News
EFCC summons 146 Christian pilgrim commission officials over alleged fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is investigating the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission over an alleged misappropriation of public funds, The PUNCH can authoritatively report.
A reliable source in the anti-graft agency revealed that about 146 staff of the NCPC have been invited for questioning by the EFCC.
The invited staff of the NCPC, it was further gathered, were to report at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters from Monday, January to.
The source said, “The commission is currently investigating the NCPC and we have invited about 146 staff of the commission for questioning. They all have been assigned various dates to report at the EFCC’s headquarters and it is between Monday and Friday.”
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached on Sunday to confirm the report.
An internal memo from the NCPC dated January 16, imploring the invited staff to go along with their passports to the EFCC’s office.
The memo signed by Assistant Director APD, Chukwura Frank, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, was titled, ‘Re: Invitation by EFCC on investigation of misappropriation of public funds’.
It partly read, “I am directed to inform you that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited 146 officers of the Commission (both serving and retired) for an interview, and to go along with their international passports (sic) for this purpose.
“In furtherance to the above, the officers on the attached list should report to the EFCC on the dates indicated against their names for the interview with Head, Special Duty Committee 3, at EFCC Headquarters Jabi, Plot 301/302 Institution and Research District, Abuja by 10:00 am prompt
“This is for your information and strict compliance, please.”
According to the memo, those scheduled to appear include the Assistant Chief Accountant on Wednesday, January 22, 2025; the Assistant Chief Executive (Statistician), Principal Executive Officer (Accounts), Principal Accountant, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Assistant Chief Planning Officer, and Assistant Chief Executive (Accounts) on Thursday, January 23, 2025; and the Principal Procurement Officer, Principal Planning Officer, and Principal Information Officer on Monday, January 27, 2025, among others.
The spokesperson for the NCPC, Celestine Ogugua, could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report.
One of those invited contacted by our correspondent said the invitation was a routine check into the books of the commission.
He said, “It is not a new thing for us here. It is a routine exercise to check the books of the commission. It is nothing to worry about.”
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a revised documentation requirement for transactions conducted through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) in Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the apex bank’s acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali
The CBN said the new initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to foster seamless intra-African trade, financial inclusion, and operational efficiency for Nigerians engaging in cross-border payments within Africa.
Launched by Afreximbank in partnership with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat in January 2022, PAPSS serves as a centralized payment and settlement platform that enables instant, secure, and efficient cross-border transactions throughout Africa.
By facilitating payments in local currencies, PAPSS minimizes reliance on third-party currencies, reduces transaction costs, and supports the rapid expansion of trade under the AfCFTA.
In a recent circular referenced TED/FEM/PUB/FPC/001/006 issued on April 28, 2025, CBN outlined the key changes to the documentation requirements associated with PAPSS transactions.
The key changes it added take effect immediately and include simplified documentation for low-value transactions, which allows customers to now use basic KYC and AML documents provided to their authorized dealer banks for low-value transactions of up to $2,000 and $5,000 equivalent in naira for individuals and corporate bodies, respectively.
“For transactions above the thresholds, all documentation as stipulated in the CBN foreign exchange manual and related circulars remains mandatory,” the bank said.
Also, the CBN added that applicants are responsible for ensuring all regulatory documents are available to facilitate the clearance of goods, as required by relevant government agencies.
“Authorized dealer banks may now source foreign exchange for PAPSS settlements through the Nigerian foreign exchange market, without recourse to the CBN.
“All export proceeds repatriated via PAPSS shall be certified by the relevant processing banks.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria urges all banks to adopt PAPSS and commence originating transactions in line with this new policy.
“In addition, CBN encourages exporters, importers, and individuals to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and leverage PAPSS for cross-border transactions within Africa,” the statement said.
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives is set to host the country’s first National Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy, aimed at driving new laws, attracting investment, and pushing Nigeria further along its energy transition journey.
This was revealed during a press briefing by the Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Afam Victor Ogene, who described the event as a turning point for energy legislation in Nigeria.
He said: “The conference aims at bringing together key stakeholders and industry players to discuss renewable energy legislations, energy transition, renewable energy financing, investment opportunities and related matters.
“It’s about developing a national legislative framework on renewable energy”.
The conference, which is being organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy in partnership with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will take place under the UNDP Parliamentary Development Program.
Rep. Ogene noted that recent legal reforms have created space for state governments to play a more active role in Nigeria’s power sector. He pointed to the Fifth Alteration Bill 2022 (No.33), now signed into law, which allows states to legislate on electricity matters within the national grid. Before now, states could only act on off-grid power.
In addition, he highlighted the Electricity Act of 2023, which came into effect in February 2024.
“It permits states to issue licenses for all electricity activities – generation, transmission and distribution across the entire power sector value chain,” he said.
The Committee Chairman further stated that the new National Integrated Electricity Policy, expected in 2025, will guide states in forming new electricity markets, where solar power and other renewable sources will be key to reaching underserved communities.
Ogene explained, “The conference has three clear objectives:
“To promote dialogue among legislators, experts and stakeholders on critical legislative priorities.
“To establish a coordinated platform for federal and state lawmakers, and to produce a clear, time-bound legislative action plan.
“International partners are also on board. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will participate, and parliaments from South Africa, Ghana and Gambia have confirmed attendance. Ghana is sending a three-man delegation led by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin”.
In another major highlight, the Netherlands-based platform INCLUDE will host a Pan-African Legislative Dialogue session on renewable energy, to be chaired by the Hon. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.
“The session will focus on how to establish a unified legislative framework on renewable energy development, investment and financing.
“The time has come for us to act. This is not just another conference – it is the foundation of Nigeria’s renewable energy future”, Ogene added.
Expected outcomes from the conference include new policy and legislative reform proposals to boost renewable energy use, as well as draft laws that will encourage public and private sector investment.
Other goals are to enhance collaboration between federal and state lawmakers, raise public awareness, and roll out a practical roadmap for implementation and progress tracking.
The event will also feature a technology showcase of renewable energy innovations and business opportunities.
-
Metro10 hours agoGunmen storm University of Benin teaching hospital, kill doctor
-
Politics22 hours agoJust in: Ex- Gov Okowa accepts betraying Southern Nigeria, laments running with Atiku
-
Metro11 hours agoFCTA destroys 601 motorbikes over violations
-
News10 hours agoJust in: FG declares tomorrow public holiday
-
News22 hours agoBoko Haram Kill Mourners, Kidnap Others In Borno
-
News2 hours agoAlleged money laundering: EFCC produces Aisha Achimugu in court
-
News22 hours agoDeputy Speaker Leads Defection of PDP Stalwart Chris Igwe, 13,000 Followers to APC In Abia
-
News4 hours agoJUST IN: Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu Rtd, dies at 84