Tag: Lokpobiri

• Police search for shooters

Gory images of slaughtered youths emerged yesterday at Abuloma, Port Harcourt Capital City after gunshots rocked the elections organised by the Jonathan Lokpobiri -led Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) for the Eastern Zone.

Though some persons claimed that six youths were either shot and killed or cut to death with cutlasses, others said two were confirmed dead while others sustained various degrees of injuries.

The gunshots were said to have rattled the area, forcing  residents to run in different directions for safety.

The IYC Eastern Zone  scheduled the election, which was initially postponed for Saturday to elect new executive committee members  to pilot its affairs in the zone.

Serious misunderstanding reportedly occurred midway into the exercise as gunmen invaded the venue and started shooting indiscriminately.

The shootings caught  members unawares and sent them running in different directions while some of them were hit trying to escape from the scene.

Residents were said to have sent save our soul message to the police, who deployed a tactical team to the area to arrest the perpetrators.

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, while reacting to the incident described the incident as ‘senseless shooting’

Though the statement did not confirm if there was any casualty, Iringe-Koko said the State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, quickly dispatched the command’s tactical unit to the scene, saying the assailants scampered.

She said CP Disu had ordered a crackdown to ensure that the perpetrators were fished out to face justice.

Read Also: BREAKING: Shettima summons Lokpobiri, Kyari over fuel crisis

The statement said: “The Rivers State Police Command is aware of the senseless and sporadic shooting at Abuloma area in the Port-Harcourt City Local Government of the State where the  Ijaw Youth Council, Central Zone were conducting their elections.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police Rivers State has swiftly dispatched Tactical Teams to the scene, but before the arrival of the Police, the perpetrators have run into their hidings.

“The Commissioner of Police has given  marching orders to track down the perpetrators and bring them to face the full wrath of the law.

“Meanwhile, the Command wishes to advise all law abiding citizens to go about their lawful businesses and report any suspicious movement to the Police, as normalcy has returned to the area please.”

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri on Thursday, September 5, charged the Indigenous firm to increase its production to 100,000 barrels per day (bpd), following the acquisition of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NOAC) onshore assets.

Speaking when the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Alex Irune paid him a visit in Abuja, the minister said there were reports that the firm had already raised its production from over 20,000 b/d to over 30,000 b/d just a few days after the acquisition.

He said: “I am happy to also tell you that I got the information, I got my Intel that following the successful acquisition, and you have already increased production from 20-something thousand to 30- something thousand. That is what I am saying that Oando can do. And I am looking forward to the time that you do 100,000.”

He said his job is to do all in his power to create the best environment for Oando and other companies operating in the Niger Delta region to boost production.

He said to lift the country out of its economic challenges, it requires increased crude oil production.

He reiterated that the target of the country is to hit the target of 2 mb/d in December this year.

Read Also: How Ogun varsity student Christianah Idowu was gruesomely murdered

Lokpobri said: “You know, to increase production, which we seriously need now. But the shortest way for us to get out of our current economic problems is to increase production. And our target is that by December we want to hit at least 2 million barrels.”

The minister also disclosed that with the acquisition of NAOC, the stock of Oando Energy PLC has soared. He said his expectation is for the value to increase to N1,000 per share in the stock market.

To provide the right environment, the minister revealed he has already met the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri to solicit cooperation with Oando operations.

He urged the company to take advantage of being an indigenous to relate better with its host community than the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and also hit optimal performance.

He recalled he had granted a media interview informing the foreign press that the indigenous firm could operate the divested assets.

Lokpobri thus, charged the firm to sustain the same momentum the IOCs reached. He congratulated the firm for the history of the acquisition of two firms: Conoco Philips and the NAOC.

Meanwhile, Irune said that based on the history of the country that rose from 500 filling stations, it would continue to do great things.

He said with the completion of the acquisition, the company now holds 40% joint venture interest with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

According to him, it is not only a foreign company that has the exclusivity of being IOCs. He insisted that a Nigerian firm can also do it.

His words: “First transaction was in 2014;  ConocoPhillips, 20% interest in the now of JV, and now the conclusion of ENI’s 20% stake now of JV, making us 40% holders in the JV, with the NNPC holding 60%.

“In everything we have done, Minister, we have sought to put the best of local content forward, inspire Nigerians to show that Nigerians can do it. IOC is not a concept reserved only for companies from the West, the Far East, and the like.”

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), has urged Nigerians, especially the youth in the Niger Delta, to remain calm and avoid participating in the proposed nationwide protest.

Lokpobiri said this in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerians across the 36 states including FCT have planned a nationwide protest between Aug.1 and Aug.10 against what they termed ”bad governance.”

Some Civil Society Organisations and groups have denounced the protest while urging the organisers to go into dialogue with government to find a way out of the current economic quagmire.

“We understand the frustrations and challenges faced by many Nigerians, but it is essential to approach these issues constructively.

“President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to revitalising our economy and bringing renewed hope through well-thought-out policies and programmes.

“Now more than ever, we need to stand together and support the initiatives being put in place. Our collective efforts will pave the way for a more prosperous Nigeria,” Lokpobiri said.

He emphasised the importance of unity and patience as the government works to address the nation’s diverse issues.

Acknowledging the role of protest in a democracy, the minister warned against those who might exploit these events for malicious purposes.

“Certain groups are looking to use this protest to incite violence and crime. We must not let non-state actors disrupt our peace and stability,” he cautioned.

Read Also: Lokpobiri wades in NMDPRA, Dangote Refinery feud

He called for constructive engagement and dialogue over any action that could unsettle the nation.

“While protesting is your democratic right, consider the broader implications on our national stability and progress. Dialogue and collaboration are far more effective solution.

“President Tinubu is a true democrat who listens to the people. He is already implementing measures to address our nation’s challenges,” he said.

