The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Nigeria to begin Urea export in 2028, says NMDPRA

    Nigeria to begin Urea export in 2028, says NMDPRA

    The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has disclosed that efforts are underway for the country to begin the export of Urea in 2028.

    The Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Saidu Mohammed, who spoke after touring facilities at the Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, also said Nigeria would soon begin large-scale export of fertilizers.

    Mohamed and his team visited the Indorama establishment as part of their three-day tour of selected midstream and downstream facilities in the oil-rich state of Rivers. 

    Mohammed, who said the country was working towards becoming a major hub for value-added products in the oil and gas industry, described the midstream as an important sector that required huge investment to reap the dividends.  

    He said the country had no business importing value-added products like Urea and fertilisers, especially with the investment being made by some private concerns in-country to boost its oil and gas, as well as related sectors.

    Mohammed said, “The midstream of the oil and gas business is really a tremendous segment that requires a lot of investment. We need $30 to $50 billion today if we must get what we need to get Nigeria on the right footing as the hub not only for the oil and gas, but whatever secondary recovery we can have.

    “Value addition products like the fertilizers, Urea, and what have you; we have no business importing any of those things and behold, with the expansion of what is going on today at Indorama and many other places including Dangote fertilisers, I am sure that in the next 24 months Nigeria will join the league of Urea exporting countries and that is where we should be.

    “And not only being a hub for energy but also being a hub of secondary derivatives of oil and gas.”

    Landing Indorama’s investments, the NMDPRA boss said, “It is really a manifestation of what Nigeria needs to have. We need a lot of these in the midstream. Definitely fertilisers, plants, and any value addition that we have on the Hydrocarbon sources is what is needed for this nation to propel.”

    Mohammed said he chose to visit Rivers first because of the state’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, as it housed critical national assets such as refineries, manufacturing facilities, and processing plants, among others.

    He said, “You know the midstream and downstream segment of Nigeria and Rivers State has a lot of them. There is no sample that we cannot take; if we want to see anything in the gas process, we will. If we want to see anything about the manufacturer, we shall. If we want to see any of the refineries, we can.

    “So we have selected just a few for us to be able to have an overview of what is going on, and that is the main mission.

    Read Also: NERC, NMDPRA meet on security

    “The authority is there to facilitate, for us to continue giving them the support that they need, to create the environment for them to continue to add on the investment, while we are attracting more and more investments to grow. That is the whole essence.”

    In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited, Munish Jindal, said the visit was important for the regulator to better appreciate what was on the ground, including the operations, successes, and challenges.

    He noted that Indorma had been operating for over 20 years and acknowledged that the NMDPRA boss had been involved in the establishment of the Indorama company.

    He said, “We thank the authorities for the understanding that they have developed all these years for the midstream industry. In the beginning, when we came, it was a big challenge for us to make them understand the set of problems, how we operate, and what is more critical for us. I think that understanding has evolved in the past 18 years.

    “We are appreciative of the new regulators, and we fully support that; however, there are one or two issues that many believe would benefit our oil and gas industry, and they are no longer relevant to midstream companies like us.

    “However, we have made a keen request to the authority to kindly look into it, and see that this is not relevant in the manufacturing industry, if we are given an exemption.”

    The tour of midstream and downstream facilities in Rivers by the NMDPRA boss and his team would end on Friday after visiting other companies. 

  • CDHR urges IG to stop police involvement 

    CDHR urges IG to stop police involvement 

    The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Nigeria, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to immediately halt police involvement in the protracted land dispute affecting Amachai Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

    It said the matter was a civil dispute before the courts.

    In a statement by its National President, Dr. Kehinde Taiga, in Warri, CDHR urged the IG to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force is not “illegally used to dispossess Amachai Community of its ancestral land through land grabbing, document forgery and contempt of court.”

    Read Also: CDHR, Omotoso call for inclusive communication to fight misinformation

    “The Nigeria Police Force must not allow itself to be drawn into enforcing land possession or aiding any party in a civil dispute pending before courts of competent jurisdiction,” Taiga said.

    CDHR requested the IG to direct that petitions and complaints arising from the Amachai land dispute, including recent allegations of a bulldozer being burnt, be handled exclusively by the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, whom the organisation said it trusted for professionalism and fairness.

    The rights group warned that attempts to criminalise the dispute amount to an abuse of police powers and a violation of constitutionally-guaranteed rights.

