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Tag: Niger Delta

  • Niger Delta youths: oil thieves, saboteurs behind attack on Tantita

    Niger Delta youths: oil thieves, saboteurs behind attack on Tantita

    Coalition of Niger Delta youth groups, The Coalition of Ijaw Oil and Gas Producing Kingdom Youth Councils in Delta State, has condemned calls urging President Bola Tinubu to terminate the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

    The group, representing oil areas in Delta South, described the campaigns “as reckless, self-serving, and a threat to Nigeria’s economic stability.”

    In a statement, by Roland Dade, President General, and Secretary, Efe Alaye, they urged Tinubu to disregard such distractions and be firm in protecting the gains made in the oil and gas sector through Tantita’s engagement.

    It added that prior to Tantita’s engagement, oil production nosedived to 650,000 and 900,000 barrels per day, but surged to 1.8 million barrels per day following the award of the contract to Tantita.

    Part of the statement reads, “Let it be on record: prior to Tantita’s involvement, Nigeria’s crude oil production had plunged to an alarming low averaging between 650,000 and 900,000 barrels per day—largely due to unchecked oil theft and pipeline vandalism. However, since the awarding of the surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services, production has surged significantly, often exceeding 1.5 million barrels per day, and at times nearing 1.8 million barrels per day.

    “This remarkable recovery is directly attributable to Tantita’s diligent operations in protecting critical oil infrastructure and curbing economic sabotage. It is, therefore, both illogical and dangerous to consider withdrawing the contract that has helped restore fiscal confidence in the oil-producing regions and contributed massively to national revenue.”

    Read Also: Troops arrest 62 suspected oil thieves, recover 350,000 litres of stolen products

    Dade noted that similar contracts were awarded in the past to an Indigenous company with no any tangible results, saying “before Tantita, similar contracts were awarded—yet the nation continued to suffer massive losses. Those now agitating for the termination of Tantita’s contract were silent then. Why now?”

    He maintained that cancelling Tantita’s contract “ would represent a major economic misstep and a setback for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole and urged President Tinubu “to weigh the far-reaching economic implications and prioritize national interest over the noise of saboteurs and vested interests.”

    Dade wondered why Tantita’s case was being politicised whereas the 87-kilometres Trans-Forcados pipeline awarded in 2018 to Ocean Marine Solutions Ltd for 18.48 billion dollars did not elicit any public outcry.

    According to the statement, the attacks on Tantita is “ malicious and deeply offensive, stressing the attacks were the handiwork of “oil thieves and economic saboteurs desperate to return the country to a state of lawlessness and crude oil theft.”

    The statement noted that the workforce of Tantita is” inclusive, drawing personnel from various ethnic groups and kingdoms across the Niger Delta and beyond.”

    It urged President Tinubu to rather expand and strengthen the contract to further empower Tantita to tackle oil theft and protect national assets.

    It listed some of the corporate social responsibility footprints of Tantita to include

    equipping of a Nigerian Police Divisional Headquarters in Warri; construction of the Warri branch of the Nigerian Union of Journalists; and the Isoko Youth Council Secretariat, and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide Secretariat project.

  • Turning promises into protection: The Niger Delta’s Moment of Truth

    Turning promises into protection: The Niger Delta’s Moment of Truth

    • By Michael Kabi

    Nigeria is on the cusp of a regulatory milestone with the proposed Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Safety and Environmental Regulations (MDPSER) 2025—a draft legislation developed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). While the bill aims to strengthen environmental and safety standards across the petroleum sector, it also presents something more significant: a rare opportunity to reset the government’s relationship with host communities in the Niger Delta.

    The Niger Delta has long carried the burden of oil production in Nigeria. For decades, communities have watched their rivers turn black, their soil lose its fertility, and their livelihoods collapse. Promises have been made—about safety, accountability, cleanups, and compensation—but the gap between legislation and lived experience has remained wide.

    Today, millions of people in oil-producing communities still suffer from the consequences of weak environmental enforcement. MDPSER 2025 must not become another well-meaning but ineffective piece of legislation. Instead, it must be bold, enforceable, and community-focused.

    Consider the story of Mama Preye, a fisherwoman in a coastal village in Bayelsa. She once relied on daily catches from the creek to feed her family. Now, after paddling long distances, she returns home empty-handed. Pollution from oil operations has choked the aquatic life out of her environment. Her story is not unique—it represents countless others across the Delta. Yet, nowhere in the current MDPSER draft is there an explicit recognition of people like her.

