All Posts in "Day: November 19, 2023"

Bridging Claims:IPMAN Eastern Zone Threatens To Down Tools

Mohammed Shosanya
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has threatened to withdrawn its services in the zone if Nigerian Downstream/Midstream Petroleum Regulatory fails to pay them their bridging claims.
Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Kogi and Nasarawa would be affected by the action.
The embattled marketers disclosed this  in a communique on Sunday after its zonal meeting held in Owerri last Thursday.
The Zonal Chairman and Secretary Prince Bobby Eberechi Dick  and Mr Emmanuel Inimgba,signed the communique made available to Premium News.
It said:”We the entire members of Independent petroleum marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Eastern Zone comprising of marketers in the mentioned states, Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Kogi and Nasarawa do hereby resolved on the following resolutions after a meeting of the zone held in our Zonal office at Owerri on the 16th of November 2023.
“That the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Downstream/Midstream Petroleum Regulatory should as matter of urgency pay us our bridging claims having done so to our colleagues in the Northwest and North East Zones since the removal regime on the 29th of May 2023 without any Kobo owed them.
“This resolution is further necessitated by the fact that despite correspondences sent to the Chief Executive Officer on this issue, he has refused to release funds or respond to the letters.
“In view of this as stated above we are appealing to the Honorable Minister of state for Petroleum for his immediate intervention to not only save our business but save our members from loosing their properties used as collaterals from banks were these monies are tied down with defunct Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF)
“That we state equivocally that since we cannot fold our hands and see our hard earned properties taken away by the banks that if the monies are not released to us as done to the other zones by the end of November 2023 that we will have no other option than to withdraw our services from the general public”.
admin by — November 19, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0
NAPE: NNPC Ltd Wins Best Innovative Company Award          

Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has emerged as the 2023 Best Innovative Company of the Year at the recent 41st Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual International Conference and  Exhibition.
Olufemi O. Soneye,Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited,announced this in a statement on Sunday.
The award, which was in recognition of the outstanding performance of NNPC Ltd., was presented to the Company at the closing ceremony of the Association’s 2023 Conference & Exhibition, held at the Eko Hotel, in Lagos, on Thursday.
Speaking after receiving the award, on behalf of NNPC Ltd., Martina Atuchi, Executive Director, Business Services, NNPC EnSERV, said that the award would further spur the company to achieve more in its quest to deliver value to Nigerians and other stakeholders.
She further thanked NAPE for providing a veritable platform on which leading players within the nation’s energy landscape converge annually to exchange ideas, share insights, and discuss the future of the energy Industry.
admin by — November 19, 2023 in Next Level 0
Makinde Woos More Foreign Investors