  • CEPEJ unveils 2026 plan to curb drug abuse, promote non-violent elections

    CEPEJ unveils 2026 plan to curb drug abuse, promote non-violent elections

    Amid growing concerns over drug abuse, cultism, and electoral violence, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ-Africa) has unveiled its 2026 strategic plan aimed at promoting non-violent elections and advancing sustainable development across the Niger Delta and other parts of Nigeria.

    The plan was presented during the unveiling of the organisation’s Strategic Partnership Work Plan in Ugolo, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, on Wednesday.

    Addressing reporters, the National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, stressed the urgent need to curb the rising incidence of drug abuse, cultism, and other social vices among young Nigerians, particularly pupils and secondary school students, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to peace, education, and national development.

    Mulade said the organisation’s 2026 agenda places strong emphasis on early awareness campaigns in schools and communities to address the menace and safeguard the future of young people.

    As part of efforts to deepen democratic governance, CEPEJ also announced the rollout of a Non-Violent Election Programme, which will feature civic and voter education, deployment of election observers, training of election peace monitors, and multi-stakeholder dialogues aimed at promoting peaceful, credible, and transparent elections.

    The organisation noted that elections should not degenerate into violence, adding that voter education and peace monitoring would help reduce election-related tensions and encourage tolerance among political actors.

    According to CEPEJ, the 2026 work plan will be implemented in more than 15 states, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Ondo, Lagos, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory. The interventions will span peacebuilding, education, climate action, sports development, youth and women empowerment, governance, and humanitarian support.

    A major highlight of the plan is CEPEJ’s decision to re-present proposals for the establishment of State Peacebuilding Commissions in Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo, and Akwa Ibom States, aimed at institutionalising conflict prevention and sustaining peaceful coexistence.

    Read Also: Activist advocates Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri unity for development in Delta

    “Peacebuilding must go beyond projects. We are re-engaging state governments to establish Peacebuilding Commissions that will strengthen stability, attract investors, and create employment opportunities for youths,” he said.

    Other key initiatives include the Niger Delta Peace Support Fund, Back-to-School Educational Support Fund, climate and environmental awareness programmes, youth and women skills acquisition training, ethnic peace and unity football tournaments, ADR mediation centres, and humanitarian support for IDPs and disaster-affected communities.

    CEPEJ stressed that these programmes are critical to improving livelihoods, reducing violence and building resilience, especially in the Niger Delta, where environmental degradation, unemployment and insecurity continue to threaten development.

    CEPEJ also called on the Delta State Government to prioritise industrialisation as a pathway to economic growth and food security.

    “For Delta State’s economy to grow, we need deliberate industrialisation backed by reliable electricity. Industrial growth will create jobs, boost food security, and reduce poverty and restiveness,” the CEPEJ boss stressed.

    The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, development partners, traditional institutions and communities through communication, collaboration and co-operation, to ensure the successful implementation of the 2026 plan.

  • Ekpo hails aide’s family for launching foundation to honour deceased father

    Ekpo hails aide’s family for launching foundation to honour deceased father

    The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo has hailed the family of his Technical Assistant on NNPC Ltd Relations, Mr. Odiong Ekanem for launching a foundation in honour of their deceased father, Late Deacon Lawrence Ekanem.

    Ekpo gave the commendation at the weekend at the Funeral Service of the late Deacon, held at Christ Church Primary School, Ikot Essien, Oku Iboku, in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom State.

    The Minister said that the foundation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu which seeks to restore hope to children and families in distress situations.

    Ekpo described the loss as painful, but one that must be borne with faith in God.

    Flanked by his Wife, Lady Esitmbom, the Gas Minister described Odiong Ekanem as a dependable Aide, adding that he has remained “a brother, a friend and everything” to him in the Ministry.

    Ekpo also acknowledged the Late Deacon Ekanem’s role in sustaining his family through discipline and integrity, noting that the values instilled in his children were evident in their achievements.

    “I particularly commend the family for launching the Lawrence Okokon Ekanem Foundation in honour of their deceased father.

    “The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as it seeks to restore hope to children and families who may have lost it”, he said.

    Read Also: Umahi commends MTN Nigeria for Progress on Enugu–Onitsha road reconstruction

    He promised to support and identify with the Foundation to ensure it achieves its humanitarian objectives.

    Earlier, the son of the deceased, Mr. Odiong Ekanem, thanked the Minister, his wife and other dignitaries for honouring the family with their presence. 

    He explained that the Foundation was established to support indigent children and widows, as well as provide educational assistance to the less privileged in Oku Iboku community.

