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Fatal scooping: Untold story of Niger petrol tanker tragedies

Mustapha USMAN
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Fatal scooping: Untold story of Niger petrol tanker tragedies
  • Viewer discretion is advised in this report as some of the images used may be disturbing

THE explosion of a petrol tanker on the Lambata–Lapai-Bida highway in Niger State on Tuesday, October 21, exposes the deadly cost of government neglect of critical infrastructure and residents’ desperate risks to survive. The blast, which engulfed scores of villagers who rushed to scoop fuel, left at least 42 people dead and 53 injured, The ICIR reports. 

Abdullahi Alhaji, 25, was still in shock and disbelief as he sat on the edge of a hospital bed in the Federal Medical Centre, Bida. His legs bandaged and arms wrapped in gauze, his face and upper part of his back bore the scars of fresh burns.

 Each time he tried to speak or gesture, his body trembled from the pain he suffered from the explosion. His agony is compounded by the loss of his loved ones during the incident.

Alhaji Abdullahi, 25, lies on a hospital bed at the FMC Bida emergency unit two days after the tanker explosion. He sustained burns on different parts of his body, as seen in the picture.
Abdullahi, 25, lies on a hospital bed at the FMC Bida emergency unit two days after the tanker explosion. He sustained burns on different parts of his body. Photo: Mustapha Usman/ICIR

At noon on Tuesday, October. 21, 2025, Abdullahi was supposed to be heading to his family farm when he heard that a petrol tanker had overturned along the Bida–Lambata road. Tempted by the thought of making some money from the spillage, he grabbed a bucket and dashed toward the scene. He was soon joined by relatives, friends and other residents, mostly men and women in Essa town. Some of them The ICIR learnt were visitors who had come for a wedding ceremony in the community.

At first, the atmosphere was filled with excitement as people scooped petrol into small containers. In the viral videos seen, some passersby watched from a distance, while passersby warned them to move away from the tanker. Minutes later, the tanker exploded, and a fiery wave of fire tore through them.

Abdullahi said he had just stepped aside with his small bucket when the explosion erupted but was still thrown to the ground with his entire body covered in flames. 

“I was at home preparing to go to the farm to harvest groundnuts when I heard the crashing of a tanker. I then rushed to fetch,” he recalls, adding: “I succeeded in fetching but all of a sudden I saw fire engulfing people.”

By the time the fire subsided, about 29 people were dead at the scene, most of them burned beyond recognition. Over 60 others who suffered varying degrees of injuries were instantly moved to the community PHC and other private clinics in the area. Lack the capacity to handle such situations led to them being transferred to the General Hospital and Federal Medical Centre Bida. 

Charred motorcycles, melted jerrycans, burnt containers and sandals littered the roadside to the site. The remains of the tanker still smouldered a day later. 

The local coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Hussaini, confirmed the explosion. 

Two days after the incident Aisha Idris is still reeling from the loss of three family members. She bears visible burns across her body, but that is the least of her pain.

Aisha was preparing food for her family when she heard that a tanker had fallen nearby. At that moment, she couldn’t find her two children around the house. She immediately thought they might have gone to the scene to scoop petrol. Without thinking twice, she abandoned the half-cooked meal and ran toward the site.

Aishat Idris, one of the survivors receiving treatment at public health centre in Essa
Aisha Idris, one of the survivors receiving treatment at public health centre in Essa

But as she got closer, the tanker exploded and the blast threw her to the ground. Her body burned and bruised. It was only later that she realised her children had never gone there.

“I heard that a tanker had fallen and couldn’t find my two children. I ran to the scene to check on them, and that was when I got burnt. But the children were safe. Still, I lost three of my husband’s family members. They had followed others to the place and became victims of the fire.”

Death toll

Independent findings by The ICIR revealed that 42 people have been confirmed dead, while 53 others sustained varying degrees of burns in the explosion.

Essa village head, Muhammad Daudu
Essa village head, Muhammad Daudu

Speaking with The ICIR, the Essa village head, Muhammad Daudu, who also lost a family member in the incident, said 42 deaths had been confirmed as of October 23, two days after the explosion.

According to him, some of the injured victims had been transferred to the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for further treatment.

At the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, 13 patients remained hospitalised in the trauma and emergency units, it was gathered during a visit to the clinic. The hospital’s spokesperson, Philip Arokoyo, confirmed that 12 of the victims were moved to FMC Jabi, Abuja, while 13 others were being treated after referral from Bida General Hospital.

Survivors receiving treatment at the Trauma centre of the FMC Bida
Survivors receiving treatment at the Trauma centre of the FMC Bida

The casualty figure was further corroborated by the official figure from the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Authority, Abdullahi Baba Arah, who confirmed that the death toll rose to 42 on October 22.

How tanker exploded

There are different accounts of how the tanker exploded and left dozens of people dead. 

While the DG of NEMA in the state said the high temperature ignited the fire, accounts from survivors and eyewitnesses claimed someone in an attempt to scare people from scooping the tanker lit the scene. 

Some of the survivors claimed it was the driver of the lorry who was said to have been subsequently thrown into the flame by angry survivors. 

