NEWS
Civil rights group calls for investigation of Matrix Oil over importation of blended crude, violation of sanctions on Russian oil
The Centre for Accountability and Transparency (CAAT) has called for an investigation into Matrix Oil’s importation of blended crude oil, alleging violation of international sanctions on Russian oil.
Speaking at a press conference, convener Okwa Dan claims Matrix Oil’s actions have caused economic sabotage, environmental pollution, and health risks to Nigerians.
The group alleges that Matrix Oil imported adulterated petroleum products from Malta, resulting in a $2.8 billion bill for Nigeria in 2023 alone.
Dan adds that the company’s actions violate international sanctions on Russian crude oil, which could lead to diplomatic crises for Nigeria.
“The oil products imported from Malta by this company are also dirty on the ethical level because it is the product of the violation of international sanctions imposed on Russia to deter it from waging an unjust war on a sovereign nation, Ukraine, which it invaded,” the statement said.
“The sanctions capped the purchase of Russian crude at $60 per barrel but the landing cost claimed by Matrix Energy Limited is confirmation that they are paying higher than the capped price for Russian crude that they blend and refine in Malta. This exposes Nigeria to diplomatic crises that could further compound all that we are going through.
“But what we are now seeing is that the quarry is now hunting the hunter. The company indicted in the importation of the dirty petrol, Matrix Energy Limited, is now using the judiciary to hound media organisations that publish stories of its economic sabotage against Nigeria.
“Matrix Energy Limited its chief executive officer, Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, has asked a Federal Capital Territory High Court to stop media houses from publishing stories about its tainted oil importation.
“This futile effort on the part of Matrix Energy Limited flies in the face of Section 22 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as it stipulates that ‘The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people’.
“Had the indicted company conducted its damaging deal alone perhaps it would have had recourse to the court stopping citizens from asking questions. But to the extent that it allegedly ran this racket in collusion with the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari, government business is involved. Since the government is involved media houses have the responsibility to report and hold the government accountable.
“Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution also declared that “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference”. As Nigerians, we will do all that we have to do to get information about things that affect us as humans and contaminated petrol that causes us economic ruin, and environmental damage and destroys our health is of interest to us to the extent that Matrix Energy Limited cannot curtail.”
CAAT urged the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute those involved in the alleged economic sabotage.
The group also called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate Matrix Oil for causing harm to consumers and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to assess the environmental impact of the tainted oil products.
Furthermore, CAAT requested that the Price Cap Coalition, comprising the G7, the European Union, and Australia, impose targeted sanctions on Matrix Oil and its officials for violating sanctions against Russia.
The statement added: “There are reports that it instituted this suit to shield accomplices in NNPCL and other members of its cabal. We at the Centre for Accountability and Transparency (CAaT) urge Matrix Energy Limited and its CEO to toe the path of honour and give up the detailed list of its collaborators and their modus operandi instead of bluffing with litigation and trying to gag the press. Not even the military junta of yore were able to repress the ever-vibrant Nigerian media.
“Since we have seen that Matix Energy Limited and its accomplices, including those in the NNPCL are recalcitrant and unwilling to stop their economic sabotage, the CaaT is calling on the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute every one of those that have committed the acts of economic sabotage and violated the international sanctions imposed on crude oil of Russian origin.
“We further invite the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate Matrix Energy Limited since the dirty fuel it distributed in the country has caused harm to consumers in different forms including economic losses occasioned by damaged automobiles and generators.
“The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) must similarly look into the impact of these tainted oil products on the environment to cause the cessation of further importation of such and to make the culprits behind it pay the relevant fines.”
Zamfara State Executive Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal has commended the troops for their efforts and commitment to the fight against banditry in the state.On Saturday, the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Zamfara Police Command successfully recovered 329 cattle and 175 sheep from bandits in the Gambanda forest in Gummi Local Government.Governor Lawal, while appreciating the troops, described the Zamfara State Police’s renewed efforts as encouraging and promising in the fight against banditry.He said, “I commend the effort of all the security operatives in Zamfara State, especially the Zamfara State Police Command, for its resilience, bravery and commitment in recovering 329 cattle, 175 sheep, weapons and ammunition from bandits.”The police engaged and overpowered the bandits in Gambanda forest in Gummi local government area, which led to the recovery.”This commendable action reflects their tireless work in the face of challenges posed by criminal elements and underscores the police’s role in protecting the livelihoods of the people of Zamfara State.”The remarkable display of bravery and the successful recovery of livestock and weapons highlight the strong leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammad Bello. His guidance has been instrumental in improving public safety and combating banditry.”My administration remains committed to providing support to all security agencies in their efforts to ensure safety and security for our people.”