    Born on August 6, 1943, into the Royal Ekanem family of Nung Odiong, Ikot Antuen, Oku Iboku, in Itu LGA, the late Lawrence Ekanem worked with the Nigerian Customs Service and was ordained a Deacon of the Foursquare Gospel Church in the year 2000.

    The funeral service was attended by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, members of the political class, captains of industry, staff of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), amongst other dignitaries.

  • Idjerhe monarch attributes peace, progress in Kingdom to God’s grace

    Idjerhe monarch attributes peace, progress in Kingdom to God’s grace

    …marks 5th coronation anniversary, diamond jubilee

    The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Udurhie I, has attributed the peace and steady progress recorded in his domain over the past five years to what he described as God’s sustaining grace.

    Speaking on Sunday during a Thanksgiving service in Idjerhe, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, held to conclude activities marking his fifth coronation anniversary and 60th birthday, the monarch said his reign has experienced its share of challenges but has been upheld by divine favour.

    He expressed gratitude for the kingdom’s growth, unity, and stability, noting, “Where we are today, we are grateful to God, and God will certainly take us higher.”

    The monarch thanked members of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers for honouring his invitation, especially the council’s chairman and Orodje of Okpe, HRM Orhue I, whose attendance he described as a significant honour despite the short notice. He also acknowledged the support of his Otota and other traditional institutions, pledging continued unity and development.

    The Thanksgiving service, held at the historic St. Peter’s Anglican Church founded in 1906, was attended by several traditional rulers, including the Ovie of Ughelli, HRM Oharisi III; the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Abe I; the Pere of Akugbene Mein, HRM Kalanama XIII; and the Okobaro of Ughievwen, HRM Owhawha II.

  • Group warns NJC, FJSC on petitions over Judges appointment

    Group warns NJC, FJSC on petitions over Judges appointment

    The Africa Centre For Good Governance And Corruption Free Communities has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service (FJSC) to to be mindful of what it described as the conspiracy and frivolous petitions against nominees for the appointment of  judges to Federal High Court. 

    The group, in a statement, Sunday, told the judicial bodies to investigate how some petitions against the nominees leaked to the public. 

    According to the Convener of the group, 

    Temitope Olubunmi Joseph, the NJC should invoke it’s rules on leaked petitions by discarding them. 

    He said such petitions should not be considered having being leaked to the media. 

    The group said it is in possession of the petition written against Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Blessing Nkechi Ezeala, who was accused of compromise in the discharge of her duties, asking why it was leaked to the media, if it was not for conspiracy purpose. 

    The group said: “Our organisation is in possession of the petition against Blessing Nkechi Ezeala and we can confidently confirm that the petition against Blessing Nkechi Ezeala was leaked to the media with an already prepared news report on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at about 3pm.

    “Again, at this point, may we ask, what is motive of the petitioner by leaking the petition to the media. We would have thought that since the petition had been submitted to the relevant judicial bodies and individuals, the petitioner would have left it there and allow them to take a look at it and consider it one way or the other. 

    “We challenge the petitioner to prove some the allegations contained in the petition”.

    He said the NJC, the FJSC and other relevant judicial bodies should bear in mind that once members of the public are called upon to make comments and observations about an individual for an exalted position, such as was done by the FJSC, all manner of allegations will be flying, true and untrue.

    He said thorough investigations should be conducted on petitions submitted against nominees to ascertain those with genuine case amd those that are frivolous. 

    “We make bold to say that the sole aim of leaking the petitions was to paint CSP Nkechi Blessing Ezeala and others black in the eyes of the members of the public. 

    “A move our organisation condemn in its  entirety and we call on the the NJC and other bodies in line with its National Judicial Policy and Judicial Discipline Regulations of Nigeria to discard the petition against CSP Nkechi Blessing Ezeala, and others, having been leaked to the public. 

    “Our organisation has reliably gathered that some very powerful forces have ganged up and are bent on stopping CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala, from being appointed to the position of a Judge of the Federal Republic of Nigeria based on enforcement of judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory over a property in Wuse, Abuja, for which the Petitioner grossly violated the Order of Court by forcefully regaining possession of the property after he was evicted by the Court, which led to his lawful arrest by the Police. 

    “The petitioner failed to show that the CSP compromised in the discharge of her duty or that the investigation conducted by the Inspector General of Police into the case found her culpable. If the FJSC considered the Petition, would it not have asked for the Police investigation report on the case? Adopting the leaked Petition and allegations of the petitioner, without thorough investigation, clearly supports the theory of grand conspiracy against the CSP,” he also said. 

