All Posts in "Day: October 27, 2023"

Mohbad: House Invites Naira Marley Over Late Singer’s Royalties

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian House of Representatives through its Committee on Justice, Youth and Legislative Compliance, invited the manager to the late singer, Jiggy Adeoye to an interactive session slated to hold next week Tuesday.

This development was part of the moves to secure proper compensation and royalties for late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad) for his musical works, the house of Representatives has summoned controversial singer Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley to appear before the House Panel.

Mohbad, an ex-signee of Naira Marley’s record label died at 27 under unclear circumstances on 12 September.

“The House had resolved to wade into the matter following the adoption of a motion moved by Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos).

Hon. Benson had called for a review of relevant laws guiding the entertainment industry as well as copyright laws, while expressing concerns about the contracts and agreements that entertainers are compelled to sign

The lawmakers during the debate on the matter at the plenary session on September 26 also assured the family of Mohbad of its commitment to secure proper compensation and royalties from his musical works.

The House further resolved to monitor the investigation surrounding his death and royalties accruing to him.

In a letter dated October 26, 2023, signed by the Committee’s Clark, Barr. Yusuf Ibrahim, the house said both Naira Marley and Mohbad’s manager were needed to guide the committee on further legislative action.

The letter was routed through the President, Performing Musicians Associations of Nigeria.

The letter reads: “The House Committee on Justice, Youth and Legislative Compliance invites you and the legal team of MOHBAD for an interactive meeting session as regard a referral received being a resolution of the House of Representatives during their plenary session on Tuesday 26th September 2023 with respect to the circumstances surrounding the royalties and other benefits of Mohbad and to ascertain the level of your interaction with other relevant copyright organizations, such information will guide the committee on further legislative action.

“In view of the above, you are kindly invited for an interactive session with the chairman, Committee on Justice, Youth and legislative compliance scheduled as follows;Tuesday 31st October 2023
at 2:30pm”

admin by — October 27, 2023 in News 0
I’m Sorry,Ondo Dep Gov Begs Akeredolu

Mohammed Shosanya

Ondo State Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa,Thursday to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over the recent negative reports portraying the state in a bad light as a result of political crisis created by some ambitious individuals in the state.

He tendered the apology during a press conference in his office at Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital.

Aiyedatiwa exonerated himself from all the allegations of disloyalty bandied about by some political gladiators in the state.

He said he has not had the opportunity of defending himself before the governor since he returned from his medical leave.

He revealed that the crisis has not granted him the chance to give account, before the governor, of his stewardship on the three months he acted as the governor of the state when the governor was away on medical leave.

He expressed his displeasure at the embarrassment caused the governor and the state by the barrage of negative reports emerging from the state which have brought the state to global view in last couple of weeks.

He blamed the development on some ambitious individuals who are desperate to succeed Governor Akeredolu in office.

Lauding the governor for his role in the intervention of the national leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC), Aiyedatiwa disclosed that the governor was instrumental to the members of state House of Assembly who attended the reconciliatory meeting in Abuja a couple of weeks ago.

He, however, dissociated himself from any group calling for the impeachment of Governor Akeredolu, saying he had no relationship with or authorised any person or group of persons making such unholy call.

He said: “Let me begin by thanking my principal, Mr. Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON, who provided me with this platform to serve as the deputy governor of Ondo State. I must say it has been a worthwhile experience for me working with him for the benefit of the good people of our dear State.

“However, I am deeply saddened by the embarrassment and discomfort that Mr. Governor has faced due to the barrage of negative news in the State as a result of the events of the last few months. I tender my sincere apology to Mr. Governor on this as our Leader in the State.

“Our beloved State has witnessed a series of events triggered by the health challenges faced by Mr. Governor which gave rise to a lot of assumptions, falsehoods, insinuations, misunderstandings, misconceptions, and exploitation by political contenders preparing for the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial election in the state.

“We have continued to read in the media, all sorts of lies fabricated to create crisis just for the purpose of election. The recent impeachment attempt by the House of Assembly and the ensuing reactions have further created division and chaos, with my loyalty to Mr. Governor being questioned.