    A simple declaration in the bill affirming the protection of community health, livelihoods, and environmental rights would signal a crucial shift—from prioritising corporate activity relative to   human dignity.

    Illegal refining sites are another unaddressed reality. These unregulated operations release toxins into the air and water. Ignoring them does not make them disappear. MDPSER must require a comprehensive map of all petroleum facilities, including illegal ones, to be made publicly accessible. Communities should be able to know what facilities are near them and what risks they pose.

    Moreover, when disasters occur, communities are often left in the dark. Spills and leaks happen with no warning, no explanation, and no swift response. To change this, the MDPSER should mandate that companies share safety documentation within seven days of any incident and allow a 30-day window for community input. And to be truly effective, these notices must be communicated in local languages that people understand.

    Read Also: FAAC shares highest allocation of N1.818tr in June

    The current draft also fails to make community participation in emergency drills mandatory. Yet, it is the locals—not external consultants—who know where children play, where elders gather, and where contamination could spread. Making community involvement a requirement would enhance preparedness and build trust between operators and residents.

    Hazardous waste management is another glaring concern. The principle of “cradle to grave” responsibility is mentioned, but in practice, there is no visible tracking. Communities continue to witness strange substances dumped in the bush or waterways, turning farmland into wasteland. The law must enforce strict tracking of all waste, with quarterly reports submitted to both regulators and affected communities.

    Environmental accountability must extend beyond the life of an oil facility. When sites are shut down, communities are often abandoned with degraded land and no economic alternative. MDPSER should require post-closure audits and the creation of community transition plans, including retraining, cooperatives, or access to small grants. Abandonment must no longer be an option.

    Then there is the question of penalties. When oil companies pay fines, where does the money go? Rarely are the communities involved. A fairer system would allocate at least 40% of all environmental fines back to affected communities for projects like clinics, clean water access, or soil restoration. Environmental justice must be visible and tangible.

  • Why Niger Delta should be grateful to Tinubu, by Ogbuku

    Why Niger Delta should be grateful to Tinubu, by Ogbuku

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has said that the Niger Delta should be grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the development of the region.

    Ogbuku said the commission was determined to make the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region.

    He noted that the Board and Management of the commission remained committed to the mandate given to NDDC by Tinubu to change the narrative in the Niger Delta region.

    Ogbuku, in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, said, “President Tinubu charged us to complete and deliver all abandoned critical projects across the Niger Delta Region.

    “Niger Deltans should be grateful to Mr President for his commitment to ensuring the sustainable development of the region. I can assure you that before the end of Mr President’s tenure, we will complete all abandoned legacy projects.”

    Ogbuku attributed the high number of uncompleted projects of the commission to previous leadership instability.   

    He said that one of the challenges of the NDDC in the past 25 years was the high turnover of leadership, adding:  “In the past 25 years, NDDC has had 16 Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers, which caused instability in the system.”

    Speaking about collaborations with other organisations, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC had made significant gains since it adopted Public-Private Partnerships, PPPs, as a major policy thrust.

    He said, “For most of our projects, we adopted the Partnership model as it’s easier to drive projects with Partnership.”

     He said one of such positive outcomes was signing a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the NDDC and the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to collaborate on key projects that would impact the people positively.

    He said, “One area we have improved upon is in project monitoring. All our state offices have been equipped with vehicles and other necessary equipment for project monitoring.

    “Since we came on board, to ensure our people are not spectators, we ensured that local contractors do several of our projects.  The quality of jobs is a result of adequate supervision, and we ensure that they meet international standards through our oversight. Local contractors do several of the projects we have been commissioning.”

    Ogbuku said that the commission, as part of its rebirth and rewind policy, was “transiting from transaction to transformation” in the process of developing the Niger Delta region.

    In the area of entrepreneurship, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC, through the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, had streamlined engagement in giving support to farmers and verifiable entrepreneurs in the region.

    Read Also: Niger Delta is peaceful, says Ogbuku

    He said, “We have built a comprehensive database for the youths in the region. This will enable the Commission to plan, as well as share relevant data with other development agencies that may require it for their planning purposes.”

    The Managing Director affirmed that the commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the hitherto neglected Niger Delta region.