The community vigilante officer, Salihu Aliyu, told The ICIR he arrived moments after the explosion.

The mass burial site, located only a few steps from the scene of the tanker explosion, where more than 20 people were buried.
The mass burial site located only a few steps from the scene of the tanker explosion, where more than 20 people were buried. Photo: Mustapha Usman/The ICIR

“We saw people burnt beyond recognition, some half burnt,” he said, adding: “We counted over 20 dead. The fire started after one man brought out a lighter, threatening he would set the place on fire if people didn’t stop scooping. Before anyone could stop him, the fuel caught fire.”

Other residents, however, blamed the tragedy on the poor condition of the road and the lack of swift emergency response. They said no emergency services arrived until long after the explosion had consumed everything.

A deadly recurring decimal 

This is not the first time a fuel tanker explosion has claimed dozens of lives in Nigeria, including Niger State. In the past years, at least 70 similar incidents have occurred across 22 states and the FCT since 2023, leaving at least 740 dead and several others injured. Weak regulations, bad roads, and poverty continue to drive desperate residents toward such perilous scenes, where free petrol often ends in fire and death. 

Analysis shows that there were at least 25 incidents in 2023, 22 in 2024, and 23 so far in 2025, with two months remaining before the end of the year.

Infographic showing the tanker explosion timeline by state since 2023. Data not exhaustive.
Infographic showing the tanker explosion timeline by state since 2023. Data not exhaustive.

Niger State has been one of the hotspots. Our analysis shows four recorded tanker incidents in the state between 2023 and 2025. No fewer than 204 people have been killed, according to media reports. The Lambata–Lapai–Bida highway, where the latest explosion occurred, has featured prominently in past incidents due to its deplorable condition and the heavy volume of fuel-laden trucks that ply the route daily. In September of the same year, another 59 people were reportedly killed in Niger State after a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle.

Similarly, in January 2025, another incident along Dikko-Maje Road in the Suleja Local Government Areas left about 98 people dead.

The ICIR reports that this pattern in Niger only mirrors a wider national trend of death fuelled by tanker explosion. Data from the period under review shows that Lagos recorded the highest number of petrol or gas tanker incidents 11, followed by Oyo (9), Kwara (7), and Ogun (6). Jigawa recorded five tanker explosion incidents, with the most deadly being in 2024, claiming 209 lives. Both FCT and Niger recorded four incidents of tanker explosion.

Mourning loved ones

Yahya Babayadi sat among his kinsmen, head bowed, eyes fixed on the mat spread before him in his sitting room.

 When he finally lifted his face, he raised a towel to dab the sweat from his brow. The men beside him took turns fanning him gently with a wooden hand fan. Babayadi remained silent, even when The ICIR reporter offered words of condolence. He had been in this state since the tragedy occurred two days earlier.

Yahya Babayadi sitting among his kinsmen. Babayadi lost his wife and a son to the tanker explosion
Yahya Babayadi sitting among his kinsmen. He lost his wife and a son to the tanker explosion

Like many others in the village, he lost both a son and his wife. His kinsmen said the boy was his next of kin and a child he had waited years to have. His wife, they add, was the closest and most cherished among his three.

Both mother and son were among the more than 30 women and children who died in the explosion. In its aftermath, at least 11 children between the ages of 7 and 18 were confirmed dead, while about 25 women were said to have died.

The official list of casualties from the explosion.
The official list (compiled by the village head) of casualties from the explosion.

A few compounds away, Zubairu Kolo nurses a similar pain. His wife and two sons Gambo and Mohammed were among the victims both known for helping their father in the farm.

Kolo, who also sat on a mat made from old sacks, said the situation was terrifying for his family, adding that it was a great loss that they never prayed for their enemy.

“I was in the house when I heard the neighbour running towards the scene,” Kolo recalls, his voice barely audible. “I never expected my wife or two sons to be among the casualty because they had gone to the farm.”

The remains of the motorcycle that carried Zubairu Kolo’s wife and two sons.
The remains of the motorcycle that carried Zubairu Kolo’s wife and two sons.

‘I lost my wife, son, two nephews’

When the petrol tanker overturned on the Bida–Agaie highway, Ndaluchi Muhammad was far away from work. The 50-year-old social welfare officer was in Badeggi, Katcha Local Government, when he received a call about the incident.

“I heard that a tanker had fallen,” he told The ICIR. “I rushed home, but when I got there, I didn’t see my wife or my daughter. People said they went to fetch petrol. By the time I reached the scene, they were already gone.”

Ndaluchi Muhammad narrating his loss to The ICIR
Ndaluchi Muhammad narrating his loss to The ICIR

His wife had been his only partner. “She was all I had,” he says. “I had warned her several times about scooping petrol. I told her it was wrong, that people had died from it in neighbouring villages.”

The ICIR gathered that across compounds in Essa, residents are aware of the dangers posed by fallen tankers, having witnessed similar incidents in neighbouring towns. 

Pregnant women affected 

At the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Bida, Aminat Yakubu, about seven months pregnant, lies on a hospital bed with her body wrapped in a blue bedsheet. Dressed in white gauze, both arms and two legs are badly burned. 

