Business
EFCC’s Forex Allocation Probes: Dangote Pledges Commitment To Economy

By Ohibaba
The Dangote Group has resolved to continue to play its key role in stimulating the domestic economy, “as a law-abiding and ethical corporate citizen.
This was in spite of “unwarranted embarrassment” officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) caused them , last week.
In a statement, weekend, the company said : ” we remain committed to providing the EFCC with all necessary information and cooperation.
” We have already delivered the first batch of documents and are actively working to compile and submit the remaining documents, in good time, to aid their investigation.
“Our Group is a key contributor to the national GDP, the largest employer in the private sector, one of the largest groups listed on the Nigerian Exchange, and one of the highest taxpayers in the country.
We remain steadfast in our belief in Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and its dedication to fostering an environment conducive to investment and value creation for both local and foreign investors.”
In the statement, the company explained that it received a letter from the EFCC on December 6, 2023, requesting details of all the foreign exchange allocated to it by the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2014 to the present.
“We understand similar letters were sent to 51 other Groups of companies requesting for same information spanning the same period.
“We assured the EFCC of our commitment to providing the information and pledged to share documents in batches as we complete the compilation.
“On 4 January 2024, our team delivered the first batch of documents to the EFCC.
However, officials of the EFCC did not accept the documents; they insisted on visiting our offices to collect the same set of documents directly.
” Whilst our representatives were still at the EFCC’s office to deliver the documents, a team of their officials proceeded to visit our offices to demand the same documents in a manner that appeared designed to cause us unwarranted embarrassment.
” Worthy of note is the fact that the officials did not take any documents or files from our Head office during their visit as these were already in their office.
“We must emphasise that, to our knowledge, no accusations of wrongdoing have been made against any company within our Group. At present, we are only responding to a request for information to assist the EFCC with their ongoing investigation.”
Business
BREAKING: NNPC Spokesman, Soneye resigns

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is expected to name a new spokesperson soon, following the resignation of the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO), Olufemi Soneye.
In a statement made available to the press in Abuja on Saturday, Soneye thanked his former employer and colleagues for their support during his tenure as CCCO.
He stated that his decision to step down was to enable him to devote more time to his family and attend to personal responsibilities that require his closer presence.
The statement read: “Dear Esteemed Colleagues, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you all for the unwavering support, professionalism, and genuine commitment you’ve shown in helping to shape and amplify the NNPC Ltd story over the past 20 months.
“Your role in building a vibrant and effective communications presence for our national energy company has been nothing short of invaluable.
“I wish to inform you that I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd. This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence.
“It has been a profound honour to serve both the Company and our country and to contribute in my own way to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd.
I am deeply grateful for the trust reposed in me, the opportunities granted, and the incredible professionals—both within and outside the organization—with whom I have worked.
“I remain a steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd wherever I go. I enjoin you, dear colleagues, to continue your robust, balanced, and constructive reportage in support of the Company’s noble mission and strategic role in Nigeria’s energy future.”
Soneye was appointed as NNPCL’s spokesman in October 2023, following a company-wide reorganisation that saw him replace Garba Muhammad.When contacted by Tribune Online, Soneye confirmed the news, saying, “Yes, my bro! E ku weekend.”
Business
DR Congo: Heineken Forced to Withdraw Staff as Rebels Seize Facilities

Heineken has lost operational control and withdrawn its staff from facilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), CNN on Saturday quoted that the Dutch brewer announced on Friday.
In March, the company had suspended operations in three eastern cities, citing safety concerns after breweries were damaged and depots raided during clashes between government forces and rebels.
On Friday, Heineken said the situation had worsened. Armed groups have taken control of its sites in Bukavu and Goma—eastern Congo’s largest cities—as well as surrounding areas.
“The conditions required to operate responsibly and safely are no longer present and as of 12th June 2025, we have lost operational control,” it said in a statement.
Heineken’s local unit, Bralima, continues to operate in parts of the country not affected by the fighting. The company said it is monitoring developments closely.
Heineken owns four breweries in the DRC, producing its namesake beer along with local brands such as Primus. It previously said its Bukavu facilities employed about 1,000 people directly and indirectly.
“Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees,” Friday’s statement read.
Reuters also reported, “We have withdrawn all remaining staff from these sites and we have continued to support them financially.”
Nearly 14 per cent of Heineken’s total revenue comes from its Middle East and Africa operations, with Congo—home to over 100 million people—a significant market.
Before the suspension, operations in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira represented roughly one-third of Heineken’s business in the country.
Conflict in eastern Congo has intensified in 2025, with the M23 rebel group making major territorial gains, sparking fears of broader regional instability.
Congo accuses Rwanda of backing M23 with troops and weapons—allegations Rwanda has consistently denied.
Business
MTN , Airtel , Glo Begin USSD Direct Charges from Today
The new billing model would allow mobile network operators to charge customers directly for USSD sessions, with charges deducted from airtime balance at N6.98 per 120 seconds.

Telecom subscribers in Nigeria will now be charged directly by their mobile network operators for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) services, starting Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
This was disclosed by Mr Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and the Publicity Secretary, Mr Damian Udeh.
Adebayo said that the change is in line with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) determination of USSD pricing and services, developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other stakeholders.
” The new billing model would allow mobile network operators to charge customers directly for USSD sessions, with charges deducted from airtime balance at N6.98 per 120 seconds,” he said.
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Multichoice: BBNaija Season 9 Reunion Starts June 23
-
Sports2 days ago
LASG Donates Sports Equipment to 1,664 Public Schools
-
Entertainment2 days ago
R. Kelly serving 30 years prison sentence for sex trafficking
-
Sports2 days ago
Nigeria’s Army Boxers chase gold at African Military Boxing Championship in Morocco
-
Politics2 days ago
2027: Tinubu to choose running mate after convention – Presidency
-
News2 days ago
Hardship: Govs Agree to Dismantle Illegal Road Blocks, Multiple Taxes
-
Crime1 day ago
BREAKING: Police arrest most vicious hired killer in Lagos History, Olori Esho (Photos)
-
Politics2 days ago
BREAKING: Major Political shake-up looms as new political coalition emerges in Benue