The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • All On inaugurates solar mini-grid in Bayelsa community

    All On inaugurates solar mini-grid in Bayelsa community

    The Oweikorogha Community in Bayelsa State is set to experience a transformative shift in energy access with the commissioning of a new 80kWp solar mini-grid developed by Ceesolar Energy Limited.

    The project, financed by All On through the Niger Delta Electrification Programme, aims to bridge the energy gap in underserved and unserved communities in the Niger Delta region.

    The Oweikorogha mini-grid, with its 80kWp capacity, 60kW inverter system, and 120kWh energy storage, is designed to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to approximately 2,000 people.

    The project will directly benefit 430 new connections, including 380 residential households, 39 commercial enterprises, five micro-industrial facilities, and six public institutions.

    By using solar energy, the mini-grid not only powers the community but also significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.

    Speaking on the completion of the project, the Board Chairman, All On, Osagie Okunbor said that All On’s Niger Delta Electrification Programme is designed to address the ongoing electricity challenges in the region by funding innovative renewable energy solutions.

    He added that the initiative seeks to close the energy gap by supporting indigenous developers like Ceesolar Energy in deploying mini-grids across underserved communities.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Bayelsa APC suspends Lokpobiri, Lyon, eight others over alleged anti-party activities

    “This mini-grid is more than just a power solution; it represents a new chapter for the Oweikorogha community and a step towards a more electrified and prosperous Niger Delta. We are proud to partner with Ceesolar Energy, whose commitment to bridging the energy gap aligns with our vision of sustainable energy for all.”

    Ceesolar Energy CEO, Chibueze Ekeh, expressed delight after the project.

    He said: “We are excited to have completed the Oweikorogha mini-grid project and are confident that the community will see immediate and long-lasting benefits from reliable, clean energy. This is just the beginning of what we can achieve together to close the energy access gap in Nigeria.”

    He further said that by delivering affordable, reliable electricity, this project opens up opportunities for economic development and provides critical support to local businesses, public institutions, and residents.

  • ‘Tenure of NDDC MD guaranteed by Act establishing commission’

    ‘Tenure of NDDC MD guaranteed by Act establishing commission’

    A group, South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), has urged those behind the ongoing campaign for Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) interim management to desist, arguing the act establishing Commission was very clear on the tenure of its management team from the very day they took oath of office.

    The body in a statement by its Convener, Mr. Joseph Ambakederimo, noted that anything contrary to Constitutional provisions in the tenure of office of its management team remains an aberration to the Act establishing the Commission and therefore not acceptable.

    The statement titled: “THE NDDC ACT:The case for Bayelsa State to complete its full tenure as should be applicable to any other states”, quoted Part 1 section 3 which deals specifically with tenure of the office of Board members-Section 3 (1) states subject to the provisions of section 4 of this Act stated; “A member of the Board, other than an ex-officio member, shall hold office for a term of 4 years at the first instance and may be reappointed for a further term of 4 years and no more.

    It said: “Statutory appointments should be allowed to run its full course for continuity and accountability. The letters and provisions of the NDDC establishment Act 2000 as amended should be sacroscant and upheld by all”.

    “The NDDC establishment Act is the Bible that should be our guidance at all times and has to be respected. Therefore anything that is smuggled into this document to be implemented is alien and should be rejected by all”.

    “The beginning of the fresh start of the appointment of Samuel Ogbuku as made by President Bola Tinubu starts from August, 2023 and should terminate August, 2027, is without ambiguity.”

    “Therefore we urge those who are becoming restive to respect the letters and spirit as contained in the NDDC establishment Act and allow Bayelsa State to complete its tenure in the person of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku”.

    It noted added “When persons who ought to know begin to agitate negetively against what ordinarily should be the correct position then it becomes very clear to discerning minds that such agitation is purely for self serving purposes.”

    “We should not give an iota of thought to the interim management idea these persons are pushing, it will not be beneficial to the region and it’s people, but beneficial to only a few who have always seen the NDDC as their personal fiefdom”.

    “A better part of the life of the NDDC has been run on ad-hoc arrangement with nothing tangible to show within these period other than tales of woes of mismanagement and misapplication of resources which has become counterproductive to the overall development of the region”.