One of the affected pregnant women, Aminat Yakubu, lies on a bed at FMC Bida after being attended to by a nurse. photo: Mustapha Usman/The ICIR
One of the affected pregnant women, Aminat Yakubu, lies on a bed at FMC Bida after being attended to by a nurse. Photo: Mustapha Usman/The ICIR

“She inhaled too much smoke and sustained second-degree burns,” said a nurse who spoke to The ICIR on condition of anonymity because she was not authorised to speak publicly. “She was brought in alongside others. Although, she is  feeling pains, her pregnancy is still safe.”

Yakubu was among those who rushed to the scene of the fallen tanker after hearing that fuel was spilling. 

“I heard of the falling tanker then rushed to fetch petrol and got burned. I am feeling heat all over my body.” 

While Aminat continues to battle for recovery in Bida, thirty-five-year-old Fatimah Umar, another pregnant woman, is being treated at the Essa Primary Healthcare Centre. Umar, who is also seven months pregnant, said she was lucky to have survived because she had only gone there to look for his brother.

Another pregnant woman, Fatimah Umar, being attended to by an on-duty nurse at Essa PHC. Photo: Mustapha Usman/The ICIR
Another pregnant woman, Fatimah Umar, being attended to by an on-duty nurse at Essa PHC. Photo: Mustapha Usman/The ICIR

“I came for a wedding ceremony at Essa when we heard a tanker fall,” she says. “I was looking for my brother when the tanker exploded. He had gone there along with residents of the community. He died in the flames.”

The head of the health workers at the Essa PHC Usman Yakubu said Fatimah was among those being treated at the facility since the incident. Yakubu explained that Umar suffered a minor injury compared to others and her pregnancy was being closely monitored. 

A death trap 

Residents, including the village head blamed the accident on the Lambata–Lapai–Bida road, which they said has been a death trap for over 15 years.

The busy Lambata–Lapai-Bida highway
The busy Lambata–Lapai-Bida highway. Photo: Mustapha Usman/ The ICIR

They noted that road accidents were common occurrences in the area and that the deplorable state of the road had caused several tragedies. Some pregnant women, they said, lost their pregnancies while travelling on the road, while others requiring emergency medical attention either died on the way or had their conditions worsen before reaching the FMC or the General Hospital in Bida.

Residents said small vehicles rarely use the road anymore after repeated accidents involving fallen containers crushing cars and passengers. “Many people stopped driving small cars here,” said Nasiru Begede, adding: “Containers have fallen on them several times, killing or seriously injuring the occupants. Now, most of those with small cars take longer alternative routes to avoid this road.”

Fallen container along the Lambata–Lapai-Bida highway,
Fallen container along the Lambata–Lapai-Bida highway. There were nine more of this observed by The ICIR.

Along the 124-kilometre stretch from Bida to Agaie, The ICIR counted more than ten fallen containers and two overturned tankers. The road is largely untarred, dusty, and riddled with potholes. Only a few short portions around Agaie are tarred, while from Katcha LGA to Bida, the entire route remains bare. During the harmattan and dry seasons, dust clouds often rise thickly, blocking visibility and worsening the risks for motorists.

Overtunned tanker along the same axis
Overtunned tanker along the same axis.

Another incident averted

Barely five days after a deadly explosion claimed several lives in Essa community, another potential tragedy was averted in Niger State on Sunday, October 26. A fuel tanker traveling from Lagos to Kano reportedly overturned in Takalafiya, along the Lapai–Lambata road in Lapai Local Government Area, around 8 a.m.

According to reports, the swift intervention of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the Fire Service, the Nigeria Security, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) prevented what could have become another devastating fire outbreak.

Weak regulation, enforcement

Beyond the poor road, locals, truck drivers and safety experts blame weak regulation and enforcement for the recurring disasters. They blamed the frequency of these crashes also on a lack of enforcement of road safety measures, including speed and load limits. lack of enforcement of road safety measures, including speed and load limits. 

Speaking with The ICIR, a public affairs analyst, Ambali Abdulkabeer, explained that fuel tanker accidents stem from both human and infrastructural factors, adding that many tanker drivers are reckless, lack proper training, and are often ignorant of traffic regulations.

He pointed out that fuel tankers are not regularly maintained to ensure roadworthiness.

“Beyond these human factors, Nigerian roads are in poor condition and unfit for fuel tankers. The absence of designated routes for these vehicles worsens the situation, increasing the risk of accidents,” he said.

Abdulkabeer stressed the importance of government enforcement of stricter safety regulations for fuel tanker operators. He urged regular vehicle inspections and sustained public awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of tanker explosions.

“Drivers must be educated on the risks involved, and stringent traffic laws must be enforced to reduce recklessness on the roads,” he added.

On fuel scooping incidents, Abdulkabeer linked them to economic hardship, stating that while desperation may push people into risky behaviours, it does not justify endangering lives. “Nigerians have to take responsibility, too. Carelessness contributes to these avoidable deaths,” he noted.

