All Posts in "Day: November 26, 2024"

TUC Tasks FG On Revival Of Nigeria’s Four Refineries 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has implored  the Federal Government to go beyond the processing of crude in the old Port Harcourt refinery and expedite work in all the other refineries in the country

 

 

 

President of the TUC,Comrade Festus Osifo who spoke with newsmen at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Tuesday in Abuja,maintained that all the refineries put together could generate at least 400,000 barrels per day.

 

 

 

According to him,having all other four refineries on stream would foster a healthy competition, and in the long run eliminate monopoly in the oil and gas sector.

 

 

 

 

He added “We have heard reports that the Port Harcourt refinery has resumed processing crude, but we are working to validate this claim. Beyond this, we urge the government to expedite work on other refineries, including Warri, Kaduna, and the new Port Harcourt refinery.

 

 

 

 

“These facilities hold the capacity to produce close to 400,000 barrels per day. Restoring them to full operation will break the monopoly in the oil and gas downstream sector and foster healthy competition so we call on the government to expedite action in all these refineries.

 

 

 

 

“Because if you eliminate monopoly, it will put a system of competition into the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry.”

 

 

 

He criticised the governments of Cross River and Zamfara states over delays in announcing plans for implementation of the new minimum wage.

 

 

 

 

He also cautioned the two states to always prioritise workers welfare, just as it urged both states to come up with consequential adjustments.

 

 

 

He added:”The minimum wage act was assigned into law sometime in July. Since this was signed, a lot of states started making pronouncements, announcing different figures as their minimum wage. 

 

 

 

 

“It is not enough for states to announce new minimum wage figures, there must be consequential adjustments to ensure workers feel the real impact of these increases. So we are calling on some states to sit down with the organized labour to draw the table as regards consequential adjustments so that workers across each of these states will start benefiting from the new national minimum wage.

 

 

 

“There are some states that there is no conversation whatsoever. We are calling on the government of Cross River State to take the issues of workers more seriously and put it on the front burner.

 

 

 

“Zamfara as we speak have not even considered a committee to discuss on the issues of minimum wage. So there is no conversation going on currently in Zamfara State on how the new minimum wage will be implemented and how the consequential adjustments will be done.

 

 

 

“We are hereby calling on the government of Zamfara to emulate what is happening in the state that is very close to it that also has similar revenues; a state like Kebbi today is taking a leap regarding issues that is bothering on the welfare of workers.

 

 

 

“So we call on the state to quickly as a matter of urgency, implement the new minimum wage with its consequential adjustments.”

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — November 26, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
Misconduct:Gov Nwifuru Suspends 2 Commissioners,Others 

    Mohammed Shosanya

 

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended the Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma and his Counterpart in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Francis Ori over alleged misconduct.

 

 

 

Dr Ekuma is to serve three months suspension,while Engr Ori’s is indefinite.

 

 

 

Others listed to proceed on three months suspension are the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the Executive Secretaries of the State Primarily Healthcare Development Agency and that of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency.

 

 

 

The affected Commissioners are to submit their official vehicles to the Secretary to the state government.

 

 

 

The State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr Jude Okpor, disclosed this on Tuesday, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held Monday.

 

 

 

Okpor said:”Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three (3) months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health respectively.

 

 

 

 

“Also to proceed on a three-month suspension are the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the Executive Secretaries of the State Primarily Healthcare Development Agency and that of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency.

 

 

 

 

“In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended Commissioner.

 

 

 

 

“The suspended government officials are to hand over all government properties in their possession including vehicles to the Secretary to the government on or before the close of work on Monday, November 25, 2024”

 

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — November 26, 2024 in News 0
NUPENG Welcomes Resuscitation Of PH Refinery

        Mohammed Shosanya

 

Oil workers under the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG),has congratulated the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari and the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful re-streaming of the Port Harcourt Refinery.

 

 

 

The union conveyed this in a statement signed by its President,William Akproheha,and General Secretary,Afolabi Olawale.

 

 

 

The statement quoted that the commencement of crude oil processing and the dispatch of petroleum products from the refinery is a landmark achievement that resonates  with the aspirations of Nigerian workers and citizens. 

 

 

 

 

This milestone demonstrates NNPCL’s unwavering commitment to achieving energy independence and fostering sustainable economic growth for our dear nation,the statement said on Tuesday.

 

 

 

The statement also said that Kyari’s exemplary commitment and resilience in steering the Port-Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) rehabilitation project to completion,despite numerous challenges, reflect the highest standards of dedication and determination.