“It is, therefore, imperative for me to put on record that there has never been any issue between Mr. Governor and myself and I have never undermined him. Political actors have only taken advantage of his absence to create a non-existent crisis for their own selfish interests.

“Let me say it here that I am profoundly grateful to Mr. Governor for his intervention and role in persuading the distinguished members of Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the face of the impeachment move.

“It is in reference to all of the above that I tender my unreserved apologies to Mr. Governor for the embarrassment and discomfort that the political chaos of these past months has caused him and the good people of Ondo State.

“I remain fully committed to the principles of good governance that Mr. Governor has established, and I pledge my unwavering loyalty to him and I will continue to submit myself under his able, courageous and selfless leadership.

“I completely distance myself from any group or individuals holding protests or calling on the Governor to resign. I have never commissioned any individual or group to engage in such protest or campaign.

“I wish to thank the national leadership of our great party, APC, for the intervention on the impeachment move against me while I also pledge my commitment to the reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring peace in the state.

“I have a lot of respect for the Speaker, members of the House of Assembly and members of the State Executive Council, and I do not hold any grudge. We must all work together for the smooth running of government.

“I want to appeal to all political actors in the State to put an end to this needless crisis and allow peace so that we can all concentrate on the development of our dear State.”

Answering questions from journalists, the deputy governor disclosed that “I had met Mr. Governor on two occasions since he returned back to the country, the first day was when we welcome him back at Ibadan, when he actually resumed the work with the letter given to the State House of Assembly and in such occasion you cannot discuss much.

He added:The second time was when he invited me to the Ibadan on a Sunday of the same particular week on a particular matter and because there was no time, waiting for him to return to Akure, back to office so that I can present my three months stewardship as acting Governor but you all know that he has not been in Akure since then. I have not seen the opportunity really to sit down with him, on to give him details briefing what transpired.

“I thank Mr Governor for allowing the State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered by the National body of our great party, APC. You recalled that the members of the state assembly were invited to Abuja by the National Secretariat and they consulted with the Mr. Governor and he gave them the permission for me to attend that meeting and whatever is the decision of the national leaders they should also bind and that should that Mr. Governor is a democrat, that allows for discussion.

“So, that is what we have been able to have the peace we are enjoying right now. The truth is that Mr. Governor allowed them to embraced that.

“The lession that I learnt, was that as a human being, you will continue to learn everyday, I have learnt about humans dynamics, people can take you out of context, misconception and all of that. But what matter is that you should remains stable, and be consistent, remain loyal in respective of whatever they said the truth will always prevail at the end of the day.

“So I have learnt that loyalty pays, being honest and stable pays. So let me say it again that I tender unreserved apology to Mr. Governor because of the embarrassment and discomfort that he faced because of the negative news concerned the state. Because the event has actually brought the state to the attention of the whole world.

“Considering all of that, he deserves all the apology, while I’m also in the centre of the news and as a number one citizens of the state, a leader of the state, Governor Akeredolu deserves the apology.”

admin by — October 27, 2023 in Politics 0
Police Arrest Rivers Student For Killing Girlfriend

Mohammed Shosanya

The Police in Rivers State have arrested a 400 level Petrochemical Engineering student of the University of Port Harcourt, identified as Demain Okoligwe, after he allegedly killed and harvested his girlfriend’s body parts at his residence in Road 20, near Nigerian Television Authirity, Ozuoba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The prime suspect, a 24-year-old indignene of Orlu in Imo state, was arrested on Wednesday around 2pm by the Police after he packed the lifeless body of the victim in bag popularly called ‘Ghana must go’.

The state Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Emeka,told newsmen the suspect was arrested after a concerned neighbour alerted the Police about an offensive odour that was oozing out of the suspect’s apartment.

He revealed that the suspect before his arrest had attempted to dispose the lifeless butchered body of the female victim, Justina Otuene, a 20-year-old, 300-level Biochemistrys student of the University of Port Harcourt.

He said:”On Wednesday, 25/10/23 at about 1530hrs, operatives of Ozuoba Division received a complaint from a good Samaritan and neighbor name withheld of Road 20, back of NTA Ozuoba.