    The group added: “Peace and Stability in the region should be paramount at this time to aid and drive the much needed development we all clamour for in the region. There is never a time quietness and progress has been seen in the Commission than now”.

    “For a long time the people of the region are beginning to have a buy-in, into the affairs of the Commission once again due largely to the people centered policy direction and robust programs implementation of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku leadership”.

    Read Also: ‘NDDC making zero progress under Igbuku’

    “Let us take a deep breath and shift our mindset to the overall development of the region as directed by President Bola Tinubu when he charged the Managing Director to focus more on legacy projects to turn the fortunes of the region around for good and the Managing Director has continued to build on the support of Mr President which has emboldened him to chat uncommon policies towards aggressively upscaling the infrastructural face of the Niger Delta region”.

    “The footprint of the Commission can be seen by even the blind, the people centered projects such as the Light – Up Niger Delta program harnessing the benefit of renewable energy resources derived from Solar energy,

    Project “HOPE” launched and executed with the second phase launched already and kicked-off, NDDC Chamber of Commerce collaborating with Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce to drive inclusivity in the region, and many youths empowerment centered driven programs amongest others on its remarkable growth trajectory.”

  • South/South group applauds Presidential Amnesty Coordinator engagements

    South/South group applauds Presidential Amnesty Coordinator engagements

    The Convener, South South Reawakening Group (SSRG), Mr. Joseph Ambakederimo, has commended Presidential Amnesty Program Coordinator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for his continued engagements with stakeholders across the region in the quest to understanding their needs, in terms of training and re-training of youths, as well as empowerments of women and aged in various communities.

    He further noted that besides creating an enabling environment for an open feedback with the people, such engagements would also provide the opportunity for stakeholders to be well informed on the activities of Amnesty program in the region and by so doing, bridging the gap of distrust and acrimony that had existed between management and indigenes in recent past.

    Making the stand of the group known in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri, yesterday, Mr. Ambakederimo, also Chairman Board of Trustees, Community Development Committees of Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing Areas (CDC), called for sustainability of the stakeholders engagement, as a way of giving the people sense of belonging.

    The statement read in part; “The Presidential Amnesty Program coordinator Dr Dennis Otuaru’s continued engagement with stakeholders and people of the region is very well articulated and a forward looking strategy in problem solving”.

    “We applaud the continued transformative stakeholders engagements in the region, bringing the people to speed with happening in the Presidential Amnesty Programme is key, it strengthens cooperation and build trust”.

    “The meetings and engagements undertaken by the leadership of the hold great potential to build strong, long-term partnerships that will not only connect people of the region but drives sustainable growth across multiple strata”.

    “It is delighted to note that we now have a leadership that is purposeful, responsive, and people – serving that can’t be over emphasised, again we urge our leaders at all strata of society and all sectors in the region, including the Governors in the region to reinvent themselves and lead with a servent leader mindset, and lead with selflessness and dignity in the mould of Dr. Dennis Otuaro”.

    Continuing; “The people livelihood, jobs and our national security are at stake if the Presidential Amnesty Programme is not sustained and improved funding is guaranteed. What we are advocating will cost money but some things are just too important to ignore, therefore making a case for better funding for purposes to expand the mandate of the programme will not cease”.

    “We will continue to make this case because the present leadership has shown undiluted capacity that needed to be encouraged and supported in all of its ramifications”.

    “The issues around calling for the expansion of the programme would be in addition to begin further engagements in collaboration with the Community Development Committees of Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing Areas (CDC) and operators of the unlicensed refineries and pipeline vandals taking it from where the Community Development Committees of Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing Areas (CDC) has achieved with a view to bringing them under the Presidential Amnesty Programme fold and provide alternative incentives to make them look away and have a new lease of lives”.

    Read Also: Group canvasses startups’ role in Niger Delta growth

    Speaking further; “The Presidential Amnesty Programme is the agency of government well suited to undertake this initiative that the CDC is putting forward because in our interaction with the operators it was discovered that many of them are willing to further their educational pursuit, some are willing to acquire new skills in diverse areas of human endeavour such as steel fabrication and Metallurgy, areas where they have already shown some prowess and needed to be put through formal training that will further add to national development”.