He urged the government to address economic hardship, invest in road infrastructure, and create specific routes for fuel tankers to ensure safer movement. “It is unwise to allow fuel tankers to ply roads close to cities without restrictions,” he said.

Gas marketers set 6 million-tonne LPG supply target, forecast price reduction

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Gas marketers set 6 million-tonne LPG supply target, forecast price reduction

Nigeria’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) marketers have announced plans to raise the nation’s annual LPG supply to six million metric tonnes in the coming years, a move expected to enhance access to clean energy and ease the rising cost of cooking gas.

The outgoing President of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), Oladapo Olatunbosun, disclosed this on Tuesday at the association’s 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja. He reviewed the progress made under his tenure and outlined strategies to sustain industry growth.

The president noted that Nigeria’s LPG consumption had expanded remarkably from about 900,000 metric tonnes four years ago to more than two million metric tonnes in 2024, attributing the increase to improved investment, effective collaboration with government agencies, and growing public confidence in gas as a cleaner domestic energy option.

“Through our collaboration with the Federal Government under the Decade of Gas initiative, we have been able to deepen the future of LPG in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that with continued policy support and private-sector investment, the target of six million metric tonnes annually was achievable.

“By that, we will be able to rub shoulders with other countries like Morocco and Egypt, which currently lead LPG supply in Africa,” Olatunbosun said.

According to reports, Nigeria’s LPG industry has witnessed steady growth since the launch of the National Gas Expansion Programme and the Decade of Gas Initiative in 2021, aimed at driving industrialisation and cleaner energy adoption.

With a population exceeding 200 million and abundant natural gas reserves of over 200 trillion cubic feet, Nigeria is among Africa’s largest gas producers but still struggles with low domestic LPG penetration, particularly in rural areas.

According to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Nigeria consumes about 1.9 to two million metric tonnes of LPG annually, far below its potential market size of five to six million tonnes.

Despite the progress, Olatunbosun noted that the rising cost of LPG and uneven supply remained key concerns, expressing optimism that the lingering complaints over the high cost of cooking gas would soon be a thing of the past, citing ongoing efforts to boost domestic supply.

He added that the anticipated entry of Seplat Energy’s gas into the market, along with increased output from the Dangote Refinery and other ongoing gas infrastructure projects, would help ease supply pressures and stabilise prices across the country.

Reflecting on his four-year tenure, Olatunbosun expressed appreciation to members of NALPGAM for their cooperation and unity, describing his leadership as a period marked by growth, transformation, and resilience.

He urged the incoming executives to place greater emphasis on affordability and rural access, stressing that many communities were yet to benefit from Nigeria’s gas expansion efforts.

Olatunbosun lamented that while urban residents grappled with high prices, rural dwellers still faced limited access due to poor infrastructure and weak distribution networks.

He acknowledged that recent supply disruptions caused by plant maintenance and refinery logistics temporarily pushed prices higher but noted that the situation was improving as local production ramps up.

The outgoing president also stressed that Nigeria’s growing population and industrial expansion would continue to fuel gas demand, underscoring the need for sustained investments in processing capacity and infrastructure to reduce dependence on imports.

Calling for greater innovation in the industry, Olatunbosun urged operators to embrace artificial intelligence and digital monitoring systems to enhance plant safety, curb theft, and improve operational efficiency.

He also encouraged young Nigerians to explore and develop technology-driven solutions to strengthen LPG logistics, handling, and safety standards across the value chain.

Concluding his address, Olatunbosun expressed pride in the association’s accomplishments under his leadership and called on members to sustain the momentum.

Tinubu’s government offers N38 million award for tax reform reporting

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Tinubu’s government offers N38 million award for tax reform reporting

THE Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee has launched the Excellence in Tax Reform Reporting Award to recognise journalists and digital influencers whose work demonstrates accuracy, balance, and public impact in reporting Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal reforms.

The announcement was made on Tuesday via X by the committee’s chairman, Taiwo Oyedele, who said the initiative aimed at promoting informed public discourse, counter misinformation, and encourage journalism that deepens citizens’ understanding and trust in government reforms.

“The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee has unveiled the Excellence in Tax Reform Reporting Award to recognise and reward journalists and online influencers who provide balanced, accurate, and impactful reporting on Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms,” Oyedele said. 

The competition is open to Nigerian journalists in print, broadcast, and online media, as well as digital influencers, bloggers, and podcasters. Eligible entries must be published between July 1 and December 31, 2025, in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba.

‘Award structure: 1st Prize: ₦10m | 2nd Prize: ₦5m | 3rd Prize: ₦3m | Consolation prize of ₦1m for top 20 finalists,” he added. 

He noted that entries would be evaluated on accuracy, balance, clarity, public engagement, and creativity.

Applications will open via the official portal at fiscalreforms.ng by 31 December 2025. 

Oyedele noted the initiative aligned with the committee’s broader mission to simplify Nigeria’s tax system by harmonising multiple taxes and levies into a more transparent and efficient structure.

Note: The headline was updated. 

