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  • FG urges stakeholders to proffer solution to energy crisis

    FG urges stakeholders to proffer solution to energy crisis

    Arising from its Biannual International Conference in Abuja at the weekend, the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) urged stakeholders to proffer solution to the country’s energy crisis.

    This was contained in the communique the Director of Research and Development, Dr. Tina Isichie issued after the conference. 

    The conference urged the nation to address its energy crisis with a sustainable solution.

    The stakeholders noted that Nigeria is endowed with 207 trillion cubic feet reserves of gas aside from oil reserves that is sufficient to support development.

    She said: “Nigeria has been blessed with natural gas resources (currently a reserve of 207 TCF) in addition to oil. This is enough to support developments by leveraging digitalization, innovation, and technology across the board.

    “It is projected that by the year 2050, Nigeria will be the 3rd most populous country on earth, necessitating an urgent need to think outside the box and proffer sustainable solutions to the country’s energy crisis.”

    Isichie also said considering the government policy of 2020-2030 as the Decade of Gas, the government should speed up CNG investment and ensure all LPG importers set up processing plants in Nigeria so that the commodity will be readily available and at an affordable price.

    According to her, the conference said despite the PIA 2021, persistent issues include under-utilized refineries, capacity gaps in the workforce, and challenges with technology transfer and environmental obligations.

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    It was also recommended that there should be a strong  mandate for all Ministry of Petroleum Resources agencies to partner and collaborate on generating solutions and evolving the required technology for local production issues.

    The conference, according to the communique, emphasised maximizing Nigeria’s 207 TCF gas reserves to drive national development, urging the acceleration of CNG investment and sector liberalization to diversify the economy into agriculture and ICT.

    Isichie said there was a resolution to establish centres of excellence and foster collaboration between industry and academia to build a talented workforce prepared for the energy transition.

    The conference, said the Director, stressed that transparency is the “currency of trust” needed to propel the sector, advocating for domestic participation and leveraging divestment to demonstrate local technical and financial capability.

    The 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST) was organized by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR), Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA), NNPC Academy, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and CypherCrescent Ltd. 

  • FG, EU launch €40m education, youth empowerment programme in Northwest

    FG, EU launch €40m education, youth empowerment programme in Northwest

    The Federal Government, in partnership with the European Union (EU), has inaugurated a National Programme Steering Committee (NPSC) to oversee the €40 million education and youth empowerment in Northwest Nigeria (EYEPINN) programme.

    The programme, which is being implemented in Jigawa, Kano, and Sokoto States, aims to tackle out-of-school children, facilitate teacher development, and promote youth skills acquisition in the Northwest region.

    The committee has the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, as chairman and is co-chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

    They are expected to meet annually to provide strategic guidance, with a secretariat handled by the EU Technical Assistance Team (EU-TAT).

    Also, quarterly technical meetings are planned to monitor progress closely.

    Speaking during the official inauguration of the committee yesterday in Abuja, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan, praised the EU’s investment in Nigeria’s education sector, which he said has continued to improve access, equity, quality, and system resilience.

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    Enitan, who was represented by the Director of Poly Education and Allied Institutes, Dr. Usman Ejeh, said: “The EYEPINN project represents one of the most strategic interventions aimed at addressing the persistent challenges of out-of-school children, teacher capacity development, safe learning environments, and skills acquisition for youths in Nigeria’s Northwest region.

    “The EU’s continued support through programmes such as EYEPINN and Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS), reflects a shared commitment to empowering our young people and ensuring that every child, irrespective of gender or background, has the opportunity to learn and thrive.”

    Highlighting the committee’s role in ensuring accountability and integrating results into national policies, he added: “The committee serves not only as a platform for oversight, but also a forum for strategic dialogue to ensure that the collective efforts of all partners are coherent, complementary, and impactful. The success of EYEPINN depends on how well we collaborate, federal, state, and local governments, working hand-in-hand with our international partners.

    “We must ensure that every Euro invested translates into measurable impact, better learning outcomes, empowered teachers, safer schools, and a more resilient education system that leaves no child behind.”

