The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Port Harcourt

  • Now that Port Harcourt, Warri refineries are back

    Now that Port Harcourt, Warri refineries are back

    Sir: Congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the bold steps taken to revive the nation’s oil refineries. To his administration’s credit, two out of the four refineries – Port Harcourt and Warri – are back in operation after decades of abandonment by successive governments. Just like every Nigerian who wanted the best for the country, I was very excited on hearing the news and so compelled to publicly commend the administration for this giant feat. Much more, I’m convinced Nigeria will work and will be better for us if we are consistently blessed with leaders who would put the interest of all Nigerians over the interest of the few.

    Now that we have two of our refineries working, there are other pressing issues begging to be addressed. As a nation, it is high time we imbibed or enforced the culture of sustainability through timely and regular attention to such critical national facilities. Things would only be better for us a nation and prosperity shared among Nigerians if we are able to keep up the culture.

    Secondly, one expects the administration to take further steps to protect and prevent unauthorized exploitation of the nation’s oil resources by unscrupulous Nigerians and foreigners. In my opinion, declaring emergency on the facilities surrounding the oil wells should be the next task. Nigerian Navy and other relevant agencies saddled with responsibilities of securing and preventing illegal exploitation are seemingly overstretched and overwhelmed by the operation of illegal operators. This has not only resulted to huge loss to our nation but has adversely affected the nation’s economic drive.

    Read Also: Nigeria commiserates with Turkiye over hotel fire incident

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has on several occasions declared that Nigeria is in a bad situation over the menace of oil theft and pipeline vandalism. In the first quarter of year 2024, it was widely reported that Nigeria lost $1bn in revenue to crude oil theft and production shut-in caused by pipeline vandalism.

    No doubt, oil theft has been in existence for over two decades going by several reports by government and concerned stakeholders. Indeed, several hundreds of illegal refineries have reportedly been deactivated with several illegal reservoirs and illegal oil connection lines destroyed; yet the menace seems not to have abated. It is high time the Tinubu administration take the bull by the horn to check the activities of the saboteurs. The time has come for the administration to adopt a holistic approach to address the crude oil revenue loss challenge.

    • Kolawole Owoseni,Ado Ekiti.

  • Police confirm 18 injured in gas explosion in Port Harcourt

    Police confirm 18 injured in gas explosion in Port Harcourt

    The police command in Rivers has said that 18 persons were severely injured in a gas explosion which occurred in the Oroazi community in Port Harcourt.

    The incident occurred in Sunday evening at a gas refilling shop, causing significant damage to nearby buildings.

    The latest explosion follows a series of gas and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) incidents recorded in the state since 2024.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the incident during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

    According to her, yes, I can confirm that the explosion was caused by a welder repairing a refrigerator.

    ‘’The technician was using a gas cylinder to weld while simultaneously trying to refill gas on the refrigerator which led to the explosion.

    “No fewer than 18 persons, including the technician, sustained injuries but fortunately, no lives were lost,” she added.

    Iringe-Koko stated that those injured suffered varying degrees of burns and were promptly evacuated to the hospital where they are receiving treatment.

    She also confirmed that the police have launched a full investigation into the incident and would share their findings with the public.

    Read Also: Police, NSCDC arrest suspected vandals of Abuja highway sewage manhole covers 

    An eyewitness, identified as Tamuno, described the incident as devastating, noting that the victims included a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple.

    “The explosion triggered a chain reaction with other gas cylinders in the shop also exploding.

    “Most of the victims were residents and passers-by who unfortunately happened to be near the shop at the time,” he said.

    He added that many of the victims were rushed to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt and expressed hope for their survival.

    (NAN)

  • PETROAN seeks privatisation of Port Harcourt, Warri refineries

    PETROAN seeks privatisation of Port Harcourt, Warri refineries

    • Asks Tinubu to save 10,000 marketers business with N100b

    The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has requested the Federal Government to privatise the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries in 2025 to firms for efficiency and reduction of government spending.

    PETROAN made the request in a document it titled: “To Whom It May Concern,” which The Nation obtained in Abuja yesterday.

    The document was signed by the National President, Billy Hary; Secretary, Barr Adedibu Aderibigbe, and Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele.

