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Tag: Niger Delta

  • Niger Delta development gets boost as VXL unveils cutting-edge nanotechnology for road construction

    Niger Delta development gets boost as VXL unveils cutting-edge nanotechnology for road construction

    In a significant move to address the infrastructure challenges in the Niger Delta, VXL Nigeria Ltd has presented its innovative nanotechnology solutions for road construction to the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh.

    In a statement issued on Friday, by his special assistant on media, Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, the minister expressed his enthusiasm for the technology, citing its potential to overcome the region’s unique environmental challenges.

    The presentation, made by Sambhav Kothari, highlighted VXL Nigeria Ltd’s successful partnership with Lagos State since 2009, showcasing the efficacy of their nanotechnology products in various road projects.

    During the presentation, VXL Nigeria Ltd detailed the key features of their nanotech products, emphasizing their ability to enhance the durability of roads through improved soil consolidation, moisture resistance, and reduced expansivity.

    These properties make the technology particularly suitable for the Niger Delta, a region known for its challenging terrain and heavy rainfall.

    Minister Momoh, acknowledging the critical need for sustainable infrastructure in the Niger Delta, asked several imperative questions about the long-term benefits and cost efficiency of the proposed solutions.

    He stressed the importance of ensuring that any technology adopted would withstand the region’s unique environmental conditions and support the ministry’s goals for lasting road infrastructure.

    “Your presentation has been very enlightening. Given the peculiar challenges we face in the Niger Delta, especially with roads that suffer due to poor soil and constant flooding, it is imperative to consider new technologies like this.

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    “I believe a trial project would be appropriate to see firsthand how your solutions can address these issues”, Momoh said.

    VXL Nigeria Ltd expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development on a pilot project, reaffirming its confidence that its nanotechnology could significantly improve the life cycle and durability of roads in the region.

    As the meeting concluded, both parties agreed that the next step would involve further discussions on conducting a trial to evaluate the effectiveness of nanotechnology in real-time road construction projects across the Niger Delta.

    This initiative marks a promising step toward enhancing infrastructure development in the region, offering hope for better, longer-lasting roads that can withstand the harsh environmental conditions unique to the Niger Delta.

  • Why ships avoid Niger Delta ports by Shippers’ Council

    Why ships avoid Niger Delta ports by Shippers’ Council

    …as council seeks increased security patrols of waterways

    The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has identified safety concerns and insecurity along the waterways as major reasons most ships are not berthing in the Niger Delta region.

    To address the problem, NSC called for increased security patrol on the nation’s waterways especially in the Niger Delta.

    The council said the move would guarantee the safety of ships coming to the ports in the region and restore confidence in the Niger Delta Maritime sector.

    The Executive Secretary of NSC, Pius Ukeyima, spoke in Port Harcourt at the 2024 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) with a theme, “The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youths for a Disaster-Free Future”.

    Ukeyima while delivering his lecture titled, ‘Building a Disaster Free Maritime in the Niger Delta: Role of Stakeholders’, said if security surveillance increased in the region’s waterways shipping firms would return to the region for businesses.

    The Executive Secretary, who was represented by the Director of Consumer Affairs, NSC, Glory Onojedo, said though there was a large reduction in piracy attacks in the region, there was a need for stakeholders to take proactive steps to restore confidence.

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    Ukeyima called for collaboration and synergy among security agencies and maritime stakeholders, saying that such would guide against any form of risk in the shipping activities.

    He said: “To ensure disaster-free maritime activities in the Niger Delta, the collaboration and proactive involvement of maritime industry stakeholders is crucial. These stakeholders are government agencies, regulatory bodies, oil and gas companies, shipping companies, port authorities, local communities, and non-governmental organizations.

    “To mitigate this challenge, relevant government agencies must prioritize security measures such as increased patrols, surveillance technology, and collaboration with local authorities to combat piracy and ensure the safety of maritime activities.”

    Ukeyima noted that the shipping operations in the country were still bedeviled by inadequate and dilapidated infrastructures like ports, terminals, and navigation aids, adding that the peak of concern were issues of inadequate funding and corruption.

