General
Massive Corruption in NIGCOMSAT, CEO Abimbola Alale Fingered in Alleged Multi-Billion Naira Fraud
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The motive behind the extension of service for Mrs Abimbola Alale in 2019 as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) for another 4-year term may be gradually unfolding.
As it is now obvious that though she is the only African on the board of Space Generation Advisory Council when it comes to the financial affairs of NIGCOMSAT; a satellite communications service provider wholly owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria and incorporated on April 4, 2006, she does not fly solo.
Disregard for due process at NIGCOMSAT
Investigations revealed that between September and December 2011, Mrs Alale in connivance with the immediate-past managing director of NIGCOMSAT, Engr. Ahmed Rufai, and one Alma Okpalefe Udoyen without a Certificate of No Objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and no approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) since the service was a non-consultant service contract, allegedly paid the sum of N5,893,920,000 as an insurance premium for the launch of NigComSat-1R satellite to Fasaha Intercontinental Insurance Brokers Ltd, with an office at Block C3 Amsalco Plaza, No 100 Zoo Road Kano.
Tax payers’ funds siphoned
As the project director for NIGCOMSAT 1R we learned, Mrs Alale also allegedly facilitated payment up to the tune of N3,082,742,400 for non-existent and fictitious insurance policies, amongst which was a N1,475,680,000 payment as premium for an Early Launch Orbit insurance with no certificate issued. China Great Wall Industries Corp. (CGWIC), the satellite manufacturers, however, did not indicate Early Launch Orbit Insurance as part of the insurance cover for the satellite.
Despite the contract document of NIGCOMSAT 1R satellite between Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and China Great Wall Industries Corp. (CGWIC) stating that the transit insurance of the NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite from the factory in Beijing to the launch site at Xichang was the responsibility of CGWIC, another payment of N1,607,062,400 was allegedly made with no insurance policy or certificate to authenticate the transaction.
Obviously running the agency with an open check, the sum of N1,475, 680,000 was subsequently paid for NIGCOMSAT 1R Launch Insurance while the sum of N1,335,497,600 was paid for NIGCOMSAT 1R In-Orbit Insurance valid for two years from 2011 to 2013.
However, on December 21, 2012, while the subsisting in-orbit insurance was still valid, they allegedly paid the sum of N421,885,364.63 to Fasaha Intercontinental Insurance Brokers Ltd for the renewal of the in-orbit insurance policy for December 19, 2012, to December 19, 2013.
Just like other fictitious deals, we gathered that the payment was approved by the in-house tender management board fully aware that the said in-orbit insurance is not renewable as it is traditionally a one-time payment.
While the copy of the insurance policy did not state the premium, no FEC approval or BPP Certificate of No-Objection was obtained for the procurement which remarkably, was not signed by either party, with no insurance certificate from the local and foreign insurers.
Further diggings showed that not only was the act fraudulent, but the amount approved for the project was also above the threshold of the company’s tenders board as set out by BPP in the approved revised threshold for the award of contracts, thus contravenes section 16 (I) (2) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
On November 4, 2010, Mr Rufai and Mrs Alale awarded a contract for the supply of phones towards the implementation of the National Public Security Communications System Project (NPSCS). The contract, which was a supply of goods contract, was above the threshold of the in-house management tender board meeting as stated in the BPP guidelines.
The approving authority for this contract should be the FEC while the BPP will issue ‘No Objection Certificate’. But this was not followed.
Action not taken despite recommendations
It was also gathered that a former executive director, Finance and Administration (F&A), Mohammed Lema Tambuwal, had raised several concerns about Mrs Alale’s alleged breach of government financial regulations.
One of such was the total disregard of due process in auctioning the company’s assets including new vehicles in the company’s fleet to herself and her allies.
The executive director recommended that these vehicles be returned to the company and these persons be refunded the paltry sums paid to acquire the new vehicles, but this was never implemented. Instead, this newspaper gathered that the Executive Director was asked to relinquish the finance portfolio.
Other allegations against the NIGCOMSAT boss is that against the federal government’s guidelines, most lucrative contracts were offered exclusively to Content Oasis Ltd owned by the former chairman of the NIGCOMSAT, Turner Isoun’s son, Diseye Isoun and most of the projects were not executed.
Investigations further revealed that nepotism and tribalism are the order of business at NIGCOMSAT. It was gathered that appointments to managerial positions as well as promotions are usually arbitrary and based on Mrs Alale’s interest.
…Watch out for the second series of alleged massive fraud at NIGCOMSAT.
General
Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today
By Blaise Udunze
Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.
The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.
Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.
Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.
The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.
Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.
Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.
Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.
General
Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.
This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.
The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.
This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.
Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.
It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.
Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
General
Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.
The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.
Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.
According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.
“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.
He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.
Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.
He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.
“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.
On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.
“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.
He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.
Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.
He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.
“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.
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