reportedly pay a transfer fee of about £2.5 million to the Diamond Football Academy as part of the deal and Nwakali will join when he turns 18 in June.
Nwakali has an older brother, Chidiebere, who is part of Manchester City's academy, but has previously said he admired Arsenal's track record of giving young players the chance to play first-team football.
The midfielder was voted the Most Valuable Player of the U17 World Cup, where he caught the eye of many European clubs -- including Arsenal.
"We identified Nwakali as the player of the tournament, basically, and as a top player," Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said in January.
Nwakali was pictured with Wenger and former Arsenal and Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu during his visit to the Emirates in January. Wenger said at the time that the talks to sign Nwakali and Chukwueze were "progressing well" but that they would remain in Nigeria until they turn 18.
Nigeria international Alex Iwobi, who joined Arsenal's youth setup at the age of eight, was also recently promoted to the club's first-team and has played a part in the club's FA Cup campaign this season.
ESPN
Related story: Video - Nigeria defend title and defeat Mali in 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup Final
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Building collapse in Lagos, Nigeria kills 30
The building, located in the wealthy Lekki district, crumbled during heavy rainfall.
Thirteen people have so far been rescued but it's thought others may still be trapped in the rubble.
In a statement, the Lagos State government said work on the building had continued without a permit from the authorities, who had sealed off the site.
They have ordered the managers of the project to report to police or face arrest.
The building had been inhabited by construction workers and their families.
BBC
Video - Highway targeted by Boko Haram reopens in Nigeria
Multinational forces have managed to clear the area and revive its economy.
Switzerland to return $321 in stolen Abacha loot to Nigeria
Abacha - who led Nigeria between 1993 and his death 1998 - is suspected to have looted up to $5 billion of public funds during his reign. He was investigated for corruption during his lifetime and some of his assets have been frozen posthumously. Abacha’s son, Abba Abacha, was charged by a Swiss court with money-laundering, fraud and forgery in 2005 and spent more than 500 days in custody.
In 2006, Luxembourg ordered that the funds, held by the younger Abacha, be frozen. The Nigerian government agreed a deal with the Abacha family in 2014 to reclaim the late ruler’s assets in return for dropping a complaint against the younger Abacha.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was elected largely on an anti-corruption ticket and has pledged to reclaim billions of dollars of public funds lost to corruption, which has long plagued the West African nation. Nigeria is ranked 136th out of 168 countries in Transparency International’s 2015 Corruption Perceptions Index and Nigerian information minister Lai Mohammed said in January that 1.34 trillion naira ($6.8 billion) in public funds had been stolen by government ministers and bankersbetween 2006 and 2013.
In a statement issued on Tuesday on behalf of Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Nigerian Presidency said that Osinbajo had met with the Swiss foreign minister Didier Burkhalter and other Swiss representatives to finalize the return of $321 million. Osinbajo said he would “guarantee that returned assets will be used in the interest of the people of this country.” Switzerland has already returned more than $720 million of the stolen funds and it is believed that Abacha may have storedup to $2.2 billion in European bank accounts.
Newsweek
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Video - Uber eases transportation in Nigeria
It's just been over a year since multinational online taxi dispatch firm, Uber, set up shop in Nigeria. The company still faces resistance in other parts of Africa as traditional operators defend a business they have long had to themselves, without any real, disruptive competition. To find out if operations in Lagos have been any different.
Related stories: Video - Uber expanding in Nigeria
Uber is recording exponential grown in Lagos, Nigeria
Video - Nigerian Chinedu Harrison breaks Guiness World Record for longest distance walked with balancing a football on the head
Nigerian footballer Chinedu Harrison has broken the Guiness World Record for the farthest distance walked with a football on the head, walking a distance of 48.040 kilometers with the ball never leaving his head or touching the ground for a single moment. The previous record was 45.64 kilometers, set by an Indian soldier Naib Singh in 2014. The new record will officially enter the Guiness Book of World Records once it is ratified by the organisation. Chinedu's journey to setting the new record began nearly 46 kilometers outside of Lagos. He walked with the ball on his head through the major Lagos/Ibadan expressway before hitting the major streets of the commercial city with crowds cheering him on. He eventually reached his finish line at the national stadium in Lagos after almost ten hours of trekking.
Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote says Nigeria's economic crisis exaggerated
The business mogul argued that the current situation cannot be described as a crisis because while some businesses faced serious challenges, others did not. "It all depends on the business," he said.
Dangote stated his view at the The Economist Forum in Lagos, yesterday, while answering questions on the potentials of the Nigeria economy in the face of the current economic challenge.
He said: "I think people are underrating the economy of Nigeria. They just go and look at foreign exchange because oil has gone down and believe that everything has gone out of the window. That is not correct."
He said that the Dangote Cement, as at January and February, recorded 47 per cent growth. The company, he said, estimated that in the next three months, it will witness 60 per cent growth. "We have seen growth in our sugar business of about 20 per cent" he said.
"If your business model is to import 100 per cent of your component and just be an assembly plant, then definitely you will face challenges because the influx of foreign exchange is not like what it used to be a year and half ago when we used to receive about 3.2 billion dollars on monthly basis and our outflow was around two billion dollars. Today, we are receiving just about a billion dollars.
"In our cement sector, we had that vision and we said let us properly industrialise. By this, we mean that our raw materials are almost 90 percent locally sourced. So we only need foreign exchange to buy spare parts, pay some of our expatriate staff salaries in dollars and a get a little bit of gipson which is not readily available here."
He said that the only option left for businesses in Nigeria was to export. "We now have capacity to export cement worth about 500 million dollars on an annual basis. With that, it means that we are self-sufficient.
"If you look at most of our projects, they are all very transformational projects because we saw this coming. In the last ten years, we said we want to do things in a manner that by 2018, we don't have to go to the Central Bank of Nigeria to ask for foreign exchange. We want to be people who will sale forex to the market."
