General
IPMAN Backs Appointment of Cordier by NNPC
By Adedapo Adesanya
Following a spate of backlash faced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited over the appointment of a French-Swiss national, Mr Jean-Marc Cordier, as the head of the company’s oil trading subsidiary, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has shown solidarity with the state oil company.
NNPC recently announced Mr Cordier to head NNPC Trading Limited, making him the second after another expatriate, Mr Hubb Stockman, who heads NNPCL Retail Limited.
The announcement of the employment of foreigners to head NNPC Ltd subsidiaries has triggered mixed reactions among Nigerians, especially since the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board is targeting 70 per cent Nigerian content in the oil and gas sector by 2027.
IPMAN, reacting to this, said the decision of NNPC Limited to engage foreigners was the best innovation for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, as it shows that NNPCL was committed to operational effectiveness and efficiency of the downstream sector of the industry.
IPMAN Chairman in Rivers State, Mr Joseph Obele, said before now, marketers had to bribe and lobby to get product allocation from NNPC.
This, he claims, will end, as he charged the new bosses to ensure the necessary things are done.
He also tasked Mr Stockman to end the suffering of marketers by introducing the seamless application, approval, and allocation of products to marketers.
Mr Obele urged the management of NNPC Limited not to be distracted by the protesters, who he described as friends of the corrupt regime and enemies of reformations and also tasked them to engage more foreigners to handle key offices.
“The decision to engage foreigners is the best innovation for the downstream sector of Nigeria’s oil & gas industry, and we found nothing wrong with the development as it will usher in a corrupt free system. It will eradicate ethnic dominance, survival of the fittest, jumping the queue, bribery, and religious connections.
“Evidence and observations show that engagement of a foreigner in the person of Mr Hubb Stockman as the Managing Director of NNPCL Retail Ltd. has brought a series of reformations in the downstream sector as it concerns retail outlets.
“It takes less than one hour to apply for a product on the portal and get approval electronically. You don’t need to make any phone calls, beg or neither bribe anyone to get your allocation as a licensed Petroleum Marketer with NNPC Retail Ltd.
“Before now, you will have a make several phone calls, bribe some officers, travel to Abuja for lobbying or contact someone who knows someone for you to get your allocation.
“Mr Hubb Stockman is less than five months in office as the Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd, and the achievements are obvious for all to see.
“The process of applying for allocation is now automated courtesy of Mr Hubb Stockman’s team. Petroleum Marketers now apply for Products from the comfort of their homes and get approval automatically without any stress.
“The automated system is configured in such a way that each Marketer gets one truck within seven days. This is a great achievement for us in the industry, as it has eradicated the dichotomy between super marketers and lesser Marketers. Each marketer gets one truck of PMS per retail outlet in seven days irrespective of the status of the Marketer.”
The IPMAN chairman also revealed that it was easier to access the expatriates than it was difficult to access other Nigerian managers, drawing on a recent experience.
“Recently, we visited Mr Hubb Stockman in his office in Abuja, it didn’t take five minutes to see him, and you don’t need to pass through any Personal Assistant or junior manager to see him. Family members and friends of previous Managing Directors of PPMC will make things difficult for anyone to see the MD in the office. The case is different with foreigners in the office as we speak, you can reach him on the phone anytime, and you can see him in the office as a marketer without connections.
“With the recent reforms in the sector, you don’t even need to see or visit the MD for any reason. Nigerians should be watchful to ascertain the intent of those that are aggrieved with the engagement of foreigners to head key subsidiaries of NNPC Ltd.
“We had earlier alerted that the beneficiaries of the bottleneck administration will not be comfortable with the reformations. The expatriation process involves many technical and professional aspects.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Executive Director/GCOO of Pathway Holdings Limited, Mrs Dolapo Akanbi-Alade, has called for increased inclusion of Nigerian women in finance as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026.
International Women’s Day 2026 is marked every March 8, and this year’s theme is Give To Gain.
In a statement shared with Business Post, Mr Akanbi-Alade noted that while International Women’s Day highlights the need for gender equality, significant progress requires deliberate policies and systems that expand women’s access to finance and leadership opportunities.
She emphasised that many Nigerian women and women-led businesses still face limited access to finance, highlighting the urgent need for targeted inclusion initiatives.
“At Pathway Holdings, we empower women and give access to investment advisory, asset management, and lending solutions for institutions, high-net-worth individuals, and businesses. Ensuring that women and women-led enterprises can access these opportunities is critical to building a more inclusive financial system,” she added.
Mrs Akanbi-Alade said, “Women’s access to finance is not only a social responsibility but essential for national productivity and economic growth’’. She co-founded the following companies:
Pathway Asset Management Limited is registered and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria, as a Fund and Portfolio Manager. The product range includes Pathway Fixed Deposit Notes, Privately Managed Notes, Pathway Private Portfolio Management, Investment Advisory, and Mutual Funds, which will be launched soon.
Pathway Advisors Limited is registered and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an Issuing House and financial adviser. Pathway Advisors’ services cover Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), Capital-Raising, Financial Advisory, Rating Advisory, and Project and Structure Finance.
Fundbox Financial Services Limited is a wholly owned micro-lending company providing short-term personal and SME finance loans to salaried individuals, self-employed personnel, and small businesses. They offer services which include Cars4Cash, SME Loans, Personal Loans, and Group Employee Loans. Fundbox has successfully disbursed a wide range of loans to both corporate and individual clients, supporting their financial needs and business growth.
Pathway Holdings Limited is a notable investment holding firm focusing on private market investments, including private equity, private credit, and infrastructure. Pathway creates customised investment solutions for institutional investors and individuals, leveraging its extensive experience and local footprint.