Mohammed Shosanya
Oyo state governor, ‘Seyi Makinde,says  the state is one of the safest in Nigeria.
He advised foreign and local investors desirous of investing in Oyo State to make it choice destination on account of its safe and secured environment, with the
He spoke in an interview with CNBC Africa, on the sidelines of the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) 2023, held in Cairo, Egypt, noting that he has been running a responsible and responsive government, which has invested and continues to invest heavily on security.
He added that apart from security, Oyo State has comparative advantages in the areas of its vast landmass, solid road infrastructure network already put in place by his government connecting all zones of the state, solid mineral deposits and tourism.
This was as the governor took part in the signing of an agreement with the AFREXIMBank and Access Bank to enable Oyo State and other states in Nigeria have access to a N500 billion facility for infrastructure development.
Governor Makinde, who pointed out that his government, has, since 2019 when he first assumed office, embarked on a massive infrastructure development drive that has connected all zones of the state, said there are boundless opportunities in the state in the areas of agribusiness, tourism and mining.
He said: “So, in all of these, we are saying, look, investors should come. The major issue that investors may be afraid of, is having a safe and secure environment; I think we have almost passed that hurdle in Oyo State. We are one of the safest states in the country.
“We have invested massively in Security and in terms of a responsive government, I came from a private sector background and I was able to let the investors know that they are coming to a state where government business is handled with a dispatch.”
He maintained that as part of his government’s infrastructure development plan, the first phase of the 110 kilometres Ibadan Circular Road, which is the 32 kilometres connecting the Eastern part of the state, has been progressing well.
He expressed excitement that AFREXIM Bank is engaging directly with sub-nationals, stating that Oyo State would take advantage of the opportunity by using its part of the loan to continue the 110km Ibadan Circular Road and the extension of the Ibadan Airport runway, which is  part of its efforts to have the airport upgraded to an international standard.
He said, “For us in Oyo State, we are quite happy that AFREXIM Bank is having direct engagement with the sub-national and we want to take that advantage. That was the reason I travelled down here to Cairo.
“So far, it has been a rewarding engagement as I pitched Oyo State to them and told them that Oyo State, with over 28,000 square km, is probably bigger than a lot of African countries, twelve of them at least. With also big arable land, agribusiness is a major focus for us.
“We have done quite a bit in the last four years, connecting all the zones we have in the state, and we want to expand our economy now that the solid foundation has been laid for infrastructure and connectivity. Now, we want to look at intra-zonal roads and one of the big projects that have been pitched here is the Circular Road.
“On the circular road, we have actually started the first segment of the 110km, which is 32kilomiters connecting the Eastern part of the State. People that have traveled around Oyo State will tell you that they have seen the connecting bridges and interchanges.
“So, we have put our money where our mouth is. As a state, we have bitten the bullet and what we are looking for now is for investors to basically get us through the hub. We were well received and the responses have been very positive.”
The governor equally explained that his administration’s focus on tourism, solid mineral development and agribusiness have all combined to make the state a haven of opportunities for investors, saying: “Also, I was able to pitch mining to the people because Oyo State is blessed with solid minerals like lithium, and gemstones as we have the biggest marble deposit in Igbeti.
“We also have tourism as a focus. You know, this is an international conference center here that they call the New Cairo and it is very similar to what we are doing in Oyo State, which we call ‘New City’ meaning ‘Ilu Tuntun’. It is a new business district being built around the rail corridor in Moniya.
“In terms of agro-processing, we have the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub in Oyo. We have constructed the road linking the Oyo zone to the Oke-Ogun zone. So, it is basically done and Oyo State is approved as a special agro-processing zone.
“We also have other farm estates at Eruwa coming up shortly and there is another one around the Ogbomoso axis. So, by and large, I think the investors are listening to us and they are excited about the opportunities that exist in Oyo State.”
Governor Makinde, who stated that his government was able to achieve over 80 per cent of his vision as contained in the roadmap for accelerated development, 2019-2023, said the people of the state would be able to track his government’s achievements between now and 2027 through the roadmap for sustainable development, 2023-2027.
He added that as the state approaches 2027, the administration would be able to produce a long-term document on the sustainable development of the state beyond 2027.
admin by — November 19, 2023 in News 0
Arraignment Of Kano PCAC Boss Counterproductive To Anti-Corruption War-Groups        

Mohammed Shosanya
Civil Society Organizations have faulted the Federal Government for initiating legal proceedings against Muhuyi Magaji, the Executive Chairman of Kano State’s Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission, under the influence of the All-Progressive Congress (APC) party Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, through the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
Their position was conveyed in a statement issued by representatives of the groups and made available to Premium News on Sunday.
The statement was signed by Dr. Zikrillahi Ibrahim of CHRICED, Rafsanjani Auwal Musa of CISLAC, Mohammed Bougei Attah of Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative, and Olanrewaju Suraju of HEDA Resource Centre.

Magaji was arraigned on Thursday on a 10-count charge over alleged breach of the code of conduct for public officers, conflict of interest, abuse of office, false asset declaration, bribery, and accepting gifts, among others.

The defendant pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties.