Daily Trust
Ex-defence chief accused of stealing $20m
A former Nigerian chief of defence has been accused of stealing $20m (£14m) from the air force and buying a mansion.
Retired Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh denies 10 charges of fraud, criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
He was appointed chief of defence two years ago.
The BBC's Martin Patience says ACM Badeh is the latest of several officials accused of stealing billions of dollars from the armed forces.
ACM Badeh is accused of using the funds to buy a mansion in the capital Abuja along with a string of other properties.
More than $1m in cash was also reportedly found at one of his homes.
Our correspondent said he was appointed when the military was coming under sustained criticism over its fight against Boko Haram militants.
Under former President Goodluck Jonathan, front-line troops complained that they were ill-equipped to fight the militants and discipline in the army was breaking down as soldiers refused to carry out orders.
An investigation has alleged that a total of $2bn (£1.3bn) meant to buy arms to fight Boko Haram had gone missing.
The former national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, was charged in December in connection with the case involving $68m that is alleged to be missing. He was accused of awarding phantom contracts to buy helicopters, fighter jets and ammunition, which he denied.
Twelve other senior Nigerian army officers were handed over to the anti-corruption agency in February for their alleged involvement in the arms scandal.
Muhammadu Buhari won elections a year ago on promises to tackle both Boko Haram and corruption.
BBC
Retired Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh denies 10 charges of fraud, criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
He was appointed chief of defence two years ago.
The BBC's Martin Patience says ACM Badeh is the latest of several officials accused of stealing billions of dollars from the armed forces.
ACM Badeh is accused of using the funds to buy a mansion in the capital Abuja along with a string of other properties.
More than $1m in cash was also reportedly found at one of his homes.
Our correspondent said he was appointed when the military was coming under sustained criticism over its fight against Boko Haram militants.
Under former President Goodluck Jonathan, front-line troops complained that they were ill-equipped to fight the militants and discipline in the army was breaking down as soldiers refused to carry out orders.
An investigation has alleged that a total of $2bn (£1.3bn) meant to buy arms to fight Boko Haram had gone missing.
The former national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, was charged in December in connection with the case involving $68m that is alleged to be missing. He was accused of awarding phantom contracts to buy helicopters, fighter jets and ammunition, which he denied.
Twelve other senior Nigerian army officers were handed over to the anti-corruption agency in February for their alleged involvement in the arms scandal.
Muhammadu Buhari won elections a year ago on promises to tackle both Boko Haram and corruption.
BBC
Monday, March 7, 2016
Video - 76 Boko Haram militants surrender to Nigerian army due to starvation
It appears there's a new weapon in the fight against Boko Haram militants. Authorities have managed to cut off some fighters from their supply routes - and the militants are slowly starving.
Three kidnapped schoolgirls rescued in Lagos, Nigeria
Three secondary school students who were kidnapped from their school in Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos, have been found, police toldAFP on Sunday.
“From midnight to the early hours today (Sunday) we were able to rescue them,” Lagos State police spokeswoman Dolapo Badmus said.
The three girls were seized from a dormitory last Monday at the Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School in the eastern suburb of Ikorodu.
The abduction sparked a massive search for the teenagers and the prompted the state government to tighten security at schools across the megacity, which is home to some 20 million people.
No further details were immediately available and police have previously refused to comment on local media reports of demands for a 200-million-naira (nearly $1 million) ransom.
Abductions from schools are rare in Lagos, although kidnapping for ransom by armed criminals is common in southern states.
AfricaNews
Related story: Video - Gunmen kidnap 3 schoolgirls in Lagos, Nigeria
“From midnight to the early hours today (Sunday) we were able to rescue them,” Lagos State police spokeswoman Dolapo Badmus said.
The three girls were seized from a dormitory last Monday at the Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School in the eastern suburb of Ikorodu.
The abduction sparked a massive search for the teenagers and the prompted the state government to tighten security at schools across the megacity, which is home to some 20 million people.
No further details were immediately available and police have previously refused to comment on local media reports of demands for a 200-million-naira (nearly $1 million) ransom.
Abductions from schools are rare in Lagos, although kidnapping for ransom by armed criminals is common in southern states.
AfricaNews
Related story: Video - Gunmen kidnap 3 schoolgirls in Lagos, Nigeria
Nigerians fight anti-social media bill
There’s a battle going on in Nigeria over a dangerous bill that threatens free expression online. The good news is that people in Nigeria are fighting back, and it recently appeared that the draft law — nicknamed the “Social Media Bill” by concerned citizens — was beaten back. But this week, the Senate revived the bill with little notice. Unless the global community stands in support of those fighting for free expression in Nigeria, we may soon see this vaguely worded, misguided legislation move forward — and the bad ideas that it contains get copied and pasted into legislation in other countries where free expression is under attack.
Specifically, the draft bill — officially called “An act to prohibit frivolous petitions; and other matters connected therewith” — would require any person submitting a petition to the government to have an accompanying affidavit, making it much more difficult, and costly, for people to complain about public services or graft. Further, the text imposes harsh penalties for tweets or text messages that convey false statements about a wide range of actors — from “a group of persons” to an “institution of government.” Nigerians who violate these provisions could be fined up to N2,000,000 ($10,000) or spend up to two years in jail.
In short, the bill criminalizes speaking out against individuals or groups online, including expressing dissent against the government, with vague and disproportionate restrictions that do not strictly adhere to legitimate purposes.
What’s worse, the language in the draft bill is so broad that it’s not clear that internet users would even understand how to comply with the law. It would be difficult to determine whether a post is intended to “set the public against” a vaguely defined group. At the same time as being overbroad, the bill is illogically specific. It targets WhatsApp, the private messaging application, and Twitter, the microblogging platform. That’s a particular threat to journalists in Nigeria who use these platforms to report on issues of public interest, and it could knock out a vital tool for combatting corruption and keeping government accountable.
The threat to free expression is compounded by the threat to innovation in Nigeria. Already the continent’s largest economy, Nigeria has 15 million Facebook users and over 97 million mobile internet subscriptions. Its technology sector is rapidly expanding. This restrictive law would only deter investment and discourage further development of Nigeria’s internet ecosystem.
