All Posts in "Day: November 22, 2023"

FG Moves To Revoke 1,633 Mining Titles

Mohammed Shosanya
The Federal Government says it is taking vigorous steps to revoke 1,633 mining titles,on account of owners’ failure to pay annual service fees.
The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake,who disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday,explained that the aim is to create space for serious investors in the sector.
He warned previous operators not to return to the revoked spaces, as security agencies will be involved,saying the move is part of ongoing efforts to free up the mining environment for genuine investors.
“A 30-day notice was given, and despite 580 title holders settling their debts, the Mining Cadastre Office recommended the revocation of 1, 633 mineral titles as follows: Exploration Licence, 536; Quarry Licence, 279; Small Scale Mining Licence, 787 and Mining Lease, 31.
“In compliance with the law, the Mining Cadastre office, MCO, on October 4, 2023 began the process of revoking 2,213 titles, these included 795 Exploration titles, 956 Small Scale Mining Licences, 364 Quarry licences and 98 Mining Leases” .
“These were published in the Federal Government Gazette Number 178, Volume 110 of October 10, 2023 with the notice of revocation for defaulting in the payment of Annual Service Fee.
“In line with the powers conferred on me by the NMMA 2007, Section 5 (a), I have approved the revocation of the 1,633 titles. I hereby warn the previous holders of these titles to leave the relevant cadastre with immediate effect as security agencies shall work with the Mines Inspectorate of the Ministry to apprehend any defaulter found on any of the areas where titles have been revoked” the minister stressed.
He emphasized that the Federal Government would continue to revoke title licenses of faulty mining operators.
admin by — November 22, 2023 in News 0
Vandalism: NNPCL Didn’t Pump Oil From Warri Pipeline In 22 Years,Says Kyari

Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ( NNPCL), has expressed regrets over  the calamity bedeviling the oil sector in the country.
The Chief Executive Officer ( CEO) of NNPCL, Mele Kyari,lamented  that the company had not been able to pump oil through pipeline from Warri to Benin in 22 years.
He disclosed that over 5,000 kilometers oil pipelines in the country are not working as a result of pipeline vandalism.
Kyari, who disclosed this during an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), added that the vandalism carried out on over 5,000 kilometers of oil pipelines by vandals  across the country has become a national calamity.
Assuring Nigerians that the nation’s four oil refineries would be made functional very soon, he disclosed that as a result of pipeline vandalism 10 million litres of oil was lost from volume pumped from Aba to Enugu at a time.
He said: “Over 5,000 kilometers oil pipelines  in the country  are not working. As a result of pipeline vandalism 10million litres of oil was lost from volume pumped from Aba to Enugu at a time.
“The company has been unable to pump oil from Warri to Benin within the last 22 years and cannot connect to Ore .
“There is no amount of security measures that had not been taken to curb the crime without success, which to us in NNPCL, is substantially a national calamity.”
The company is embarking on massive replacement of the pipelines which aside being vandalised, are old and obsolete.
He explained further to the committee that deregulation of the oil sector and in particular, subsidy removal carried out in May this year, has turned NNPCL into a profitable company .
He explained that before deregulation in 2018, the company made loss of N802 billion but after deregulation in 2021, made excess profit of N687 billion.
He added that while 67 million litres of oil was consumed per day during the era of subsidy regime,  average of 55 million litres are being consumed on daily basis now, just as the problem of smuggling the product across border, has become things of the past .
In their remarks, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (APC Anambra South) and other members, said that proper dissection of challenges facing the sector would be better made in a retreat.
 Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP Bayelsa West) , told the NNPCL boss to look critically into surveillance security contract the company is operating as regards non inclusion of some oil producing areas .
He said: “Some  local governments in Bayelsa State like Sagbama where i come from, are not covered by the contract with attendant consequences.”
admin by — November 22, 2023 in News 0
TotalEnergies Unveils In-Depot Charging For Electric Trucks