    Based on the National Judicial Policy and Judicial Discipline Regulations of Nigeria, the National Judicial Council (NJC) generally will not look into or will discontinue a petition that has been leaked to the public or discussed in the media. 

    The NJC policy emphasises strict confidentiality to protect the integrity of the judiciary and the reputation of judicial officers against frivolous or malicious complaints. 

    “The NJC, the FJSC, and other relevant judicial bodies should particularly, be concerned and careful in considering the petitions made against nominees because not only are the petitions full of falsehood against the nominees, they were also deliberately leaked to the public, particularly, the media to tarnish and stop the process for the appointment of some of the nominees. 

    “From our investigation, since the FJSC published the names of the nominees and called for public comments,  and observations on the nominees, many interested Nigerians and organisations have filed petitions to the NJC, FJSC and other relevant bodies. 

    “Our organisation was able to lay our hands on one of such petitions to the FJSC, NJC and other judicial bodies, which was filed against a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Blessing Nkechi Ezeala. 

    “In the petition dated September 22, 2025, signed by Sanni Abass Esq., on behalf of his client, one Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala, whom from our investigation has been a very dutiful officer, who carries out her duties without fear or favour, was said to have compromised in the discharge of her duty. 

    “Like we observed earlier, the petitions are full of lies and was deliberately leaked to the public and the media to paint CSP Blessing Nkechi Ezeala and other nominees with similar petitions in bad light,” the group emphasised.

  • Okpe group urges Emerhor to join Delta central senatorial race

    Okpe group urges Emerhor to join Delta central senatorial race

    A sociopolitical group, the Okpe Majority Group, has called on a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, to contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, declaring him the most qualified aspirant to represent the district.

    In a letter by its Coordinator, Nikori Florence, the group urged Emerhor to “come out of the shadows and into the arena,” describing the appeal as a collective demand rooted in sacrifice, party loyalty, and grassroots conviction.

     “We, the Okpe Majority Group, rise with one voice to call you out of the shadows and into the arena — to contest for the Delta Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections,” the letter stated.

    The group described Emerhor as a foundational pillar of the APC in Delta State, insisting that his contributions since 2013 have remained largely unrecognised. 

    According to the letter: “You are not just a founding father of APC; you are its backbone, its blood, its burning flame since 2013,” adding that despite investing “wealth, sweat, and sleepless nights” to build the party, he has been “left without an appointment, without title, without recognition.”

    Read Also: Niger Delta Games: Imo mobilises for Scouting as  Edo begins trials

    Framing the call as more than routine politicking, the Okpe Majority Group said its appeal represents “a revolution of conscience,” pledging full political backing should Emerhor heed the call. “We offer you our unbreakable loyalty, our grassroots strength, and our unapologetic support,” the group said, stressing that Delta Central needs “a senator with scars, not smooth talk — a man who knows how to rise from ruins.”

    The letter further invoked faith and lived experience as defining qualities of the former APC governorship candidate, quoting Psalm 20:4 and asserting that “a man who’s been broke but never broken knows how to build from nothing — and that’s exactly the kind of leader our people need.”

    The group declared its readiness to mobilise for the 2027 polls, stating: “The time is now. The people are ready. We are behind you — with fire in our voices and votes in our hands.”

  • Delta Bureau, NIMC partner on ward-to-ward NIN awareness

    Delta Bureau, NIMC partner on ward-to-ward NIN awareness

    The Delta State Bureau of Orientation and Communications has pledged to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on ward-to-ward awareness and sensitisation for National Identification Number (NIN) registration across the state.

    Director General of the Bureau, Dr Fred Oghenesibve, gave the assurance in Asaba during an advocacy visit by the Delta State Coordinator of NIMC.

    Praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing NIMC to intensify NIN registration nationwide, Oghenesibve described the exercise as critical to effective governance, security, and development.

    “Responsible leadership is defined by clear and achievable policies. What works in advanced countries—proper citizen data capture—is now being implemented in Nigeria,” he said.

    He noted that NIN registration benefits both the federal and state governments, stressing that it had become a key planning tool and an emerging universal identifier, including for tax and population data.

    According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will also leverage accurate data to strengthen planning and service delivery in Delta State.

    Dr Oghenesibve reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to working with NIMC to drive grassroots participation and urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise.

    The Bureau DG hinted that Governor Oborevworri was deeply concerned about the welfare of Deltans, and that he actually really wants to know the actual figure of people in the state to ensure the spread of development and social welfare services as in D-Cares programme.

