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Court Orders Belemaoil to Pay Over $21m, ₦10Bn Contract Debts to BGP/CNPC

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A High Court in port Harcourt, Rivers State, has ordered Belemaoil Producing Limited (Belemaoil) to pay the sum of more than $21 billion and another nearly N11 billion to BGP/CNPC International Nigeria Limited being an unpaid balance of services rendered for an executed contract.

Court Orders Belemaoil to Pay Over $21m, ₦10Bn Contract Debts to BGP/CNPC

BGP/CNPC, a limited liability company incorporated in Nigeria, had in Suit No. PHC/3442/S/2022 against Belemaoil, claimed that by a tripartite contract No. BPL055017-00063 signed on 04/02/2019, that they were contracted to provide onshore and swamp seismic acquisition services in respect of OML 55 for a period of three years, effective 24/04/18 and to lapse on 23/04/2021.

The suit noted that the contract sums with a payment split of 40% payable in Naira, while 60% payable in United States Dollar and that the firm had between November 2019 and January, 2021, it sent several invoices to Belemaoil for payment of work done, all of which Belemaoil duly received, acknowledged and did not dispute at all material times.

The firm claimed that it wrote several demand letters to Belemaoil, which were also duly received, without objecting to same, adding that Belemaoil had given its bankers (Sterling Bank PLC and Access Bank PLC) letters of irrevocable payment instructions in favour of BGP/CNPC and its co-contractor for payment of 90% of its anticipated cash call inflow from his senior partner NAPIMS but that no payment was made.

BGP/CNPC opined that several meetings were held by the parties wherein the outstanding sums were reconciled and agreed upon, and Belemaoil reiterated its commitment to paying the debt and agreed on a time line schedule for payment of the part of the debt that may not be accommodated by NAPIMS cash call contribution.

The firm noted that despite the agreement and repeated demands, Belemaoil failed to pay the debt which impacted negatively on their business and ability to meet its financial obligations, thereby initiating the suit through a summary judgment procedure, exhibiting tendering 32 copies of invoices, letters of demand, minutes of meetings and others documents.

But, Belemaoil in opposition to summary judgment admitted that BGP/CNPC was actually engaged to execute the contract and was issued some invoices wherein some discrepancies were discovered and several meetings were held to reconcile the differences in the amounts quoted by BGP/CNPC.

Belemaoil stated further that the sum of the invoices submitted by BGP/CNPC was a total of $28,008,170.07 and N 6,413,890,343.91, out of the said amount, Belemaoil made payment of the sum $7,578,365.67 and N 1,768,718,772.48, adding that the outstanding invoices issued by BGP/CNPC is $22,358,185.12 and N 5,053,732.656.30, but could not be attended to due to non-compliance with the terms of the contract by BGP/CNPC, for refusing to release data on work done to Belemaoil.

They told the court that all the invoices submitted have no certificate of job completion, and that BGP/CNPC is entitled to payment only upon the complete delivery of all seismic products and all data related deliverables, stating that it is not indebted to BGP/CNPC and urged the court to dismiss the application for summary judgment brought by BGP/CNPC.

Meanwhile, Belemaoil had during the pendency of the suit, sought the leave of court to settle the matter out of court and leave was granted by the court, and paid to BGP/CNPC the sum of N 2,440,000,000.00, and $500,000.00 out of the outstanding indebtedness, but failed to pay the balance.

However, delivering his judgment, Justice G. O. Ollor, presiding judge, held that in accordance with the Rules of court, judgment would be entered against a Respondent who is unable to show that he has a good defence to the claim.

Ollor noted that upon a careful perusal of all the processes filed by the parties and the application for summary judgment in particular, the affidavits, Exhibits and submission of both learned Counsels, he is not in doubt that BGP/CNPC was engaged by Belemaoil to provide onshore and swamp seismic acquisition works in respect of OML 55 which BGP/CNPC issued its invoices to Belemaoil, and that Belemaoil also admitted its indebtedness to BGP/CNPC in several meetings and in the documents before the court and that there is no bona fide evidence that the debt owed to BGP/CNPC is disputed by Belemaoil.

Ollor held further that the letters issued by Belemaoil, the irrevocable payment instruction to its banks (Access Bank and Sterling Bank) in respect of its indebtedness and resolutions reached at meetings with Belemaoil, BGP/CNPC and IDSL wherein Belemaoil admitted its liability to BGP/CNPC, reveals the fact that Belemaoil does not dispute any part of the claim being asserted by BGP/CNPC, even as Belemaoil did not dispute that work was done by BGP/CNPC nor the invoices that were issued.

