The House of Representatives will recover over $9billion gas flaring fines imposed by federal government on erring oil and gas companies in the country.

The Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee investigating gas flaring, Hon. Ahmed Munir gave the assurance at the post-investigative hearing briefing in the National Assembly in Abuja.

The briefing was attended by various stakeholders drawn from Federal Ministry of Environment, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), among others.

He promised that the 10th Assembly will do everything within its powers to ensure the recovery of all unpaid levies and ensure compliance with extant legislations and regulations.

“I can assure you that we will not take this lying down. There are two ways to go about it, we have the issues of penalties that are not paid, amounting to about $9 billion or thereabout, that one is there. We know how to recover it.

“Secondly, going forward, those that are still polluting how do you ensure you get it down to zero and what are the penalties that are going to be out in place.

“Thirdly, the big difference between then and now is, we now have a PIA in place so how do you implement it. Where we have loophole that’s why we are here to hear from the people concerned. Is there any amendment that will be required?

“If you are going to bid for oil bloc in Nigeria, and you see that out of the criteria one is your gas master plan, how do you key into that? You can’t win a bid without ensuring you’ll be able to utilise that gas or evacuate the gas responsibly.

“The issue of how many people do FIRS run around and.make them to.pay their taxes, if you’re a contractor and you are bidding, and you don’t have your FIRS Certificate, you are not going to go anywhere if you don’t have various certificates whether BPP, BPE or whatever may be the case.

“So, if don’t have that, you can’t win the bid, so are we going to go and look for you to pay your fees or you go yourself to pay your fees? So, we have to create a mechanism where the business environment requires that certain things need to be put in place.

“If an establishment is going out to go and look for loan and you are owing another bank, I believe there’s a central database of CBN that even if you’re owing N1 you’ll be declined.

“So, why shouldn’t we have a centralised database of defaulters owing, of the people who are not doing the right thing they can’t further renege on these issues,” Hon. Munir noted.

He added that the House was worried by the level of impunity being perpetuated by the operators in the industry.

The Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission RMAFC Gas Monitoring Committee, Mr. Patrick Mgbebu announced that the gas flare penalty payment regime from 2013-2018 (2018 Jan-June) was US$0.30, while from 2018 (July-Dec) to 2023 It Is pegged at $2.00.

The penalties payable amounted to $3,465,299,226.55 and the value of gas would have been $12,403,000,001.20 if the gas was sold and not flared,he said.

Noting that Nigeria has a proven gas reserves of 201 trillion standard cubic feet and unproven gas reserves of 600 trillion standard cubic feet, yet production of gas remains very low and unstable, he advocated the need for drastic measures toward tackling the menace.

Speaking,a Director at Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya emphasized the need to give legislative backing to the use of oil tracker as part of measures aimed at ending the gas flaring menace in the country.

He said: “I also want to plead that the oil tracker should be given a legislative backing, so that it can be used as benchmark for sanctioning of the 44 companies.Presently, a lot of companies are flaring because what they’re are flaring is nothing compared to the investment in the utilisation of gas that is being flared.

“But when the penalty is adjusted appropriately and we are not depending on their meters and we are using the gas flare meter developed by NOSDRA, and they are paying heavily for the flaring gases, I’m very sure all of them will begin to think of alternative use of gas being flared unabatedly,” he added.

In his keynote address, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas who was represented by the Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Kumo observed that gas flaring and venting has been a significant environmental, economic, health and social concern in our country for many years.

He said:“Firstly, gas flaring represents a tremendous waste of valuable resources. Natural gas is a precious energy source that could be utilized for various purposes, such as electricity generation, heating, or industrial processes. By simply burning off this gas, we are squandering a valuable resource that could contribute to energy security and sustainability.

“Moreover, gas flaring has led to substantial economic losses and revenue decline for the nation. The flared gas represents lost revenue that could have been generated through its sale or utilization. Official records indicate that we lose about $2.5 billion annually to gas flaring.