      Mohammed Shosanya
 TotalEnergies announced the launch of an in-depot electric truck charging service today at the SOLUTRANS road and urban transportation trade show.
TotalEnergies will install and supervise customized charging infrastructure adapted to transporters’ needs to support their transition to electric mobility with the new solution,a statement said.
TotalEnergies has developed an in-depot charging service that comprises the installation and supervision of charge points that offer an efficient, tailored response to transporters’ specific needs.
The solution includes:Charge points, which optimize the time trucks are parked in the depot (generally 12 hours) to effectively recharge the battery to 100%.
Ultra-Fast charge points (up to 400 kW) for extra charging needs.
In an end-to-end approach, TotalEnergies will work with customers to determine the size of charging infrastructure needed for their fleets, install the charge points and supply green electricity, provide management and supervision tools along with a smart charging solution to optimize fleet charging, and offer 24/7 customer support.
To serve transporters’ charging needs outside their depots, TotalEnergies will also install charge points along Europe’s road corridors starting in 2024. These will include high power charge points (HPC1) during mandatory breaks on long trips and slow charge points at rest areas to charge while drivers are sleeping.
“In order to decarbonize road transportation on a large scale, is critical to develop infrastructure and provide transporters with low-carbon solutions. Backed by our close ties with the transport sector and our strong position in electric mobility in Europe, TotalEnergies has developed a solution tailored to transporters’ needs to support them in their fleet management and energy transition,” said Mathieu Soulas, Senior Vice President New Mobilities & Marketing at TotalEnergies.
admin by — November 22, 2023 in Motoring 0
Sahara Group Unveils 2060 Net Zero Plan 

Mohammed Shosanya
Sahara Group has stated its commitment to transform into a net zero business entity by 2060 as it continues to align operations to facilitate greener and cleaner energy solutions.
Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, disclosed this during the presentation of Sahara Group’s 2022 sustainability report, titled, “Energising Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development.”
“We have initiated the development of our Energy Transition Plan, which outlines a comprehensive framework of short- to long-term energy transition actions, accompanied by our resolute commitment to reducing our operational carbon footprint,” Gray said, adding that it was Sahara Group’s aspiration to transition into a net zero business entity before or by the year 2060.
“To this end, we aim to launch projects that will provide evidence-based insights regarding how to mitigate, reduce and eliminate our operating emissions, setting ambitious yet achievable targets for operational efficiency. As a global energy firm that plays a distinctive role in powering economic growth, we recognise the inherent responsibility we bear in contributing to the realisation of an equitable energy transition strategy,” she said.
Gray said the plan would cover Sahara Group’s operations in upstream, midstream, downstream, power and infrastructure sectors in over 42 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
“As a foremost energy conglomerate invested in bringing energy to life responsibly, we consider our net zero plan as integral to the sustainability of our business and more importantly, our contribution to global efforts geared towards building a healthier, cleaner and more productive planet Earth for future generations,” she said.
Gray said Sahara Group conducted a thorough GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions audit across its businesses for the 2019-2021 period, establishing baseline data for scope 1 and 2 emissions. “This enables us to effectively analyze, track, and control our environmental impact in a transparent and consistent manner. The collected data will inform our efforts to mitigate environmental risks and align with our Energy Transition Plan,” she explained.
Sahara Group’s 2022 sustainability report provides critical information regarding the environmental, social, and corporate governance impacts resulting from its business operations spanning January 1 to December 31, 2022.
The scope of the report encompasses the following businesses within the Sahara Group: Upstream Operations (Asharami Energy), Midstream Operations (Sahara Trade), Downstream Operations (Asharami Synergy), Power (Generation and Distribution) – Egbin Power, First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) and Ikeja Electric (IE). It also includes a report on the Group’s Social Impact vehicle, the Sahara Group Foundation.
“As a prominent business within our industry, we surmounted numerous challenges in 2022, achieving noteworthy performance across the economic, social, environmental, and governance indicators. We would like to express our sincerest appreciation to all those who have placed their trust in our commitment to conducting business in a sustainable and responsible manner,” Gray stated.
An integrated approach was adopted in the report, leading to consolidated disclosures across the Group, while performance was documented across four fundamental sustainability pillars: Principles of Governance, Planet, People, and Prosperity.
These pillars serve as a framework in adherence to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, which facilitate robust measurement and reporting practices.
admin by — November 22, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0
Shell Deepens Support For Education As Boss Bags Doctorate Degree

Mohammed Shosanya

One of the multinational oil companies on  Nigeria, Shell has said that  it will continue to support education in Nigeria building on its scholarship and allied programmes which have helped thousands of Nigerians to acquire skills for leadership positions since the 1950s.

 Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria and Managing Director of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) Limited, Osagie Okunbor, said this while being conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration by the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) at its convocation ceremony over the weekend.

“Shell Companies in Nigeria have a long history of supporting education through scholarships and other initiatives,” he said. “Currently, we have over 3,500 university grants for Nigerian students. I am, therefore, delighted at the honour that you have bestowed upon me with this award of an honorary doctorate degree. I accept it gladly and, on behalf of my family and the Shell companies in Nigeria, I say ‘Thank you’.”

In a ceremony attended by the Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and the State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ndubueze Mbah, Okunbor commended the Enugu State Government’s decision to deploy about 30% of its annual budget to educational development.