    “It is important to note that the CDC has made very important gains chiefly amongst which is identifying and putting a face to unlicensed refineries operators in the region and the willingness of the operators to come out of the creeks and engage in meaningful talks that will eventually turn their lives and livelyhoods for the better and for society”.

    “In view of the foregoing we urge the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to take a critical view of the CDC’s initiative and successes to deepened this engagement with the operators and reap from the gains therein”.

    “This is the justification for the call for the expansion and more funding for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, in order for the agency to be able to undertake this task effectively with the immense multiplier effects leading to safe guarding of oil installations and increased Oil production”, he concluded.

  • Edo poll: Thugs allegedly assault PDP forensic examiners at INEC office

    Edo poll: Thugs allegedly assault PDP forensic examiners at INEC office

    …disrupt inspection of BVAS machines

    Suspected political thugs on Wednesday, October 9, stormed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin, disrupting the inspection of electoral materials from the September 21, Edo governorship election.

    The incident reportedly occurred following a statement by Edo State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbom Onuoha, inviting all political parties and their representatives to participate in the inspection—an action that some viewed as a move to complicate the process.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had previously obtained a court order to specifically inspect the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines.

    The situation escalated when Mrs. Rita Amadi, INEC’s head of legal, announced the start of the BVAS inspection as required by the court order.

    Read Also: Edo poll: INEC grants Ighodalo, PDP access to inspect election materials

    A prominent APC member objected, demanding that the voter register and ballot papers be inspected first.

    The objection quickly led to chaos at the INEC office, during which one of the PDP’s forensic examiners had their phone smashed while police officers reportedly did nothing to intervene.

    The APC chairman then called for an adjournment of the inspection, claiming he did not have his copy of the voter register.

    Mrs. Amadi conceded to the request, despite the PDP’s legal representative reminding her that the court order pertained to the voter register used by INEC, not the political parties.

    Goodluck Osaretin, a member of the PDP delegation, expressed frustration over the events, accusing the APC and INEC of delaying the inspection to sabotage their case.

    “The APC knows what they did during the elections, and we understand their desperation to stop us from inspecting the BVAS machines,” Osaretin said. He also criticized the REC’s statement, calling it “malicious and mischievous” for enabling the APC to disrupt the process.

    With just 48 hours remaining before the PDP’s petition deadline, concerns are growing about whether the BVAS inspection will be completed in time.

  • Stay off Rivers, group tells Mohammed, other PDP Govs

    Stay off Rivers, group tells Mohammed, other PDP Govs

    The Niger Delta Reform Agenda (NDRA) has raised concerns about the involvement of Governor Bala Mohammed and other northern PDP Governors in Rivers politics.

    In a statement by its President, Sergeant Danielson, the group alleged that their sudden interest is driven by ulterior motives, primarily their 2027 political ambitions.

    Danielson claimed Governor Mohammed’s actions are a calculated move to exploit Rivers resources rather than a genuine concern for the people.

    The Niger Delta Reform Agenda condemned this development and called for immediate action to protect the state’s interests.

    The group also slammed Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara for allowing these external forces to interfere in the State’s affairs.

    It described Fubara’s actions as a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people and a grave injustice to the state.

    “Governor Bala Mohammed, who has recently taken on the mantle of an activist among his peers, has shown an unusual and unsettling interest in the affairs of Rivers State while abdicating his role as Bauchi State governor,” Danielson said.

    “This unhealthy interest is not born out of genuine concern for the people of Rivers State but rather a calculated move to exploit the state’s resources for his political gain.

    “Unfortunately, Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, is the one who opened the floodgates, allowing political opportunists to feast on the state’s resources. It is disheartening to see how the resources meant for the development and welfare of the people of Rivers State are being squandered by individuals who have no stake in the state’s future.

    Read Also: Oba of Benin asks Okpebholo to fulfill campaign promises

    “The people of Rivers State deserve leaders who are committed to their welfare, not those who will sell the people of the state out for their political ambitions. Governor Bala Mohammed’s actions confirm his desperation to secure a foothold in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “His attempts to ingratiate himself with the people of Rivers State are nothing but a facade, designed to mask his true intentions. The Niger Delta Reform Agenda urges the people of Rivers State to see through this charade and reject any attempts to manipulate them for political gain.”

    The Niger Delta Reform Agenda demands accountability and transparency in the management of the State’s resources and urged the people of Rivers to remain vigilant and resist any efforts to undermine their sovereignty.