    “In addressing the challenges, the government should adopt a term approach by structuring the various initiatives into short-term (0-2 years), medium-term (2-5 years), and long-term (5-10 years) measures,” he said.

    Also, Onofiok Luke, a former member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, in his keynote address, regretted that communities had always been reactionary to disasters.

    Luke said lack of political will was one of the major barriers affecting the implementation of disaster risk management, tasking the Federal Government for improved allocation in the 2025 budget for risk management.

    He said: “Budgetary allocation and releases of funds. We need to give more funds to NEMA to buy modern gadgets that would enhance their activities around risk management. This will also help them to involve more technology, and train manpower in the move to manage emergencies and risks.”

  • Troops seize 230,000 litres of stolen crude, destroy 37 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

    Troops seize 230,000 litres of stolen crude, destroy 37 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

    The troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security agencies have confiscated stolen products, arrested oil thieves and frustrated attempts to steal crude oil from compromised pipelines across the Niger Delta region. 

    The troops destroyed 37 illegal refining sites and intercepted 12 boats, nine vehicles and  motorcycles used to convey stolen products, 8 suspects arrested with over 230,000 litres of stolen products recovered. 

    Additionally, troops frustrated several attempts at stealing crude from pipelines across the joint operation area.  

    A statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations, Lt.Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said in Rivers State, around Abesa general area in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), troops destroyed one illegal refining site and recovered 9,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

    Danjuma said the Troops’ efforts also led to the interception of a large wooden boat filled with over 120,000 litres of stolen crude. 

    He said while at ETEO SETRACO junction in Eleme LGA, the troops discovered one illegal connection point that was traced to a facility with a high elevated fence and found that the facility was a  criminal loading point, where two tanker trucks were intercepted loading stolen crude. 

    He said the operation led to the recovery of over 40,000 stolen products and the arrest of five guards.

    The statement said: “Similarly, in a separate operations conducted, troops recorded successes at Imo Riverside, resulting in the destruction of over 30 illegal refining sites, 44 cooking pots, six wooden boats, small tanker barge with over 20,000 litres of stolen products recovered. 

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    “The products were recovered around Assa, Lekuma, Abiama and Okoloma, Oha-Obu, Ikwuriator East, Southern Ukanafun 1, Oyigbo and Obuzor Creeks. Along the Bolo Onne creeks, one inactive refining site with an oven, two receivers, one coolant and a long hose were destroyed. 

    “While, at road Omoku Elele,  troops intercepted one Golf wagon vehicle with Reg No SSM 248 TH Abia State, conveying 17 sacks of stolen condensates, estimated to be over 1,200 litres. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush on sighting troops”.

    Danjuma said the troops also recorded remarkable operational successes around Krakrama in Asari-Toru LGA, where one illegal refining site, two locally made boats were destroyed with over 13,000 stolen products recovered. 

    “The situation in Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema LGA was the same, particularly along Egi River, where one illegal refining site, twelve drums, numerous sacks and two wooden boats were destroyed as well as over 3,500 litres of stolen crude confiscated”, the statement said.

    Danjuma explained that in the general area of Ajatitor and Clough Creeks in Ekeremor LGA, troops destroyed three illegal refining sites, a wooden boat with over 7,000 litres of stolen crude and 3,000 litres of AGO handled respectively.

    He said following credible intelligence on illegal bunkering activities around Well 15 Tunu also at Ekeremor LGA, troops intercepted a wooden boat ladened with over 2,000 litres of AGO. 

    “At Golubokiri in Nembe LGA, Bayelsa State, troops deactivated one illegal refining site with over 2,500 litres of stolen crude confiscated. 

    “The same feat was replicated at Ejie and Tubo creeks in Southern Ijaw, where troops destroyed 4 wooden boats and recovered over 5,000 litres of stolen products hidden in the creeks. 

    “Also, at Okarki in Ahoada West, a Toyota Avalon with Reg No LSD 186 AP loaded with over 1,500 litres of stolen AGO was intercepted and handled appropriately”, the statement said.

    In Delta State, he said the troops intercepted one Mack truck with a mounted hose at the verge of  stealing crude oil from Heritage Oil company pipeline at Olomoroh community in Isioko South LGA. 

