Here is a roundup of the top stories making headlines in major Nigerian newspapers on Monday, 30 December, 2024, along with our key advocacy asks.

1. ‘Army destroys 20 illegal refineries, recovers 90,000 litres of fuel’ – Daily Trust

The Six Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, says its troops have dismantled 20 illegal refining sites, deactivated 21 boats used for the crime and recovered over 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the ongoing anti-bunkering operations in the Niger Delta.

Our Take: This development reminds us again of the urgent need for government agencies to intensify efforts in combating oil theft and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Navy need to enhance their collaboration, increase surveillance, and deploy advanced technology to curb these activities.

2. ‘Many federal roads in poor condition at Yuletide despite Umahi’s pledges’ – The Guardian 

Despite the Minister of Works, David Umahi’s promise that all federal roads would be motorable by Christmas, many federal roads have remained in a deplorable condition.

Our Take: The minister needs to fulfill his promise. We urge him to prioritise immediate intervention on these deplorable roads. We also call on citizens to hold the government accountable by amplifying their voices through public platforms and demanding transparency in road rehabilitation efforts.

3. ‘Nigeria-Niger border towns live in fear over brewing row’  –  Punch

Some residents of communities in some states that share a border with Niger Republic have expressed fears over the spat between Nigeria and the neighbouring country.

Our Take: We demand that the governments of Nigeria and Niger consider vulnerable citizens and prioritise diplomacy in resolving their differences to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region. The protection of the lives and livelihoods of residents in border communities should be paramount.