 

 

 

It added:”We are very pleased with the achievement of over 16 million manhours without a single Loss Time Injury (LTI), which is a testament to meticulous planning, professionalism, and the hard work of all involved; an accomplishment that brings pride to our union members.

 

 

 

 

“We commend the indispensable support of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the collaborative efforts of the NNPCL Board of Directors, Staff, and Contractors. This accomplishment is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through collective effort and shared commitment to national progress.

 

 

 

“As the refinery resumes production and begins loading critical products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Household Kerosene (HHK), we are reminded of the essential role this progress plays in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges,alleviating hardship for workers and citizens, and fostering economic stability.

 

 

 

 

“While the successful re-streaming of the Port Harcourt Refinery stands as a beacon of hope, it also reinforces our collective optimism for the rehabilitation of the Warri and Kaduna refineries. We earnestly hope and pray that these projects will also come to fruition soon, providing the much-needed stimulus to our nation’s economy and further easing the energy burden faced by Nigerians. We remain confident that NNPCL will deliver on these expectations under your visionary leadership.

 

 

 

 

“Once again, congratulations to you and your team on this transformative achievement. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), remains a steadfast partner in the collective journey toward achieving a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable oil and gas sector that uplifts every Nigerian worker and citizen”.

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — November 26, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
We’ve Arrested Yahaya Bello-EFCC 

 

 Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has finally arrested the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello,on Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

The arrest was confirmed by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale,who said the former governor was taken into custody at 12:54 PM today.

 

 

 

Oyewale didn’t reveal the exact location of Bello’s arrest.

 

 

 

Asked if Bello had voluntarily presented himself to the EFCC, Oyewale said, “Suffice to say that we arrested him at 12:54 PM, and he is in our custody right now.”

 

 

 

 

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, Abuja, had issued a public summons on October 3, requiring the former governor to appear before the court to face a fresh 16-count charge brought against him and two others by the EFCC.

 

 

In the case marked FCT/HC/CR/778/24, the former governor is accused of criminal breach of trust involving the sum of N110,446,470,089, among other charges. He is charged alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu.

 

 

 

 

He was ordered to appear before the court on October 24, which he failed to do. The court subsequently extended the summons to November 14.

 

 

 

At the last adjourned date, Bello again failed to appear in court.

 

 

 

EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro informed the court that the 30-day duration of the public summons issued against the former governor would lapse on November 17. He clarified that the summons was still valid.

 

 

 

Agoro argued that it would be inappropriate to take the plea of the defendants while the summons remained in effect. He added that the former governor was expected to appear at the next adjourned date, failing which the prosecution would take appropriate action.

 

 

 

 

Agoro also requested the court to extend the time within which Bello must appear and to issue an order for the hearing notice to be pasted at his last known address, Number 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

 

 

 

Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned the case to tomorrow, Wednesday, November 27.

 

 

Online Editor by — November 26, 2024 in News 0
Revive Warri,Kaduna Refineries,Tinubu Tells NNPCL

 

        Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to take immediate steps to reactivate the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

 

 

 

 

He gave the directive,following the successful revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024.

 

 

 

 

In a statement by his media aide,Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday,Tinubu said he acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expressed gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.

 

 

 

 

 

Tinubu,however,extended commendations to the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, insisting that his unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.

 

 

 

 

He urged the NNPCL to expedite the scheduled  reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

 

 

 

He said he believes these efforts will  significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub.

 

 

 

“With the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration, this administration is determined to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption,” the statement noted.

 

 

 

Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, the President called upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.

 

 

Online Editor by — November 26, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
Nigeria Loses $1.1bn Annually To Malaria-FG

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

Malaria costs Nigeria over $1.1 billion annually in lost Gross Domestic Product,due to reduced productivity, increased healthcare expenses,and the exacerbation of poverty, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare,has said.

 

 

 

 

He also said Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of global malaria deaths, with over 180,000 Nigerian children under five dying from the disease in 2022.

 

 

 

 

He disclosed these during the inaugural meeting of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN) at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja,a statement signed by Mr. Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations said.

 

 

 

 

Malaria is not just a health crisis;but an economic and developmental emergency,he quoted in the statement on Tuesday 

 

 

 

 

He emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating malaria,which he described as a “wicked problem” that continues to undermine the nation’s health and economic growth.

 

 

 

 

He highlighted that malaria elimination is integral to the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and aligns with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

 

 

Prof. Pate called for active participation from traditional and religious leaders to drive behavioral changes at the grassroots.

 

 

 

He stressed the importance of promoting the use of insecticide-treated nets, chemoprevention, and the deployment of malaria vaccines as part of the strategy to eliminate the disease.