Fortunately, activists in Nigeria are continuing to speak out, protesting both on and offline. In addition, if the bill passes into law, there may be legal avenues for fighting it. There are strong protections for free expression in Nigeria’s constitution, and Nigeria has also ratified the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right, which guarantees this right. Furthermore, free expression is protected under international law, and the United Nations has specifically stated that the right to free expression applies online.
Last week, Senate President Bukola Saraki reassured activists when he stated that section 4 of the bill would not be passed. (He appeared to be referring to section 3(4), which prescribes the penalties for social media.) Yet the Senate has since suddenly revived the bill and set a Public Hearing — part of the legislative process — for Monday, March 7. Whether or not section 3(4) is struck from the text, the Social Media Bill should not be passed.
Nigerian President Buhari has stated that he would not sign any bill that doesn’t comport with Nigeria’s constitution, and the Social Media Bill clearly does not. Yet the unrelated Cybercrime Act of 2015 is now in force, and through sections 24(a) and 24(b), imposes harsh penalties for speech in the name of security that violate the right to free expression. Clearly, it’s best to stop this bill now, before it gets any closer to becoming law.
It’s not only Nigeria’s leadership, free expression, and innovation that are at stake. In internet law and policy, even when a law is beaten back, it often gets reanimated in legislatures across the globe.
To fight back, the global community that cares about free expression needs to unite behind common principles,and spread the word: when users’ rights are under attack, we have your back. As members of the Nigerian Senate hold the public hearing, they should not be left in doubt regarding the dangers of the Social Media Bill or any other bill that clamps down on expression online. It should be withdrawn immediately. Nigerians have spoken out, and their leaders should listen.
TECHCABAL
Specifically, the draft bill — officially called “An act to prohibit frivolous petitions; and other matters connected therewith” — would require any person submitting a petition to the government to have an accompanying affidavit, making it much more difficult, and costly, for people to complain about public services or graft. Further, the text imposes harsh penalties for tweets or text messages that convey false statements about a wide range of actors — from “a group of persons” to an “institution of government.” Nigerians who violate these provisions could be fined up to N2,000,000 ($10,000) or spend up to two years in jail.
In short, the bill criminalizes speaking out against individuals or groups online, including expressing dissent against the government, with vague and disproportionate restrictions that do not strictly adhere to legitimate purposes.
What’s worse, the language in the draft bill is so broad that it’s not clear that internet users would even understand how to comply with the law. It would be difficult to determine whether a post is intended to “set the public against” a vaguely defined group. At the same time as being overbroad, the bill is illogically specific. It targets WhatsApp, the private messaging application, and Twitter, the microblogging platform. That’s a particular threat to journalists in Nigeria who use these platforms to report on issues of public interest, and it could knock out a vital tool for combatting corruption and keeping government accountable.
The threat to free expression is compounded by the threat to innovation in Nigeria. Already the continent’s largest economy, Nigeria has 15 million Facebook users and over 97 million mobile internet subscriptions. Its technology sector is rapidly expanding. This restrictive law would only deter investment and discourage further development of Nigeria’s internet ecosystem.
Fortunately, activists in Nigeria are continuing to speak out, protesting both on and offline. In addition, if the bill passes into law, there may be legal avenues for fighting it. There are strong protections for free expression in Nigeria’s constitution, and Nigeria has also ratified the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right, which guarantees this right. Furthermore, free expression is protected under international law, and the United Nations has specifically stated that the right to free expression applies online.
Last week, Senate President Bukola Saraki reassured activists when he stated that section 4 of the bill would not be passed. (He appeared to be referring to section 3(4), which prescribes the penalties for social media.) Yet the Senate has since suddenly revived the bill and set a Public Hearing — part of the legislative process — for Monday, March 7. Whether or not section 3(4) is struck from the text, the Social Media Bill should not be passed.
Nigerian President Buhari has stated that he would not sign any bill that doesn’t comport with Nigeria’s constitution, and the Social Media Bill clearly does not. Yet the unrelated Cybercrime Act of 2015 is now in force, and through sections 24(a) and 24(b), imposes harsh penalties for speech in the name of security that violate the right to free expression. Clearly, it’s best to stop this bill now, before it gets any closer to becoming law.
It’s not only Nigeria’s leadership, free expression, and innovation that are at stake. In internet law and policy, even when a law is beaten back, it often gets reanimated in legislatures across the globe.
To fight back, the global community that cares about free expression needs to unite behind common principles,and spread the word: when users’ rights are under attack, we have your back. As members of the Nigerian Senate hold the public hearing, they should not be left in doubt regarding the dangers of the Social Media Bill or any other bill that clamps down on expression online. It should be withdrawn immediately. Nigerians have spoken out, and their leaders should listen.
TECHCABAL
Nigerian kills friend over Messi v Ronaldo argument
A man was killed after arguing with a friend over whether Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo was the best footballer in the world.
Nigerian national Michael Chukwuma, 21, stabbed 34-year-old compatriot Obina Durumchukwu in a Mumbai suburb, Indian police said.
The incident took place following a party on Saturday night.
"They were discussing football players. One is a fan of Messi and the other was for Ronaldo," a police inspector said.
"During the conversation a quarrel has taken place. The deceased threw a glass into the face of the accused person. The glass broke and caused small injuries.
"After that the accused took the broken glass and assaulted the deceased person who died due to heavy bleeding."
Argentina international Messi, 28, is a five-time winner of the Ballon d'Or - the annual award given to the world's best player by the governing body Fifa.
Portugal captain Ronaldo, 31, has won the accolade three times.
BBC
Nigerian national Michael Chukwuma, 21, stabbed 34-year-old compatriot Obina Durumchukwu in a Mumbai suburb, Indian police said.
The incident took place following a party on Saturday night.
"They were discussing football players. One is a fan of Messi and the other was for Ronaldo," a police inspector said.