“However, the consequences of gas flaring extend beyond economic considerations. It also poses serious health hazards to nearby communities. The combustion of gases released during flaring produces various toxic substances which have detrimental effects on human health when inhaled or exposed to over an extended period. Affected communities often experience higher rates of respiratory diseases, skin disorders, and other health issues compared to areas without gas flaring

“As a major contributor to climate change and environmental degradation, gas flaring has direct and indirect impacts on soil, water, and wildlife. The atmospheric contaminants associated with it, acidify the soil, deplete soil nutrient and stunt the growth of crops, thereby affecting agricultural productivity.

“In addition to soil impacts, the aquatic ecosystems is equally destroyed owing to increased water temperatures in nearby rivers and oceans. As a result, fish stocks may decline or even collapse in our rivers and oceans. Environmental experts have equally discovered that the bright light, noise and heat of gas flares scare away wildlife, leading to their migration to more friendly environments”.
[

Mohammed Shosanya

The Lagos state government will divert traffic in some parts of the state from tomorrow for the ongoing construction of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, Red Line from Oyingbo to Agbado.

A statement by Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation said that the Muritala Mohammed Way, Yaba, Apapa Road, Oyingbo and Ojuelegba Road would be shut for a duration of 10 Weeks, while Kayode and Ogunmokun streets, in Mushin area would be closed for a duration of 22 weeks.

Toriola disclosed that the motorists on Muritala Mohammed Way would be diverted from Abeokuta Street into Borno Way to link Coasts Street and access Muritala Mohammed Way or alternately use Cemetery Street to continue their journeys.

He added that motorists may also use Ojuelegba/Tejuosho slip road from Muritala Mohammed Way to continue their journeys.

Besides, motorists on Kayode Street moving towards Mushin would be diverted via Jibowu to Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway to link Ogunmokun Street, while those on Ogunmokun Street would be diverted to Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, via Ilupeju Bypass to link Ikorodu Road.

Toriola advised motorists to be patient, stressing that the lane closure was part of the traffic management plans for the construction of Mushin Overpass Phase 1 project.

Arewa youths under the aegies of Arewa Citizens Watch for Good Governance (ACWGG), has expressed disgust over the escalating energy prices in Nigeria and growing hunger occasioned by fuel subsidy removal in the country

They advocated the need for the sack of group CEO, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and vowed to call for mass protest if demands are not net within 10 days.

Alhaji Aliyu Sani, chairman of ACWGG,conveyed the threat in a press statement on Monday

The group called for a comprehensive investigation into the subsidy regime and the corruption allegations within the oil and gas sector, as evidenced by the suspicious drop in daily consumption of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and the astronomic rise in the general revenue of the country.

The recent increase in NNPCL’s output, without corresponding investment in the company, the group said,has instead exposed the pervasive corruption within the sector.

The group said it alarming that the Company was declaring paltry production volume, which falls short of our OPEC quota even though the country has not recorded any major disaster.

The statement reads in part:”The criminals in the oil and Gas Sector are only responding to the body language of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed’s Zero Tolerance to bad governance, hence, the magical performance by people desperate to keep their offices. This raises serious doubts about the integrity and competence of the current leadership at NNPCL.

“ACWGG firmly believes that the Nigerian people deserve better. As a nation blessed with abundant natural resources, it is only fair that the benefits of these resources are felt by all citizens, not just a select few. The mismanagement and corruption within the oil and gas sector have hindered economic growth and contributed to the financial burden faced by ordinary Nigerians.

We expect the administration to go after those that have benefitted from the opaque Subsidy aspiration just as Nigerians are bearing with the hardship induced by the sudden removal of the subsidy. Our people cannot continue to die of hunger, while the people that put in the situation that warranted the removal of the subsidy continue to enjoy the privileges of their offices.

“Furthermore, we express strong disapproval of the reported plan to re-award the pipeline surveillance contract to Tompolo, a move that we consider detrimental to the capacity of the Armed Forces to curtail internal and external aggression. It equally shows that corruption and money for the boys show that granting such a contract to individuals with questionable backgrounds raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the fight against crime.

“We urge the President to stop the forthwith and instead prioritize using the money for the contract to fund our Armed Forces to deal with oil thieves in the Niger Delta region.We’re aware that stoppage of the contract will lead to the emergence of activities of Militants.