    Danielson added: “We urge the people of Rivers State to remain vigilant and resist any efforts to undermine their sovereignty. The state’s resources are meant for the development and prosperity of its people, not for the enrichment of a select few. The Niger Delta Reform Agenda calls on all well-meaning citizens to join us in this fight to protect our state’s resources.

    “Governor Fubara’s willingness to allow northern politicians to exploit Rivers State is a betrayal of the highest order. His actions have not only compromised the state’s resources but also its dignity.

    “The Niger Delta Reform Agenda demands accountability and transparency in the management of the state’s resources. We will not stand idly by while our state’s wealth is siphoned off by those without regard for our future.”

  • Niger Delta youths demand transparency on Port Harcourt refinery’s status

    Niger Delta youths demand transparency on Port Harcourt refinery’s status

    The Niger Delta Youth Network (NDYN) has expressed grave concern and disappointment over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) inability to commence production at the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State despite numerous promises and six postponements as of August 2024.

    In a statement by Dakuku Francis, the group said this recurring failure confirms that a cabal within the NNPCL is deliberately scheming to exploit the region’s crude oil producers.

    The latest broken promise came from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, who assured that the refinery would begin operations in September 2024.

    However, after September, the NNPC has failed to provide any updates on the refinery’s status.

    The Port Harcourt refinery with a capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, was touted to be a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. After reaching mechanical completion of rehabilitation work in December, the facility was expected to start refining 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily.

    The group alleged that Mele Kyari, the Managing Director of NNPCL, plans to utilise the Port Harcourt refinery as a blending company.

    The Niger Delta youths demanded answers and action from the company, citing concerns that the repeated delays are part of a larger plot to exploit the region’s resources.

    Francis lamented that the failure to provide a clear timeline for the commencement of fuel production has created uncertainty and distrust among stakeholders.

    He said the NNPCL’s silence on the reasons behind the repeated delays and broken promises has raised questions about the company’s commitment to the region’s development.

    The youths are concerned that the company’s actions may be driven by a desire to maintain the status quo, where crude oil is exported and refined abroad, rather than benefiting the local economy.

    Read Also: Shettima unveils initiative to combat malnutrition

    Francis said: “The NNPCL’s lack of transparency and accountability has exacerbated regional tensions. We are demanding answers and action from the company, the repeated delays are part of a larger plot to exploit our region’s resources.

    “The failure to provide a clear timeline for the commencement of fuel production has created uncertainty and distrust among stakeholders. The NNPCL’s silence on the reasons behind the repeated delays and broken promises has raised questions about the company’s commitment to the region’s development.

    “The Niger Delta region, which produces the majority of Nigeria’s crude oil, deserves fair treatment and equitable benefits from the country’s oil and gas resources. The NNPCL’s actions, or lack thereof, threaten the region’s economic development and perpetuate a sense of marginalization.”

    In light of these concerns, the Niger Delta youths are calling for urgent action from the NNPCL.

    Francis said: “The company must provide a clear and realistic timeline for the commencement of fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery.

    “Additionally, the NNPCL must explain the repeated delays and broken promises, including any technical or financial challenges that may have arisen.

    “Moreover, the company must ensure transparency in its dealings with regional crude oil producers. This includes providing regular updates on the refinery’s progress, engaging with stakeholders, and addressing concerns in a timely and responsive manner.”

  • Cocoa farmers clash in Cross River

    Cocoa farmers clash in Cross River

    Rival cocoa farmers and thugs have clashed, leaving some injured and others hospitalised around the government Cocoa estate in Etung local government area of Cross River.

    The Nation reports some of the farmers alleged a compromise in the armed security patrol team in the area, blaming the situation on the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the State Government, Maj.Gen Rtd. Okoi Obono, who has offered explanations on the crisis.

    One of the victims, a small holder Cocoa farmer at Abonita Cocoa farm, Mr. Mark Prince, called on the State Director Department of State Services (DSS), Mrs. Roseline Izuagbe, to Investigate the attack on his six workers by thugs and inflicted various degree of injuries on his workers in the area since October 2, 2024.

    Prince stated the injured workers are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in  Ikom, Cross River State. The cause of the clash was yet unknown as of the time of filing this report.