    Danjuma said the criminals knowing that troops were closing up on them fled and abandoned the vehicle, adding that at Opumami Oil field in Warri South LGA, one wooden boat was intercepted stealing crude from a Wellhead located in the field. 

    The statement said: “In Akwa Ibom State,  following tip off, troops arrested one suspect with a Toyota Camry with Reg No BDG 376 GX conveying 25 nylon bags of stolen AGO along Abak Ukanafun in Abak LGA. All products confiscated across the region and suspects arrested have been handled appropriately. 

    “Troops of 6 Division have effectively tightened the nose against criminal elements, with more successes being recorded at the heels of the visit by the Hon Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. 

    “While appreciating troops for the operational exploits thus far, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam charged them to make the region untenable for criminal elements and emplace a regime that enables exploration activities to take place unhindered. 

    “He also urged the good people of the region to always provide credible  information to security agencies on the activities of economic saboteurs and associated crimes”.

  • NNPCL restates commitment to lasting peace in Niger Delta

    NNPCL restates commitment to lasting peace in Niger Delta

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reiterated its commitment to work with host communities in the Niger Delta region towards lasting peace and economic prosperity.

    Group CEO, Mallam Mele Kyari, disclosed this during a dialogue session with the Niger Delta communities held in partnership with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South) Hon. Gift Johnbull, at the Igurubia Square Ultra-Modern Town Hall, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications, Mr. Olufemi Soneye disclosed this in a press statement on Thursday, October 10.

    The statement said the session is also part of the citizen assembly engagements, which is a side event of the forthcoming Climate of Parties (COP) 29 Conference taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan in November, this year.

    Kyari, who was represented at the occasion by the Head of Business Services of the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr. Sani Kabo said the engagement marked an important step in the journey to strengthen unity and promote development in the region through the Third Phase Amnesty Program.

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    According to the GCEO, the NNPC Ltd is committed to sustained dialogue with traditional, ex-agitators and youth leaders towards addressing local concerns and restoring trust across the nine Niger Delta states.

    Kyari said the coming of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has placed allocation of 3% of NNPC Ltd’s operational expenditures (OPEX) to community development, a development that will ensure projects reflect the communities’ priorities whilst investing in skills acquisition, community empowerment, and sustainable livelihood initiatives for the benefit of the various communities.

    “Our mission is clear. We are committed to fostering lasting peace, creating economic opportunities and transforming the Niger Delta into a model of unity and progress. NNPC Ltd stands with the Niger Delta as it builds a prosperous future that is driven by mutual respect and collaboration,” Kyari concluded.

  • Niger Delta stakeholders demand women inclusion in extractive sector

    Niger Delta stakeholders demand women inclusion in extractive sector

    Stakeholders under the umbrella of the Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group have made a case for women inclusion in the nation’s extractive sector, stressing that it is the only way to promote gender justice and women participation in natural resources governance, ensuring transparency in the allocation of resources and extractive justice for women through gender-mirror.

    The group, which issued a communiqué issue at the end of roundtable in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state capital, recently, amongst a number of resolutions suggested that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which supports a 30% campaign for women economic inclusion in the extractive sector should be implemented.

    In the communiqué, the group, amongst other things, sought for clear guidelines, promoting participatory decision-making, and ensuring robust monitoring and evaluation of host communities’ consultations.

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    Specifically, they said the PIA’s fiscal regime should be communicated in clear, simplistic and accessible language that is understandable to non-experts. This involves translating complex legal and financial terms into simpler concepts in local languages, where necessary.

    They said transparency must be prioritised in all aspects of the PIA’s implementation just as they requested that host communities’ representatives, particularly women, should be provided with training and resources to enhance their understanding of the PIA’s fiscal regime. Such training should cover financial literacy, legal rights, roles and responsibilities of community trustees, among others. Capacity building will empower trust fund representatives to participate effectively in decision-making and hold the system accountable.

  • Protect Niger Delta from violent actions, Otuaro urges PAP delegates

    Protect Niger Delta from violent actions, Otuaro urges PAP delegates

    The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has urged delegates of the PAP and youths of the Niger Delta to safeguard the prevailing peace in the region.