"During the conversation a quarrel has taken place. The deceased threw a glass into the face of the accused person. The glass broke and caused small injuries.
"After that the accused took the broken glass and assaulted the deceased person who died due to heavy bleeding."
Argentina international Messi, 28, is a five-time winner of the Ballon d'Or - the annual award given to the world's best player by the governing body Fifa.
Portugal captain Ronaldo, 31, has won the accolade three times.
BBC
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Video - President Muhammadu Buharu talks with Al Jazeera
Nine months after he came to power, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari received an official welcome from Qatar's Emir on Buhari's latest trip of many to boost Nigeria's standing abroad.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Video - Gunmen kidnap 3 schoolgirls in Lagos, Nigeria
Authorities in the Nigerian commercial city of Lagos are still searching for three schoolgirls abducted by gunmen at a private missionary school in the outskirt of the city. Unidentified gunmen stormed the Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary school at the Ikorodu area of the city Monday night and made away with three female students.
U.S. wants Nigeria to impose stiffer penalties on wildlife traffickers
The U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Maria Brewer, on Thursday called on the Nigerian government to urgently enact and implement more strident penalties for wildlife traffickers.
Brewer, who made the appeal in Lagos at an event to commemorate this year’s World Wildlife Day, said that such penalties should discourage traffickers from using Nigeria as a transit point.
“The Nigerian government should enact and implement more strident penalties for wildlife trafficking, penalties that will dissuade potential traffickers from using Nigeria as a transit point.
“Nigeria, by virtue of its size, location and market position, can play a critical role in saving the continent’s most precious natural resources.
“We believe that preserving the natural world and its inhabitants is critical to a prosperous and stable Nigeria,’’ she said.
The U.S. official noted that there were currently limited prohibitive regulations against poaching, trading and sale of wildlife products.
According to her, Nigeria is home to a wealth of wildlife, including a number of endangered species like pangolins, elephants, the Cross River gorilla, grey parrots and more.
Brewer also announced her Mission’s plan to support Nigeria in training, technical exchanges, information and public education to promote conservation, as well as in combating poaching and wildlife trafficking.
She also called on Nigerian communities and individuals to be active in wildlife conservation, and to desist from dealing with illicit traders and poachers.
Lawrence Anukam, Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), said that Nigeria’s size, borderline, numerous waterways and airports currently posed threats to her wildlife conservation laws.
Anukam also identified the non-harmonisation of States’ Wildlife Laws, as a major challenge to the Federal Government’s wildlife conservation efforts.
He also said that Nigeria had no sufficient research data on the state of her wildlife, for proper monitoring and conservation.
Premium Times
Brewer, who made the appeal in Lagos at an event to commemorate this year’s World Wildlife Day, said that such penalties should discourage traffickers from using Nigeria as a transit point.
“The Nigerian government should enact and implement more strident penalties for wildlife trafficking, penalties that will dissuade potential traffickers from using Nigeria as a transit point.
“Nigeria, by virtue of its size, location and market position, can play a critical role in saving the continent’s most precious natural resources.
“We believe that preserving the natural world and its inhabitants is critical to a prosperous and stable Nigeria,’’ she said.
The U.S. official noted that there were currently limited prohibitive regulations against poaching, trading and sale of wildlife products.
According to her, Nigeria is home to a wealth of wildlife, including a number of endangered species like pangolins, elephants, the Cross River gorilla, grey parrots and more.
Brewer also announced her Mission’s plan to support Nigeria in training, technical exchanges, information and public education to promote conservation, as well as in combating poaching and wildlife trafficking.
She also called on Nigerian communities and individuals to be active in wildlife conservation, and to desist from dealing with illicit traders and poachers.
Lawrence Anukam, Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), said that Nigeria’s size, borderline, numerous waterways and airports currently posed threats to her wildlife conservation laws.
Anukam also identified the non-harmonisation of States’ Wildlife Laws, as a major challenge to the Federal Government’s wildlife conservation efforts.
He also said that Nigeria had no sufficient research data on the state of her wildlife, for proper monitoring and conservation.
Premium Times
Nigeria to break up NNPC
Nigeria's loss-making state oil giant is to be broken up into 30 "profit-making" companies, the government says.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been mired in corruption allegations and losing money for many years.
Despite pressure to sell it off, the government says that it can transform the NNPC into a profitable enterprise.
Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer, but the economy has suffered because of the declining oil price.
Can Nigeria defeat oil corruption?
Oil Minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu said that the NNPC's monthly losses have rapidly declined and now stand at $15m (£11m).
He told an audience in the capital, Abuja, that it would soon be in profit, an NNPC statement says.
Mr Kachikwu, a former top official at ExxonMobil, was appointed to head the NNPC last year after President Muhammadu Buhari won elections and was then also named junior oil minister.
Mr Buhari has vowed to tackle corruption in the country.
In 2013, then central bank governor Lamido Sanusi said that the NNPC had failed to account for billions of dollars of earnings.
Nigeria's government benefits from revenues from the sale of the country's oil by several private oil companies which also operate in the country.
Mr Kachikwu also announced that some oil producing countries will be meeting on 20 March to see if they can work together to end the instability in the oil price.
Nigeria has introduced foreign exchange controls and import bans in an effort to maintain the value of the currency, the naira, in the face of pressure over the declining oil price.
BBC
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been mired in corruption allegations and losing money for many years.
Despite pressure to sell it off, the government says that it can transform the NNPC into a profitable enterprise.
Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer, but the economy has suffered because of the declining oil price.
Can Nigeria defeat oil corruption?
Oil Minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu said that the NNPC's monthly losses have rapidly declined and now stand at $15m (£11m).
He told an audience in the capital, Abuja, that it would soon be in profit, an NNPC statement says.
Mr Kachikwu, a former top official at ExxonMobil, was appointed to head the NNPC last year after President Muhammadu Buhari won elections and was then also named junior oil minister.
