By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has been commended by the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) for successfully completing the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery after several failed self-imposed deadlines.

The group described this as a significant achievement, which it said marks a pivotal step towards revitalizing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and ensuring energy security for the Nigerian people.

“The rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery will be a legacy achievement for the Mele Kyari-led management team.

“We see this success as a fruit of our commitment to advocacy for enhanced Nigeria’s refining capacity, reduced dependency on imported petroleum products, and urgent need to combat corruption in the petroleum industry,” the organisation stated in a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr James Ezema.

But it tasked NNPC to “adopt a more transparent and accountable approach in its operations,” submitting that, “As a government-owned commercial entity, it is imperative that NNPC Limited operates with the highest standards of openness, ensuring that the Nigerian people are fully informed about its activities and financial dealings.”

“Transparency is not only a cornerstone of good governance but also essential for building public trust and confidence,” the CNPP stated.

The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria equally called on NNPC Limited “to avoid the controversies that have previously marred the resuscitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery as a result of failure to meet its own set deadlines.”

“It is crucial that the processes for reviving the remaining Nigerian refineries, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are conducted with utmost integrity and transparency. The Nigerian people deserve to see clear, accountable, and efficient management of these vital national assets.

“Furthermore, the CNPP appeals to President Tinubu to ensure greater transparency within the oil industry. Increased transparency will attract more investment, drive economic growth, and reduce the corruption that has long plagued the sector.

“Corruption in the oil and gas industry has been a significant detriment to Nigeria’s economy, leading to substantial revenue losses and forcing the country into a cycle of borrowing.

“The CNPP insists that addressing corruption and enhancing transparency in the oil and gas sector is paramount to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth. The Nigerian people must be assured that their resources are managed responsibly and that the benefits of these resources are equitably distributed.

“The Nigerian people expects a cheaper pump price of locally refined petroleum products in the coming days.

“The CNPP remains committed to advocating for policies and practices that promote good governance, accountability, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“We will continue to monitor the activities of NNPC Limited and other key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to ensure that the interests of the Nigerian people are always prioritized above personal mundane interests,” the group said.

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

About 6,000 jobs have been created, with $379 million collectively raised by startups owned by entrepreneurs who have passed through the Black Founders Fund (BBF) of a tech giant, Google.

Google created the BBF initiative to empower startup owners of African origin. This programme has helped to drive innovation, job creation and business expansions because of the grants received from the sponsor of the scheme.

On Tuesday, past participants of the initiative were at iHub in Nairobi, Kenya, for the Black Founders Fund Alumni Summit, where the organisers unveiled the BFF Impact Report to highlight the significant progress and success of Black-led startups across Africa.

This annual event brought together 45-50 alumni from across the continent including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda to celebrate their achievements and discuss the future of Africa’s digital economy.

The BFF Impact Report offers a comprehensive look at the remarkable impact that targeted support for Black entrepreneurs has had on the African tech ecosystem.

The report revealed that BFF-supported startups have collectively raised $379 million, created more than 6,000 jobs, and experienced 61% faster growth than their peers, underscoring the importance of strategic investment in fostering sustainable innovation.

Through non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and networking, the Black Founders Fund has empowered entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, scale their businesses, and contribute to Africa’s digital transformation. The BFF Impact Report demonstrates the pivotal role of the program in strengthening the continent’s startup ecosystem, enabling businesses to compete globally and attract significant investment.

“The Black Founders Fund is not just about financial support—it’s about creating an ecosystem of innovation, job creation, and opportunity.

“The BFF Impact Report reflects the incredible progress Black entrepreneurs have made, and how the right resources can empower them to lead Africa’s digital future. The impact we are seeing today will set the stage for an even more vibrant African tech landscape tomorrow,” the Country Director for West Africa at Google for Startups, Olumide Balogun, remarked.

“This report is a celebration of the incredible work being done by Black founders across Africa. The BFF Impact Report proves that, when we invest in these entrepreneurs, we’re not only helping individual startups, but we’re driving systemic change within the broader African tech ecosystem,” the Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa at Google, Mr Folarin Aiyegbusi, also stated.

In addition, the Black Founders Fund Manager Europe at Google for Startups, Mariama Boumanjal, said, “The BFF Impact Report proves that with the right support, Black founders can not only overcome these challenges—they can lead the way in innovation, job creation, and economic development.”

Business Post reports that through non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and an expansive network, the BFF has empowered over 220 startups, enabling them to scale faster and break down these barriers.