Tackling corruption in BHCPF primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria

Editorial
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Tackling corruption in BHCPF primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria

By HAPAC

THE Health Anti-Corruption Project Advisory Committee (HAPAC) recognises and endorses the ‘Red Letter’ issued by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Mohammed Ali Pate, which highlights corruption and its detrimental effects on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

In this article, HAPAC shares its findings from an investigation into the BHCPF in some states in Nigeria, along with proposed anti-corruption strategies. We start by explaining the BHCPF to the public, helping them understand what it is and how corruption hinders access to healthcare at primary health centres (PHCs).

Facts about the BHCPF every citizen should know

Under the National Health Act of 2014, Nigeria’s law mandates that 1 per cent of the country’s annual revenue be allocated to the BHCPF, aimed at supporting PHCs in providing quality health services. Parliament is currently debating a possible increase to 2 per cent. Besides these government funds, donors such as the World Bank and private corporations can also invest in and contribute to the BHCPF.

Once funds are collected for BHCPF, they are allocated to improve health services through four main channels, called gateways. These are:

(a) through the primary healthcare agency, which ensures health facilities are well-equipped, staffed, and stocked with essential drugs;

(b) through the health insurance agency, to extend healthcare insurance to the poor and vulnerable;

(c) via the disease prevention to support disease outbreak response, and

(d) the emergency gateway, which should support ambulance services and patient referrals from PHCs to general and teaching hospitals.

Since 2018, when the government officially flagged the programme, over 110 billion naira [$US 68.3 million], including 32.9 billion naira [$US 22 million] just recently disbursed, have reportedly been invested in the BHCPF. Therefore, we would expect that health services and outcomes in Nigeria should at least reflect this amount of money spent on primary healthcare.

Unfortunately, this has not been the case, despite some progress, such as increased primary healthcare utilisation and a decline in the mortality of children under five years old. This is why concerns are now being raised about corruption and its impact on the BHCPF.

List of corruption issues in the BHCPF

In most facilities visited by HAPAC, we observe clear gaps between the yearly investment, around 1.2 million naira [$800], and the actual tangible results in equipment, infrastructure, and the availability of consumables such as medicines. We have identified eight primary corruption issues impacting the success of the BHCPF, listed here for clarity:

  1. Facility managers agree on sums payable to the community monitors to overlook inappropriate practices.
  2. Facilities submit similar receipts for the purchase of medicines to the Primary Healthcare Agency and Health Insurance gateways. So, they get twice the amount spent on such purchase.
  3. Falsification of signatures of community co-signatories to obtain funds without the knowledge of the community monitors.
  4. The State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) has appropriated to itself the sole authority over funds allocated to health facilities. It directs facility managers on when to authorise transfers, typically made to a bank account they (the SPHCDA) specify.
  5. SPHCDA takes on drug procurement duties without consulting health facilities and does not follow approved bidding processes under Nigeria’s procurement regulations.
  6. SPHCDA procures and distributes drugs to health facilities based on its own discretion, not following the requisition orders that detail facilities’ drug shortages and requirements.
  7. SPHCDA supplies unsuitable drugs to primary health facilities and disregards feedback from facility managers.
  8. SPHCDA brazenly supplies health facilities with drugs that are nearing expiration. The eight issues listed above show that the SPHCDA, health workers who manage facilities, and the supposed community monitors are implicated.

We present some salient quotes from our interviewees:

“How can the agency supply to us drugs for diabetes and some of these ailments that we are not even trained to handle … I cannot touch the fund, until the agency authorises. It was not this way when the programme started …” – Officer in Charge (OIC) of a health facility funded by the BHCPF.

“They said the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) will be driven by the health facilities so that we can provide effective health services to our communities. But today, they tell us not to touch the money and even decide how we spend it” – Officer in Charge (OIC) of a health facility funded by the BHCPF.

“A facility received over 2 million naira ($1300) across 8 quarters, but when you walk in, you won’t see any proof of utilisation of such amount. No delivery bed, no power generator, etc., just because they had 100 per cent autonomy. We had to clamp on that and they are now uncomfortable. I don’t want to talk about the OIC who forged the signature of the Ward Development Committee Chairperson … Sadly, nothing has been done about it yet,” a Policymaker at a State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

Our anti-corruption strategy to ensure BHCPF delivers commensurate value

Our proposed strategies include updating the BHCPF operational guidelines in the future with an anti-corruption focus. The specific anti-corruption measures should encompass scapegoating, decentralised anti-corruption initiatives, anonymous feedback channels, sanctions and enforcement, training and retraining programmes, and centralised procurement.