    Team Leader, Human Development, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Leila Ben Amor Mathieu, highlighted the programme’s significance as the delegation’s first standalone education initiative.

    She said: “This is the EU Delegation to Nigeria’s first project solely on education. It is our flagship project. We hadn’t had any before. We really wanted it to be designed in tune with the ministry and to serve the needs of Nigerian people.”

    She said that the EU was committed to remaining a very strong partner to Nigeria, as shown in its commitment for the period of 2021-2027.

    She said: “We have about €800 million for that period only on national programmes, plus another several hundred that benefit Nigeria, but out of regional programme windows.”

    She added that the project would address existing gaps in basic education. “This is a €40 million project that we fund through UNICEF, Plan International, DIME, and also some technical assistance provided to the ministry. We would have loved to add secondary education, but we stopped at basic education, in particular targeting out-of-school children, nomadic education. We worked with the Quranic schools.

    “So, now we should start to see results and be able to deliver results. We have our partners from the World Bank that are also in charge of checking the impact of what we do,” she said.

    UNICEF’s Chief of Education, Vanessa Lee, described the programme as timely, saying: “It came at a critical time in Nigeria’s education reform progress to support both the Federal and the State Ministries of Education and Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in transforming the education system.”

    Lee said that UNICEF is committed to getting every child learning in Nigeria. “We continue to lead and support in the area of digital data transformation, education financing, reducing the number of out-of-school children, especially through establishing integrated Quranic centres and learning centres, scaling up foundational literacy and numeracy with the government, and providing teachers with school-based professional learning and learning through play teacher professional learning,” she said.

    Similarly, Country Director, Save the Children International, Duncan Harvey, said:  “This is indeed an important step that will encourage and improve the leadership of the overall programme. Every child, no matter their status, no matter where they are living, no matter their gender, ability or disability, every child deserves the right to quality basic education.”

  • FG launches data-driven reform to clean up civil service records

    FG launches data-driven reform to clean up civil service records

    The Federal Government has commenced a comprehensive personnel audit and skills gap analysis across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of efforts to strengthen data integrity, improve workforce planning, and drive a merit-based civil service.

    ‎The exercise, known as the Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA) Project, was officially launched in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack. 

    She said the project would correct years of fragmented and outdated personnel data that had hampered effective deployment and planning in the service.

    ‎According to her: “PASGA is a key element of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, designed to reposition the civil service as an efficient, accountable, and digitally driven institution in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.” 

    ‎She explained that the initiative would deliver accurate personnel records, identify skills gaps, and ensure targeted training and redeployment in line with government priorities.

    ‎Walson-Jack noted that the reform marks a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the public service. She said the initiative reflects government’s commitment to innovation, talent optimization, and evidence-based human resource management. 

    ‎She commended the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, and the Project Implementation Committee for their coordination and charged the consulting firm handling the project to demonstrate professionalism and technical precision throughout the exercise.

    ‎The Head of Service urged all permanent secretaries, directors, union leaders, and staff across MDAs to give their full cooperation, stressing that PASGA is not just an audit but a reform tool that will determine how placements, promotions, and performance are managed. She said the goal is to build a civil service that is data-driven, merit-based, and future-ready.

    ‎The Senior Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Knewrow Consulting, Mr. Ayo Muritala, whose firm is the implementing partner for the project, described the initiative as a defining moment for the Nigerian Civil Service. 

    ‎He said the exercise, codenamed Project Phoenix, represents the rebirth and renewal of the civil service and will set a new benchmark for how public service data and workforce planning are managed.

    ‎Muritala stated that the company views the project as a national service rather than a mere contract, adding that its implementation will be guided by the values of people, ownership, and ingenuity. He said every civil servant would be reached wherever they are stationed, assuring that no one would need to travel to Abuja for verification.

    ‎He explained that the verification teams have been trained and equipped to ensure the process is seamless, credible, and transformative. 

    ‎He added that the outcome of the project would not only meet expectations but also shape the future of the public service by improving accountability, data integrity, and workforce efficiency.