“ACWGG wish to call upon the Nigerian Military to take swift and decisive action to crush any form of anarchy. We stand firmly against the activities of militants that threaten national security and impede the progress of our great nation.

“The safety and well-being of all Nigerians are of paramount importance, and we urge the security forces to maintain law and order while protecting the rights and dignity of every citizen.

“On behalf of concerned citizens, we reiterate the demand for the immediate removal of all heads of NNPCL, Midstream and Down Stream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Upstream Regulatory Authority, and all heads of NNPCL subsidiaries.

“We wish to call upon the relevant authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the corruption allegations within the oil and gas sector and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The Nigerian people deserve a transparent and efficient energy sector that works in their best interests. This cannot be done with them on the saddle. The CBN and EFCC templates should the replicated here.

“We urge the government to prioritise good governance, promote transparency, and foster an environment that is conducive to the growth and development of Nigeria. Our group remains committed to monitoring the actions of public officials and will continue to advocate for the rights and welfare of all Nigerians.

“We also wish to call all state governors and the federal government to quickly roll out palliatives, as our members are dying of hunger, as most of them are unable to farm due to activities of bandits and cannot afford to buy expensive food in the markets.

“We wish to also call on other Civil Society Organisations to commence mobilisation of members to protest against the artificially induced hunger and high-cost living in our country.

“Where our demands are not met within 10 days, we shall have no other option than lead hungry, depressed, and frustrated Nigerians to a massive civil and peaceful protest to ensure that they are achieved,” the statement added.

Mohammed Shosanya

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has approved N10,000 monthly palliative for workers to help them cope with the recent fuel subsidy removal and its attendant economic impacts.

The government announced this at a press conference addressed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, at the Government House, Ilorin on Monday.

He said,on top of the palliatives is a cash support of N10,000 for every public sector worker in the state, which will begin this month (July) and last until a new minimum wage is introduced to enable workers to cope with the economic shocks created by the subsidy removal.

“In deference to the new advisory of the National Economic Council for states to design their own independent responses to the development, the governor has directed the leadership of the civil service to continue a staggered work schedule — not exceeding three days a week — to reduce transportation expenses for workers,” he said.

According to him,Kwara had earlier introduced a 3-day work schedule for its civil servants but suspended it in deference to an earlier advisory of the NEC for states to await a more holistic response to the development.

He clarified that the staggered work plan will not cover ‘essential workers.

He added:“The governor has similarly approved the payment, from this month, July, of new hazard and skipping allowances, and 100% CONMESS for consultants and medical doctors under the government’s payroll.

“He also approved a new regime of allowances for nurses working for the state government. The whole essence is to check attrition rate in the health sector, and attract and retain medics and specialists to provide improved, qualitative healthcare services for the people of the state”

He said:“The governor has also endorsed immediate cash-backing of 2019 and 2020 promotion for Teaching Service Commission workers. The administration had earlier cash-backed arrears of promotion for TESCOM for the years 2015-2018.

“In the same vein, he has approved cash-backing for the 2021 promotion exercise of teaching and non-teaching staff of SUBEB and restoration of steps to all of them. This is a policy response to the yearnings of SUBEB workers since 2016 when SUBEB workers no longer had steps.

“The governor also approved the extension of free bus rides for students of tertiary institutions in the state, while modalities for occasional distribution of food to poor and most vulnerable households are to be activated in the next few days.

“This shall be nonpartisan and would be coordinated by a government team to be supported by respected stakeholders who would get inputs from traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, trade unionists, and community-based organisations to generate the lists of beneficiaries and disburse accordingly.

“The whole idea of these interventions, which gulp billions of naira of public funds, is to show empathy and deploy as much resources as the state can afford to support the people at this special time.

“The governor has also approved the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to activate N500m worth of conditional support for petty traders and MSMEs in the state.

“The state government will receive fertilisers and grains from the Federal Government and pay for same. It is not free. Modalities for the handling of these will be made available later. This is to boost farming outputs and food security in the state.