    Reflecting on the achievements of the NDDC, Ogbuku said, “We believe that in partnership with stakeholders, we are going to achieve more, and development in our region will be faster and more holistic. We are not competing with any state government, as we only complement their efforts”.

    Ogbuku stated that the NDDC had implemented measures to ensure financial discipline within the commission, adding that the development necessitated the engagement of KPMG to design a corporate governance system for the commission.

    He explained that the corporate governance structure would increase the confidence of partners who worked with the commission.

  • Turning promises into protection: Niger Delta’s moment of truth

    Turning promises into protection: Niger Delta’s moment of truth

    Sir: Nigeria is on the cusp of a regulatory milestone with the proposed Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Safety and Environmental Regulations (MDPSER) 2025—a draft legislation developed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). While the bill aims to strengthen environmental and safety standards across the petroleum sector, it also presents something more significant: a rare opportunity to reset the government’s relationship with host communities in the Niger Delta.

    The Niger Delta has long carried the burden of oil production in Nigeria. For decades, communities have watched their rivers turn black, their soil lose its fertility, and their livelihoods collapse. Promises have been made—about safety, accountability, clean-ups, and compensation—but the gap between legislation and lived experience has remained wide.

    Today, millions of people in oil-producing communities still suffer from the consequences of weak environmental enforcement. MDPSER 2025 must not become another well-meaning but ineffective piece of legislation. Instead, it must be bold, enforceable, and community-focused.

    Consider the story of Mama Preye, a fisherwoman in a coastal village in Bayelsa. She once relied on daily catches from the creek to feed her family. Now, after paddling long distances, she returns home empty-handed. Pollution from oil operations has choked the aquatic life out of her environment. Her story is not unique—it represents countless others across the Delta. Yet, nowhere in the current MDPSER draft is there an explicit recognition of people like her.

    A simple declaration in the bill affirming the protection of community health, livelihoods, and environmental rights would signal a crucial shift—from prioritising corporate activity relative to   human dignity.

    Illegal refining sites are another unaddressed reality. These unregulated operations release toxins into the air and water. Ignoring them does not make them disappear. MDPSER must require a comprehensive map of all petroleum facilities, including illegal ones, to be made publicly accessible. Communities should be able to know what facilities are near them and what risks they pose.

    Moreover, when disasters occur, communities are often left in the dark. Spills and leaks happen with no warning, no explanation, and no swift response. To change this, the MDPSER should mandate that companies share safety documentation within seven days of any incident and allow a 30-day window for community input. And to be truly effective, these notices must be communicated in local languages that people understand.

    The current draft also fails to make community participation in emergency drills mandatory. Yet, it is the locals—not external consultants—who know where children play, where elders gather, and where contamination could spread. Making community involvement a requirement would enhance preparedness and build trust between operators and residents.

    Hazardous waste management is another glaring concern. The principle of “cradle to grave” responsibility is mentioned, but in practice, there is no visible tracking. Communities continue to witness strange substances dumped in the bush or waterways, turning farmland into wasteland. The law must enforce strict tracking of all waste, with quarterly reports submitted to both regulators and affected communities.

    Environmental accountability must extend beyond the life of an oil facility. When sites are shut down, communities are often abandoned with degraded land and no economic alternative. MDPSER should require post-closure audits and the creation of community transition plans, including retraining, cooperatives, or access to small grants. Abandonment must no longer be an option.

    Read Also: BRICS: Nigeria’s reawakening on the global stage

    Then there is the question of penalties. When oil companies pay fines, where does the money go? Rarely are the communities involved. A fairer system would allocate at least 40% of all environmental fines back to affected communities for projects like clinics, clean water access, or soil restoration. Environmental justice must be visible and tangible.

    Lastly, grievance reporting mechanisms remain a major gap. If someone in Koluama in Bayelsa State or Koko in Delta State, notices an oil sheen in the river, there is no clear place to report it. Companies must be compelled to establish transparent, independent, and community-accessible grievance systems—not just on paper, but in practice.

    The MDPSER 2025 can become a landmark piece of legislation, but only if it moves beyond technical compliance to embrace the lived realities of people on the ground. It must build trust through transparency, enforce corporate accountability, and promote community inclusion.

    The people of the Niger Delta have carried the costs of oil extraction for too long. Their voices must now shape the protections that govern the industry.