    Otuaro said that protecting the region from violent actions and disruption of the peace would attract more businesses and increase economic growth in the area and Nigeria in general.

    He spoke at the weekend while addressing leaders and members of the Phase One, Phase Two, Phase Three, and other youths of the region at the day-three of the the PAP Office’s expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Warri, Delta State.

    Otuaro, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, described the PAP delegates and Niger Delta youths as worthy partners for peace-building, development and investment in the region.

    He said: “The Presidential Amnesty Programme is your programme, and you are all important partners in the peace process of the Niger Delta. As far as this programme is concerned, you are partners for peace, development, investment and economic growth in the Niger and Nigeria as a whole”, he said.

    He said the office believed in engagement of stakeholders and empowerment of delegates, beneficiaries and youths particularly through its educational and vocational programmes.

    The PAP boss, while thanking the delegates for their consistent support for him, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and President Bola Tinubu, reassured them that the president was serious in his desire to complete the East-West Road and other big-ticket infrastructural projects in the region.

    Otuaro also stated that the President had given his nod to an upward review of the annual budgetary allocation to the office, stressing that this would enhance inclusion of more youths and women in the initiatives of the PAP.

    He restated his call on all delegates and youths to avoid protests and resist any temptation to participate in demonstrations as such would never be in the interest of region and the nation.

    Otuaro said: “We have a duty to continue to give support to our communities, our region and to the country and President Bola Tinubu. Again, I appeal to you to shun any protest that is being rumoured to take place on October 1st.

    “For us the Niger Delta people, we are partners in progress. All leaders and members of Phase One, Phase Two, Phase Three and others, will not participate in any protest in this country.”

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    Several participants, who took turns to speak at the meeting, including rights activist and founder of the Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Elder Timi Ogoriba and former freedom fighters Eris Paul alias Ogunboss and Pastor Reuben Wilson, said that the region had moved beyond the era of protests.

    The Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (retd.), called on the people of the Niger Delta, particularly youths, not to take the peace and security of the region for granted.

    Mujakperuo, who made the call when Otuaro paid him a courtesy visit in his palace at Orerokpe, said that “peace and security are very important and essential in human endeavours.”

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for sustaining the PAP and lauded the late president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for establishing the programme, noting that the initiative had been a major catalyst of peace, security and development in the Niger Delta.

    The first-class monarch expressed confidence in the ability of Otuaro to administer the programme in line with its objectives and applauded Tinubu for appointing him.

    “Let us not take the peace and security (of our region) for granted like the air we are breathing. So, we are interested in peace because if there is no peace there will not be development in our kingdoms”, Mujakperuo said.

  • Troops dismantle 20 illegal refineries, impound 22 boats in Niger Delta

    Troops dismantle 20 illegal refineries, impound 22 boats in Niger Delta

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security agencies have sustained their crackdown against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta dismantling 20 illegal refineries and impounding 22 boats.

     The troops also arrested 11 suspects were arrested, seized six arms of various calibres and cartridges as well as over 118,000 litres of stolen products, which the army said were handled appropriately in various operations conducted across the region.

    A statement signed by the acting deputy director of 6 Division Army public relations, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said in Rivers State operations, the troops effectively denied the economic saboteurs freedom of action.

    Danjuma said: “In Jigama, Bille general area, Degema LGA, troops effectively deactivated four active artisanal refineries, and three wooden boats and recovered over 35,000 litres of stolen products.

    “In Krakarma, Bille general area, Degema LGA four active illegal refining sites, three fibre as well as two wooden boats were destroyed with over 14,000 litres of stolen automotive gas oil and 8,000 stolen crude recovered.

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    “At Orashi River, two wooden boats with over 5,500 litres of condensates were intercepted. This was in addition to one suspect arrested in connection to the act of vandalizing the pipeline behind the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Gas Plant in Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema LGA (ONELGA). Along Obiafu Ndoni and Kreigani all in ONELGA, troops intercepted several vehicles loaded with stolen products”.

    Danjuma said in Bayelsa State, around Okokokiri general area, in Nembe LGA, one illegal refining site, and two massive metal tanks, with reservoirs were deactivated with over 30,000 litres of stolen products recovered.