    ‎Muritala expressed appreciation to the Head of the Civil Service for her leadership and commitment to reform, saying the project signifies partnership with purpose and the pursuit of a legacy that will strengthen public administration for generations to come.

  • FG unveils 10-year livestock growth plan

    FG unveils 10-year livestock growth plan

    The Federal Government has unveiled the National Livestock Growth and Advancement Strategy (NL-GAS), a two-phased 10-year plan aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector into a key driver of food security and economic growth.

    The strategy was presented by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during the Economic Management Team (EMT) meeting. 

    According to the Minister, NL-GAS sets out a roadmap to double the national herd size and expand sectoral output by at least 100 per cent by 2035, with implementation anchored on strong collaboration between the public and private sectors.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said NL-GAS is consistent with the Federal Government’s broader economic reform programme. He explained that the livestock strategy reflects a deliberate effort to attract investment and reduce reliance on food imports.

    “Initiatives such as NL-GAS align with our reform agenda and demonstrate government’s commitment to unlocking investment and enhancing food security,” Edun said. “The objective is to lay a foundation for sustainable, private-sector-led growth that will deliver long-term benefits to Nigerians.”

    The launch coincided with a review of Nigeria’s economic performance and sectoral priorities by the EMT. Officials noted continued signs of stability, attributing the trend to a competitive exchange rate and disciplined reforms.

    According to the team, inflation has eased for the fifth consecutive month, standing at 20 per cent, while Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth remains above 3 per cent. In addition, Nigeria posted a merchandise trade surplus of ₦7.4 trillion in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting stronger export performance relative to imports.

  • FG recommits to ₦761 billion Abuja–Kano road project

    FG recommits to ₦761 billion Abuja–Kano road project

    The Federal Government has reiterated commitment to the timely completion of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano expressway, describing it as a legacy infrastructure project that will serve future generations.

    Speaking during a site inspection on Saturday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi also assured that the 14-month completion period of the project remains achievable.

    According to him, Sections 1 and 3 of the project, covering a combined 118 kilometers, were awarded for ₦252 billion, with the President already approving a 30 percent payment of about ₦60 billion. 

    Section 2, he explained, covers 72 kilometers by two lanes, with 15 kilometers designed as flexible asphalt pavement and the rest reinforced concrete. 

    The total cost for Section 2 is ₦507 billion, of which 30 percent (over ₦150 billion) has been disbursed, he revealed, noting, “When combined, the project up to Kano amounts to about ₦761 billion, which is highly courageous. 

    “I commend the President for his interest in building these roads,” the Minister said. 

    He added that the initiative has been tagged ‘Rebuilding Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road by President Bola Tinubu’, noting that the President has made its completion a funding priority.

    The Minister emphasised that the current construction, unlike earlier works that dragged on for years, is designed to last for more than a century. 

    “We are very happy and assured that the roads being built by the present administration will last for over a hundred years. It is a legacy we will leave for incoming generations, as there will be no need to rebuild them again,” he affirmed, urging contractors to deliver quality work.

    He further revealed that President Tinubu has directed that the standard of road infrastructure in the South-West, with all accompanying facilities, should be replicated in the North. 

    “We want to commend the contractors, but we also frown seriously because my integrity is at stake if we don’t complete the project in 14 months,” he warned.

    The Minister urged young Nigerian engineers to embrace modern innovations in road construction, while also highlighting the President’s directive that all NNPC-funded projects must not be abandoned. 

    “We are going to prioritize them, and contractors will work based on milestones, not just certificates,” he explained.

    Umahi emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluation in road projects, stressing that on-the-ground supervision is essential to the success of any engineering project. 

    “We can’t stay in the office and know what is going on in the field. Site inspection and sharing ideas are key to the success of any engineering project,” he said.

    Minister of State for Works, Alhaji Garba Umar Goronyo, commended the contractors for the progress made so far and urged them to intensify efforts to meet deadlines, especially after delays caused by the rainy season.

    “People are anxious for the timely completion of this project,” Goronyo said, stressing that durable roads and bridges remain critical drivers of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth.

