News
Help! Nigeria’s National Memory under Threat
The sorry and disgusting state of the National Archives office in Lagos portends a threat to the (documentaries) memory of a nation like Nigeria.
The centre is currently undermined by civil servants and politicians as a negligible national monument.
National Archives Lagos once referred to one of Nigeria’s prime point of pride and prestige is under sever attaches of termites, and weeds reaching the roof tops.
During a recent tour of the department of National Archives of Nigeria office in Ikoyi Lagos, by a team of Records and Information Management Awareness (RIMA) Foundation led by Dr. Oyewole Oyedokun, the president, “observed the fact that the facility is grossly underfunded and this has negatively affected the state of records/archives housed by the Lagos branch office which served as National Headquarters up till 2005”.
While recalling UNESCO’s believe that “Documentary heritage reflects the diversity of languages, peoples and cultures.
It is the mirror of the world and its memory. But this memory is fragile. Every day, irreplaceable parts of this memory disappear forever,” he added that “Records and their information contents are raw materials for administrators to direct, control, communicate, plan and formulate policies.
“Public administrators rely on available and accurate records to advise government on implications of policy options, actively promote unity, and assist government to operate an administrative system that is conscious, performance oriented, efficient and effective. Nations archives are the most important sources of information for the study of her political, social, economic and general development.
“They are also means of transmitting information about a nation’s cultural heritage, and also constitute evidence of material and intellectual growth.
However, the Lagos branch office of the National Archives of Nigeria, has in its custody important records/archives e.g. pictorial archives such as past colonial masters, Nigerian heads of state, news papers, journals, copies of Janus, records of federal ministries that relocated from the commercial nerve center of Lagos to Abuja.
The security and preservation of these records in a conducive and well equipped repository is necessary for their continuous survival.
Some findings made by RIMA’s team include that, “The repository where these records/archived materials are kept lack facilities such as , fire extinguisher, air conditioners, dehumidifier etc for the room temperature control of Stacks, boxes, steel shelves, brown paper and other preservation/records maintenance facilities. Most of the records are on the bare floor and are fast deteriorating.
“The records/archives are not secured because the office lacks security physical security (Security guards); The lack of professional training, coupled with the lack of resources; Most of the doors and windows within the building and the repository have collapsed thereby exposing Records to rodents and water from rainfall; The building was surrounded by grasses and the services of gardeners are required and Members of staff are exposed to health hazards because the office lacks conveniences and water”.
A document containing the findings indicated that, “Archivists lack personal protective equipment (overall and gloves etc) and are therefore exposed to dust during the cause of executing their duties.
“The search room is not equipped for usage and no provision for official vehicle or van required for the acquisition of records”.
The RIMA’s president lamented that unless action is taken now, much of mankind’s documentary heritage in the facility may vanish.
“In the light of the above, we would like to call on all relevant government agencies, local and international donors to come to the rescue of these national monuments before being left to deteriorate beyond recovery,” he said.
The National Archives of Nigeria presently operates under the provision of the National Archives Act of 1992 with laid down objectives to locate, assemble and rationalize the documentary source material of the country and preserve them permanently for research and other purposes; to enhance efficiency and economy in the running of government Ministries and departments, by developing and advising on methods for the elimination of non-current records and for their eventual transfer to the Federal Records Centers and the National Archives.
Others are to extend the interest of the department beyond that of non-current records and semi-current records in creating agencies through records management programmes; restore and preserve historical records through conservation activities; serve as an information bank for government documentary source materials and to publish guides and historical materials for the benefit of the people and to educate through training the citizenry on the importance of records and their documentary heritage as well as reservation and management of records of individuals, private bodies, Companies and business organizations.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited over its failure to account for the alleged missing ₦500 billion, which the company reportedly failed to remit to the Federation Account between October and December 2024.
SERAP’s legal action comes after allegations made by the World Bank, which revealed that out of the ₦1.1 trillion generated from crude sales and other income sources in 2024, NNPC only remitted ₦600 billion.
This left a deficit of ₦500 billion, which remains unaccounted for.
According to the lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday, the organisation is demanding that NNPC explain the whereabouts of this missing amount.
The suit, number FHC/L/MSC/553/2025, seeks to compel NNPC to account for the missing funds.
In the legal documents, SERAP is asking for an order of mandamus to direct NNPC to account for the alleged missing ₦500 billion.
The organisation also wants the court to instruct NNPC to invite appropriate anti-corruption agencies to investigate the spending and whereabouts of the funds.
Furthermore, SERAP requests that those responsible for the missing money be identified, held accountable, and handed to relevant authorities for investigation and prosecution.
The lawsuit follows NNPC’s response to SERAP’s Freedom of Information (FoI) request, where the company argued that the FoI Act does not apply to it.
NNPC’s lawyers, Afe Babalola and Co, claimed that the company is exempt from the FoI Act.
SERAP, however, argues that the NNPC must comply with the Nigerian Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act, along with international human rights and anti-corruption standards, in exercising its statutory functions.
In the suit, SERAP emphasizes that the missing funds have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic instability, including the country’s high deficit spending and crippling debt crisis.
The organisation argues that the NNPC’s failure to remit these funds has worsened an already precarious economic situation.
SERAP also stresses that the missing oil revenues reflect a broader failure in NNPC’s accountability and transparency. The organisation highlights that the company’s continuing disregard for these principles damages the country’s economic well-being and governance systems.
