Belemaoil Group President Tein Jack-Rich joined Roger Stone, longtime strategist and one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies, for talks at Mar-a-Lago this week, with both men emphasizing trade expansion between the United States and Nigeria.

Jack-Rich described the trip as “an absolutely wonderful flight from D.C. to Mar-a-Lago with a visionary strategist, master bridge-builder, and one of President Trump’s closest allies.” The visit marks his third to the Florida estate since 2024, and he said “each experience has been even more memorable than the last.”

According to Jack-Rich, discussions focused on commercial ties and investment opportunities that would benefit both nations. “Speaking positively about Nigeria and advancing trade opportunities between the United States and Nigeria remains a vital call to action for the benefit of both our peoples,” he said.

He characterized the atmosphere at Mar-a-Lago as one of “warmth, hospitality, and love … truly beyond measure,” adding that the meeting featured “graciousness, meaningful conversations, and an atmosphere of genuine friendship and respect.”

Stone, a central figure in Trump’s political orbit for decades, and Jack-Rich aligned on what the Belemaoil president called the core objective: “love of country and push for real, big opportunity for national good.”

Jack-Rich leads Belemaoil, one of Nigeria’s prominent indigenous energy firms. He has repeatedly advocated for deeper U.S.–Africa economic engagement, particularly in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Neither Stone nor representatives for Trump have publicly commented on the meeting. The visit comes as both Washington and Abuja signal renewed interest in bilateral trade frameworks ahead of 2027.

A civil society group, Concerned Citizens for Change, has called for the immediate removal of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, alleging gross incompetence and abuse of office over the enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and small PET bottle alcoholic products.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the group’s Executive Director, Stephen Eriba, criticised what he described as the “arbitrary and illegal” enforcement of the restriction, insisting that it contravenes existing national policy frameworks.

Eriba argued that the ban violates provisions of the National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health, and also disregards a presidential directive halting enforcement actions pending the outcome of a joint committee review.

According to him, the decision further contradicts resolutions of the House of Representatives, which had, after stakeholder consultations and a public hearing, advised against such a ban and described it as anti-people.

The group warned that the policy could negatively impact businesses, jobs, and government revenue, while also risking increased circulation of illicit and unregulated alcohol products in the market.

It also rejected claims that sachet alcohol encourages abuse, maintaining that smaller packaging could help moderate consumption among users.

The group added that locally produced sachet alcohol products are certified by regulatory authorities and manufactured under hygienic conditions.

Eriba noted that industry players had already invested significant resources in campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption and discouraging underage drinking.

While expressing support for efforts to eliminate unsafe products, the group stressed that regulatory decisions should be based on empirical evidence rather than what it termed “emotional persuasion.”

The group, therefore, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action by removing the NAFDAC Director-General, stating that her continued stay in office was no longer in the public interest.

NAFDAC has yet to officially respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.

…Say Timely Disclosure on Jet A1 Pricing and Supply Has Helped Avert Operational Disruption by Airlines

An oil sector advocacy group has commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for stabilising the aviation fuel market, saying the regulator’s recent intervention helped to ease tensions across the aviation sector and avert a potential disruption to air travel operations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Centre for Energy Market Integrity and Sustainability (CEMIS) said the NMDPRA’s clarification on fuel availability and pricing came at a critical moment when uncertainty over Jet A1 costs had heightened anxiety among airline operators and industry stakeholders.

The statement, signed by the centre’s executive director, Dr. Tunde Adeyemi, noted that confirmation of over 70 days of aviation fuel sufficiency reflects a strong supply position and underscores the resilience of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum framework.

Adeyemi said the regulator’s data-backed disclosure helped to counter widespread speculation, including claims of a possible surge in aviation fuel prices to unsustainable levels, which had triggered concerns about flight disruptions and fare increases.

“The timely intervention by the Authority provided much-needed clarity and helped to calm frayed nerves within the aviation ecosystem. At a time when misinformation could easily have escalated into a crisis, the regulator chose transparency and facts, which is commendable,” Adeyemi said.

He added that aviation fuel remains one of the most significant cost drivers for airlines in Nigeria, making stability in supply and pricing critical to the sustainability of the sector.

According to him, the NMDPRA’s emphasis on the deregulated nature of the Jet A1 market is also important in shaping realistic expectations among stakeholders, noting that pricing is influenced by global oil trends, foreign exchange fluctuations, and logistics costs.

“It is essential for industry players to understand that aviation fuel pricing is not arbitrary but driven by market dynamics. What the regulator has done is to provide a clear picture of the situation, which helps to guide informed decision-making,” he observed.

The group also pointed to the role of domestic refining in moderating fuel prices, describing it as a positive development that could reduce Nigeria’s exposure to external shocks.

CEMIS said indications that locally refined aviation fuel is being sold at rates slightly below international benchmarks highlight the growing impact of domestic capacity on price stability.

The centre further commended the NMDPRA’s commitment to monitoring supply and pricing trends nationwide, noting that proactive oversight is key to preventing profiteering and ensuring that consumers are not subjected to undue costs.

It urged stakeholders across the aviation fuel value chain to engage constructively and avoid amplifying unverified claims that could distort market realities or undermine confidence in the sector.

“Responsible engagement is critical at this time. All parties must work together to sustain stability and ensure that the gains recorded are not reversed by panic or misinformation.”

Adeyemi also praised the leadership of Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, the Authority Chief Executive (ACE), for what he described as a steady and reassuring approach to regulation.

“Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed has demonstrated that calm, informed leadership can make a significant difference in moments of uncertainty. His approach to addressing the aviation fuel concerns reflects a commitment to transparency, coordination, and market stability, which has helped to reinforce confidence in the regulatory system,” he said.

CEMIS called on the federal government to continue supporting regulatory institutions in the energy sector, stressing that strong oversight and consistent policies are essential to sustaining progress.

The group maintained that the recent intervention by the NMDPRA highlights the critical role of effective regulation in safeguarding both economic activity and public confidence, particularly in sectors as interconnected as energy and aviation.