  1. Scapegoating: Health workers and their managers frequently behave without fear of consequences, leading to visible acts of corruption. To encourage a culture of compliance with rules, it is essential to implement lawful scapegoating strategies guided by anti-corruption agencies to ensure accountability.
  2. Decentralised anticorruption measures: Partnerships between the health sector and anticorruption agencies exist, but they have not yet influenced frontline operations. It is essential to create and implement a system that connects health facilities directly with anticorruption authorities, such as the anti-corruption unit at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. While the 774 Performance and Financial Management Officers (PFMOs) offer some assistance and serve as a buffer, they should not replace real-time communication between facilities and anticorruption officials.
  3. Anonymous feedback channels: A key insight from our investigation is that health personnel and managers are willing to report malpractices and corruption that undermine the BHCPF. However, gathering this sensitive information can put their identities at risk. We recommend adding an anonymous feedback mechanism for health staff, managers, and service users in each state’s BHCPF performance review. Moreover, such feedback should be addressed quickly and effectively.
  4. Sanctions & enforcement: Anticorruption agencies should have the authority to investigate and prosecute violations of BHCPF guidelines. Their roles must be clearly defined in BHCPF operational policies, and they should enforce relevant legal actions to ensure accountability.
  5. Training/retraining: Many involved in these corrupt practices either lack awareness of the consequences or are unfamiliar with proper procedures. The BHCPF secretariat should increase the frequency of training and retraining sessions for frontline health workers and their managers on ethics, national and global health priorities, procurement, and the BHCPF guidelines.
  6. Central Medical Stores: This should be an opportunity to rethink revitalising the central medical stores (CMS) or drug management agencies at the state level. The CMS is vital for controlling medicine prices in primary healthcare facilities and provides an accountability layer to fight corruption. A single, traceable source for purchases enhances regulation and oversight. Purchasing medicines from the open market risks obtaining substandard or counterfeit drugs and increases the chances of record falsification. Central procurement at the state level, with sufficient plans for sales logistics covering interiors, would naturally help resolve issues related to the falsification of purchase receipts for medicines.  

Conclusion

As watchdogs and allies in Nigeria’s health sector, we have noted that ad hoc accountability measures are ineffective and may even enable more corruption. Therefore, anti-corruption strategies must be institutionalised and continuously adapted to counter the evolving tactics of those seeking to exploit the system.

Our investigation has identified various corruption scenarios related to the BHCPF, along with potential sustainable solutions based on available evidence.

The BHCPF is a significant public health investment for Nigeria. Yet, without robust, systemic accountability, this fund could become another missed opportunity.

About HAPAC: This is a coalition challenging health sector corruption based on evidence, composed of members from academia, civil society, media, anticorruption agencies, and health practitioners.

For correspondence: Contact vbamas@icirnigeria.org and prince.agwu@unn.edu.ng, Cc: obinna.onwujekwe@unn.edu.ng and drndakasha@yahoo.com    

Note: The article was updated to include the quotes from the interviewees.

Trump’s gov’t bans Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka from US

Mustapha USMAN
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Trump’s gov’t bans Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka from US

THE United States government has revoked the visa of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, a professor.

The renowned writer disclosed this on Tuesday, October 28, during a briefing at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery inside Freedom Park, Lagos Island, where he explained that he had been notified of the visa cancellation by the US Consulate.

“I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” he was quoted to have said.

The nonagenarian said he was unaware of any offence or misconduct that could have led to the action. 

“I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any past criminal record or even a felony or misdemeanour to qualify for the revocation.

“I’ve started looking back—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Do I have a history? Have I been convicted? Have I gone against the law anywhere? he queried. 

This incident comes amid a broader shift in US. immigration policy under the Trump administration. In June 2025, Trump issued a sweeping travel ban that suspended visa issuance and legal entry from 12 primarily African and Middle Eastern countries, while placing heightened restrictions on seven others.

While Nigeria is not among the affected countries, the administration also expanded a “Catch-and-Revoke” programme targeting thousands of student and researcher visas, citing national security concerns and social-media activity as grounds.

The travel ban originated from an executive order signed by Trump on January 20, directing the Departments of State and Homeland Security, along with the Director of National Intelligence, to prepare a report identifying countries or groups displaying “hostile attitudes” toward the United States.

In September, Soyinka reportedly told TheNEWS that he would not honour an invitation from the US Consulate in Nigeria to appear for a visa re-interview scheduled for Thursday, September 11.

The Nobel laureate was reacting to recent notices sent by the US Consulate to holders of B1/B2 visas, directing them to appear for what it described as a “re-interview exercise.”

Soyinka, who was among those invited, expressed surprise at the development, describing the letter as “strange and bizarre.” He said he initially dismissed it as a possible scam by fraudsters or an AI-generated fake document designed to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians.

Kebbi Stadium: Reps to probe $25m grants amid growing allegations against NFF

Mustapha USMAN
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Kebbi Stadium: Reps to probe $25m grants amid growing allegations against NFF

THE House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged mismanagement of financial grants totaling $25 million allegedly received by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.

Lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent public importance on Tuesday, sponsored by Adedayo Adesola (Lagos) and Felix Nwaeke (Rivers), demanding a full probe into the NFF’s handling of international football grants. 

The motion, titled “Misuse of FIFA and CAF Grants by the Nigerian Football Federation,” expressed concern that years of alleged financial irregularities within the NFF contributed to the decline in the performance of Nigeria’s national teams.

Reacting to this, the lawmakers argued that repeated financial irregularities and lack of transparency within the federation had undermined public trust and contributed to Nigeria’s poor football performance.

Citing examples, Adesola recalled that in 2016, FIFA raised an audit query over the handling of a $1.1 million development grant by the NFF, noting that $802,000 of the amount lacked proper documentation.