The groups maintained that the charges brought against the Kano State PCAC boss by the Code of Conduct Bureau were orchestrated by certain politicians with the intent to undermine the anti-corruption efforts in Kano State.
The statement emphasized the irony of the Code of Conduct Bureau’s failure to take action against several politicians, despite overwhelming evidence, including the former governor of Kano State, who is now the current All-Progressive Congress (APC) National Chairman.
It also punctured the unprecedented speed of investigations and charges against the Kano anti-corruption chairman, attributing it to a desire to shield corrupt practices by the immediate past government of Kano State and divert attention from the anti-corruption drive in Kano.
The groups further advocated the need for a change in the leadership of the Code of Conduct Bureau as part of the broader reshuffling of leaderships of the anti-graft agencies by the Tinubu’s  administration.
The statement added:”The allegations against Muhuyi Magaji were dissected, with emphasis on the questionable nature of the bribery accusation involving the former Secretary to the state government in Kano. This also raised doubts about the validity of the charges, questioning whether the Code of Conduct Bureau was the appropriate entity to address bribery allegations”.
Besides,the anti-corruption groups challenged the inconsistency in the application of legal action, pointing out that many governors accused of corruption and facing charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have not been similarly pursued by the Code of Conduct Bureau.
They,however, maintained that the focus on Muhuyi Magaji was not just about Ganduje, but was deliberate, implying that the Code of Conduct Bureau had become a tool in the hands of politicians for persecution due to the scrutiny faced by Ganduje and his associates under the Kano government.
The CCB’s selective investigation and prosecution has made a mockery of the Bureau’s intention and commitment to the anti-corruption drive,they lamented.
admin by — November 19, 2023 in News 0
Plateau:Court Removes Mutfwang,Declares Goshwe New Governor          

Mohammed Shosanya
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja,on Sunday, removed Governor Mutfwang Manasseh of the Peoples Democratic Party as the Governor of Plateau state.
The three-man panel of the appellate court has declared Nentawe Goshwe of the All Progressives Congress as the validly elected governor of Plateau state.
Besides,the court has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise Nentawe Goshwe as the authentic governor of Plateau state, having won the March 18, governorship election in the State.
Justice Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, leading the panel, held that in accordance with section 177 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, Manasseh was not a validly sponsored candidate of the PDP during the election.
The panel held that the PDP breached  the court’s order that a valid Congress be conducted in the 17 Local Government Areas of the State, by conducting Congress only in 5 LGAs of the State, and as such is a nullity.
The court,while dismissing the decision of Plateau State Governorship Election Petition  Tribunal held that the issue of qualification is both a pre-election and a post-election matter contrary to the findings of tribunal which held that the appellant lacked the locus to contest the validity of the respondent.
The court also noted that under section 134 of the Electoral Act, “it is the sole right of a political party to sponsor its candidate having met the necessary requirements to do so.
Evoking section 136 of the Electoral Act, the appellate court ordered INEC to retrieve the Certificate of Return issued to Governor Manasseh and issue a fresh Certificate of Return to Goshwe.
admin by — November 19, 2023 in Politics 0
613 Deceased Police Officers’ Families Get N2.2bn Benefits

Mohammed Shosanya
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has kicked off the presentation of cheques for Group Life Assurance and the IGP Family Welfare Scheme to 613 beneficiaries and next-of-kins of deceased police officers for the policy years 2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023.
 At the ceremony held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja recently, the IGP highlighted the importance of the event, emphasizing the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of all officers including those serving, retired, and deceased.
The IGP disclosed that the total amount involved in the two policies is two billion, two hundred and seventy-six million,one hundred and ten thousand, nine hundred and sixty-six naira, eighteen kobo (N2,276,110,966.18k).
He noted that this marks the third such event since he assumed office.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers, recognizing the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes while assuring that the presentation of these cheques is a tangible way to acknowledge and support the families, providing financial relief to ease their burdens.
Acknowledging the exceptional efforts of the Force Insurance Unit and the collaborating insurance companies, the IGP commended their tireless work in ensuring the prompt settlement of claims to deserving beneficiaries.
 He also extended gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,for prioritizing police welfare and ensuring the timely release of the premium for the Insurance Scheme.
admin by — November 19, 2023 in News 0
Adelabu: Sun Africa LCC Ready To Support  Nigeria’s Power Projects With $10bn        