    The association said, “Based on PETROAN’s observations, the following recommendations are made to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the downstream sector in 2025: “Privatisation of Nigerian-Owned Refineries: Privatise Nigerian-owned refineries, such as the Warri and Kaduna refineries, to reputable private companies to improve efficiency and reduce government spending.”

    Read Also: Why we had to remove fuel subsidy, by Tinubu

    It further noted that privatisation of the plants would foster  a competitive market by encouraging new entrants and promoting a level playing field to prevent monopolies and ensure fair pricing.

    This, it said,  would enhance transparency and accountability.

    PETROAN also requested President Ahmed Tinubu to save the businesses of 10,000 oil and gas marketers with N100 billion intervention.

    This followed the perceived job losses due to the removal of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) petrol subsidy.

    The document said, “PETROAN requests for a grant of ₦100 billion from President Bola Tinubu to help prevent the closure of 10,000 marketers’ businesses.

     The request is in response to the threat of job losses that would result from the removal of the fuel subsidy.”

    PETROAN also urged the government to address Cross-Border smuggling of petroleum products by collaborating with neighbouring countries to strengthen border security and prevent smuggling, and also utilize digital tracking systems to monitor petroleum products from refineries to retail outlets.

    The association further asked the government to prioritise local refineries’ access to crude oil in order to boost Nigeria’s refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.

    According to the association,  the strategic move would have a positive impact on the country’s economy and energy security.

  • Niger Delta youths demand transparency on Port Harcourt refinery’s status

    Niger Delta youths demand transparency on Port Harcourt refinery’s status

    The Niger Delta Youth Network (NDYN) has expressed grave concern and disappointment over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) inability to commence production at the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State despite numerous promises and six postponements as of August 2024.

    In a statement by Dakuku Francis, the group said this recurring failure confirms that a cabal within the NNPCL is deliberately scheming to exploit the region’s crude oil producers.

    The latest broken promise came from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, who assured that the refinery would begin operations in September 2024.

    However, after September, the NNPC has failed to provide any updates on the refinery’s status.

    The Port Harcourt refinery with a capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, was touted to be a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. After reaching mechanical completion of rehabilitation work in December, the facility was expected to start refining 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily.

    The group alleged that Mele Kyari, the Managing Director of NNPCL, plans to utilise the Port Harcourt refinery as a blending company.

    The Niger Delta youths demanded answers and action from the company, citing concerns that the repeated delays are part of a larger plot to exploit the region’s resources.

    Francis lamented that the failure to provide a clear timeline for the commencement of fuel production has created uncertainty and distrust among stakeholders.

    He said the NNPCL’s silence on the reasons behind the repeated delays and broken promises has raised questions about the company’s commitment to the region’s development.

    The youths are concerned that the company’s actions may be driven by a desire to maintain the status quo, where crude oil is exported and refined abroad, rather than benefiting the local economy.

    Read Also: Shettima unveils initiative to combat malnutrition

    Francis said: “The NNPCL’s lack of transparency and accountability has exacerbated regional tensions. We are demanding answers and action from the company, the repeated delays are part of a larger plot to exploit our region’s resources.

    “The failure to provide a clear timeline for the commencement of fuel production has created uncertainty and distrust among stakeholders. The NNPCL’s silence on the reasons behind the repeated delays and broken promises has raised questions about the company’s commitment to the region’s development.

    “The Niger Delta region, which produces the majority of Nigeria’s crude oil, deserves fair treatment and equitable benefits from the country’s oil and gas resources. The NNPCL’s actions, or lack thereof, threaten the region’s economic development and perpetuate a sense of marginalization.”

    In light of these concerns, the Niger Delta youths are calling for urgent action from the NNPCL.

    Francis said: “The company must provide a clear and realistic timeline for the commencement of fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery.

    “Additionally, the NNPCL must explain the repeated delays and broken promises, including any technical or financial challenges that may have arisen.

    “Moreover, the company must ensure transparency in its dealings with regional crude oil producers. This includes providing regular updates on the refinery’s progress, engaging with stakeholders, and addressing concerns in a timely and responsive manner.”

