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Some Underreported Stories of 2024 We Captured

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Nigeria, with its estimated population of 228,181,000 in 2024, is one of the most ethnically-diverse nations globally. For any organisation aiming to cover Nigeria comprehensively—beyond the digital space—it requires precision and dedication.

At PIJAlance, since our launch in 2021, we have been committed to uncovering and amplifying marginalised community stories. Back then, we were just a small group of passionate individuals, motivated to create a platform where voices could be heard, justice served, and community development prioritised. This mission gave rise to our tagline: “Bringing You Your Stories.” Initially, it was “Bringing You Your Stories for Development Purposes.”

Our definition of marginalisation encompasses anyone deprived of their rights or subjected to unjust treatment. This belief has made us to embark on numerous reporting projects, many of which have led to impactful outcomes.

As the year 2024 comes to an end, we are spotlighting some marginalised community stories that likely went unheard in 2024. Despite their low visibility, these stories unfolded—and we captured them.

1. Fahad Isah Adam: Met All NNPCL Job Application Criteria but Was Denied

After the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) released the results of its job application process in late November, 2024, there was uproar on social media. Many applicants alleged they met all the criteria but were denied positions, while others claimed nepotism and favouritism influenced the selection process.

While PIJAlance couldn’t independently verify these claims, the case of Fahad Isah Adam stands out.

In a reflective post on LinkedIn following his rejection, Adam wrote:
“Many people have claimed that securing a position at NNPCL today is nearly impossible without connections or being the child of top government officials. I find this statement to be true.”

He further shared:
“I applied for a position and was informed that my application did not meet the requirements. I respect the decision but question the transparency and fairness of the process. As someone who worked hard to acquire the necessary skills, it is disheartening to see a preference for candidates with elite connections.

“I urge NNPCL to re-evaluate its recruitment strategies and ensure a level playing field. Transparency and merit-based hiring will enhance the organisation’s reputation and attract top talent.”*

Adam concluded with hope:
“I do not have influential connections, but I trust that God will guide me to success. I encourage those invited for the CBT test to keep striving and praying. Better opportunities will come our way.” 

2. Alhaji Bello Badejo: Detained by the Nigerian Army, Yet to Be Released

On 9 December 2024, Alhaji Bello Badejo, a respected community leader and businessman in Maliya, Nasarawa State, was arrested in a commando-style operation by the 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

According to his brother, Suleiman Waziri, the arrest was unwarranted and related to an incident in Tudun Wada, Karu Local Government Area, involving a retired General who discharged firearms at herders’ cattle. The herders, acting in self-defence, disarmed the General and reported the matter to the police.

Waziri explained:
“My brother’s only involvement was when the herders approached him for help to secure their confiscated cattle. Yet, he was unfairly detained without evidence linking him to the incident.”

Legal representatives attempting to meet Badejo were denied access, with military officials stating that only orders from “above” could authorise a meeting. As of today, Alhaji Badejo remains in custody, and all efforts to reach him have been unsuccessful.

3. InstagoedTravels: ₦5.4M Paid, No Albanian Work Visa Delivered

In one of the year’s underreported fraud cases, InstagoedTravels, a travel agency, allegedly defrauded a client of ₦5.4 million. The client had paid the amount for an Albanian work visa, but the agency failed to deliver both the visa and the promised job. Calls to the agency went unanswered, leaving the victim in distress and without recourse.

4. FoodCo Employee Jailed Over ₦24K, Later Charged with ₦18M Fraud

Adesina Janet, a cashier at FoodCo Nigeria Limited, faced what can only be described as a nightmare. Accused of mismanaging ₦24,785 in transactions, she was subjected to an internal disciplinary panel. However, the panel proved to be a smokescreen, as she was handed over to the police immediately afterwards.

Janet spent five nights in jail without trial and was later charged with over ₦18 million fraud. Her bail was set at ₦8 million with two sureties. The incident highlights the harsh treatment of low-level employees in corporate Nigeria.

5. REPORTER’S DAIRY: Despite ₦978m Budget, ₦4.26bn UBEC Funds, Students Learn Without Convenient Facilities in Ogun State

About ₦4.26bn was made available for Ogun State to tackle major issues in its education sector. Checks by PIJAlance, schools were found with still dilapidated structures.

6. Policy Gaps Leave Children Trekking Miles to Access Education in Oyo State

A community in Oyo reveals the cracks in the State Government education policy. Children trek miles to get access to education. This report spotlights these challenges while calling the State Government to action.

7. While Schools in Bad Shape, Oyo Keeps mum on Over N2.6bn UBEC Unaccessed Grants, Plans to Spend N145bn in 2025

With over ₦2.6bn UBEC funds to develop schools, another public school in Oyo State, students of Elenusonso Community High School study under trees and dilapidated structures.


PIJAlance is constantly motivated to do more critical stories for your sake. Feel free to send us a tipoff via contact us.

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