The court held:“The Defendant/Respondent having failed to pay within the sixty days (60) period prescribe by the contract, the Defendant/Respondent has deprived itself of the benefit of the Naira to USD exchange rates applied in the unpaid invoices. Allowing the Claimant/Respondent to benefit from its own wrong will be unjust and contrary to equity.

“It is a settled law that summary judgment procedure is for the plain and straight forward, not for the devious and crafty. I find that the instant suit is plain and straight forward and this application for summary judgment by the Claimant/Applicant is apt, because the Defendant/Respondent has no good defence to this suit of the Claimant/Applicant.

“Accordingly, I hold from the above findings that the application of the Claimant/Applicant for summary judgment in this suit is meritorious and it is granted as prayed”.

The Court, however, ordered Belemaoil to pay to BGP/CNPC, the sum of N10,810,270,635.00, and $21, 858,185.12, being the balance outstanding of the invoices issued by BGP/CNPC to Belemaoil for work done.

The Court also ordered Belemaoil to pay post judgment interest at the rate of 10% per annum from the date of judgment until final liquidation of the judgment, while setting down the claims with regards to cost of action and pre-judgment interest for full trial. A cost of N200,000.00 was also awarded against Belemaoil and in favour of BGP/CNPC by the court.


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Stakeholders Say AgriTech, Open Data, Critical to Nigeria’s Digital Economy

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Stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector have identified agricultural technology (AgriTech) and open data platforms as essential tools for advancing Nigeria’s digital economy, particularly in promoting inclusion and improving rural development.

Speaking at the session titled “Design Workshops Building Productive Sectors: Investing in the Digital Economy” during the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NESG) in Abuja,

Toluwaleke Adenmosun, senior partner at Verraki, said agriculture offers an opportunity for digital transformation.

“Some groups proposed open data platforms to improve the sourcing of agricultural commodities, while others emphasized the use of AgriTech to simplify and formalize the agricultural value chain,” she said.

Adenmosun also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in tax and levy structures affecting businesses. She called for digital tools to streamline compliance.

“Industry players face challenges not only with formal taxes but also with various levies and charges. A simple platform that outlines required payments and confirms when they are made can be implemented quickly and would address this,” she said.

She added that successful implementation requires clear leadership, whether from the public or private sector.

“It’s not solely a government responsibility. Someone must take ownership, drive execution, and raise awareness among farmers and stakeholders,” she said.

Participants also noted the need for awareness campaigns, as many farmers remain unaware of digital tools that can boost productivity and improve market access.

Olabode Ojo, vice president of Global Independent Connect Limited (GICL), a subsidiary of IHS Towers Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure in underserved areas.

“At GICL and IHS, our goal is to provide the infrastructure to support Nigeria’s digital economy,” said Ojo.

He noted that the company has deployed over 600 rural connectivity sites across 26 states and installed more than 16,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables, supporting mobile technologies such as 2G, 3G, and 4G.

“People in these areas now have access to education, healthcare, and digital financial services,” he said. “This supports broader development.”

Ojo also referenced government plans led by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure and establish 7,000 rural telephony sites.

“These plans are ambitious but achievable,” he said. “We are ready to collaborate with the government to help make them a reality.”

While agriculture is not GICL’s core focus, Ojo acknowledged its role in the digital economy and the importance of infrastructure in enabling farmers’ access to data.

“These goals are within reach with collaboration from all stakeholders,” he said. “We must stay focused and work together to achieve them.”

With continued investment from both public and private sectors, stakeholders agreed that AgriTech, open data, and rural connectivity are vital to building a more inclusive digital economy in Nigeria.


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Yakubu Steps Down, Agbamuche-Mbu Takes Over INEC Leadership

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May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has assumed office as the acting Chairman of the Commission following the formal handover by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who is proceeding on terminal leave.

The transition was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners held on Tuesday at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting, Yakubu explained that he was stepping down in accordance with Section 306, Subsections 1 and 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), having served the Commission for nearly a decade.

“In recognition of the significant challenges ahead, and having had the honour of serving the Commission for the past 10 years, with only a few weeks remaining in my tenure, I have made a decision,” Yakubu said.

“In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior national commissioners by date of appointment. Following consultation with other national commissioners, May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman of the Commission.”