  • BREAKING: Rivers Channels TV reporter kidnapped in Port Harcourt

    BREAKING: Rivers Channels TV reporter kidnapped in Port Harcourt

    Gunmen have kidnapped Channels Television reporter in Rivers State, Mr. Joshua Rogers.

    Rogers was reportedly whisked away to an unknown place by the gunmen around 9pm on Thursday close to his residence at Rumuosi in Port Harcourt.

    The reporter was driving his official Channels Television branded car when the hoodlums accosted, pointed a gun at him and took him away in the same vehicle.

    Read Also: Police rescue victims kidnapped on Easter Sunday in Enugu

    Rogers was said to be returning from his official assignment in Government House after a trip to Andoni for a government event when the incident happened.

    Already, the gunmen were said to have contacted his wife and demanded a N30million ransom for bis release.

    His cameraman confirmed the incident and appealed to his abductors to set him free unconditionally.

    Details Shortly…

  • Crew, 67 passengers survive as plane goes off Port Harcourt airport runway

    Crew, 67 passengers survive as plane goes off Port Harcourt airport runway

    A ValueJet CRJ 900 Bombardier aircraft unexpectedly skidded off the runway at Port-Harcourt International Airport, sending passengers into a brief panic and confusion

    The airplane overshot the runway upon landing at 15:32 hours with 62 passengers and five members of the flight crew.

    Read Also: Abuja Airport incident: NSIB begins investigation

    The passengers were confused by the unexpected incident but the aircraft with registration 5N-BXR safely landed despite the worrisome scenario.

    Managing Director of ValueJet, Capt. Dapo Majekodunmi clarified that Captain Stanley Balami reported the slip was caused by algae on the taxiway, stopping the aircraft from maintaining the centerline.

    Majekodunmi assured the public that ValueJet is committed to safety and that there have been no interruptions to the airline’s operations.

  • Businessman killed as car hijackers terrorise Port Harcourt

    Businessman killed as car hijackers terrorise Port Harcourt

    A car-snatching syndicate has unleashed terror on residents of the D-Line axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, killing a businessman identified as Rowland Asuru.

    Asuru’s killing was said to have occurred two days after one Kalada Briggs was shot and his car snatched by the gang within the same area.

    Asuru, who was said to have hailed from Ogbakiri Community in Emohua, was a car dealer before his untimely death

    Read Also: LASG begins crackdown on unregistered vehicles

    The victim was said to have been attacked on Tuesday night by some gunmen, who dragged him out of his car and shot him dead.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said after the shooting, sympathisers rushed him the Military Hospital, Port Harcourt, where he was confirmed dead.

    The incidents reportedly sparked tension among the residents, who called in the state government and security agencies to stop the rampaging new car-snatching gang operating within the D-Line.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, could not confirm the killing of Asuru.

  • Firm boosts capacity, unveils Port Harcourt outlet 

    Firm boosts capacity, unveils Port Harcourt outlet 

    Sundry Foods Limited (SFL) is poised to boost daily production capacity in excess of 100,000 loaves of bread as it unveils largest bakery in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

      The new unit brings to four,  SFL’s bakery network in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

     Head of Marketing, Nduka Mokwunye, said the Port Harcourt unit will meet rising  demand for its Nibbles products.

    Mokwunye noted Nibbles bread is the hallmark of SFL’s bakery services, characterised by its selection of finest ingredients in bread making.

    Read Also: Oborevwori urges FG to revitalise nation’s refineries

     Managing Director, Ebele Enunwa, said: “We are excited about what the new bakery means to our customers. It will fill the gap the increase in demand of Nibbles bread has generated. It will further our bakery products reach and reinforce our presence in the competitive bakery space.” 

      He reiterated SFL’s determination to address gaps in the food industry, aligning with the company’s founding principles.

     He promised that SFL’s product will continue to respond to evolving customer demands, saying the company’s dedication to innovation and currency with industry trends.

    SFL also operates locally crafted food brands and services, including Kilimanjaro, Nibbles Creamery, Pizza Jungle, KiliGrill, and Sundry Foods Services, catering to needs of corporate organisations.