    If strengthened, this bill could mark a turning point—not just for regulation, but for fairness, inclusion, and dignity. It could be the start of something new: a Nigeria where environmental protection is not a promise, but a practice.

    •Dr. Michael Kabi,Lagos.

  • Niger Delta development demands unified vision, stakeholder synergy –Momoh

    Niger Delta development demands unified vision, stakeholder synergy –Momoh

    …highlights key NDDC milestones under Tinubu administration

    Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has called for a new era of collaboration among all stakeholders to fast-track sustainable development in the Niger Delta, warning that working at cross-purposes would only hinder progress.

    Speaking on Saturday at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt, Momoh emphasized the urgent need to institutionalize a culture of cooperation, mutual respect, and strategic partnership between the Federal Government, state governments, private sector, civil society, and international partners.

    “To drive the region forward, we must stop working at cross-purposes. We need to institutionalize collaboration, mutual respect, and partnership… like a true union of purpose. We must not work in silos”, the minister said.

    He said the Ministry of Regional Development has already begun harmonizing all existing development plans across the region to end the longstanding problem of fragmented and overlapping interventions.

    While celebrating the Commission’s 25 years of existence, Momoh stated that the occasion was not just a milestone, but “a call to deeper reflection, greater responsibility, and renewed commitment” to the region’s growth. He urged stakeholders to draw inspiration from successful models of regional integration and collective development.

    Highlighting recent achievements under the Tinubu administration, Momoh noted that the NDDC has made significant progress in infrastructure delivery, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. 

    These efforts, he said, align closely with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which sets out clear national development priorities.

    “In the life of this administration, I have not only witnessed this progress, I have also supervised it,” the minister declared.

    He listed key infrastructure projects completed since 2023, including the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, the 7km road with a 600m bridge in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, the 9km Obehi–Oke-Ikpe Road in Abia State, and the Okitipupa power substation in Ondo State, which restored electricity to five local government areas after 15 years.

    Other projects cited include the Oyigbo-Afam Road, the 23km road network in Abia, Phase 1 of the Abraka–Benin Road linking Edo and Delta States, and new road networks in Nwangale, Imo State.

    On social infrastructure, Momoh commended the Commission for its support to the health and education sectors, particularly the recent partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative in the Office of the First Lady, which saw the distribution of ambulances, medical equipment, and 45,000 digital learning tablets to schools across the region.

    “The NDDC has also maintained its free medical outreach, with over 32,000 patients treated across 11 communities in 2024 alone. Since 2010, the Commission has annually awarded foreign postgraduate scholarships to 200 students from the region”, he said.

    He also highlighted skill development and empowerment programmes for women and youths, noting that between 2024 and 2025, over 1,000 persons were trained and equipped in various sectors including fashion design, livestock farming, agro-processing, and welding.

    “These achievements, while commendable, are just a tip of the iceberg,” Momoh said, adding that the Commission is now “poised to accelerate its developmental pace” through alignment with national development plans, strategic reforms, and a renewed focus on long-term impact.

    According to him, the Ministry is focused on transforming development in the region from a transactional to a transformational model. 

    This, he said, demands sustainability, diversification beyond oil, youth and women empowerment, completion of viable infrastructure projects, improved peace and security, and a coherent regional development strategy.

    Read Also: Stop deceiving Nigerians, Bauchi man tells ADC leaders

    Momoh stressed that development in the region must be inclusive, participatory, and community-driven. 

    “We must continue critical stakeholder engagements across the Niger Delta to ensure that even the most vulnerable voices are heard,” he added.

    He praised the NDDC Board and Management for their commitment to transparency and project completion since their appointment, noting that their work has begun to rebuild public trust that had been eroded by past issues of corruption and project abandonment.

    Commending President Tinubu’s leadership, he said the administration has repositioned the NDDC for better performance through reforms in institutional governance, project prioritization, and digital transformation.

    The Minister concluded by reaffirming the true wealth of the Niger Delta lies not just in its oil resources, but in the resilience and creativity of its people.

    “Together, let us build a region where every child can dream without limitation, every youth can succeed without leaving their community, and every woman and man can live in dignity, peace, and prosperity,” he said.

  • Niger Delta monarchs, others slam oil firms over deceptive practice

    Niger Delta monarchs, others slam oil firms over deceptive practice

    Traditional rulers of oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta region have slammed oil companies for engaging in deceptive practices in their dealings with host communities. 