Mr Buhari has vowed to tackle corruption in the country.
In 2013, then central bank governor Lamido Sanusi said that the NNPC had failed to account for billions of dollars of earnings.
Nigeria's government benefits from revenues from the sale of the country's oil by several private oil companies which also operate in the country.
Mr Kachikwu also announced that some oil producing countries will be meeting on 20 March to see if they can work together to end the instability in the oil price.
Nigeria has introduced foreign exchange controls and import bans in an effort to maintain the value of the currency, the naira, in the face of pressure over the declining oil price.
BBC
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Video - Former Super Eagle star striker Daniel Amokachi now coaching Finland club JS Hercules
For African football coaches, there are not many opportunities to take charge of a club outside the continent. Former Nigerian Super Eagles striker Daniel Amokachi is an exception to the rule, after making the decision to move to Finland's second-division as coach of JS Hercules. He now hopes that he can open doors for more African tacticians to take up coaching in Europe and further abroad.
Nigeria hosting event focusing on Africa's potential in the videogame industry
Africa’s gaming potential is to be explored and celebrated at WrB Africa, taking place on 11-12 April at The Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Nigeria.
As part of the WrB Series run by Clarion Events, WrB Africa is the first ever summit dedicated to exploring the exciting opportunities and encouraging a regulatory framework that will produce a thriving and sustainable gaming industry in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We have launched WrB Africa for those seeking to unlock the huge potential of this region, but who may be unsure of the complexities of the regulatory environment. Perhaps they are already operating in one of the fast growing African regions but want to step up a level”, says Curtis Roach, senior conference producer on the event.
Delegates will be presented with a heavy-weight agenda and over 30 market-leading organisations to network with and to do business with, as well as the opportunity to learn directly from the leading companies based in East, West and Central Africa, in addition to the continent’s major regulators.
The speaker line-up includes a keynote session from Lanre Gbajabiamila, chief executive of the Lagos State Lottery Board (LSLB).
Other speakers include John Kamara, Director of Global Gaming Africa, Tarimba Abbas, Director General of Tanzania Gaming Board, Edward Lalumbe, COO of the Gauteng Gambling Board and Matthias Jacek Wojdyla, Head of International Affairs at FIFA.
Gbajabiamila is optimistic about the continued growth of gambling in Lagos and Nigeria, with technology and the public’s appetite for sport among the driving forces.
“The Nigerian gaming industry is an evolving one and gradually expanding. More states and individuals are becoming more aware of the opportunities that exist in the industry in terms of entertainment, revenue and employment.
“We are really pleased to be associated with WrB Africa, it’s a great event that the market demands and I’m excited at the opportunities that it will create for the Sub-Saharan gaming industry.”
Rory Credland, Event Director added: “It will be fantastic to bring together so many people from across the globe to talk about responsible gambling and how we can help to create a sustainable future for one of the Gaming industry’s high-potential markets.”
WrB Africa is taking place at The Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria, from April 11th – 12th in Lagos, Nigeria. More information including the agenda, speaker list and booking details is available at http://Africa.WrBriefing.com
PCTECH
Related story: Nigeria's growing video game industry
Call of Duty Advanced Warfare gives authentic rendition of Lagos, Nigeria
As part of the WrB Series run by Clarion Events, WrB Africa is the first ever summit dedicated to exploring the exciting opportunities and encouraging a regulatory framework that will produce a thriving and sustainable gaming industry in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We have launched WrB Africa for those seeking to unlock the huge potential of this region, but who may be unsure of the complexities of the regulatory environment. Perhaps they are already operating in one of the fast growing African regions but want to step up a level”, says Curtis Roach, senior conference producer on the event.
Delegates will be presented with a heavy-weight agenda and over 30 market-leading organisations to network with and to do business with, as well as the opportunity to learn directly from the leading companies based in East, West and Central Africa, in addition to the continent’s major regulators.
The speaker line-up includes a keynote session from Lanre Gbajabiamila, chief executive of the Lagos State Lottery Board (LSLB).
Other speakers include John Kamara, Director of Global Gaming Africa, Tarimba Abbas, Director General of Tanzania Gaming Board, Edward Lalumbe, COO of the Gauteng Gambling Board and Matthias Jacek Wojdyla, Head of International Affairs at FIFA.
Gbajabiamila is optimistic about the continued growth of gambling in Lagos and Nigeria, with technology and the public’s appetite for sport among the driving forces.
“The Nigerian gaming industry is an evolving one and gradually expanding. More states and individuals are becoming more aware of the opportunities that exist in the industry in terms of entertainment, revenue and employment.
“We are really pleased to be associated with WrB Africa, it’s a great event that the market demands and I’m excited at the opportunities that it will create for the Sub-Saharan gaming industry.”
Rory Credland, Event Director added: “It will be fantastic to bring together so many people from across the globe to talk about responsible gambling and how we can help to create a sustainable future for one of the Gaming industry’s high-potential markets.”
WrB Africa is taking place at The Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria, from April 11th – 12th in Lagos, Nigeria. More information including the agenda, speaker list and booking details is available at http://Africa.WrBriefing.com
PCTECH
Related story: Nigeria's growing video game industry
Call of Duty Advanced Warfare gives authentic rendition of Lagos, Nigeria
Nigerian prisoners in the U.K. to complete jail term in Nigeria
Nigerians serving jail terms in the United Kingdom will soon be transferred to Nigeria to complete their period, following an agreement signed yesterday between the Federal Government and the UK government. According to a top government source, former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, will be part of those that will be repatriated to complete their jail term in Nigeria.
Ibori still has more than six months to stay in prison.
The British government has also promised to give Nigeria one million pounds (about N280 million) to assist in the comprehensive reformation of Nigerian prisons to ease the stress of the inmates.
The United Kingdom Minister of Justice, Mr. Jeremy Wright, revealed this when he led the UK team to visit the Minister of Interior to finalise the process of prisoner exchange between the two countries.