  • FG to begin implementation of digital public infrastructure, data exchange standards

    FG to begin implementation of digital public infrastructure, data exchange standards

    The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has announced that the implementation of regulations for the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the Technical Standard for Nigeria Data Exchange (NGDX) will commence next year.

    Abdullahi explained that the draft documents are currently under review by key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), to ensure alignment with the digital development agendas of states and local governments.

    Speaking at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, during a stakeholders’ review workshop on Thursday, Abdullahi highlighted the need for Nigeria, with its population of over 220 million, to adopt a unified, trusted, and credible data exchange platform for efficient digital transactions and services across public and private sectors.

    Represented by NITDA’s Director of e-Governance and Digital Economy, Dr. Salisu Kaka, he stressed the importance of establishing a robust governance structure for the draft documents to ensure smooth implementation.

    The workshop, themed “Advancing Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure through Standards, Data Exchange, and E-Governance Transformation”, provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on the draft frameworks.

    He said, “We started this journey by dropping this instrument to ensure that at least we lay the foundation effectively with the right regulation, the right framework, and the right guideline.”

    He said the regulatory bodies are working together to ensure that critical stakeholders are on the same page while concluding the process of the draft guidelines and regulations, emphasising that it was necessary to ensure the regulations are jointly owned for seamless implementation.

    Malam Abdullahi said that with robust contributions from all stakeholders, the implementation of the content of the documents would begin, possibly by the first quarter of next year.

    “So if states can model and reflect what happens internationally, then we can have a 360 view of the whole thing, and we can drive all of the government upwards, because we are working with a common standard, with common regulations, regardless of the autonomy of the state. So what is a model at the state level is a replica of what’s happening at the national level”, the NITDA boss said.

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    In his remarks, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said the review of the draft documents “marks a significant step forward in our journey to build a digital Nigeria that is robust, trusted, inclusive, and globally competitive.”

    “The development of these frameworks could not be timelier. Digital Public Infrastructure is the foundation upon which efficient e-government services, secure payments, and trusted data exchange are built.

    “Around the world, countries that have invested in DPI are seeing improved service delivery, reduced transaction costs, and increased citizen trust. Nigeria has the opportunity to lead on the continent by designing systems that are both innovative and inclusive.

    “The Nigerian Data Exchange Technical Standard is also very significant. Data is the lifeblood of the digital economy, and the ability to exchange it securely, with privacy, integrity, and accountability, is what unlocks its full value.

    “When fully implemented, it can transform service delivery, enable real-time decision-making, and strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors,” Dr Olatunji said.

  • FG unveils landmark water, hydropower projects

    FG unveils landmark water, hydropower projects

    ‎The Federal Government has announced fresh commitments to major water supply, sanitation, irrigation, and hydropower projects across the country as part of efforts to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6), which seeks universal access to clean water and sanitation.

    ‎Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made the declaration in Makurdi, Benue State, at the opening of the 8th International Water Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers (NIWE), with the theme: “Sustainable Urban Water Development and Management in Nigeria: Innovative Solutions Towards Achieving SDG-6.”
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    ‎Highlighting flagship projects under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Utsev disclosed that work is advancing on major initiatives such as the 460 MW Katsina-Ala Dam and the 186 MW Bawarku Dam on the Benue River. He added that the concessioning of Datsin Hausa Dam in Adamawa and Itisi Dam in Kaduna is ongoing.
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    ‎“These projects are not only designed to boost revenue, irrigation, hydropower, sanitation, and water supply, but also to enhance food security, tourism, and job creation for Nigerians,” the Minister said.
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    ‎He further cited the World Bank–backed Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) project, the Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) programme, and the Clean Nigeria Campaign to end open defecation by 2030 as core interventions driving sectoral reforms.

    Read Also: FG trains security agents on crisis response, tightens control on IED materials
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    ‎Utsev commended engineers and water professionals for their creativity and urged them to use the three-day conference as a platform for shaping government policies, strengthening partnerships, and promoting innovative solutions to Nigeria’s water challenges.
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    ‎Representing Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia, Chief of Staff Barr. Moses Atagher pledged the state’s readiness to align with federal interventions. He described water as “a fundamental human right” and stressed that climate change challenges must be tackled with innovative and inclusive strategies.