Mohammed Shosanya
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu,says Sun Africa LLC, an international organisation,has pledged to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in providing vital power infrastructure for Nigeria.
The commitment was  formalized after the Minister met with representatives of Sun Africa led by its Chairman, Mr. Goran Rajsic.
The earlier phase of the project will focus on delivering 961 MWp of solar PV infrastructure and 455 MWh of battery energy storage, valued at approximately US$2.2 billion. Sun Africa, with its partners, is set to implement this transformative project in the coming months.
 The Minister said, as Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria faces significant demands for new power infrastructure to support economic needs and transition to a sustainable power mix.
The commitment from all parties involved ensures a close partnership to execute this vital renewable power infrastructure, addressing the nation’s requirements, the Minister said.
Mr.  Rajsic expressed excitement, thanking partners for their support in designing this cutting-edge project, featuring leading solar PV and battery storage technologies, financed with affordable, long-term debt under OECD guidelines.
Sun Africa’s financing partners, ING Bank and Citi, have also emphasized their commitment by arranging up to US$10 billion in financing over the coming years. This support extends to both the initial phase and future developments.
Besides, Sun Africa is collaborating with Sterling & Wilson Renewable Energy Limited, its EPC partner, by playing a pivotal role in providing EPC services for the initial project phase.
admin by — November 19, 2023 in Power 0
Rivers DPO:Police Arrest Suspect In Bayelsa     

Mohammed Shosanya
 Bayelsa State Police have arrested one of the suspected killers of the slain Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ahoada Division, Rivers State, late Bako Angbashim, who was a Superintendent of Police.
This was contained in a signed statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Asinim Butswat, a Chief Superintendent of Police.
It identified the suspect as Onyekachi Ikowa, who is the second in command to TuBaba of the Iceland cult group.
The command said Ikowa was arrested in a hideout in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Saturday based on credible intelligence.
It added that the suspect had been handed over to the Rivers State Police Command.
The statement said, “Police Operatives in Bayelsa State have nabbed one of the killers of Late SP Bako Angbashim, former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division, Rivers State.
“The suspect one Onyekachi Ikowa ‘m’  43 years, the second in command to TuBaba of the dreaded Icelander cult group,was arrested on 18 November, 2023 based on credible intelligence that he was hibernating in Yenagoa after participating in the callous murder of Late SP Bako Angbashim, in September 2023.
“The Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State Command CP Francis Iduh, has charged police pperatives to fish out any of his cohorts who is hiding in Bayelsa State, he stressed that the Bayelsa Command under his watch would not be safe haven for criminals to hide.”
“The suspect has been handed over to the Rivers Police Command for further investigation.”
admin by — November 19, 2023 in Crime/Metro 0
Shell Wins Multiple Medals At Explorationists’ Confab        

Mohammed Shosanya

Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) and staff won several awards at the 41st annual international conference and exhibition of the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE,) in Lagos, in recognition of an educative exhibition and insightful technical presentations.

The awards and recognition night which formally rounded off the conference on Thursday night, saw SCiN win the Best Exhibitor and Platinum Sponsor awards.

 The team of engineers led by Senior Production Geologist, Abidemi Belgore, took the trophy for the first position in Technical paper presentation while Ernest Ikpolo, a senior geophysicist, walked away with the 3rd position in the same category. Over 200 presentations and posters were considered by the organisers.

The NAPE Award of Excellence for service went Shell’s to Manus Kanu and Philip Ajaebili.

The high point of the NAPE event was the emergence of Shell’s Growth and Portfolio Project Lead, Johnbosco Uche, as the President-elect of the professional body. Outgoing NAPE President, Elliot Ibie, described Shell as “a leading light in the oil and gas industry providing direction and support particularly to indigenous companies.”

Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Elohor Aiboni, who was represented by Exploration Manager, Gogo Eneyok, received the award on behalf of Shell companies.

 “We recognise that being an industry leader puts on us enormous responsibility and we have continued to rethink and reshape our strategies in a manner that brings optimal value to Nigeria, our partners and the local service industry,” Eneyok said.

He described the individual and corporate awards as “a reward for excellence and diligence displayed by staff of Shell in Nigeria.”

The SCiN exhibition at the four-day conference was a notable centre of attraction as it featured illustrative posters on key business areas with learning sessions for young and student engineers. There were also free medical services where hundreds of persons received health checks and drugs.

Speaking earlier at the opening ceremony on Monday, the SNEPCo MD had said Nigeria needed to diversify its renewable energy portfolio if it must reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuel production and at the same time meet the energy needs of a growing population.

It could achieve this by encouraging Public-Private Partnerships in renewable energy to overcome high investment costs and limited access to financing.

admin by — November 19, 2023 in Next Level 0