The Zamfara State Government is pleased to announce that His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the payment of allowances/stipends to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state. The approval reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of corps members who are contributing to the development of various sectors across Zamfara State.
The approval covers corps members from Batch A Stream I and II up to Batch C Stream I and II. Through this gesture, the government recognizes and appreciates the patriotism, dedication, and selfless service being rendered by the young graduates in education, healthcare, agriculture, and other areas critical to the growth and progress of the state.
Governor Dauda Lawal has directed the Office of the Accountant General to put in place all necessary arrangements to facilitate the implementation of the approval. The government is committed to ensuring that the process is carried out smoothly and in accordance with established procedures.
The Zamfara State Government remains grateful to the NYSC members for choosing to serve in the state and for their invaluable contributions to community development.
The administration will continue to prioritize initiatives aimed at supporting corps members and creating an enabling environment that will allow them to discharge their national responsibilities effectively.
Aviation
From Doha to the World: Qatar Airways Takes Off to Over 160 Global Destinations This Summer
• The World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2025 for the ninth time, is adding 26 destinations to its network
• With its return to iconic gateways in Asia and Europe and the launch of new routes in the Americas, the airline is restoring connectivity to key global markets • Qatar Airways’ award-winning travel experience includes secure and seamless transfers through its Hamad International Airport hub, and inflight connectivity with Starlink – the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways continues to deliver on its commitment to network restoration, and is steadily expanding its reach to more than 160 gateways for the ease and convenience of international travellers. The airline is returning to 26 destinations in key global markets. The World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2025 for the ninth time, resumed safe and secure operations from March 2026 to over 60 destinations. It gradually began rebuilding its network to facilitate connectivity across the globe, and will now serve more than 160 destinations this summer. Qatar Airways’ award-winning passenger experience is delivered on the tenets of operational reliability and safety. The airline delivered 84.42% on-time performance in 2025, which has been recognised by Cirium – the leading aviation analytics organisation, with the prestigious Platinum Award for Operational Excellence. Travellers also benefit from seamless transfers through Qatar Airways’ hub, Hamad International Airport. A destination in its own right, Hamad International Airport is home to Qatar Duty Free’s extensive portfolio of diverse lifestyle and dining outlets for travellers from every walk of life. The travel experience is made more rewarding through the airline’s loyalty programme, Privilege Club. Members can earn and spend Avios during their journey to unlock future benefits. The airline’s onboard experience is supported by Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky. More than 140 Qatar Airways aircraft are equipped with Starlink, making it the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet. Passengers in both Premium and Economy cabins enjoy Wi-Fi speeds of up to 500 Mbps per aircraft. Qatar Airways’ Summer 2026 Global Network: Along with the previously announced Port Sudan (PZU) route to be launched on 2 July, the airline is returning to the following African destinations: • Kigali (KGL), Rwanda, with two weekly flights • Seychelles (SEZ), Seychelles, with four weekly flights • Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco, with seven weekly flights With service to Caracas (CCS) and Bogotá (BOG) starting from 22 July, its return to Philadelphia (PHL) from 1 August, Qatar Airways is reinstating its network in the Americas with four weekly flights to Boston (BOS). As the Official Airline Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Qatar Airways is increasing its service to Boston from four to seven weekly flights to support fan travel during football’s biggest tournament. Additional FIFA host cities supported by Qatar Airways’ increased flights include: • Los Angeles (LAX), USA: increased from four to seven weekly flights • Miami (MIA), USA: increased from seven to 10 weekly flights • San Francisco (SFO), USA: increased from four to seven weekly flights In Asia and Asia Pacific, the airline is returning to the following destinations: • Adelaide (ADL), Australia, with seven weekly flights • Almaty (ALA), Kazakhstan, with seven weekly flights • Auckland (AKL), New Zealand, with seven weekly flights • Baku (GYD), Azerbaijan, with seven weekly flights • Osaka (KIX), Japan, with five weekly flights • Tashkent (TAS), Uzbekistan, with four weekly flights • Tbilisi (TBS), Georgia, with seven weekly flights • Tokyo Haneda (HND), Japan, with four weekly flights (increased to seven weekly flights from 1 August) • Yerevan (EVN), Armenia, with four weekly flights Qatar Airways’ expanded service in Europe includes the following destinations: • Belgrade (BEG), Serbia, with four weekly flights • Brussels (BRU), Belgium, with seven weekly flights • Budapest (BUD), Hungary, with four weekly flights • Düsseldorf (DUS), Germany, with seven weekly flights • Helsinki (HEL), Finland, with four weekly flights (increased to seven weekly flights from 1 August) • Lisbon (LIS), Portugal, with seven weekly flights • Oslo (OSL), Norway, with seven weekly flights • Prague (PRG), Czech Republic, with seven weekly flights • Zagreb (ZAG), Croatia, with four weekly flights
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