    Danjuma said: “Also, Diebu Creek in Southern Ijaw LGA (SILGA), two active illegal refining sites, three drums, and five boats with over 4,500 litres of stolen products were confiscated.

    “Similarly, around Tobo, Obotoro, Arugba and Okegbene Creeks also in SILGA, several illegal refining sites, 9 drums, and 6 wooden boats with over 15,000 litres of illegally refined products were cumulatively recovered from the areas.

    “Additionally, two illegal connection points have been identified by troops at Agip pipeline close to Idu Wellhead 4 with 200 meters nylon hose. This was reported accordingly to NAOC for remedial attention”.

    Danjuma said in Delta State, following a tip-off, troops of the division on routine operations at Oghareki Community in Ethiope West LGA intercepted a Lexus RX 350 Jeep with Reg No Abuja YAB 347 CQ.

    He said the vehicle was intercepted with three suspects and that during an extensive search, five five pump action rifles, one dane gun, and one axe with 51 cartridges, were recovered.

    He said at Opumami Oil Field in Warri South LGA, one wooden boat was intercepted, stealing crude from a Wellhead at the field, but that the suspects fled the scene before the arrival of the troops.

    He said: “Also, at Benneth Island general area in Warri South LGA, three active illegal refining sites, with several holding facilities, sacks and drums estimated to have contained over 7,500 litres of stolen crude were successfully deactivated.

    “These were in addition to several vehicles intercepted across the state with numerous seizures of stolen products, particularly at Uzere Community in Isoko South LGA and around Asaba Ase Communities in Ndokwa East LGA. These operations led to a total seizure of over 3,000 litres of stolen products and the arrest of 3 suspects.

    “In Akwa Ibom State, troops have continued to deny criminal elements freedom of action. This was evident with the aggressive patrols being conducted on the hinterlands as well as the waterways to ward off criminal activities in the state.”

  • My contribution to Niger Delta transformation with DESOPADEC — Gbagi

    My contribution to Niger Delta transformation with DESOPADEC — Gbagi

    Chief Emuoboh Gbagi, who served as Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on DESOPADEC (Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission) from 2015 to 2019, has reflected on his tenure, highlighting the various initiatives he spearheaded to transform the oil-producing areas of Delta State.

    Gbagi explained his leadership was focused on addressing critical needs within the communities, with the goal of fostering sustainable growth and development. “I was committed to ensuring that the oil-producing areas of Delta State saw real progress during my time at DESOPADEC,” he said.

    He emphasised the importance of infrastructure development, pointing out that several key projects were completed under his leadership. “We facilitated the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings, which significantly improved living standards in the communities,” Gbagi stated.

    On economic empowerment, he remarked that creating opportunities for residents was a priority. “Through entrepreneurship and job creation initiatives, we helped residents of these oil-producing areas to better their economic conditions,” he explained, adding that these efforts provided a much-needed boost to local economies.

    Gbagi also focused on the improvement of education and healthcare. “We ensured that educational and healthcare facilities were developed to give the people access to quality services right within their communities,” he said. “This was essential because access to quality education and healthcare should not be a privilege, but a right for every resident.”

    Environmental sustainability was another key focus during his tenure. Gbagi noted that the region had long suffered from environmental degradation due to oil exploration activities, and his administration worked to address these issues. “We promoted initiatives aimed at tackling environmental degradation and encouraging sustainable practices in the oil-producing areas,” he explained.

    Conflict resolution was another area where Gbagi played a pivotal role. He noted that development could not thrive in an atmosphere of conflict, and as such, efforts were made to resolve disputes in the region. “We worked diligently to promote peace and resolve conflicts, which created a conducive environment for development to take place,” he said.

    Gbagi also stressed the importance of capacity building for youths and community leaders. “We introduced training and capacity-building programmes to empower our youths and community leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to continue the work we started,” he said.

    He further emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the management of DESOPADEC resources. “Throughout my tenure, we maintained the highest levels of transparency and accountability, ensuring that every naira was used for the benefit of the people,” Gbagi stated, adding that good governance was at the heart of his administration’s approach.