 

 

 

 

 

The AMEN advisory body, chaired by a renowned expert Prof. Rose Leke, is tasked with advancing evidence-based solutions and creating accountability frameworks to ensure sustained progress.

 

 

 

 

Its focus includes,addressing current challenges through practical solutions; advocating for malaria elimination to be prioritized in government budgets and plans; and ensuring accountability across all stakeholders.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako,Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, affirmed that eliminating malaria requires collaboration with the private sector, international partners, healthcare workers, and communities.

 

 

 

“For us to succeed, we must harness and coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders,” Dr. Salako emphasized.

 

 

 

Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of the Public Health Department, noted that the current administration’s renewed focus has reinvigorated the fight against malaria.

 

 

Online Editor by — November 26, 2024 in Health 0
Energy Theft:IBEDC Records 8,000 Cases,Chases Perpetrators With New Special Task Force 

       Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc has upscaled its efforts against energy theft across its network.

 

 

 

 

 

It announced a partnership  with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPETO),to identify,investigate,and prosecute  individuals involved in energy theft.

 

 

 

Acting Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Francis Agoha,emphasized the company’s zero-tolerance stance on energy theft, highlighting the severe consequences for offenders,a statement said on Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

“Energy theft is a significant challenge that impacts our ability to provide reliable service to our customers. We are intensifying our efforts through partnerships like this to ensure that those who engage in such practices face the full force of the law,” Engr. Agoha stated.

 

 

 

 

He disclosed that between January and October 2024, IBEDC recorded over 8,000 cases of energy theft, including meter bypass and illegal meter tampering,resulting in financial losses totaling hundreds of millions of naira.

 

 

 

 

He emphasized the import of the ongoing collaboration with SIPETO, adding:“Our partnership with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force is crucial. It not only enhances our capacity to detect and prosecute offenders but also sends a strong message that energy theft will not be tolerated. This undermines the integrity of our operations and deprives us of resources needed to improve service delivery.”

 

 

 

The company implored customers to refrain from any form of energy theft, warning of the severe penalties, including imprisonment, as stipulated under the Electricity Act.

 

 

 

 

It further assured customers that SIPETO patrols are active and vigilant, investigating reported cases thoroughly.

 

 

Online Editor by — November 26, 2024 in Power 0
Conduct Bye-Election To Fill Rivers House Of Assembly’s Vacant Seats,Damagum Tells INEC

        Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Acting National Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Damagun, has written to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye election to fill up the vacancies in the Rivers House of Assembly .

 

 

 

He conveyed this in his letter addressed to the commission which its Certified True Copy (CTC) dated 13th Nov 2024 and was released on Monday.

 

 

 

 

In the letter titled,”Demand for immediate conduct of fresh election in 27 state constituencies for Rivers State which have become vacant pursuant to Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution,”he recalled the unlawful defection of the 27 former lawmakers in December 11, 2023, noting that in line with the constitution they are no longer members of assembly.

 

 

 

He implored the Commission to  performs its constitutional duties and begin the process of conducting a fresh election to fill the vacancies created in the 27 State Constituencies by the unlawful act of the former Assembly members.

 

 

 

 

The letter reads: “The Leadership of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to draw the attention of the Commission to the gross violation of Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) by 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly following their unlawful defection from our Party, the PDP who sponsored their elections to the All Progressive Congress (APC) on Monday, December 11, 2023.

 

 

 

“The Commission may recall that our Party, the PDP nominated all our 32 State House of Assembly candidates in Rivers State for the 2023 General Election on the 7th of July 2022 via your electronic candidate election nomination portal (See attached acknowledgement).

 

 

 

“The Commission may also recall that following the nomination, the Commission conducted election into the Rivers State House of Assembly the 18th of March, 2023 and our Party won 32 seats in the  state Assembly. The elected State House of Assembly members were inaugurated and sworn-in on June, 2023.

 

 

 

 

“However, on Monday, 11 December, 2023,a period of just six (6) months after inauguration, 27 out of the 32 members publicly announced their defection from our Party to the All Progressive Congress (APC). This defection is a gross violation of Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended).

 

 

 

 

“The only two grounds of division and merger provided for in the Constitution that permit such defection is completely non-existent in our political Party. It therefore means that the defections of the 27 members are without lawful excuse and these members have vacated their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly by the operations of Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

 

 

 

 

“In view of the foregoing, we hereby demand that the Commission performs its constitutional duties and begin the process of conducting a Fresh Election to fill the vacancies created in the 27 State Constituencies by the unlawful act of the Assembly members.