    He blamed the Special Adviser to the State Government on Security  Matters, Rtd. Major General Okoi Obono,  of compromising the security situation at the l32 hectares Abonita cocoa estate which shares a boundary with  government Cocoa estate in the area, calling for an investigation into the matter.

    One of the victims Mr. Kelly Abang said: “I went to do work at Mr  Mark Prince’s  cocoa farm yesterday and one  man, identified as Chilo met us in the bush and asked us about the owner of the farm and we  told him we are laborers working for Mark Prince.

    Read Also: Cocoa farmers, firm, settle differences in Ondo

    “He demanded that I should call our Boss, Mr. Mark Prince, because he wants to speak with him. And I responded to his demand and I put a call across to Mark Prince and they spoke with each other. And thereafter, Mr. Chilo  ( ASU Njor) asked us to continue with our work and he left in the company of the boys. Only for him to return back about 30 minutes later in the company of some  armed young men who tortured us squarely  and inflicted numerous injuries on us with machetes.”

    But the accused, Mr. Asu Njor (Chilo), denied any involvement in the attack. 

    Reacting, Obono denied the alleged compromise of the security details at the estate, stressing that he had asked the police to commence an immediate investigation into the crisis.

  • CDHR demands probe of alleged land grabbing In Delta

    CDHR demands probe of alleged land grabbing In Delta

    Foremost Rights group, Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), has decried the alleged conspiracy by some influential individuals within the Asaba province of Delta State to deprive a female land owner of her property. 

    It  urged Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, to promptly intervene in the interest of justice.

    The organisation, which alleged due to the strong connections of those involved in the alleged land grabbing,  the case which ought to have been investigated by Delta Command was transferred to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, appealed to Egbetokun to reverse the matter to its original investigating unit for convenience.

    CDHR, in a statement signed by its national President, Comrade (Dr) Kehinde Prince Taiga, noted that cases of oppressive land grabbing using the instrumentality of security agencies had been on the increase in Delta State and other parts of the country for some time and it has become very expedient to up an end to the injustices in the interest of masses.

    Making references to series of petitions written by the legal representative to the land owner, the Rights group maintained that the plots to dispossess Hajia Halima of her property were being masterminded despite evidence of ownership by her counsels to appropriate government agencies for prompt action in the case.

    According to the statement, one of such was by a laws firm; OG Nwachukwu & CO, (Gifted Chamber), in a protest latter, dated October 2, 2024, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, where it was established that Hajia Halima acquired properties behind WICHTECH, Delta State, from Amachai Community, Delta State.

    “Our client had upon completion of the purchase of the property, paid all the communal dues and other fees as required, after which she fenced her property. 

    “She had built on the property, 2 security houses, 2 uncompleted buildings comprising of a 2 bedroom apartment each, 4 fish ponds (of which one was concrete and the others, trampoline), a borehole, CCTV camera stations, Chicken houses for poultry, a German Shepherd security dog, 63 Turkey birds, plantain trees, as well as other economic trees planted.

    “On September 20, 2024, our client received a distress call from her security guard at the property, informing her that the property was being demolished by some persons who had forcefully made their way into the land. He further informed our client that the assailants had come with bulldozers and also had policemen present at the scene as they destroyed everything on the property.”

    Read Also: NLC cautions police against starting undemocratic agenda over siege on CDHR office

    Taiga, also made reference to another protest letter by AL-JABBAAR & ASSOCIATES, (Legal Practitioners & Consultants) on behalf of Hajia Halima petition IGP Kayode Egbetokun, where a case of court contempt was established against some individuals who masterminded the said attack on the client’s property and threatened her life.

    “That to the greatest shock again of our client, her findings reveals some agents of the land grabbing cartel within the Police Force used their position at the Force Headquarters, perfected the arrangement to over this case transferred out of the state to Abuja to allegedly frustrate her and at the end bury the matter. 

    “We are therefore soliciting the intervention of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, in bring the matter back to Delta state and direct the Police Command to carry out thorough investigations on it before charging the case to court, in order to allow all the parties present documents to their ownership claim of the property for adjudication in court of competence jurisdiction,” the CDHR stated. 