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has approved the postings of 65 ambassadors-designate and high commissioners to various countries and the United Nations, including the former head of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Lateef Kayode Are, who is to serve in the United States.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed on Friday that 31 non-career and 34 career ambassadors have been assigned to their duty posts.
The Senate had confirmed all 65 nominees in December 2025 following screening by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to immediately commence an induction programme for the envoys, who will assume duties after receiving agrément from their host countries.
Below is the full list of postings:
NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS
1. Senator Grace Bent — Togo (Lomé)
2. Senator Ita Enang — South Africa
3. Ikpeazu Victor — Spain
4. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu — Israel (Tel Aviv)
5. Mahmud Yakubu — Qatar
6. Paul Oga Adikwu — Vatican City Holy See
7. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas — Philippines
8. Reno Omokri — Mexico
9. Engr. Abasi Braimah — Hungary (Budapest)
10. Mrs Erelu Angela Adebayo — Portugal
11. Barr. Oluwayimika Ayotunwa — Japan (Tokyo)
12. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi — Greece (Athens)
13. Barr. Chioma Priscilla Ohakim — Poland (Warsaw)
14. Aminu Dalhatu — United Kingdom (High Commissioner)
15. Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau — China (Beijing)
16. Tasiu Musa Maigari — Gambia
17. Olufemi Pedro — Australia
18. Barr. Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu — Argentina
19. Lateef Kayode Are — United States
20. Amb. Joseph Sola Iji — Russia
21. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim — United Nations (Permanent Representative)
22. Femi Fani-Kayode — Germany
23. Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole — Canada (Ottawa)
24. Fatima Florence Ajimobi — Austria
25. Mrs Lola Akande — Sweden
26. Ayodele Oke — France
27. Yakubu N. Gambo — Saudi Arabia
28. Senator Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut — South Korea (Seoul)
29. Barr. Joe-Kyari Okocha, SAN — Ireland (Dublin)
30. Dr Kulu Haruna Abubakar — Tunisia (Tunis)
31. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe — Trinidad and Tobago (Port of Spain)
CAREER AMBASSADORS
32. Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka — Côte d’Ivoire
33. Besto Maimuna Ibrahim — Niger (Niamey)
34. Monica Okwuchukwu Enebechi — São Tomé and Príncipe
35. Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele — Algeria (Algiers)
36. Endoni Syndoph Paebi — Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
37. Ahmed Mohammed Monguno — Egypt (Cairo)
38. Ambassador Jane Adams — Jamaica (Kingston)
39. Ambassador Clark-Omeru Alexandra — Zambia (Lusaka)
40. Chima Geoffrey Lioma David — Mali (Bamako)
41. Ambassador Odumah Yvonne Ehinosen — Equatorial Guinea (Malabo)
42. Ambassador Wasa Segun Ige — Lebanon (Beirut)
43. Ruben Abimbola Samuel — Italy (Rome)
44. Ambassador Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley — Mozambique (Maputo)
45. Ambassador Magaji Umar — DR Congo (Kinshasa)
46. Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru — India (New Delhi)
47. Ambassador Abdussalam Habu Zayyad — Senegal (Dakar)
48. Ambassador Shehu Ilu Barde — Ghana (Accra)
49. Ambassador Aminu Nasir — Ethiopia
50. Abubakar Musa — Chad (N’Djamena)
51. Ambassador Haidara Mohammed Idris — Netherlands (The Hague)
52. Ambassador Bako Adamu Umar — Morocco (Rabat)
53. Ambassador Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed — Malaysia
54. Ambassador Romata Mohammed Omobolanle — Tanzania
55. Ambassador Shaga John Shamah — Botswana
56. Hamza Mohammed Salau — Iran (Tehran)
57. Ambassador Ibrahim Danlami — Kenya
58. Ibrahim Adeola Mopelola — Benin (Cotonou)
59. Ambassador Ayeni Adebayo Emmanuel — Belgium (Brussels)
60. Ambassador Akande Wahab Adekola — Switzerland (Berne)
61. Ambassador Arewa Esther — Namibia (Windhoek)
62. Ambassador Gergadi Joseph John — Gabon (Libreville)
63. Ambassador Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata — Sierra Leone
64. Danladi Yakubu Nyaku — Sudan (Khartoum)
65. Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru — Thailand (Bangkok)
Mr Onanuga noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for High Commissioner-designate Aminu Dalhatu, and from France for Ambassador Ayodele Oke.
Nominations of the remaining 62 envoys have been conveyed to their respective host countries pending agreement.
General
In Celebration of International Women’s Month, CANAL+ and MultiChoice Celebrate African Women
Across Africa and beyond, women continue to shape and elevate the stories that define our societies. In celebration of International Women’s Month, CANAL+ pays tribute to the storytellers, athletes, mothers, creators, leaders and icons whose voices inspire millions of households across the continent.
The African entertainment industry is driven by women, actresses, directors, screenwriters and producers who bring depth and authenticity to every production. From captivating telenovelas and popular comedies to powerful drama series, female talent remains at the heart of the stories most loved by viewers on CANAL+ Group of channels. In sport, women redefine competition and excellence – on the field, behind the mic or in leadership. From football to tennis and athletics, women in sport don’t just participate, they elevate the game and inspire the next generation.
CANAL+ and its subsidiary MultiChoice have chosen to celebrate them through a dedicated campaign: “We are… because she is.” A 90-second spot, produced in both French and English versions, will be broadcast on the Group’s channels and social media platforms in more than 35 countries across Africa.
Watch the promo below
Throughout International Women’s Month, DStv and GOtv will spotlight female‑led films, series, reality shows and global cultural moments that reflect the brilliance and complexity of modern womanhood.
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