 

 

 

 

“Find attached the list of the 27 State Assembly Members and their Constituencies. While thanking the Commission for its commitment to deepening democracy in our country, please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

 

 

The Commission confirmed receipt of the letter.

 

 

Online Editor by — November 26, 2024 in Politics 0
NNPC Clears Air On Nigeria’s Crude Oil Output Figures

        Mohammed Shosanya

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd)says  there is no discrepancy between its crude oil production figures and those supplied by the regulatory agency, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Company (NUPRC).

 

 

 

 

The clarification was sequel to reports  that the 1.54 million barrels per day (mbpd) for September cited by the NUPRC was far below the 1.8mbpd for November cited by the NNPC Limited.

 

 

 

 

The seeming disparity is as a result of the difference in the period of coverage in the reports – whereas the NNPC Ltd’s figure was the peak production for October 2024, the NUPRC’s figure was the average production for September 2024,Olufemi O Soneye,  Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Ltd.,said in a statement.

 

 

 

This was confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, at the recent 42nd Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists Annual International Conference & Exhibition in Lagos where he disclosed that Nigeria’s crude oil output, including condensate, increased by 16.56 per cent to 1.8mbpd million in October 2024, from 1.54 million bpd in September 2024.

 

 

 

The CEO of NUPRC,who was represented by the Executive Commissioner,Development & Production, Mr. Enorense Amadasu, was quoted as saying:”This represents an increase of 253,710, bpd to reach 1.8 million bpd in October, up from 1.54 million bpd in September 2024, representing 16.56 per cent month on-month rise”. 

 

 

 

The NUPRC also confirmed at the NAPE event that the 1.8mbpd feat pushed Nigeria’s production beyond the 1.5mbpd quota of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

 

 

 

He maintained that there is no disparity or discrepancy in the production figures by NNPC Ltd and the regulator,adding that his company is working closely with relevant stakeholders to boost production to 2mbpd and above by the end of 2024.

Online Editor by — November 26, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
We’ll Stop Gas Flares Next Year-Seplat

 

       Mohammed Shosanya

 

Seplat Energy Plc says it is actively pursuing a range of initiatives to decarbonise its operations and support a sustainable energy transition as part of its climate commitments and operational excellence strides.

 

 

 

 

The company’s key measures include: ending routine gas flaring; investments in gas infrastructure; exploring renewable energy opportunities to further offset emissions; driving facility solarization; monitoring and reducing emissions; progressing its afforestation programme (called Tree4Life initiative) to further offset emissions; advancing on its carbon credit initiative; and its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) commitments.

 

 

 

 

At the 2024 International Engineering Conference, Exhibition & Annual General Meeting organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE),Mr. Ayodele Olatunde, Managing Director Seplat West Ltd, who represented Mr. Roger Brown, CEO Seplat Energy, said Seplat Energy is committed to protecting and safeguarding the land, water, and ecosystems around the company’s operations whilst minimizing disruptions to wildlife populations.

 

 

 

 

He spoke in a panel session dubbed: Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security & Climate Change.

 

 

 

 

According to him,a key focus for Seplat Energy has been an aggressive programme to eliminate gas flares by 2025,which is a significant part of the company’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050 (if not before) – well ahead of Nigeria’s regulatory target of 2060.

 

 

 

In the area of gas infrastructure, Olatunde said Seplat Energy is investing heavily in gas processing facilities in Nigeria, adding that beyond gas management, the company is exploring renewable energy opportunities to further offset emissions;and the new energy business has been tasked with developing power and renewable energy, aligning the overall business strategy.

 

 

 

 

He added:“Seplat Energy has initiated afforestation programmes to further offset emissions, which is called the Tree 4 Life initiative. Afforestation is essential for promoting biodiversity conservation and increasing annual carbon sequestration. It is a simple and very effective solution,helping to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for generations to come.

 

 

 

 

 

“In April this year, the Seplat Energy JV and the Edo State Government signed an agreement that will see the state government allocate 6,000 hectares of land from its protected forest. Seplat Energy, currently, has completed the planting of 12,000 trees on the first tranche of 1,000 Hectares (phase 1A). Additionally, the second tranche of 1,000 Hectares (Phase 1B) has also been allocated.  This phase is mapped to accommodate another 18,000 trees, leading up to 30,000 trees.”

 

 

 

 

Seplat Energy,he added,is finalizing its water and waste management strategy to adhere to industry-leading standards and address potential environmental, social, and economic water risks.

 

 

 

 

“Our Environmental Management System (EMS) follows the recommendations of ISO 14001 and covers all operations within Seplat Energy. These policies and procedures are applicable across all assets operated by Seplat Energy,”he assured.

 

 

Online Editor by — November 26, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0