  • FG trains security agents on crisis response, tightens control on IED materials

    FG trains security agents on crisis response, tightens control on IED materials

    In a bid to step up efforts to curb the menace of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by non-state actors, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has begun specialized training for first responders and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel. 

    The training organised was in preparation for the multi-agency Crisis Response Exercise codenamed Exercise Rapid Response 2.

    Speaking at the event on Tuesday, the NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Garba Adamu Laka, said the training was aimed at building the capacity of bomb technicians, security agencies and emergency responders to detect, defuse and respond swiftly to IED threats across the country.

    Maj.-Gen. Laka described IEDs as the “weapon of choice” for terrorist groups, noting that many troops had been maimed or killed by such attacks in the Northeast.

    NCTC boss explained that the insurgents had shifted tactics, exploiting materials easily sourced in the open market as well as unexploded ordnance.

    He said, “What we are doing here today is bringing together first responders to train them on how to respond to various IED threats.

    “At the NCTC, part of our mandate is to ensure that materials used for producing IEDs are properly controlled.” 

    “Anything that has to do with ammonium in particular is a concern. That is why the movement of urea fertiliser to the North East is restricted, because ammonium can be extracted from it and used to produce explosives.

    “What the insurgents then began doing was to improvise unexploded ordnance, using pressure plates, batteries and even mobile phones as detonators.

    “That is why we continue to regulate the movement of such materials while training responders on how to detect and neutralise them.” 

    Laka underscored the role of technology in amplifying Nigeria’s counter-IED capacity, stressing that constant innovation was needed to stay ahead of evolving terrorist tactics.

  • FG, PharmAccess seal pact to raise standards in tertiary hospitals

    FG, PharmAccess seal pact to raise standards in tertiary hospitals

    The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services, stressing that its resolve to standardize and strengthen care across federal tertiary hospitals remains firm.

    Underscoring this commitment, the government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social welfare entered into a collaboration with PharmaAccess, formalized the process in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Abuja over the weekend. 

    The partnership will drive the rollout of the SafeCare quality improvement program, aimed at elevating healthcare delivery, enhancing workforce capacity, and transforming teaching hospitals into centres of excellence.

    The initiative will be implemented through the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee, a body mandated to set and enforce minimum standards for tertiary healthcare. 

    It is expected to significantly improve patient outcomes while aligning with the Federal Government’s Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which seeks to save lives, reduce financial hardship, and deliver equitable health outcomes nationwide.

    The signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders in the health sector, including Prof. Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria; Prof. Rufai Yusuf Ahmad, Registrar of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria; Mrs. Njide Ndili, Country Director of PharmAccess Nigeria; Dr. Ibironke Dada, Program Director, SafeCare; and Prof. Emem Bassey, Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals.

    In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako underscored the centrality of quality to healthcare reform, saying the Federal Government was determined to ensure that tertiary hospitals go beyond infrastructure to deliver care that meets global standards of safety, efficiency, and patient-centredness.

    “Our Federal tertiary hospitals must transform into vibrant hubs of healing and hope. This partnership will ensure that patients not only receive excellent medical care but are treated with dignity and compassion. 

    “Together, we are building trust between patients and providers and securing a healthier future for generations to come.”

    Represented by Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Director, Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, the Minister explained that the agreement with PharmAccess would help embed SafeCare’s internationally accredited standards across the system, allowing hospitals to undergo structured assessments, implement stepwise improvements, and track progress in real time through digitized platforms.

    Njide Ndili, Country Director of PharmAccess Nigeria, who described the agreement as a milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s health system, highlighted SafeCare’s global track record, noting that the program has been deployed in over 24 countries and more than 9,000 facilities.

    “In Nigeria, SafeCare has already been piloted in three federal tertiary hospitals with promising results. This collaboration will allow us to scale this impact nationwide, institutionalizing quality as a standard practice.

    “With this new partnership, Nigerian tertiary hospitals will not only undergo standardization of quality but also gain access to the tools, data, and support necessary to transform into centres of excellence,” she said.