“On Wednesday, at about 1400hrs that he went to his house where one Demain Okoligwe ‘m’ a fellow tenant and perceived a very bad odour and immediately rushed to the police station, where the DPO led detectives to the scene.

“On arrival, the door was forcefully opened, and a Ghana must-go bag containing a lifeless body was recovered, back to the station and in a search of the fleeing suspects and boyfriend of the decease, one Demain Okoligwe ‘m’ 24yrs old, a petrochemical engineering 400 level student of Uniport boyfriend of the victim, occupant of the house, now the prime suspect who was traced last with the decrease was arrested for an inquiry.

He added, “The lifeless body and butchered body of Justina Otuene ‘f’ 20yrs old, a biochemistry 300-level student at Uniport, was recovered and deposited at the mortuary.

“Preliminary investigation is in progress, the case has been transferred to SCID for discreet investigation. Meanwhile the Command has condoled with the family of the deceased victim while urging young ladies to be cautious and careful about person they involve with in any form of relationship.”

The CP also disclosed that operatives following Intelligence led policing smashed a child trafficking syndicate and recovered four trafficked children from different locations of the state and outside.

Emeka,who identified the the child trafficking syndicate’s prime suspect as Enyinnaya Iheukwumere, also known as Dr. Hagi, added that while the children were trailed and rescued from different locations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Benue State.

He noted that while the supplier of the children, a 25-year-old identified as Angel Shimeson from Makurdi still at large, the Police had launched a manhunt on her as investigations continued.

He added:”Following a case of abduction reported on 09/09/2023 at about 1650hrs by One Ijeoma James ‘f’, 35 years old, in Awalama Rumuokoro, Port Harcourt, on 16/08/2023 one Promise ‘m’ came into their compound and stole her 4-year-old son Prosper James, and all efforts to locate her child proved abortive.

“Police detective’s Special Area division undercover swung into action by means of intelligence led policing, one Ifesinachi Opara ‘m’ was arrested, which also led to the arrest of one Happiness, Enyinnaya Iheukwumere, A.K.A. Dr. Hagi, to whom he sold the child.

“Further investigation also led to the recovery of three more children trafficked by Dr. Hagi from different locations of the country: three from Benue State, Benedict Kpaaka one year, seven month old, Godgift Julius 4 years old, and one Philomina ‘f’ 6 years old, all rescued from different locations in Port Harcourt where they had been sold.

“Further investigation revealed that one Angel Shimeson ‘f’, 25 years old, from Makurdi still (at large), is the supplier of the children to Dr. Hagi. Effort is being intensified to arrest the culprit.”

admin by — October 27, 2023 in Crime/Metro 0
Mobil Loses Bid To Stop NMDPRA’s Regulation Of IOCs’ Operations

Mohammed Shosanya

Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has dismissed a lawsuit brought by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (Mobil) against the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Mobil had approached the court to challenge the competence of NMDPRA to regulate certain aspects of its operations like butane lifting which it maintained were integrated to its Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) and thus within the exclusive regulatory purview of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Through its originating summons filed on 19 June 2023 in suit No.FHC/ABJ/CS/844/2023, the company’s lawyers argued that the implicated operations were designated as ‘integrated petroleum operations’ in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA) and consequently prayed the court to restrain NMDPRA from all attempts towards licensing or any other form of regulation of those operations.

NMDPRA through its lawyers Ama Atuwewe (SAN) and Dr. Emeka Akabogu argued that NMDPRA was empowered under the PIA to regulate all midstream and downstream petroleum operations in Nigeria and that the particular operations in question were outside of what the law envisaged as ‘integrated petroleum operations’. After the hearing of the case, the court reserved its judgment for 25th October 2023.

Mobil on the day fixed for verdict, applied to discontinue the proceedings, and moved the court to strike out the suit. In response, Counsel to the Authority moved the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that issues have been joined and there was need for a settled precedent from the court. The court ruled that the proper order to make in the circumstances is one for dismissal of the suit.

.