He added that this prompted the former Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, to order an independent audit and asked the NFF to account for receipts and disbursements.

“The House notes that between 2018 and 2019, NFF officials (including the then president, (Amaju Pinnick) faced public criticism and were subject to EFCC and ICPC probes and court actions tied to alleged mismanagement of various funds and sponsorship,” he said.

Adesola also referenced an alleged $1.2 million grant that the NFF said to have used for the construction of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium, describing the facility as ‘substandard’ and unworthy of the amount claimed to have been spent.

“One of these monies, a $1.2 million, is the subject of a news item currently trending on social media, which NFF allegedly used to construct Birnin Kebbi Stadium.

“We are concerned that a physical inspection of the stadium in Birnin Kebbi showed that it is a substandard facility in terms of quality and quantity, which cannot justify the sum of $1.2 million claimed to have been spent on the project by the NFF.”

He compared the stadium with a similar project in Kenya, where the same amount was used to build a modern, fully equipped sports complex.

He stressed that with the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers approaching, there is an urgent need for accountability to prevent further waste of public funds.

Following deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion and resolved to establish a special investigative committee to review all NFF financial transactions since 2015. 

The committee is expected also summon the NFF leadership to present detailed records of receipts and expenditures related to the FIFA and CAF grants.

The ICIR report that the move by the House came days after FIFA shared photos of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium project on its official social media pages.

The photo of the partially completed Birnin Kebbi Stadium quickly went viral, drawing outrage and speculation from fans, who questioned how such a project could represent progress under the FIFA Forward Programme, an initiative meant to promote grassroots football development.

In December 2023, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris reportedly inaugurated the FIFA/NFF-supported stadium project, stating that it was intended to “boost the morale of youths in the state.”

He stated that the project cost $1.183 million, adding that the state government provided four hectares of land and paid N19 million in compensation to the affected landowners.

Recall that in May 2023, FIFA had highlighted the Kebbi project as part of its dedication to developing grassroots football, noting on its InsideFIFA website: “It is no surprise, then, that Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi, was chosen back in 2020 as the site for the construction of an artificial football pitch now available for young boys and girls to use.

“Meanwhile, a second pitch is under construction in Ugborodo… these two ambitious projects have received around USD 2 million in funding from FIFA through its Forward Programme,” its statement added.

Senate to screen new service chiefs Wednesday

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Senate to screen new service chiefs Wednesday

THE Senate is set to screen the newly appointed service chiefs nominated by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

In a letter read by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during Tuesday’s plenary, Tinubu urged lawmakers to grant “expeditious consideration” to the nominees.

The President appointed Olufemi Oluyede, a general, as Chief of Defence Staff; Waheedi Shaibu, a major general, as Chief of Army Staff.

He also named Idi Abbas, a rear admiral as Chief of Naval Staff; Kennedy Aneke, an air vice marshal, as Chief of Air Staff; and Emmanuel Undiendeye, a major general, as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Akpabio referred the president’s request to the committee of the Whole for screening and confirmation, slated for Wednesday.

The development comes just 48 hours after Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, which marked his first formal interaction with the military leadership since last Friday’s major reshuffle.

The ICIR reported that the president sacked Nigeria’s service chiefs and replaced them in a major shake-up of the nation’s security hierarchy on October 24.

Tinubu said the shake-up was “in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government to strengthen the national security architecture.”

He urged the new appointees to justify the trust placed in them by upholding professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

The administration expressed confidence that, once confirmed, the new appointments would strengthen inter-agency collaboration and enhance the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other security threats across the country.

NEMA receives 153 stranded Nigerians from Chad

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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NEMA receives 153 stranded Nigerians from Chad

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said it had received 153 Nigerians who returned from Chad under the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme, coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Federal Government.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office said the returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Sunday, October 27, 2025, around 12:15 p.m.

“The breakdown of the returnees includes 105 adults (63 males and 42 females), 45 children (25 males and 20 females), and 3 infants (all females),” part of the statement read.

The agency said upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation to ensure accurate profiling and facilitate the smooth reintegration of the returnees into the country.

“In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe, dignified, and humane return of citizens, the returnees were provided with immediate humanitarian assistance, including food and potable water, medical care and ambulance services, luggage handling and logistics support, as well as general coordination and counselling services,” the agency said.

The agency noted that the exercise was jointly coordinated with IOM and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

The ICIR reports that the development comes just three days after NEMA received 150 Nigerian returnees from Agadez in Niger Republic.

These latest returnees add to NEMA’s repatriation of Nigerians from neighbouring countries this year. In July, NEMA’s Kano Operations Office received 139 Nigerians who were repatriated from Agadez, Niger Republic. 

The agency received 148 Nigerian migrants from Sudan in September as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safe repatriation of citizens from abroad.

For years, Nigeria’s northern borders with the Niger Republic have remained notoriously porous, making cross-border movement both frequent and largely unregulated. 

From Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, and Sokoto states bordering Benin Republic, to Cross River, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa Borno states bordering Cameroon, and Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Borno which share border with Niger, as well as Borno bordering Chad, Nigeria has hundreds of porous borders, making illegal migration easy for residents of the neighbouring countries.