    The monarchs expressed their strong dissatisfaction and criticism towards the oil firms during a town hall engagement organised by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in conjunction with HOSTCOM Project Management and Advisory Konsult, held in Owerri, Imo State.

    Speaking,  National Secretary of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) and Chairman of the Ohaji/Egbema Council of Traditional Rulers in Imo State, HRM Eze Emmanuel Aso,  expressed deep concern over the exploitative behaviour of oil firms.

    According to Eze Aso, despite the communities’ tolerance and patience, oil companies continue to take advantage of them, exploiting their resources without providing adequate benefits or compensation. “Our tolerance should not be mistaken for weakness,” Eze Aso warned, hinting at growing discontent among the communities.

     Eze Aso noted that despite the communities’ tolerance, the oil companies continue to take advantage of them.

    He urged the oil companies to live up to their responsibilities. “We request the oil companies to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Act.”

    Read Also: Oil firm’s CEO seeks PIA review, applauds regulatory progress

     In a keynote address, the Chief Executive of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, said the meeting was aimed at reviewing the implementation of Chapter 3 of the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA), which provides for the welfare of the host communities.

     Komolafe stated that the 3% trust fund stipulated by the Act for the communities is not a favour, but an obligation the oil companies must fulfil.

     He noted that it would have been surprising if the PIA had failed or neglected to provide for host communities’ development.

     Such a situation, he maintained, would naturally lead to expressions of grievances by indigenes of such communities, and “militancy is known to be an offshoot of such expressions.”

     According to him, where factors of development are institutionalised, as statutorily provided for in the PIA, and they are effective, hardly will it cross anybody’s mind to engage in militant activities that will disrupt oil exploration.

  • Why Niger Delta is critical to national growth, by Tinubu

    Why Niger Delta is critical to national growth, by Tinubu

    • Directs Commission to complete all abandoned projects

    • President interested in developing Niger Delta, says Jonathan

    • Akpabio: No conspiracy against Tinubu will stand

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the vital role of the Niger Delta in Nigeria’s economic growth, describing the region as “the goose that lays the golden egg”.

    The President, therefore, directed the board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to complete all the abandoned critical projects in the region.

    He President listed some of the projects that must be completed as Kaa-Ataba Bridge, Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, Bonny Ring Road, Gbaregolo roads and bridges, and the East-West Sampou roads and bridges, among others.

    Tinubu said: “I have also directed the Board and Management of the Commission, through the Minister of Regional Development, to complete and deliver abandoned critical projects, including the Kaa-Ataba Bridge, Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, Bonny Ring Road, Gbaregolo roads and bridges, and the East-West Sampou roads and bridges, among several others.”

    President Tinubu spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers State yesterday at the 25th anniversary of NDDC attended by dignitaries from all walks of life and stakeholders from within and outside the country.

    He further charged the commission to prioritise human capital development, especially youth and women empowerment, which he described as the primary index of progress.

    Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, applauded the rural development efforts of the new board and management of the commission, particularly the Light-Up Initiative of the Niger Delta.

    He said: “Beyond infrastructural development, the NDDC must continue to prioritise human capital development, as it remains the primary index of progress.

    “Projects and programmes that directly impact the lives of ordinary people in rural communities must be prioritised.

    “In this regard, I commend the Board and Management for the “Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative, which has not only reduced night crimes and enhanced security but has also extended trading hours and improved social life across the region.

    “I also urge you to place special emphasis on empowering the youth and women of the region. The NDDC must constructively engage the youth, steering them away from violence and militancy towards entrepreneurship and other legitimate means of self-development.

    “This administration prioritises youth development, and I encourage the NDDC to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth Development to leverage the various initiatives available.”

    Tinubu underscored the efforts of his administration to reposition the NDDC and bring the commission up to speed with the developmental needs of the region.

    READ ALSO: 10 African countries without an operational national airline

    He said on assumption of office, his administration immediately reconstituted the board and management of the commission and increased the funding for the NDDC; a move he said has enabled the interventionist agency to deliver many projects and programmes for the region’s growth and development.

    Tinubu said: “Community development is very close to my heart, particularly projects and programmes that directly improve the lives of our citizens.

    “I therefore reaffirm that the development, peace, well-being and security of the Niger Delta region will remain a top priority of our administration.

    “As I told the leaders of the region in March of this year, the Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg.