He said under the agreement, which he signed, Nigerians in British prisons would be repatriated to complete their jail terms in the country.
Wright told the minister the importance of the two countries respecting the agreement, saying there is need for the state of prisons in Nigeria to be improved.
Wright, who led a five-man delegation to the ministry, said even though the prisoners were paying for the crimes they might have committed, conditions in detention centres where they were staying should be made humane and accommodating.
He hailed the Federal Government and the Minister of Interior for making it possible for the two countries to finalise the agreement, which would lead to the mutual exchange of prisoners and said efforts would be made to foster the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Nation
Starving Boko Haram militants surrender to Nigeria military
Dozens of emaciated-looking Boko Haram members begging for food have surrendered in northeast Nigeria, the military and a civilian self-defense fighter said Wednesday.
Seventy-six people including children and women gave themselves up to soldiers last Saturday in Gwoza, about 60 miles southeast of Maiduguri, according to a senior officer.
All are being detained at military headquarters in Maiduguri, the birthplace of Boko Haram and currently the command center of the war against the Islamic extremists, according to the officer. He insisted on anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to journalists.
The detainees said many more fighters want to surrender, a self-defense civilian fighter who helped escort them to Maiduguri told The Associated Press.
Food shortages could indicate that Nigeria's military is succeeding in choking supply routes of the Islamic extremists who have taken their fight across Nigeria's borders. Some 20,000 people have died in the 6-year-old uprising. Boko Haram was declared the deadliest of all terror groups in 2014, surpassing the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to which it declared allegiance last year.
Nigeria's military reported that dozens of Boko Haram fighters were surrendering in September and October last year. It promised those who give themselves up voluntarily that they will be rehabilitated through a de-radicalization program.
In the 10 months since he took office promising to halt the insurgency, President Muhammadu Buhari has replaced the leadership of the military, moved the headquarters for the fight from the distant capital, Abuja, to the heart of the northeastern insurgency and resupplied soldiers.
As the military has driven the insurgents from the towns and villages where they had set up an Islamic caliphate, Boko Haram has returned to hit-and-run tactics and suicide bombings.
CBS
Seventy-six people including children and women gave themselves up to soldiers last Saturday in Gwoza, about 60 miles southeast of Maiduguri, according to a senior officer.
All are being detained at military headquarters in Maiduguri, the birthplace of Boko Haram and currently the command center of the war against the Islamic extremists, according to the officer. He insisted on anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to journalists.
The detainees said many more fighters want to surrender, a self-defense civilian fighter who helped escort them to Maiduguri told The Associated Press.
Food shortages could indicate that Nigeria's military is succeeding in choking supply routes of the Islamic extremists who have taken their fight across Nigeria's borders. Some 20,000 people have died in the 6-year-old uprising. Boko Haram was declared the deadliest of all terror groups in 2014, surpassing the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to which it declared allegiance last year.
Nigeria's military reported that dozens of Boko Haram fighters were surrendering in September and October last year. It promised those who give themselves up voluntarily that they will be rehabilitated through a de-radicalization program.
In the 10 months since he took office promising to halt the insurgency, President Muhammadu Buhari has replaced the leadership of the military, moved the headquarters for the fight from the distant capital, Abuja, to the heart of the northeastern insurgency and resupplied soldiers.
As the military has driven the insurgents from the towns and villages where they had set up an Islamic caliphate, Boko Haram has returned to hit-and-run tactics and suicide bombings.
CBS
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Video - Sports betting getting big in Nigeria
Sports betting is gaining a firm ground as an emerging business. An estimated 60 million Nigerians engaged in betting every week and that number is expected rise as more Nigerians turn to gambling as a source of income. CCTV's Kelechi Emekalam reports about the rapidly growing gambling culture in Nigeria.
Video - Retail chain Shoprite decides to stay in Nigeria despite economic challenge
Africa's biggest retail chain Shoprite says it has no intention of pulling out of Nigeria despite the challenging business environment. As part of efforts to lift local businesses Nigeria has placed a ban on hundreds of imported products. South African clothing retailer Truworths was forced to exit the continent's biggest economy as a result of the ban, strict foreign exchange controls and rising costs.
Social media helps find 'abducted girl' in Nigeria
A 13-year-old Nigerian girl who was allegedly abducted and forced into marriage has been found and will be re-united with her family, police say.
A search for her began on Sunday after a paper published an article about her alleged abduction, prompting a social media campaign demanding she be freed.
Her family say she was abducted from the south in August by a man who forced her to convert to Islam before marrying her in the northern city of Kano.
The man denies it was against her will.
The alleged abduction has ignited the debate about child brides and forced marriages in Nigeria.
The UN said more than one in three girls are married before the age of 18, mostly in poor rural families in Africa.
The family say they have made several efforts to bring Ese back from Kano, some 900km (600 miles) away from her home in southern Bayelsa state, but were told she was no longer their daughter.
There have been some 50,000 tweets using the hashtag #FreeEse since Sunday to put pressure on the authorities to rescue the girl.
The alleged abductor of the girl was a long-standing customer of Ese's mother, who is a food vendor, reports the BBC's Chris Ewokor from the capital, Abuja.
Prominent girls' rights activist and former World Bank Director Oby Ezekwesili and human rights campaigners have called for the prosecution of all those involved in the alleged kidnapping.
There have been reports that the marriage took place at the palace of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, an influential Muslim leader in Nigeria.
But he has vehemently denied this.
The Emir said the girl was brought to his palace after her alleged conversion to Islam but he told the person to return her to her family because she was too young.
"We asked that if he really wants her he should wait for her until she turns 18 and then if she still wants him they can get married. No-one will stand in the way," Mr Sanusi said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Nigeria's Premium Times newspaper is reporting that the girl has said she wants to remain in Kano.
She told police she was not forced to convert to Islam, it reports.
In 2014, a 14-year-old girl used rat poison to kill a 35-year-old man she was forced to marry in the city.