    On community development, Gbagi said, “One of the most important tasks we undertook was improving the infrastructure in the oil-producing areas. We built roads, bridges, and public buildings that significantly enhanced the living conditions in these communities. Without proper infrastructure, no real development can occur.”

    Speaking on economic empowerment, Gbagi noted, “Our focus was on creating sustainable economic opportunities for the people. We launched initiatives that supported entrepreneurship and job creation. Many residents who had no source of livelihood now had businesses or jobs to rely on. This was critical to reducing poverty and ensuring that families could support themselves.”

    Addressing the improvements made in education and healthcare, Gbagi said: “We knew that access to quality education and healthcare was crucial for long-term development. During my time, we built and upgraded schools and healthcare facilities to ensure that residents could get the services they needed without having to travel long distances. Everyone deserves access to education and health, and we made sure that was a priority.”

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    Gbagi also discussed his efforts to promote environmental sustainability in the region. “The oil-producing areas of Delta State have long suffered from environmental degradation due to oil exploration. I made it a point to champion initiatives that addressed these issues, including land restoration projects and the promotion of sustainable practices. We could not afford to continue harming the environment that our people rely on,” he said.

    On his role in conflict resolution, Gbagi stressed the importance of peace for development. “We realized that development could not take root in a region plagued by conflict. I personally engaged in resolving disputes and promoting peace in the communities. This created the stability needed for growth and development to flourish.”

    Talking about capacity building, Gbagi said, “We didn’t just want to give people fish, we wanted to teach them how to fish. That’s why we focused on training and capacity-building programmes for youths and community leaders. These initiatives equipped them with the skills and knowledge to sustain the progress we made and carry it forward for future generations.”

    Gbagi also highlighted his commitment to transparency and accountability during his tenure. “Managing the resources of DESOPADEC required transparency, and I made sure that every naira was accounted for. Our administration was focused on good governance, ensuring that the resources were used for the benefit of the people, not for personal gain.”

    On the overall impact of his time at DESOPADEC, Gbagi said, “My time as Executive Assistant to the Governor was not just about fulfilling a role, it was about making a difference in people’s lives. I am proud of the progress we made and the lasting legacy we left behind. The work we did continues to benefit the people, and that is the true measure of success.” 

    Reflecting on his time in office, Gbagi said, “My tenure as Executive Assistant to the Governor on DESOPADEC was driven by a desire to make a lasting impact on the lives of the people. I am proud of the work we did, and I believe the legacy of that period continues to benefit communities in the Niger Delta today.”

    Gbagi’s tenure left an indelible mark on the region, with his initiatives in community development, economic empowerment, education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, conflict resolution, capacity building, and good governance significantly improving the quality of life in the oil-producing areas of Delta State. 

    “Leadership is about serving the people, and I am grateful for the opportunity I had to contribute to the transformation of the Niger Delta,” he concluded.

  • Niger Delta lawyers task Kyari to make Port Harcourt refinery operational

    Niger Delta lawyers task Kyari to make Port Harcourt refinery operational

    The Coalition of Niger Delta Youth On Energy Reforms and Transparency in the Oil and Gas Sector has urged the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, to ensure the Port Harcourt Refinery becomes operational before the end of September as he promised.

    At a press conference jointly by Barr. Dickens A. Opu and Barr. Werigbelegha Zinake, the group lamented despite the billions that have been earmarked and disbursed for the functionality of the Port Harcourt refinery, the refining plant remains non-operational.

    The group expressed concern about the energy crisis in the country caused by the non-functionality of local refineries, continued dependence on the importation of petroleum products, and the resulting cost implications for the country.

    The lawyers noted the failure of the management of the NNPC to revamp local refineries has further worsened the energy crisis and impoverished the people of the oil-producing Niger Delta, who are forced to buy fuel at higher rates than most parts of the country.

    The group alleged that the Port Harcourt refinery is being planned to be converted into a blending plant. 

    They claim that substandard petroleum products from Russia will be mixed with chemicals and sold to the people of the Niger Delta.

    The lawyers expressed concern over the potential environmental impact of converting the Port Harcourt refinery into a blending plant. 