Responding to the development, NMDPRA’s counsel, Dr. Emeka Akabogu stated that the win is also a big step in the country’s efforts against oil theft, as it ensures separate monitoring of activities in the different streams of the oil and gas value chain undertaken by related interests.

The ruling of the court is also in consonance with the directive of Mr President that NMDPRA shall be the exclusive Technical and Commercial Regulator in respect of the petroleum operations and facilities from the exit of the crude oil export terminals and the entry gate of the natural gas processing plant.

admin by — October 27, 2023 in Law/Human Rights 0
IGP Decorates 12 AIGs, 19 CPs

….As PSC Approves Elevation Of 5,687 Officers

Mohammed Shosanya

The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun,Thursday decorated twelve 12 Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and nineteen 19 Commissioners of Police (CPs) with their new ranks in a ceremony that took place at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyuwa Adejobi in a statement said, the decoration ceremony was sequel to the approval of the NPF recommendation for the promotion of these 31 AIGs and CPs, as well as 5,687 other dedicated senior officers within the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the statement, “The IGP, in his address, charged the promotees to continue to exhibit the core values of service, sacrifice, and selflessness in the discharge of their duties.

“He also commended their dedication and hard work, which has earned them these well-deserved promotions.

“He noted that the newly decorated officers have demonstrated exceptional commitment to maintaining law and order in their respective duty posts and as such, new ranks symbolize their added responsibilities and the trust placed in them to continue leading by example.”

The occasion had in attendance the Governors of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Kogi, and Lagos States, Dame Patience Ebele Jonathan, Retired IGP Usman Alkali Baba and his wife, Senator representing Kogi Central, Royal Fathers from Kogi and Lagos States, members of the Force Management Team and other senior police officers, relatives and loved ones of the promotees, and well-wishers.

The Inspector General of Police congratulatesd all the promoted officers and encourages them to redouble their efforts in service to our great nation.

He also appreciated the Police Service Commission for their thorough and objective evaluation of the officers’ performances assuring of improved collaborative efforts in the to deepen excellence and uphold the NPF’s duty to serve and protect the people of Nigeria.

admin by — October 27, 2023 in News 0
NDIC Needs Judiciary To Fulfil Its Mandate

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) needs the judiciary to fulfill its mandate in the country.

The agency also said an effective collaboration with the judiciary was necessary in view of its critical role in resolving disputes that often arise from revocation of banking licences, liquidation of failed banks and termination of liquidation activities.

Bashir Nuhu, the Director, Communication and Public Affairs, in a statement, noted that NDIC Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Bello Hassan gave the commendation in his welcome address at the 2023 Sensitization Seminar, organized by the Corporation in partnership with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for Judges of the Federal High Courts with theme: “Strengthening Depositors Confidence in Banks and Other Financial Institutions through Speedy Dispensation of Justice”, held in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.

According to the statement, the Corporation also commended the judiciary on its better understanding of the deposit insurance practice towards promoting stability of the nation’s financial system.

He stated that the overarching objective of the Deposit Insurance Scheme in Nigeria, is to protect depositors in the event of failure of the insured institutions, thereby engendering confidence and curtailing the incidence of bank runs in the system.

He noted that in carrying out its mandate efficiently, the Corporation required an effective collaboration with the judiciary, in view of its critical role in resolving disputes that often arise from revocation of banking licences, liquidation of failed banks and termination of liquidation activities.

Stating that the Corporation, since inception, has been confronted with many challenges such as misconception of its mandate and basic principles of Deposit Insurance, the NDIC Boss expressed gratitude that the seminar organized in collaboration with the NJI, has resulted in a better understanding of the Corporation’s distinct roles by members of the Bar and the Bench as well as speedy dispensation of cases involving banks in-liquidation for the sake of financial system stability in Nigeria.

admin by — October 27, 2023 in News 0
FG Moves To Resolve Liquidity Issues In Power Sector

Mohammed Shosanya

Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said that federal government is actively working to resolve longstanding liquidity Issues in the power sector.

He spoke on Thursday at the 6th Valuechain Annual Lecture and Awards which Thursday at the Conference Auditorium of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) with the theme: “Midstream Gas Development: A Partway to Energy Transition,”

He emphasized that power sector remains the largest consumer of domestic gas.