He said,:“This award will further cement the blossoming relationship between Shell Companies in Nigeria and Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and, indeed, with the government and good people of Enugu State.”

Earlier on arrival at the Agbani campus of the university, Okunbor was accompanied by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie; Managing Director, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Prince Ike Chioke, and a Shell delegation that included SPDC Director, Igo Weli on a visit to the ICT centre donated about three years ago to the university by The Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo).

The centre was one of six donated by the company to universities across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. SNEPCo’s support to ICT Centres in the country was in response to a study that indicated a dearth of knowledge in that area among students and teachers at secondary and tertiary levels.

In a related development, the Student Union honoured Okunbor with an award in recognition of Shell’s support to students of the university. The Student Union Government President, Donatus Okolieuwa, commended Osagie Okunbor for championing programmes that support students’ development.

Okunbor said: “Over the years, several of your students have been and are still on the Shell university scholarship programme which has been helping our dear country grow its human capacity. I also have several graduates of this university as colleagues and former colleagues in Shell Companies in Nigeria. They have always represented you with dignity. I will continue to cherish this award.”

admin by — November 22, 2023 in Education 0
Ikeja Electric Commences STS Meter Upgrade For Customers

Ikeja Electric,has announced a significant milestone in her commitment to providing exceptional services to her valued customers.

The power company went live on November 17th, 2023, with seamless solutions to initiate the Token Identification (TID) rollover, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the functionality of its meters and ensuring a satisfactory experience for our customers in compliance with the global software upgrade which will affect Standard Transfer Specification (STS) prepaid meters all over the world.

Kingsley Okotie, Head Corporate Communications, Ikeja Electric,in a statement,said customers who have linked their Meter to their NIN and are making their first vend/purchase effective from November 17th, 2023 onwards will receive two set of tokens (KCTs) in addition to their regular energy token upon making the purchase.

“We understand the importance of ensuring the security and authenticity of our customers, therefore, we urge all customers who are yet to link their National Identification Number (NIN) to visit www.smartkyc.ikejaelectric.com to enable vending from November 17th, 2023.

“This is a one-time upgrade that will guarantee continued seamless energy transactions and does not affect existing units on the meter. Ikeja Electric remains committed to providing cutting-edge solutions and exceptional service in line with our dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements to meet the evolving needs of our customers”, Kingsley Okotie added.

 

Buoyed by a mission to redefine customer experience and be the provider of choice wherever energy is consumed, Ikeja Electric Plc, Nigeria’s largest distribution company powers lives and businesses with innovation and unwavering drive for excellence.

Ikeja Electric has over 1,200,000 customers, who the company is committed to serve with a new spirit, new drive and new energy. This resolve continues to elicit a passion for service excellence and new thinking on how to empower lives and businesses across the IE network.

admin by — November 22, 2023 in Power 0
Court Stops Rivers Assembly Factions From Further Sittings

Mohammed Shosanya
 A Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday issued an order directing the two factions of the Rivers State House of Assembly to maintain status quo and suspend further sitti until the pending suit before it is dispensed with.
A factional Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, had approached the Court presided over by Hon. Justice Phoebe Ayua, urging it to stop Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule and the other lawmakers from presiding over the activities of the legislative arm of the state government.
The Notice was filed together with the main suit, marked FHC/PH/CS/240/2023 by Ehie, as the new Speaker of the House of Assembly.
Defendants in the suit includes, the factional Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, former Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol, the Inspector-General of Police, Director, Department of State Security Services, Rivers State, and the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.
The plaintiffs in the suit are the Rivers State House of Assembly, as first plaintiff, and Rt. Hon. (Barr) Ehie Ogerenye Edison (Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly) as second plaintiff.
In his ruling on the motion, Justice Ayua ordered all parties in the matter to respect the court and stay action forthwith until the determination of the suit.
The order reads in part: “That an Order is made directing the Plaintiffs/applicants to put the Respondents on Notice forthwith.
“That an Oder is however made directing that all parties on record to respect the Court and should not take any step concerning the subject matter, since the matter is already before this Court – Sub judice – pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”
The factional Speaker, Ehie and the House of Assembly itself, are seeking a declaration that the former speaker and his former deputy, having been removed and suspended from the House were no longer entitled to participate, disturb, interfere or obstruct the performance of the legislative proceedings of the House and the legislative duties of the new speaker in accordance with the provisions of Sections 90 to 104 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
The plaintiffs are also seeking an order restraining two former principal officers of the House from interfering or participating in the functions of the House of Assembly.
The court following its order adjourned till November 27, 2023 for hearing of the motion on notice.
admin by — November 22, 2023 in News 0