    “We must care for the goose to continue reaping the benefits of the golden egg.

    “Consequently, I pledged the full commitment of this administration to support the development of the region and empower the NDDC to fulfill its statutory mandate.

    “A significant testament to this commitment is the swift constitution of the NDDC board early in the life of my administration.

    “Indeed, the NDDC was one of the first full boards inaugurated shortly after I assumed office.

    “This prompt action underscores the priority we place on the Commission as a vehicle for accelerating development in the Niger Delta.

    “Since the inception of this administration, the NDDC has received increased funding from the Federal Government, enabling it to meet its obligations and deliver key projects.

    “We will continue to ensure that the Commission remains adequately empowered to carry out its functions effectively.

    “Within this short period, we have repositioned the commission for better service delivery.

    “This is evident in the commissioning of several key projects such as the Ogbia-Nembe Road and Bridges in Bayelsa State, and the Okitipupa Electrification Project in Ondo State, which has restored electricity to communities that had been in darkness for over 15 years, amongst other projects.”

    The President said his administration’s legacy project, the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, would serve as a viable alternative to the East-West Road.

    He said the flagship infrastructural project ‘will foster trade and connectivity across the region while opening up new investment prospects in the hydrocarbon belt and spurring the growth of eco-tourism and blue economy-based industries in the region’.

    The President insisted that the Niger Delta must be developed because of its significance to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, describing it as “the goose that lays the golden egg.”

    “This vital region and its people occupy an irreplaceable position in our nation. Rich in hydrocarbon and ‘agricultural resources and blessed with outstanding human capital, this region has played a-significant role in Nigeria’s development before and after independence; a role it will undoubtedly continue to play in the years ahead,” he said.

    The President described peace, security of lives and property and adherence to the rule of law as necessary tools for the sustainable development of the region and called on the NDDC to sustain the peace in the Niger Delta.

    On agricultural development, Tinubu said: “Another critical area for the commission is agriculture. Beyond its vast hydrocarbon resources, the Niger Delta possesses enormous agricultural potential.

    “I urge the NDDC to invest in initiatives that will harness and maximise these agrarian resources for the benefit of the region and the nation.

    “I commend the Board and Management of the NDDC for their recent efforts to reposition the Commission for greater service delivery. I charge you to redouble your efforts and continue the good work.

    “As we remain steadfast in our commitment to developing this critical region, I call on the people of the Niger Delta to continue to support the programmes and policies of our government.

    “The train of development is gathering significant momentum, and you shall reap the full benefits of your support.

    “My dear good people of the Niger Delta, your sacrifices for this nation are acknowledged and appreciated.

    “You have come a long way, and your dignity, strength and resilience continue to inspire us all.”

    Why no conspiracy against Tinubu will stand —Akpabio

    In his remarks, the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, said President Tinubu transformed the NDDC and cleansed all the rots that clogged the commission’s wheel of progress.

    He recalled how the commission was thrown into leadership tussle for many years and how it paid N300 million yearly rent refusing to connect to the national grid but preferring giving out contracts for diesel.

    He recalled that during the period of decay, the commission left behind 14,700 abandoned projects and could not complete even 10km of quality road because of constant regime change.

    But he said: “So, today President Tinubu has mounted the saddle as President of Nigeria. He realised that continuous and consistent changes in the management of the NDDC was totally inimical to the progress of the Niger Delta region.

    “Hence the reason we have assessed the management under Dr Sam Ogbuku and have found it worthy to continue to complete his term, and if need be, have an extension in order to bring more progress to the Niger Delta region. 

    “Now, things are turning around for the Niger Delta region.  We have a right to choose who manages our resources.

    “This is the region that produces the wealth of the nation. So people shouldn’t think that any person can just come and become president without consultation with the people of the Niger Delta region.

    “So, the Niger Delta region has assessed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and found him fit to continue in office beyond 2027; that is the truth.

    “So, let other people who are conspiring, they did it before and remove our son, Goodluck Jonathan, and this time around we are saying in this region that the entire South-South region we will speak as one voice, and we are telling the President, on your mandate we shall stand.

    “No Conspiracy formed against this government that has recognised Niger Delta shall prosper. Forty-six years ago was the time that they gave the Niger Delta opportunity to produce a Senate President in the person of Dr Joseph Weyas.