  • Preparing pupils for the future

    Total Nigeria Plc has hosted in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital 40 pupils and their teachers drawn from across schools its yearly Total Job Shadow – a corporate social responsibility (CSR) educational initiative, Emeka Ugwuanyi reports

    Total Nigeria Plc has hosted its yearly Total Job Shadow – a corporate social responsibility (CSR) educational initiative where students are brought into the company’s facilities to experience firsthand, a work environment and participate in a series of carefully selected educational activities, including a leadership session.

    This year’s Total Job Shadow was hosted by the Port Harcourt Area Office had in attendance 26 employees of Total, 40 pupils from four schools in the Port Harcourt area, their teachers and representatives of the Ministry of Education.

    Total Nigeria Managing Director Mr. Imrane Barry engaged the pupils in an interactive leadership session, followed by a mentoring.

    The students were attached to the workers for real work experience and ask questions with some students getting to experience field activities with their assigned mentors. An interactive quiz and prize presentation rounded off the sessions.

    Barry reiterated Total’s commitment to “supporting the Nigerian child through projects that provide them with the tools to make informed decisions about their career choices.”

    He said: “We live in a dynamic world; jobs in the future are becoming increasingly diverse, technology is at the forefront of innovative organisations and as such, we must ensure that every Nigerian child is given the guidance to become a productive member of society through their ability to innovate and remain relevant’.’’

    ’Through the Total Job Shadow, we are exposing students to a day at work with Total Nigeria’s employees. It is important that the students do not only learn about our operations, but also see how our managers, engineers, petrol station managers, accountants and customer service teams carry out their jobs.”

    He was optimistic that “this initiative will help inspire and guide them to making the right career choices as well as realising their potential”.

    The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Mr. Adonye Dagogo-Hart, represented by Mrs. Chinedu Wordu and Mrs. Betsy Abibo appreciated Total for its contribution to the promotion of quality education as well as opening its doors to students in the state.

    The Executive General Manager, Total Country Services, Mrs. Bunmi Popoola-Mordi, said the Total Job Shadow is “part of our company’s commitment to its communities while also being one of the four focus areas of the Total Foundations citizenship commitment: Youth Inclusion & Education.”

    Mrs. Weruche Nwagbara, the Territorial Sales Manager, thanked participants. She charged the students to make the best use of the rare insight they had experienced.

    For the 40 senior secondary school pupils, accompanied by teachers, it was a novel experience. Participating schools were: Government Secondary Elekahia; Community Secondary School AmadiAma; Community Secondary School, Oginigba and Government Technical College, Rainbow Town.

    Since starting the Total Job Shadow Programme in 2014, Total has successfully hosted schools across Lagos, Kaduna, Delta, Kano and  Rivers states.

  • Furore over demolished mosque in Rivers

    The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and the Muslim faithful are at daggers drawn over the demolition of a mosque in Port Harcourt, reports Southsouth Bureau Chief, BISI OLANIYI.

    The demolition of a Central Mosque in Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has drawn the ire of the Muslim faithful against Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. The Muslim faithful described the act as a premeditated one which smacked of religious intolerance.

    The Imam of the demolished mosque Alhaji Haroon Muhammed revealed that, on August 20 this year, officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning came to the site accompanied by policemen and pulled down the structures. He added that the officials gave non-compliance to Rivers State government’s approved building plan as reason for the demolition of the mosque.

    In the circumstances, the Muslims in Rivers State have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the matter. They also called on members of the National Assembly and other critical stakeholders to condemn the demolition of the mosque.

    The demolished mosque was said to have the capacity for 10,000 worshippers, even as the Muslim faithful maintain that the demolition of the mosque has presented a difficult situation for the worshippers who are handicapped in terms of having alternative worship centre.

    The Imam of the mosque said: “In the whole of Port Harcourt, this is the most populated mosque. Muslims all over the world can see what has happened to a mosque that was duly approved by the Rivers State government.

    “The government of Rivers State had harassed us three times without any formal notice. First was on July 29, 2019; again on August 16 and lastly on August 20.

    “Today, we are denied a place of worship. We do not want to foment any trouble with the officials of Rivers State government. We want the whole world to help us beg the Governor of Rivers State to have a change of heart for us to have a place of worship, because the Trans-Amadi Central Mosque is the only mosque serving the whole of Trans-Amadi.