According to him, some of the most ambitious customer metering initiatives are underway or soon to be announced, adding ‘We will continue to strengthen sector governance that favours only technically and financially sound investors to own key assets’

He said the Obigbo Umuahia-Ajaokuta pipeline will be key to ensuring the AKK pipeline is not gas constrained while opening up new demand along Its right of way

Represented at the event by Sodiq Wanka, Special Adviser to the President on Energy and Power Infrastructure, Office of the Vice President, Shettima also said that there is much work to be done on expanding the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System, (ELPS) network among others in order to fully unlock gas demand along the Northern corridor.

He said: “The theme of this event around midstream gas infrastructure Is very timely. The importance of critical gas transport infrastructure, processing facilities and other midstream infrastructure cannot be overstated. One only needs to look at the number of power plants and factories that have built up around the Escravos Lagos-Pipeline System and Its various spurs.

“Today, | am glad to learn that the AKK pipeline is nearing completion. I congratulate the foresight by the NNPC and other key stakeholders to unlock gas demand along the Northern corridor, But there is a lot of work left to be done. The Obigbo Umuahia-Ajaokuta pipeline will be key to ensuring the AKK pipeline is not gas constrained while opening up new demand along Its right of way. There is much work left on expanding the ELPS network among others.

“These projects can be significantly accelerated if we focus on making investments in them more attractive. Our network code must adequately cover private pipelines; we have to ensure that private investors are able to recover their costs and make a return on their investments by creating a new framework for tariffs that is not too rigid. And we need to have clear guidelines
for tolling. The story is similar for other midstream infrastructure” he said.

Also speaking,the Chairman of the Editorial Advisory Council of Valuechain Media Group, His Royal Highness, Emir of Kano, Alh. Dr. Aminu Ado Bayero, stated that part of the evolving dynamics ahead of the energy industry stakeholders, is the matter of energy transition, for which a carefully chosen theme has been built around the many prospects of Midstream Gas Development.

“It is not out of place to rely on the many assurances that will be harvested as the outcome of robust deliberations from this gathering, given the caliber of eminent persons we see here today, whose footprints are instructive at policy levels in the sector and industry.

“To get to the point of this assurance, however, I must acknowledge and commend the Federal Government for spearheading the viable transition through the promulgation of the Petroleum Industry Bill (Act). This instructive leap has reinforced the much-needed linkages between the upstream and downstream value chain and has enabled higher prospects for foreign and local investments in the sector” he said.

In his remarks, the Publisher, CEO Valuechain Media Group, Musa Bashir Usman, said the vision for Valuechain has always been clear: to offer the energy industry a special voice.

This voice is not only dedicated to discussing the challenges that plague the industry but also to transforming it into an attractive investment destination on the global energy map,he said.

He added that the theme of this year’s lecture holds great significance for the energy industry as it highlights the critical importance of developing the midstream gas sector as an integral part of Nigeria’s energy transition journey.

“To achieve our energy goals as a nation, we must consciously invest in infrastructure that facilitates the smooth transition of gas production from the upstream value chain to the downstream end” he said.

admin by — October 27, 2023 in Power 0
Oyo Govt Hires More Environmental Health Officers

Mohammed Shosanya

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde,says his administration would pay priority to the environmental wellness of residents in line with the ‘Own Your Action’ agenda of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

He expressed the willingness of his administration to recruit more environmental health officers in the state.

He spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting tagged ‘Make Oyo State Sparkling Clean’; Own Your Action, held in Ibadan, with the theme: “Let’s Join Hands”, on 26th October, 2023.

He said the vision encapsulates the present administration’s commitment to sustainable development in the state, adding that his administration in 2019, recruited about 500 environmental health officers attached to the Ministry of Environment and natural resources.

Represented by his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, the governor emphasized the importance of environmental cleanliness in the state.

He added that the gathering will consolidate on the new waste management architecture in Oyo State and strategies to create a more sustainable environment.