    On his part, Prof. Philip Abiodun, Chairman of the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee, emphasized that the partnership aligns with the committee’s constitutional role of inspection, accreditation, and advisory functions. 

    He said the collaboration would enable hospitals to improve care in a structured manner.

    “The quality improvement framework we are putting in place will enable tertiary hospitals to undergo structured assessment, performance-based ranking, and capacity building. 

    “The data generated will guide resource allocation, training priorities, and investments to improve service delivery. This agreement marks the beginning of a new phase in our journey toward significantly improved tertiary healthcare services that Nigerians can be proud of,” he explained.

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    Dr. Ibironke Dada, SafeCare Program Director, highlighted the measurable outcomes of the program, citing the example of Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, which has recorded significant improvements in its SafeCare rating.

    “We have seen hospitals like FMC Ebute Metta move from lower SafeCare levels to higher ones, showing that systemic quality improvement is possible with strong leadership and commitment.

    “Our phased 24-month approach will help tertiary hospitals build robust quality teams, digitize their processes, and achieve continuous improvement,” she stressed.

    According to her, the program will begin with baseline assessments in federal teaching hospitals, followed by targeted training and the establishment of hospital quality teams. 

    Using a fully digitized monitoring system, progress will be tracked in real time, providing transparency and accountability,” she noted.

  • FG tasks oil companies on corporate social responsibility to host communities

    FG tasks oil companies on corporate social responsibility to host communities

    The Federal Government has called on oil companies operating in Nigeria to demonstrate genuine commitment to the development of their host communities through effective implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects as provided for under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, made the appeal during a mediation meeting between Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO), Orient Petroleum, and their host communities in Anambra State.

     The session, which was witnessed by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), took place on Friday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

    According to a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit of RMAFC, Maryam Umar Yusuf, Shehu said the Commission is committed to ensuring that oil companies respect the rights and welfare of the communities where they operate.

    “This Commission will always stand for transparency and fairness. We expect oil companies to meet their obligations to the people in whose communities they operate,” he said, adding that the meeting was convened following allegations of neglect by some host communities.

    Chairman of the Investment Monitoring Committee (IMC) of the Commission, Hon. Ekene Enefe, who presided over the meeting, expressed concern over SEEPCO’s record in meeting CSR obligations.

    “Based on the facts before us with regard to CSR, what we see here is not satisfactory. SEEPCO still has a lot of jobs to do, and we would like to see real projects on the ground — roads, schools, hospitals, electricity, and jobs for the people in the host communities. This is the result we expect from the deductions made from operational costs,” he stated.

    Enefe directed SEEPCO to submit audited reports of its three per cent host community expenditure since the commencement of the PIA, adding that oversight visits would be conducted to verify compliance. “We would like to tally the projects executed with the reported deductions. Our committee will not hesitate to exercise its oversight function to ensure that host communities benefit as the law demands,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the communities of Ogwu Ikpele and Ogwu Aniocha in Anambra State, delegation leader Mr. Esumai Patrick lamented years of neglect.

    “Our people live without good roads, schools, or hospitals while companies drill oil on our land. We welcome investment, but what we ask is fairness. We want to see electricity, jobs for our youths, and real development projects that will touch lives in our communities,” Patrick said.

    Responding, SEEPCO’s representative, Barr. Emmanuel Ajang, assured that the company had commenced the implementation of its Host Community Development Trust and that identified projects would soon take off in line with the PIA.

    On his part, Engr. Ayke Akuwezumba, representing Orient Petroleum, explained that the company had shifted focus to gas production through a partnership with Cottonwooden Gas Refinery. “We are channeling our resources to compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production, which will serve industries and households in the region. This is a sustainable plan with long-term benefits for the economy,” he said.

    Executive Commissioner for Development and Production at the NUPRC, Mr. Enorense Amadasu, said the regulator was tracking the companies’ activities to ensure compliance. “We are reconciling their metering systems and ensuring that statutory obligations to the Federation are met. Community development projects under the Host Community Trust are also being tracked to guarantee compliance,” Amadasu stated.