The lawsuit also references a recent Supreme Court ruling, which declared that the Freedom of Information Act applies to public records in the Federation, including those kept by NNPC. SERAP calls on the court to enforce the application of this ruling in the case at hand.
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Ms Oluwakemi Oni, and Ms Valentina Adegoke, read in part, “Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these missing public funds from the NNPCL meant for the economic development of the country.”
“There is a legitimate public interest in providing the details sought. The NNPC has a legal responsibility to account for and explain the whereabouts of the missing oil money.”
“The country’s oil wealth ought to be used solely for the benefit of the Nigerian people, and for the sake of the present and future generations.”
“Without the full recovery and remittance of the missing ₦500 billion oil revenues, the dire economic situation may worsen and Nigerians will continue to be denied access to basic public goods and services.”
“Nigerians have the right to know why the NNPCL failed to remit the subsidy removal savings to the Federation Account, and why the NNPCL is deliberately denying states and local governments their allocations from the Account, contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.”
“The failure by the NNPCL to remit the money to the Federation Account is a grave violation of the public trust and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, national anticorruption laws, and the country’s anticorruption obligations.”
“Despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived minimal benefit from oil money primarily because of widespread grand corruption, and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators.”
“Combating the corruption epidemic in the oil sector would alleviate poverty, improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the ability of the government to meet its human rights and anti-corruption obligations.”
“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding the spending of their commonwealth.”
“The Auditor-General of the Federation and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have for many years documented reports of disappearance of oil money from the NNPCL.”
“The World Bank recently disclosed that out of the N1.1tn revenue from crude sales and other income in 2024, the NNPCL only remitted N600bn, leaving a deficit of ₦500bn unaccounted for.”
“The revenue and other income were expected to be paid into the Federation Account and shared by all levels of government but the NNPCL reportedly failed to do so.”
“SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the NNPCL to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Constitution.”
“Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources. Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the NNPCL to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds.”
“These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected.”
“The missing oil revenue has also impeded Nigerians’ ability to enjoy their economic and social rights, and denied them access to essential public goods and services, especially at the time of the cost of living crisis in the country.”
“Had the NNPCL accounted for and remitted the alleged missing ₦500 billion to the Federation Account, it is likely that more funds would have been allocated to the fulfilment of economic and social rights, such as increased spending on public goods and services.”
“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information on the whereabouts of the missing ₦500 billion of oil revenue.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
The leadership of Computer Village, Ikeja, has begun a biometric registration and enumeration exercise to sanitise the market, curb criminal activity, and restore investor confidence.
In a statement, Abisola Azeez, Iyaloja, described the initiative as part of a broader rebranding effort to address issues like phone snatching, fraudulent technicians, and substandard goods.
It stated, “The market’s leadership announced the move after a recent security incident led the Lagos State Task Force to consider a complete shutdown. However, market representatives intervened to safeguard legitimate traders. Under the new rules, only registered vendors with ID cards displayed at their stalls will be allowed to operate.
Approved street setups will be limited to plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas, while wooden structures and open flames are banned to reduce fire hazards.”
Adeniyi Olasoji, baba Oja, noted the market’s damaged image, emphasising new security measures like CCTV, emergency alert systems, and increased collaboration with law enforcement.
“Other leaders, including Prince Tony Nwakeze, Ralph Chibuzor, Ben Onuorah, Nofiu Akinsanya, and Ikani Tony, affirmed the move as essential for transforming Computer Village into a structured, globally competitive digital hub.
The registration will be completed within two months, after which only verified traders will be allowed to operate.
Meanwhile, Fidelix Ezeugwu, executive secretary of the Ikeja Market Board, emphasised the market’s unified leadership, comprising representatives from four major ethnic groups, and the importance of updated data to align with global standards.
He said, “Additional upgrades include installation of walkie-talkies for improved communication, enhanced street lighting, and CCTV cameras to monitor activity.
“These improvements aim to position Computer Village as a world-class market, comparable to international hubs like Dubai and Singapore.”
First Asset Management Limited, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc, has received the prestigious Fund Manager of the Year 2024 award. This accolade was conferred during the inaugural Capital Market Choice Awards, hosted by Nairametrics Financial Advocate Limited, underscoring the firm’s commitment to excellence and wealth creation.
The prestigious awards ceremony honoured the significant achievements of key players in the financial market, including operators, regulators, investors, and stakeholders. Their commitment and impact were crucial in fostering the growth and stability of Nigeria’s capital markets industry in 2024.
First Asset Management has received recognition for its commitment to quality service and innovation in the investment and asset management industry. This recognition reflects the firm’s exceptional performance, excellence in service delivery, and significant contributions to the financial ecosystem.
Ike Onyia, Managing Director/CEO of First Asset Management, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and commended Nairametrics for its diligence and transparency in the award process.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which validates our unwavering commitment to delivering value to our clients and stakeholders. Client satisfaction is at the core of our operations. This award motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and providing innovative investment solutions,” he stated.
He further emphasised the company’s commitment to deploying customised investment strategies that address the varied objectives of its clients.
First Asset Management continues to elevate its reputation with an impressive collection of awards. For over five years, the firm has been celebrated as the Best Asset Manager in Nigeria at the EMEA Finance: African Banking Awards.
The firm has also earned recognition as a Great Place to Work and won the prestigious Excellence in Asset Management award at the 2024 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, showcasing its commitment to outstanding performance and a positive workplace culture.
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