He affirmed the need for collective responsibilities towards ensuring a habitable State, which will also be a source of pride and inspiration for all.

According to him, “A clean environment is not just about aesthetics but also has a direct impact on our health, wellness and quality of life.”

“This gathering is in line with our administration’s commitment to prevent, control flooding, and promote environmental cleanliness,” he said.

He clarified that pollution, litter, and unhealthy surroundings have adverse effects on public health, which can lead to the spread of diseases.

“We must take sanitation as a daily commitment, ingrained in our lives and culture,” he said.

The governor condemned open disposal of refuse, saying it is detrimental to the beauty of the state, adding that it is a severe threat to public health.

He also called on residents, government agencies, and private organizations to join hands and make Oyo State truly sparkling clean.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Arc. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, on his part, also charged residents and stakeholders to make Oyo State (Ibadan) Sparkling Clean-

He said:“Let’s join hands…this is not mere rhetorics, but a clarion call to action. It beckons us to envision a state where cleanliness is not only a virtue but a way of life, where our natural surroundings radiate with a brilliance that mirrors the vibrancy of our communities.

“The challenge before us is considerable, but so too is the potential for positive change….In our pursuit of progress, it is crucial to recognize the integral role each individual plays in fostering sustainable practices, particularly in waste management, clean and green initiatives, and addressing broader environmental concerns”.

He called for a collective journey towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Oyo State, where actions today lay the foundation for a vibrant and thriving tomorrow.

The Commissioner hinted that Oyo State’s sustainable development hinges on a collective effort to address pressing environmental challenges.

Architect Mogbonjubola affirmed the Ministry’s commitment towards addressing the challenges that come with a growing population in His Excellency’s Roadmap for Sustainable Development in Omituntun 2.0.

He stressed that those perpetrating indiscriminate dumping of refuse will face consequences, saying, “Our determination to implement sanctions and penalties against those who disregard our environment remains resolute. A cleaner Oyo State demands accountability. ”

“The beauty of our state is not just in its people but also in its landscapes. Landscaping and beautification projects will continue to unfold, transforming public spaces into oases of tranquillity and harmony, “he said.

admin by — October 27, 2023 in News 0
African Oil Producers Chart Future For Industry

Mohammed Shosanya

The African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) are attending the third edition of the Africa Local Content Roundtable to have charted a pathway for the sustainable development of local content and the oil and gas industry in the continent.

The 18 member countries of APPO came up with the initiative amidst the threat of energy transition and dwindling funding of the hydrocarbon industry.

The two-day event is hosted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Abuja on Wednesday and the theme is “Enhancing Local Content Development and Deployment in African Oil and Gas Industry”.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB. Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote charged the delegates to come up with strategies that would enhance research and development within the continent and leverage additional funding sources to overcome the challenges bedeviling the oil and gas industry in the continent.

He emphasized the need to take advantage of existing opportunities such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which has created a 1.3 billion people market and challenged the participants to come up with suggestions on how to optimally leverage cross-border partnerships towards developing and implementing local content as well as overcoming the funding challenge for member countries.

He noted that the APPO Roundtable had assembled key players, stakeholders, and experts in the African oil and gas sector to address pertinent issues and explore solutions that drive the growth and development of the industry, adding that they should equally use the forum to discuss how best to leverage the continent’s vast natural resources for the benefit of her people.

Noting that the development of regulatory framework,human capacity development, research & development; manufacturing, funding, and cross-border partnerships are pressing needs for immediate action, he encouraged participants to lead the way into a new era of local content development and implementation within the African oil and gas industry.

He further remarked that since its maiden edition in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, the African Local Content Roundtable has continued to play an important role in advancing local content development across Africa by raising awareness of its importance, formulating supportive policies, and ultimately strengthening the capabilities of local players across the oil and gas value chain.

The Secretary General of APPO, HE Omar Farouk Ibrahim said that African oil producers must be allowed to use their hydrocarbon resources to get out of poverty. He underscored that energy is the biggest catalyst for the transformation of Africa and hydrocarbon resources must not be abandoned if Africa would achieve energy security.