    “Members of all the armed forces, the agencies, the police, army, members of staff of oil companies and government officials who are Muslims have only the demolished mosque to worship in. We acquired the place. We did not encroach on the land, neither did we grab it. We bought the land and it was duly approved by the Rivers State government. But today, we do not know what has happened.

    “We are begging Governor Wike in the name of Allah, the Lord of the universe, who made him the governor to please leave the small place for us to worship in.”

    Imam Muhammed also revealed that the plight of Muslims worshipping at the Trans-Amadi Central Mosque began 10 years ago, when the building was first demolished during the administration of Wike’s predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister for Transportation.

    Imam Muhammed further stated that the earlier demolition led to a lawsuit, in which the worshippers became victorious six years ago, stressing that armed with the court judgment, the Muslims returned to the site, thereby committing huge sums of money to the project.

    While also speaking on the demolished mosque, the Chief Imam of Mile One, Diobu Central Mosque in Port Harcourt, Murtala Sulaiman Abdulsalam, who is also the Khalifah Tijaniyah Rivers State, called for dialogue, urging the Muslims to remain calm and peaceful.

    Governor Wike, however, described as unfortunate, the alleged false information being circulated that his administration demolished a mosque in Port Harcourt, claiming that the false report was planted by mischief makers to create disaffection.

    Addressing some reporters at the mosque’s location on Biambo Street, off School Road by Mami Market Junction, near Rainbow Estate on August 26, Governor Wike claimed that there was no mosque at the site, insisting that nothing was demolished.

    Wike said: “I received calls from many prominent Nigerians on the fake news being circulated online. I have come here with reporters and you can see there was no mosque here.

    “It is most unfortunate that fickle-minded people will claim that a mosque was demolished at this place, when no mosque existed here. The story was concocted by mischief makers to score cheap points.”

    He also stated that some people started erecting illegal foundation on the disputed land, claiming that they had no approval to embark on any construction work.

    He said: “They came here to erect illegal structure. There was no approval from the Rivers State government for any structure to be erected here.

    “The people who began the foundation had already dragged the Rivers State government to court on the disputed land.  The Rivers State government won the case. What they attempted to do was to start the illegal construction, to tie the hands of the Rivers State government.”

    Wike also admonished members of the Muslim community in Rivers State not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to peddle false stories against his administration.

    He stated that many mosques constructed on the approval of the state government exist across Port Harcourt and other major towns in Rivers State, without his administration demolishing them.

    He said: “The Rivers State government gave them (Muslims) notice not to do anything on the land, but they went ahead with the illegal foundation and the relevant agency stopped them.

    “Why would we want to bring down any mosque, when there are other mosques across Rivers State? What is the special interest on this one?”

    The Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has called on Muslims in Rivers State to remain calm and embrace peace over their demolished mosque.

    He also urged members of the Muslim community in Rivers State to seek all avenues to resolve contending issues with the Wike’s administration.

    Peterside noted that Rivers State is open and free for all religions, tribe, and background.

    The NIMASA chief stated that Rivers State has always been home to all Nigerians and it is not surprising that there has never been any religious crisis in the history of the state.

    Peterside said: “I want to plead with my Muslim brothers and sisters to explore all options for a peaceful resolution. Rivers people are very accommodating, loving and caring. We have many Rivers people who are also Muslims.

    “I want to plead that we do not fan the embers of discord. I have many Muslim friends in Rivers State and other parts of Nigeria. We will continue to remain friends. We should not allow religion to divide us at any point. Rivers is home for all.”

    The NIMASA chief also called on Governor Wike to immediately open channel of dialogue with the Muslim community in Rivers State in order to resolve all grey areas.

    The Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje declared that his administration would drag Wike to court over the said demolition.

    Ganduje, through his Chief Press Secretary, Abba Anwar, described the mosque demolition as shocking, vowing to contest the demolition with appropriate authorities for redress.

    Ganduje said: “Kano State is known for peaceful co-existence among Muslims and Christians. We should therefore improve on that and remain calm and peaceful. People should live peacefully with one another.”

    Wike’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, however, stated that it beats his imagination that Kano Ganduje didn’t verify issues before issuing a statement.

    The warring parties should embrace dialogue and give peace a chance in the Niger Delta state.