    They expressed fear that this move could expose the people of the Niger Delta to harmful chemicals from environmental pollution and degradation caused by the waste products released into the environment. 

    The statement reads: “As we may all be aware, all is not well in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. The level of corruption is suh that if urgent steps are not taken to address the malaise, Nigeria might go into extinction.

    “We say this with all sense of patriotism given the precarious situation in the economic outlook in the country. It is indeed worrisome that an oil-producing country like ours is experiencing an energy crisis occasioned by the non-functionality of our refineries and the continued dependence on the importation of petroleum products and the attendant cost implication for the country.

    “It is indeed a shame that successive administrations in the country have done little or nothing to ensure the functionality of the country’s refineries. For example, despite the billions of naira that have been earmarked and disbursed for the functionality of the Port Harcourt refinery, the refining plant remains comatose.”

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    “The move by the Mele Kyari led NNPCL to convert the Port Harcourt refinery into a blending plant for substandard petroleum products from Russia and other European destinations comes with the attendant health implications for the people of the region.

    “The people would indeed be exposed to harmful chemicals from environmental pollution and degradation from the waste products that would be released into the environment as a consequence. 

    “The rot in the administration of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria is phenomenal. The Mele Kyari-led NNPCL has taken the lack of transparency and accountability to another height. The country has lost huge revenues to the activities of the cartel that is aided and abetted by the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL. We are tempted to say that the Niger Delta people have been slated for extinction.

    “The Coalition of Niger Delta Youth On Energy Reforms and Transparency in the oil and Gas Sector frowns at such a disposition which is a dangerous trend that must be halted and addressed with a sense of urgency. The Niger Delta people are an important contributor to the revenue generation of the country and as such it must not be treated with disdain and levity.

    “We are therefore calling on the federal government to look into the plight of the Niger Delta people and do all that is necessary to improve the lot of the people through the entrenchment of transparency and accountability in the administration of the oil and gas sector in the country. The first step in this regard is to ensure the full functionality of the Port Harcourt refinery and other refineries in the country.

    “The second step is to institute reforms the administration of the oil and gas sector in the country with emphasis on the oil and gas-producing communities that are home to the major source of revenue for the country. The third step is to institute a probe into the administration of the oil and gas sector by the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL.

    “We are calling on the relevant authorities to urgently address the lingering issues in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. The socioeconomic outlook of the country is worrisome and the country does not have the luxury of time as the situation in the country is getting grimmer by the day.

    “The time to act is now and it is our firm belief that the relevant authorities would act in the best interest of the Niger Delta people and the country at large.”

  • Troops kill two vandals, arrest18 others in Niger Delta

    Troops kill two vandals, arrest18 others in Niger Delta

    The troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have killed two armed vandals, recovered two AK-47 rifles and arrested 18 suspected oil thieves in their ongoing anti-illegal bunkering  in the Niger Delta Region.

    The troops also destroyed 13 active illegal refineries, seven boats, discovered eight illegal connection points and confiscated over 60,000 litres of stolen products across the region.

    The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the operations in a statement at the weekend.

    He said following credible intelligence on a criminal attempt to vandalise Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) pipeline, traversing Upatabo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA), troops mobilised to the scene.

    “On getting to the scene, the criminal elements engaged troops in a firefight. In the gun duel that ensued, troops neutralised two of the criminals, recovered two AK 47 rifles, eight  magazines and 69 rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition, while others fled in disarray. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects. 

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    “At Bille in Degema LGA, troops deactivated four illegal refining sites, two wooden boats and handled over 6,000 litres of stolen products. Likewise at Odagba village, at the fringes of Imo River, troops intercepted two wooden boats with over 5,000 litres of stolen products, destroyed one oven and receiver each within the swampy area of Odagba village.

    “Also, on the Ndoni Obiafu Road, troops sighted suspected oil thieves who fled and abandoned two vehicles, a KIA with Reg No DG 991 PHC Rivers and a Toyota Avalon with Reg No GWB 972 HM Abia with four motorcycles.

    “Further surveillance indicated the vehicles were loaded with over 28 sacks suspected to be illegally refined products estimated to be over 1,700 litres of stolen products,” Danjuma added.