He identified funding, technological expertise, and access to the market as major challenges that APPO is developing strategies to overcome to make the continent self-reliant.

“Essentially, Africa did not explore and produce oil and gas for Africans but for other regions that is why despite the incomes that our countries have made from the resources, we are still dependent on foreign investments to do oil and gas business in Africa.”

He highlighted APPO’s commitment to changing the situation, adding that Africa must be allowed to use the readily available sources of energy to change the narrative and get to the level of the developed countries.

“We must be allowed to use it and lift the living conditions of our people and get them out of poverty,” he insisted.

He alerted that the individual efforts of African nations might not suffice, but collective action as a Continent, as exemplified by the roundtable, holds the key to success.

In his address,the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri observed that APPO’s collective duty revolves around the responsible management of the oil and gas sector, hinting that collaboration would engender sustainability.

Lokpobiri added that “the primary goal of this engagement is to enhance understanding of how to improve our future and the collaboration expected to yield significant economic benefits for our Continent.

The overarching objective is to achieve tangible growth and ensure energy security within our oil and gas industry.”

The Minister requested that the insights and recommendations from the event be collated, to guide participating nations toward enhancing local content and driving socio-economic development.
End

Captions
L-R: Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), HE Omar Farouk Ibrahim; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote at the third edition of the Africa Local Content Roundtable in Abuja on Wednesday.

admin by — October 27, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0
Power:FG,Chinese Consortium Ink $463m Agreement On Distribution Lines Upgrade

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government,has signed $463 million distribution lines upgrade contract with a Chinese consortium to ensure availability of electricity to homes and businesses in Nigeria

The contract to be financed by the China Exim Bank has both off-shore and significant on-shore content,a statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser for Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu,said.

He announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FGN Power Company, the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for implementing the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) on behalf of the Ministry of Power and a Chinese consortium consisting of China Civil Engineering Construction (CCECC) and TBEA Energy.

This agreement is aimed at upgrading the distribution lines infrastructure under Lot three (3) of the PPI, which encompasses the regions served by Jos, Kano, Abuja, and Kaduna distribution companies. The signing ceremony took place during the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) event held in Beijing, China.

Similar MoU was signed between the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), CCECC and TBEA to establish a super grid for the power sector. The Minister and his team were hosted by these two organizations, particularly CCECC, which has been operating in Nigeria for the past 42 years.

The presentation was conducted by Mr. Liu Wiemin, Global Chairman of CCECC, and Mr. Huang Hanjie, TBEA Global President.

The statement further disclosed that the Nigerian delegation to China was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, accompanied by Adelabu, Minister of Works, David Umahi; Transportation Minister, Sa’idu Alkali; Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and heads of various government agencies.

The Belt and Road initiative, established by the Chinese government a decade ago, seeks to promote infrastructure investment and cooperation across approximately 70 countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. In 2018, Former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Belt and Road agreement on behalf of the Nigerian Government.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Adelabu assured both companies of a long-term partnership, given the strong relationship between China and Nigeria, which was further strengthened at the BRI event.

He also outlined President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s plans to rejuvenate the power sector by addressing critical requirements and implementing impactful projects. He stated, “Efforts are underway to finalise the sector’s reform with a new Electricity Act signed by Mr. President to achieve these goals.”

He emphasized that despite its current challenges, Nigeria remains a unique and viable environment for investment. He highlighted the significance of the PPI in resolving capacity constraints within the transmission and distribution networks, “it is therefore critical to ensure reliable power is accessible to support economic growth across various sectors”, he said.

He expressed confidence in the ability of both companies to execute the distribution line projects with the highest standards of professionalism.

The CCECC and TBEA Energy teams also expressed their commitment to collaborating on the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) as a consortium in line with the Minister’s vision to create a robust sector for the benefit of Nigerians.

The Managing Director, Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company, Mr. Kenny Anuwe, stated, the upgrade of distribution lines is a crucial component of the PPI, as the primary capacity constraints are within the distribution sub-sector. Addressing this issue alone will result in the release of at least 2,000MW within the DisCos in the designated Lot.

admin by — October 27, 2023 in Power 0