The ICIR reported in 2024 that citizens of Niger and Nigeria travelled with little to no documentation between the two nations. 

11 tourists, pilot killed as plane crashes in Kenya 

Bankole ABE
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11 tourists, pilot killed as plane crashes in Kenya 
A SMALL passenger aircraft belonging to Mombasa Air Safari crashed early Tuesday morning in Kwale County, Kenya, killing all 11 people on board, including eight Hungarian tourists, two Germans, and a Kenyan pilot.

Authorities said the aircraft, a Cessna Caravan-type plane, was flying from Diani airstrip on Kenya’s southern coast to a private airstrip near the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of East Africa’s top safari destinations, when it went down in a hilly, forested area about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Diani.

Officials said the crash occurred at about 8:35 a.m. local time after the pilot failed to maintain radio contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff. Attempts by the control tower to reach the plane went unanswered for more than 30 minutes before search teams located the burning wreckage in the thick vegetation of Shimba Hills.

According to Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde, the plane “burst into flames on impact,” leaving no survivors. Witnesses told reporters they heard a loud explosion followed by thick smoke rising from the area.

“We heard a huge bang and ran towards the direction of the sound. When we arrived, there was nothing left of the plane — it was completely burnt,” one resident told The Associated Press.

Officials from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Ministry of Transport said investigations were underway to determine the cause of the accident. Early reports suggest poor weather conditions and heavy coastal rainfall may have contributed to the crash.

The Kenya tragedy adds to a growing list of fatal plane crashes across the world in the past year, raising concerns about aviation safety and the operational integrity of small regional airlines.

In July 2025, a Russian passenger plane operated by Angara Airlines crashed in the Amur region near the China border, killing all 40 people on board. The aircraft reportedly lost contact with air traffic controllers while approaching Tynda Airport and went down during its second landing attempt. Emergency officials later confirmed that the An-24 aircraft was “completely destroyed.”

Just months earlier, in December 2024, at least 35 people died after an Azerbaijan Airlines jet with 67 passengers crashed near the city of Aktau in western Kazakhstan. The plane, flying from Baku to Grozny, reportedly deviated from its route due to dense fog and attempted an emergency landing three kilometres from the airport. Although 28 passengers survived, most of the victims were seated near the front of the plane, where the impact was strongest.

NOA launches N22.5 million animation award to promote national values

Bankole ABE
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NOA launches N22.5 million animation award to promote national values

THE National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced the launch of a new national animation award valued at N22.5 million to inspire creative storytelling that promotes Nigeria’s cultural identity, unity, and shared values.

The agency’s Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed this during the official unveiling of the competition in Abuja.

He said the award was part of the broader Nigerian Identity Project aimed at re-awakening citizens’ commitment to national values.

He explained that the initiative is anchored on the National Values Charter (NVC), a policy framework that outlines seven national promises and seven citizens’ codes intended to guide civic behaviour, public service ethics, and collective responsibility.

“The National Values Charter defines who we are as a people and the principles that hold us together. Through this animation award, we are calling on Nigerian creators to interpret and communicate these ideals in ways that resonate with today’s audiences,” Issa-Onilu said.

According to him, the 2026 edition of the award will run under the theme “Who is a real Nigerian?”, which seeks to challenge citizens and storytellers to explore themes of resilience, integrity, optimism, and creativity, attributes that the NOA said represented the essence of the Nigerian spirit.

Participants are required to produce short animated films of no more than three minutes in length, utilising any of the major techniques in the field — 2D, 3D – or stop-motion.

The top three winners will receive N10 million, N7.5 million, and N5 million, respectively. Their works will also enjoy nationwide broadcast and digital exposure for three months after the 2026 Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) Award Night, where winners will be officially celebrated.

Issa-Onilu noted that the competition is open only to Nigerian citizens and aims to provide both financial and professional support for young animators. He said it was part of the agency’s effort to “connect the values of patriotism and innovation through the language of visual storytelling.”

The initiative reflects NOA’s ongoing shift toward digital and visual media in its campaigns to promote unity and responsible citizenship. The agency, which operates under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, has increased the use of radio dramas, documentaries, and social media content in recent years to reach younger audiences.

The ICIR reported that the NOA had been repositioning itself to address the country’s civic and identity challenges, including misinformation, declining trust in public institutions, and low participation in civic duties.

The National Values Charter, introduced in 2024, outlines a social compact between government and citizens, focusing on accountability, inclusiveness, and service to the nation. It emphasises ideals such as respect for the rule of law, community development, and pride in Nigeria’s diversity.

Issa-Onilu said the animation competition would serve as a “cultural mirror,” helping Nigerians rethink what it means to live by these shared principles.

“Our stories should inspire us to act with integrity, empathy, and optimism about our collective future,” he said.

Entries for the 2026 award are expected to open later this year, with a panel of judges drawn from Nigeria’s creative and academic communities. The NOA said shortlisted animations would also be used for educational and public enlightenment campaigns across television and online platforms.

By encouraging creators to interpret national values through visual art, the agency hopes to make civic education both appealing and relatable to new generations.

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