He expressed hope that the transition would afford the appointing authorities adequate time to name a new chairman and allow the incoming leadership to settle quickly into the task of conducting elections and electoral activities in what he described as Africa’s most demographically and logistically complex environment.

Reflecting on his tenure, Yakubu noted that since 2015, he had worked with 24 national commissioners and 67 resident electoral commissioners, as well as thousands of staff across the country.

He expressed deep appreciation for their support and acknowledged the contributions of civil society groups, development partners, and Nigerians at large.

He also praised members of the National Youth Service Corps, calling them “among the most educated, most patriotic, and most knowledgeable election officials I have worked with.”

“Above all, I thank Nigerians for their comments as well as criticisms, which encouraged rather than discouraged us to persevere,” he added.

As part of his farewell, Yakubu presented two publications documenting the Commission’s work during his tenure: Election Management in Nigeria 2015–2025 and Innovations in Electoral Technology 2015–2025.

He concluded his remarks with a prayer for the continued progress of Nigeria’s democracy.

“It is now my pleasure to sign my official handing over notes and present the same to Agbamuche-Mbu. And from that point, I will take my exit,” he said.

Before stepping down, Yakubu outlined INEC’s preparations for several upcoming elections, including the Anambra State governorship election next month, the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory in February 2026, the Ekiti State governorship election in June 2026, and the Osun governorship election in August 2026.

He also confirmed that INEC had already begun preparations for the 2027 general elections, while awaiting the passage of a new Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly.

Yakubu highlighted the need to further clean up the voters’ register, review polling unit locations, and manage party primaries effectively.

He acknowledged the logistical challenges of election management in Nigeria, citing insecurity, natural disasters such as floods, and the need to update frameworks for internally displaced persons’ voting.

He also listed several innovations introduced under his leadership, including the consolidation of the biometric register of voters, the digitization of manual processes, technologies for locating election facilities, virtual training platforms, systems for managing political party finances, and the Election Monitoring and Support Centre.

“Indeed, we have made tremendous progress, but a lot more needs to be done,” he said.

Born in May 1962, Yakubu previously served as Executive Secretary of the Education Trust Fund before his appointment as INEC Chairman by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015.

He assumed office on November 9, 2015, succeeding Professor Attahiru Jega. In 2020, he was reappointed for a second five-year term, becoming the first INEC chairman in Nigeria’s democratic history to be reappointed and confirmed by the Senate.


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PalmPay Honoured as Consumer-Friendly Business of the Year 2025 @ Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Awards

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L-r: Mrs Wemimo Jayeoba, Director of Finance and Accounts, LASCOPA; Opara Onyinyechi, Senior Regulatory Compliance Specialist at PalmPay; Adenopo Ridwan Adekunle, Regulatory Liaison Officer, PalmPay; Ezeigbo Ugochi Boniface, Public Relations Officer, PalmPay, at Consumer Service Week and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, 30th September.
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PalmPay, Nigeria’s leading digital banking platform, has been recognised with the prestigious Consumer-Friendly Business of the Year 2025 Award at the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency’s (LASCOPA) annual Consumer Service Week and Awards Ceremony, held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Adeyemi Bero Hall, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event, organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), celebrated businesses and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to consumer rights, service excellence, and customer satisfaction.

PalmPay’s recognition underscores its dedication to delivering secure, reliable, and inclusive financial services to millions of Nigerians. With a focus on transparency, innovation, and customer-centricity, PalmPay continues to empower consumers by offering secure transactions, fraud protection, convenient payment solutions, and exceptional customer support.

Commenting on the award, Opara Onyinyechi, Senior Regulatory Compliance Specialist, PalmPay, said: “We are deeply honoured to receive the Consumer-Friendly Business of the Year Award from LASCOPA.

This recognition reaffirms our commitment to putting our customers at the heart of everything we do. At PalmPay, we will continue to champion trust, accessibility, and innovation in financial services, ensuring that every user experiences safe and seamless banking.”

The Consumer Service Week and Awards are part of a global initiative that highlights the importance of consumer protection and celebrates organisations that prioritise consumer welfare. By honouring PalmPay, LASCOPA have reinforced PalmPay’s role as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

PalmPay is a leading digital banking platform driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved emerging markets. Through its secure, user-friendly, and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay empowers individuals and businesses with tools to manage and grow their money.

PalmPay offers a comprehensive range of products, including mobile payments, savings, and micro-insurance via its app and mobile money agent network.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, the platform has grown to over 35 million app users and processes up to 15 million transactions daily. PalmPay has operations in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh.


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