Lokpobiri appealed to the youth and all Nigerians to support the government’s efforts to achieve the desired  progress and avoid actions that could jeopardise collective future.

(NAN)

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources [Oil], Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders to address and resolve the ongoing issues surrounding the Dangote Refinery.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) recently accused the refinery of churning out inferior products.

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Responding, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, President Aliko Dangote offered to sell out the refinery to the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

A statement by the Special Adviser Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor to the Minister reads:  “The Minister of State Petroleum Resources [Oil], Senator Heineken Lokpobiri yesterday convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders to address and resolve the ongoing issues surrounding the Dangote Refinery.”

Read Also: Lokpobiri to PTDF: complete 24 college contracts

The spokesperson said those present at the meeting were: Dangote Group,  Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Aliko Dangote; Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed; Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mr. Mele Kyari.

The stakeholders, according to the statement, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his exemplary leadership and timely intervention in facilitating this crucial dialogue. 

The meeting focused on finding a sustainable and lasting solution to the current impasse affecting the Dangote Refinery, with all parties demonstrating a commitment to collaborative and proactive problem-solving.

Lokpobiri  emphasised the importance of cooperation and synergy among all stakeholders to ensure the success and optimal performance of the Oil and Gas sector, which is pivotal for Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security.

This meeting marks a significant step towards resolving the challenges and underscores the Minister’s dedication to fostering a conducive environment for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri yesterday urged the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to complete outstanding 24 contracts of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna State.

The Fund established the college in 2009 for Postgraduate studies, which it presently carries out as Overseas Scholarships Scheme in Europe and other countries. When the college is operational, it will train Nigerian and foreign postgraduate students and so save cost.

Lokpobiri spoke when he inspected projects awarded the college by the Fund.

He said: “I believe the time has come for us to complete whatever outstanding projects so that we will be able to use the limited resources to train more people.

“If we finalise the partnership arrangements we are making with universities in the UK, nobody who will walk into this premises and will not be satisfied with the facilities that are here. I can’t allow these facilities to delay further. “The time is now. Now that you already have your university license to start postgraduate studies, I believe you need to start with that.”

Read Also: Lokpobiri assures of FG’s support to PTI

Lokpobiri also encouraged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and all other government institutions to patronise the college.

“The conclusion today is that I impressed with what I’ve seen, and this is a global standard facility that shouldn’t delay any longer.”

PTDF Executive Secretary Ahmed Aminu had told the minister that the Fund awarded 87 contracts to the college, 63 of which have been completed.

The Federal Executive Council has approved the award of contract of $21 million for the metering of 187 crude oil flow stations in the Niger Delta.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri broke the news to reporters in Abuja on Friday, July 12.

He said the timeline for the completion of the project, which is targeted at curbing crude oil theft, is 180 days.

He also noted that the metering is to properly account for the country’s oil production and export.

“Two days ago, the Federal Executive Council meeting was held, presided over by Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, wherein we took some very bold steps to reorganize the oil and gas sector. 

“One of the key approvals by the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday that held on Wednesday has to do with awarding a contract for the metering of our 187 flow stations across the Niger Delta region of Nigeria by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, (NUPRC).

” As part of our steps to ensure that we have proper accountability, the Federal Executive Council approves the metering of all our production. 

“We have 187 flow stations in the country, metered across the Niger Delta area, and there was a contract awarded for us to meter all the flow stations so that we will  be able to properly account for what we produce and what we export.”

Lokpobiri also revealed that the Federal Executive Council meeting also approved the contract for the advanced cargo, which is also due for completion within 180 days.

Although he did not mention the cost of the advanced cargo contract, he explained that the company is expected to provide the technology to detect the loading of all crude oil cargoes in the country and track them to their destinations.

He said the software will track the oil right from the terminals to the flow stations and final points.

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The minister said: “The second key issue is what we call advanced cargo. As part of the steps towards ensuring that we account for what we produce, and then Nigerians getting to get the maximum value for what we produce.

” The second memo that was approved by the council has to do with what we call advanced cargo, which means we are awarding a contract to a company that will provide the technology within 180 days, the same period, to enable us to know from the point of loading of every cargo of crude oil that’s loaded in Nigeria up to the point of destination. That is why I call it advanced cargo.”

“So the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday also, you know, approved a memo, and awarded a contract to be delivered within 180 days, you know, to provide the software also by the NUPRC, to ensure that we in Nigeria, you know, can monitor what is loaded from our terminals up to the final point of destination.”

On the Oil Mining Lease (OML 245) owned by late Head of State General Sanitation Abacha’s family litigation, he said although he would not want to join issues with the family, every oil block in the country belongs to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He said although the matter has lingered for the past 30 years, the government is trying to resolve it in national interest.

Lokpobiri said even if he has the power, he would not award oil blocks to his family.

“That itself is criminal, ” he said, stressing that “if they know what they are doing they should just keep quiet.”

The minister said because of the renewed  confidence, the 18 countries of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) have conceded the hosting right of the corporate headquarters of the $5billion African Energy Bank to Nigeria.

The bank, he said, is expected to have a capital base of $120billion.

He added “the bank is projected to grow an asset base of $120 billion. That is over 30% of our GDP. This is one of the biggest achievements that this government has gotten.”

Owing to the restoration of confidence in the country, the minister said the investing communities are returning to Nigeria.

He said the divestment of the onshore assets of the international oil companies to indigenous firms has been going on seamlessly.

Lokpobiri noted that he would not by pass the commission as far as the exercise is concerned.

On the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt Refinery, he said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, which awarded the contract is in a better position to give an update on when it will begin production.

He, however, said very soon the refinery would come on stream, citing an example of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery that was commission in May 2023 that only started production this year.