    ”Back home here in Delta, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is very concerned about the welfare of Deltans, and he actually wants to know the actual figure of people in the state so that the spread of development and social welfare services as we have it in D-Cares programme and other social welfare programmes. Then these figures will enable him to effectively plan, and say these are the numbers of persons we have in the state,” Oghenesibve said.

    Read Also: NIMC enrolment on NIN database hit 127m last December

    He made a passionate appeal to the management of NIMC to look at the possibility of developing NIN card in such a way that it will have sufficient space for  background information to be captured in the card, not just for the numerical purposes but for security and other purposes.

    He expressed the hope that with the initiatives and reforms being implemented by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the country would soon become the pride of all Nigerians.

    Earlier, the Delta State Coordinator of the NIMC, Mrs Grace Robinson, said the advocacy visit was to inform the Delta State Bureau of Orientation and Communications about the forthcoming NIN registration slated to commence on January 19, 2026 and that the exercise would be for initial period of six weeks, after which it may be extended.

    She emphasised that the registration was for those from zero years to infinity who have not registered previously.

    Mrs Robinson hinted that President Bola Tinubu had given the commission mandate to go from ward to ward to register those yet to be captured  for NIN.

    She stated, ”The purpose of this visit is to collaborate with you on the President’s mandate that we should go from ward to ward to register people for NIN. This time, we are going into villages, riverine areas,  everywhere to register people for NIN—those who have not registered before.”

    The state Coordinator of NIMC said so far, over one hundred and seventy seven million (177,000,000) Nigerians had been registered for NIN. 

  • Group urges Rivers CJ to uphold judicial independence amid impeachment process

    Group urges Rivers CJ to uphold judicial independence amid impeachment process

    The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership (ACDL) has advised the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, to exercise caution and uphold judicial independence amid ongoing impeachment proceedings involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu.

    In a statement issued on Monday, the group said the unfolding political situation in the state underscores the need for the judiciary to remain neutral and strictly guided by constitutional provisions.

    The intervention comes as the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, continues actions connected to the impeachment process, including a formal request to the Chief Judge to constitute an investigative panel in line with constitutional procedures.

    According to ACDL, heightened political tensions between the executive arm and factions within the legislature have made it necessary for judicial actors to proceed with restraint and adherence to due process.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, its Executive Director, Barrister Nedu Ekwueme, said the Chief Judge’s role in appointing a seven-member investigative panel, where required, should be carried out without external pressure or political considerations.

    “The judiciary must continue to serve as an impartial arbiter and a pillar of fairness within our democratic system,” Ekwueme said.

    He noted that public confidence in the judicial process depends on transparency and strict compliance with constitutional guidelines, particularly in politically sensitive matters such as impeachment.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Rivers Assembly directs Chief Judge to raise committee to probe Fubara, deputy 

    The group referenced previous impeachment cases in Nigeria where courts later reviewed the process, stressing that procedural lapses often complicate governance and deepen political divisions.

    ACDL further emphasized that any investigative panel, if constituted, should be properly composed and allowed to carry out its mandate thoroughly within the timeframe prescribed by law.

    “The people of Rivers State deserve stability and governance focused on development,” Ekwueme said, adding that adherence to due process would help prevent prolonged political uncertainty.

    The group also called on professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, as well as civil society organisations and other stakeholders, to observe the process and promote respect for the rule of law.

  • Plot to create rift between Okpebholo and I will fail, says deputy gov Idahosa

    Plot to create rift between Okpebholo and I will fail, says deputy gov Idahosa

    Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has declared that efforts by certain individuals to create friction between him and Governor Monday Okpebholo will not succeed.

    Idahosa urged those involved to redirect their energy toward initiatives that support the governor’s SHINE Agenda, stating that any plan to undermine the harmony within the administration “is dead on arrival.”

    In a personally signed statement, he described the actors behind the online narratives as distractors who are uncomfortable with the practical governance the administration has demonstrated since assuming office.

    Read Also: Indigenes responsible for kidnapping in Ekpoma, says Okpebholo

    He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Okpebholo despite online smear campaigns targeting the government, the governor, and other senior officials. 

    According to him, unidentified individuals are attempting to sow discord by circulating false narratives, but their efforts are futile.

    “As long as my boss, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and I remain united, every such plan is bound to fail. Any attempt to divide us or weaken our team is dead on arrival,” he said.

    Idahosa stressed that he stands firmly with the governor and that the administration remains focused on fulfilling its campaign promises to the people.