BBC
Related story: 15 year old child bride acquitted for murdering 35 year old husband
A search for her began on Sunday after a paper published an article about her alleged abduction, prompting a social media campaign demanding she be freed.
Her family say she was abducted from the south in August by a man who forced her to convert to Islam before marrying her in the northern city of Kano.
The man denies it was against her will.
The alleged abduction has ignited the debate about child brides and forced marriages in Nigeria.
The UN said more than one in three girls are married before the age of 18, mostly in poor rural families in Africa.
The family say they have made several efforts to bring Ese back from Kano, some 900km (600 miles) away from her home in southern Bayelsa state, but were told she was no longer their daughter.
There have been some 50,000 tweets using the hashtag #FreeEse since Sunday to put pressure on the authorities to rescue the girl.
The alleged abductor of the girl was a long-standing customer of Ese's mother, who is a food vendor, reports the BBC's Chris Ewokor from the capital, Abuja.
Prominent girls' rights activist and former World Bank Director Oby Ezekwesili and human rights campaigners have called for the prosecution of all those involved in the alleged kidnapping.
There have been reports that the marriage took place at the palace of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, an influential Muslim leader in Nigeria.
But he has vehemently denied this.
The Emir said the girl was brought to his palace after her alleged conversion to Islam but he told the person to return her to her family because she was too young.
"We asked that if he really wants her he should wait for her until she turns 18 and then if she still wants him they can get married. No-one will stand in the way," Mr Sanusi said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Nigeria's Premium Times newspaper is reporting that the girl has said she wants to remain in Kano.
She told police she was not forced to convert to Islam, it reports.
In 2014, a 14-year-old girl used rat poison to kill a 35-year-old man she was forced to marry in the city.
BBC
Related story: 15 year old child bride acquitted for murdering 35 year old husband
Shell sued for oil spills in Nigeria for a second time in 5 years
Oil giant Shell is being sued in London for the second time in five years over spills in the Niger Delta.
Two communities are claiming compensation and want Shell to clean up their land.
Shell said it is at an "early stage" in reviewing the claims and that the case should be heard in Nigeria.
The Ogale community of about 40,000 people in Rivers State, on the coast of Nigeria, who are mainly farmers or fishermen, are some of the claimants.
Their case is being handled by law firm Leigh Day.
Spills since 1989 have meant they don't have clean drinking water, farmland or rivers, their claim says.
It points to a November 2015 report by Amnesty International which says four spill sites Shell says it planned to clean up are still contaminated.
The first court hearing is due on Wednesday at the Technology and Construction Court, which will determine if the claimants can can lodge a case against Shell's Nigerian business, known as Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).
Clean-up plan
Amnesty's findings followed a 2011 report by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) which found water contaminated with oil by-products including benzene, thought to be a carcinogen. It suggested a clean up, but said a "sustainable recovery" of the area could take up to 30 years.
Shell says it has agreed a clean-up plan.
"In mid-2015 SPDC JV, along with the government, UNEP and representatives of the Ogoni community, agreed to an 18-month roadmap to fast-track the environmental clean-up and remediation of Ogoniland which includes a governance framework," it said in a statement.
The Bille community, who are mainly fishermen and are the other party to sue, claims Shell should be liable for "failing to protect their pipelines from damage caused by third parties", according to Leigh Day.
Theft
Pipelines in the area have been targets for thieves who steal crude oil and try to refine it locally. This has lead to more spills and damage though explosions.
"Both Bille and Ogale are areas heavily impacted by crude oil theft, pipeline sabotage and illegal refining which remain the main sources of pollution across the Niger Delta.
"Ogale is in Ogoniland and it is important to note that SPDC has produced no oil or gas in Ogoniland since 1993. Access to the area has been limited following a rise in violence, threats to staff and attacks on facilities," Shell said.
Settlement
But the communities say Shell pipelines lack the technology to detect and shut off leaks, whatever the cause.
Daniel Leader, partner at Leigh Day said: "It is scandalous that four years after the UNEP Report Shell is yet to clean up its oil in either Ogale or Bille. Our client's patience has now run out and we intend to force Shell to act since it is clear they have no intention of doing so on their own."
In January last year, Shell agreed to an $84m (£55m) settlement with residents of the Bodo community in the Niger Delta for two oil spills.
The same law firm, Leigh Day, said their 15,600 clients would receive $3,300 each for losses caused by the spills.
The remaining $30m would be left for the community, which Leigh Day said was "devastated by the two massive oil spills in 2008 and 2009".
That dispute began in 2011.
During the trial emails, letters and internal reports submitted to a court in London, and seen by the BBC, showed that senior Shell employees were concerned before the spill that Shell's pipelines in the area had reached the end of their lives and needed replacing to avoid danger to lives, the environment and the economy.
Two spills in 2008 affected about 35 sq miles (90 sq km) in southern Nigeria, according to the Bodo community which sued Shell.
Shell said at the time it "dismisses the suggestion that it has knowingly continued to use a pipeline that is not safe to operate".
BBC
Related story: Shell to pay 55 million pounds for oil spills in Nigeria
Two communities are claiming compensation and want Shell to clean up their land.
Shell said it is at an "early stage" in reviewing the claims and that the case should be heard in Nigeria.
The Ogale community of about 40,000 people in Rivers State, on the coast of Nigeria, who are mainly farmers or fishermen, are some of the claimants.
Their case is being handled by law firm Leigh Day.
Spills since 1989 have meant they don't have clean drinking water, farmland or rivers, their claim says.
It points to a November 2015 report by Amnesty International which says four spill sites Shell says it planned to clean up are still contaminated.
The first court hearing is due on Wednesday at the Technology and Construction Court, which will determine if the claimants can can lodge a case against Shell's Nigerian business, known as Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).
Clean-up plan
Amnesty's findings followed a 2011 report by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) which found water contaminated with oil by-products including benzene, thought to be a carcinogen. It suggested a clean up, but said a "sustainable recovery" of the area could take up to 30 years.
Shell says it has agreed a clean-up plan.