  • Prof. Azinge right choice as Asagba of Asaba, says Kalu

    Prof. Azinge right choice as Asagba of Asaba, says Kalu

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has said by the selection of Professor Epiphany Azinge as the 14th Asagba (King) of Asaba, the people have made the right choice. 

    He congratulated Professor Azinge on his coronation as the 14th Asagba (King) of Asaba on Saturday in Ogwashi Ukwu, Delta State.

    Azinge, a Professor of Law and former Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies emerged the new Asagba following the death of the 13th Asagba of Asaba, Professor Chike Edozien, on February 14, 2024.

    His selection was announced on August 18, 2024 by the Asagba-in-Council of the Asaba traditional council after a voting process. 

    In his congratulatory message, the Deputy Speaker said that the traditional rulers and indeed, the people made the right choice in Azinge who also holds the chieftaincy title of Okilolo of Asaba. 

    He said that the selection of Azinge to be the custodian of the people’s culture showcases him as a man of great wisdom. 

    Kalu further stated that Azinge’s unique blend of intellectual brilliance and compassionate heart made him the ideal monarch to guide the Asaba kingdom toward peace, prosperity, and unity. 

    The Deputy Speaker added that the coronation is a testament to the legal luminary’s power of knowledge, integrity, and dedication.

    He wished Azinge a successful reign marked by peace, justice, love and unity. 

  • Anti-oil theft taskforce applauds NNPC boss for transparent service delivery

    Anti-oil theft taskforce applauds NNPC boss for transparent service delivery

    A Niger Delta Anti-Pipeline Vandalisation and Oil Theft Task Force Group (NAVOTTFG) has expressed its commendation for Lawal Sade, the Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited, for his exemplary performance in promoting transparency and efficiency within the oil sector.

    This recognition came amid rising concerns over crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

    Comrade Fiawei Pathfinder, also known as ‘General’ Osama, leads this group, which comprises former ex-militant leaders.

     In a statement released on Friday, October 4, following an emergency meeting, ‘General’ Osama highlighted Sade’s significant contributions to the industry, noting that he had successfully navigated the complexities of the oil market, ensuring a profitable and efficient distribution of refined petroleum products.

    According to him, Sade’s three decades of experience in various capacities within the oil and gas value chain had cemented his status as a distinguished leader.

    The group praised him as a “global phenomenon,” acknowledging his commitment to excellent service delivery and his strategic efforts in repositioning and transforming NNPC Trading Company into a model of operational excellence in Nigeria.

    Read Also: NNPCL/Seplat provides free eye health services in Imo

    NAVOTTFG’s endorsement of Sade reflects a broader recognition of effective leadership in addressing industry challenges while ensuring the sustainability of oil production and supply in the region.

    Osama said: “It is also on record that while in NNPC Retail Limited, Sade primarily introduced the Sales and Marketing Unit and also led the SWAT team that transited NNPCL Retail to cash and carry an operating model that resulted in huge financial savings and entrenched internal control mechanism framework to position the NNPC Retail Limited today.

    “At this juncture, the leadership of the NAVOTTFG emphatically commends and applauds the Managing Director of NNPC Trading, Mr Lawal Sade, for his transparent and outstanding performance in service delivery, and for standing tall in the nation’s downstream sector, bringing his wealth of experience by taking major and bold steps to reposition, transform and organise the NNPC trading company to an enviable height that is remarkable before all Nigerians.

    “We are bold to also state that since the appointment of Sade at the helm of affairs of NNPCL trading there has been transparency in the entire value chain of the nation’s crude oil and petroleum products wholesale distribution network that has brought about sanity and accountability that led to international and national oil major players to build much confidence in the nation’s oil sector, and we are proud of the milestone achievements recorded by him.

    “Sade has rejuvenated the sector by working assiduously to restructure, transform and reposition the NIDAS, with the organisation now a force to be reckoned with in the international shipping market after seven years of delay.”

    “Sade championed the turnaround process that resulted in resolving long outstanding legacy issues, which led to increased and diversified revenue generation that has placed NIDAS on the path of growth sustainability.”

    He stated that with the giant strides recorded by Sade, there was no gainsaying about the fact that he had successfully and enviably placed NNPCL strategically to be a member of the prestigious Oil Company International Marine Forum (OCIMF), a globally recognised shipping community that is a major boost to Nigeria’s image in the comity of nations.