    “This is the government that has recognised Niger Delta. But you are recognised when it comes to taking your resources and abandoning your environment.

    “Today, the President has set up a University of Environment, University of Sciences in Ogoniland to take care of the environmental pollution left behind as a result of years of oil pollution and exploitation.

    “He has set up a maritime university in Okerekoko in Delta State.

    “If we have all these, no wonder the entire region is saying “on your mandate we stand.”

    Jonathan hails Tinubu for interest in Niger Delta’s development

    In his speech, former President Goodluck Jonathan hailed Tinubu’s interest in the development of the region, saying the President demonstrated his commitment to Niger Delta progress by retaining the Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led management.

  • Niger Delta monarch urges investigation of anti-Tantita protest’s sponsors

    Niger Delta monarch urges investigation of anti-Tantita protest’s sponsors

    Niger-Delta monarch, His Majesty Udurhie I, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, has condemned the protest against private surveillance firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), with a call for investigation of the “sponsors”.

    The royal father, who is the Chairman of the Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSCON) Traditional Rulers and Elders Advisory, while addressing reporters on Tuesday, called on the federal government and security agencies to unravel those behind the protest, which, according to him, is aimed at disrupting oil and gas production.

    “Their activity is nothing short of criminals coming out openly to identify their intentions and those behind the unending pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

    “If not, how could someone who wishes our great country well come out to carry out such an evil campaign without shame or realising the consequences of their evil action?                       

    “Why campaign for the cancellation of Tantita Security Services Limited when many others who were awarded the same job with no visible performance are retaining their job?

    “The question to be asked is why Tantita, and when has good job performance become a crime in Nigeria?          

    “For Nigerians who do not know the sorry state of the Niger Delta environment, the water body and the loss of aquatic lives and even the low oil production was due principally to criminal vandalisation and open stealing of crude oil that almost brought our nation’s economy to its knees and the current situation that will truly understand whose interest these elements represent.   

    “High Chief Government Ekpemupolo’s boldness, courage and risk to protecting sensitive, critical national oil/ gas installations should be commended by all who wish the Nigeria economy and the Niger Delta environment well.

    Read Also: Niger Delta monarchs unite against vandalism, oil theft

    “These faceless sponsored elements should hide their heads in shame because Tantita has brought an end to their evil enterprise.             

    “How on earth can someone protest against a security project simply because their sources of evil wealth have been blocked by a courageous individual hired by the federal government to protect its installations?   

    “The best way to reward High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo and his Tantita Security Services Limited is to expand the current scope of the job and grant more areas to be covered that will help the company to employ more of our able-bodied youths from the streets.

    “The fast return of aquatic lives, clean water bodies and the gradual environmental restoration are all traceable to the laudable job of Tantita Security Services Limited, and every attempt to sabotage it must be strongly condemned.

    “Issues of tribal bigotry and ethnic sentiments should not be brought into a performing enterprise of group or individuals; performances should be applauded instead of this show of shame,” the Traditional ruler stated.

  • Niger Delta stakeholders vow to ensure transparent Petroleum Industry Act implementation

    Niger Delta stakeholders vow to ensure transparent Petroleum Industry Act implementation

    Niger Delta stakeholders have expressed their commitment to inclusive, transparent, and accountable implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    The stakeholders comprising Niger Delta, communities, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, regulatory agencies, and host community development trusts (HCDTs) made the commitment in a series of stakeholder engagements across the region.

    The consultative meetings were convened by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) with support from the Ford Foundation.

    The stakeholders in the engagements, which held in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states engaged in robust discussions on challenges and opportunities in operationalising the PIA, sharing best practices, and crafting actionable strategies to ensure host communities fully benefit from the PIA framework.

    Read Also: Nigeria on path of economic renewal, global respect – Idris

    The meetings highlighted key observations, including capacity gaps, outdated community development plans (CDPs), limited representation of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), weak monitoring and evaluation practices, and the need for better synergy with local and state governments.

    The stakeholders also reviewed and adopted five innovative community development models of inclusivity, Project Sharing Matrix Model, the Project and Capacity Building Model, the Multi-Settlor Communities and the Monitoring and Evaluation Model.

    At the end of the meetings, stakeholders emphasised the urgent need for continuous capacity-building programmes for HCDT members and community leaders, with dedicated funding from HCDT budgets.

    They also underscored the need to increase the representation of women, youth, and PWDs in HCDT governance, project execution, and benefits, mandating inclusive policies and programmes.