"In mid-2015 SPDC JV, along with the government, UNEP and representatives of the Ogoni community, agreed to an 18-month roadmap to fast-track the environmental clean-up and remediation of Ogoniland which includes a governance framework," it said in a statement.
The Bille community, who are mainly fishermen and are the other party to sue, claims Shell should be liable for "failing to protect their pipelines from damage caused by third parties", according to Leigh Day.
Theft
Pipelines in the area have been targets for thieves who steal crude oil and try to refine it locally. This has lead to more spills and damage though explosions.
"Both Bille and Ogale are areas heavily impacted by crude oil theft, pipeline sabotage and illegal refining which remain the main sources of pollution across the Niger Delta.
"Ogale is in Ogoniland and it is important to note that SPDC has produced no oil or gas in Ogoniland since 1993. Access to the area has been limited following a rise in violence, threats to staff and attacks on facilities," Shell said.
Settlement
But the communities say Shell pipelines lack the technology to detect and shut off leaks, whatever the cause.
Daniel Leader, partner at Leigh Day said: "It is scandalous that four years after the UNEP Report Shell is yet to clean up its oil in either Ogale or Bille. Our client's patience has now run out and we intend to force Shell to act since it is clear they have no intention of doing so on their own."
In January last year, Shell agreed to an $84m (£55m) settlement with residents of the Bodo community in the Niger Delta for two oil spills.
The same law firm, Leigh Day, said their 15,600 clients would receive $3,300 each for losses caused by the spills.
The remaining $30m would be left for the community, which Leigh Day said was "devastated by the two massive oil spills in 2008 and 2009".
That dispute began in 2011.
During the trial emails, letters and internal reports submitted to a court in London, and seen by the BBC, showed that senior Shell employees were concerned before the spill that Shell's pipelines in the area had reached the end of their lives and needed replacing to avoid danger to lives, the environment and the economy.
Two spills in 2008 affected about 35 sq miles (90 sq km) in southern Nigeria, according to the Bodo community which sued Shell.
Shell said at the time it "dismisses the suggestion that it has knowingly continued to use a pipeline that is not safe to operate".
BBC
Related story: Shell to pay 55 million pounds for oil spills in Nigeria
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Video - Nigeria startup creating custom emojis for smartphones
If you are an avid user of social media for conversations, chances are that conversations never quite feel complete without the use of smileys or emojis. Major smartphone brands recognize this and have these emojis built into their products. A Nigerian Start up has now created a unique set of emojis reflecting African characters and phrases to enable social media users on the continent communicate better in their everyday language.
Nigerian Football Federation accuses Sunday Oliseh of lying
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has apologized to Nigerians over the sudden resignation of Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh.
The NFF, in an official statement posted on its website Monday, assured Nigerians that it would not let the development affect the team's preparation for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
It said: "The NFF seizes this opportunity to apologize to Nigerians for the situation we find ourselves though not of our own making. We assure the teeming Super Eagles supporters that we shall patriotically remain committed to the success of the team.
"This is already evidenced by the swiftness with which we have reconstituted the coaching crew and received the assurances of the patriotism of the Super Eagles players who have vowed to fight for the Nigerian and spirit, and ensure that not only do we qualify for the African Nations Cup but also that our long term goals are not derailed.
"The NFF gives the foregoing assurances despite the circumstances which has arisen with the untimely resignation of coach Sunday Oliseh," the federation said.
The NFF accused Oliseh of lying about contract violations, unpaid wages and benefits to players and assistant coaches as reasons for his sudden resignation. The NFF also accused Oliseh of backing out of their agreement after collecting his salaries and other allowances.
"... .the decision (to resign) was taken unilaterally without discussion with the NFF or any of its officials, without giving the requisite 1(0ne) month as stipulated in his contract," it said.
The federation also claimed that Oliseh tore apart the team with his management style, sacking people at will and that if the NFF did not step in, all the senior players in the team would have dumped it like erstwhile captain, Vincent Enyeama.
"The coach virtually tore the team apart with his impulsive style of man management, if not for the way the NFF president and vice presidents handled the matter, his disagreement with erstwhile captain Vincent Enyeama would have seen all the senior players quit the Super Eagles," it said.
Premium Times
Relates stories: Video - Sunday Oliseh resigns as Nigeria Super Eagles coach
Nigeria Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh goes on youtube rant
The NFF, in an official statement posted on its website Monday, assured Nigerians that it would not let the development affect the team's preparation for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
It said: "The NFF seizes this opportunity to apologize to Nigerians for the situation we find ourselves though not of our own making. We assure the teeming Super Eagles supporters that we shall patriotically remain committed to the success of the team.
"This is already evidenced by the swiftness with which we have reconstituted the coaching crew and received the assurances of the patriotism of the Super Eagles players who have vowed to fight for the Nigerian and spirit, and ensure that not only do we qualify for the African Nations Cup but also that our long term goals are not derailed.
"The NFF gives the foregoing assurances despite the circumstances which has arisen with the untimely resignation of coach Sunday Oliseh," the federation said.
The NFF accused Oliseh of lying about contract violations, unpaid wages and benefits to players and assistant coaches as reasons for his sudden resignation. The NFF also accused Oliseh of backing out of their agreement after collecting his salaries and other allowances.
"... .the decision (to resign) was taken unilaterally without discussion with the NFF or any of its officials, without giving the requisite 1(0ne) month as stipulated in his contract," it said.
The federation also claimed that Oliseh tore apart the team with his management style, sacking people at will and that if the NFF did not step in, all the senior players in the team would have dumped it like erstwhile captain, Vincent Enyeama.
"The coach virtually tore the team apart with his impulsive style of man management, if not for the way the NFF president and vice presidents handled the matter, his disagreement with erstwhile captain Vincent Enyeama would have seen all the senior players quit the Super Eagles," it said.
Premium Times
Relates stories: Video - Sunday Oliseh resigns as Nigeria Super Eagles coach
Nigeria Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh goes on youtube rant
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