    Participants called for publicly accessible annual reports and independent audits of HCDT funds, as well as alignment of projects with local government development plans to prevent duplication and waste.

    They also called for the establishment of robust community-based grievance redress systems and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent and resolve conflicts.

    Stakeholders agreed to prioritise long-term socio-economic benefits—such as education, healthcare, renewable energy, and environmental remediation—over short-term gains.

    They further called on HCDTs to form coalitions to advocate collectively with government, donors, and other stakeholders to mobilise resources and support, including beyond settler contributions.

    A notable outcome of the Ondo State meeting was the presentation of a Charter of Demands from Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), emphasising the need for inclusive project designs, data collection on PWDs, skills training, financial support, and active advocacy to ensure equal participation in community development.

    Effiong Essien, acting executive director of PIND, said: “We are proud to see host communities across the Niger Delta driving these conversations and taking ownership of their development.

    “By fostering inclusive dialogue, building capacity, and strengthening accountability, we can ensure that the promises of the PIA are fulfilled in a way that leaves no one behind.”

    Chuks Ofulue, the Advocacy Manager of PIND, added: “These multi-state consultations have laid the groundwork for stronger partnerships between communities, regulatory agencies, and settlors.

    “By adopting these community development models and pushing for inclusive State-level MSPs, we can build transparent, equitable, and community-led development frameworks that sustain peace and prosperity in the Niger Delta.”

  • Niger Delta stakeholders vow to ensure transparent Petroleum Industry Act implementation

    Niger Delta stakeholders vow to ensure transparent Petroleum Industry Act implementation

    Niger Delta stakeholders have expressed their commitment to inclusive, transparent, and accountable implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). 

    The stakeholders comprising Niger Delta, communities, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, regulatory agencies, and host community development trusts (HCDTs) made the commitment in a series of stakeholder engagements across the region.

    The consultative meetings were convened by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) with support from the Ford Foundation.

    The stakeholders in the engagements, which held in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states engaged in robust discussions on challenges and opportunities in operationalizing the PIA, sharing best practices, and crafting actionable strategies to ensure host communities fully benefit from the PIA framework. 

    The meetings highlighted key observations, including capacity gaps, outdated community development plans (CDPs), limited representation of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), weak monitoring and evaluation practices, and the need for better synergy with local and state governments.

    The stakeholders also reviewed and adopted five innovative community development models of inclusovity, Project Sharing Matrix Model, the Project and Capacity Building Model, the Multi-Settlor Communities and the Monitoring and Evaluation Model.

    At the end of the meetings, stakeholders emphasised the urgent need for continuous capacity-building programmes for HCDT members and community leaders, with dedicated funding from HCDT budgets.

    They also underscored the need to increase the representation of women, youth, and PWDs in HCDT governance, project execution, and benefits, mandating inclusive policies and programmes.

    Participants called for publicly accessible annual reports and independent audits of HCDT funds, as well as alignment of projects with local government development plans to prevent duplication and waste.

    They also called for the establishment of robust community-based grievance redress systems and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent and resolve conflicts.

    Stakeholders agreed to prioritize long-term socio-economic benefits, such as education, healthcare, renewable energy, and environmental remediation, over short-term gains.

    They further called on HCDTs to form coalitions to advocate collectively with government, donors, and other stakeholders to mobilize resources and support, including beyond settlor contributions.

    A notable outcome of the Ondo State meeting was the presentation of a Charter of Demands from Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), emphasising the need for inclusive project designs, data collection on PWDs, skills training, financial support, and active advocacy to ensure equal participation in community development.

    Read Also: Diri seeks amendment to Petroleum Industry Act

    Effiong Essien, acting executive director of PIND, said, “We are proud to see host communities across the Niger Delta driving these conversations and taking ownership of their development. 

    “By fostering inclusive dialogue, building capacity, and strengthening accountability, we can ensure that the promises of the PIA are fulfilled in a way that leaves no one behind.”

    Chuks Ofulue, the Advocacy Manager of PIND, added: “These multi-state consultations have laid the groundwork for stronger partnerships between communities, regulatory agencies, and settlors.

    “By adopting these community development models and pushing for inclusive State-level MSPs, we can build transparent, equitable, and community-led development frameworks that sustain peace and prosperity in the Niger Delta.”