Sunday, October 26, 2025
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Articles by Adeyinka Salami

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Lokpobiri: With Increasing Oil Output, Nigeria to Make Case for 2 Million Bpd Quota from OPEC
Technology

Lokpobiri: With Increasing Oil Output, Nigeria to Make Case for 2 Million Bpd Quota from OPEC

Says Nigeria must raise oil output to wipe out impact of forward sales • Discloses most of Nigeria’s oil pipelines have expired •Ekpo asserts 2024 bid round drew $16bn in investments • Says evacuation infrastructure remains major bottleneck •Komolafe: 3 million bpd oil production not pipe dream Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has stated that Nigeria will request the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to approve a 2 million barrels per day oil quota for the country. Nigeria currently has a quota of 1.5 million bpd. Speaking during an interview by a team of journalists from the media team of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in a special edition of its quarterly magazine to mark its 4th anniversary, Lokpobiri reiterated that Nigeria was doing 1 millions barrels when he took over, stressing that the country has now exceeded 1.7 million bpd. According to him, there’s also a significant opportunity for Nigeria to grow these numbers, with the number of rigs that have been deployed as well as with the new investments that are taking place in the industry. “You’re also aware that following the recent bid round, we’re also expecting some deep-water exploration and that will also add a lot to our barrel account. So, 1.7 million is still below what we expect based on what we budgeted for in 2025, still below that but we believe that we are getting towards there. “The 1.7 million barrels we are producing today include condensate. Condensate is not counted in OPEC. Condensate is actually a higher quality of crude that even sells for a higher price than the conventional crude… “So, we have to keep agreements and that is why our quota was pegged at 1.5 million bpd. But it’s subject to review from time to time and I believe that there’s no better time than now for us to make a strong case for Nigeria’s quota to be reviewed to 2 million and above. And because we have the capacity, we’re also going to show that we have capacity,” he stated. Stressing that Nigeria also has a domestic crude supply obligation to meet, he stated that this output has been further eaten into by forward sales, explaining that the only way out is to raise crude oil production considerably. “ Most of these barrels you see are already committed. Before this government came, we had forward sales. So, these barrels you see are already committed,” he added. Before the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA, which the minister said brought stability to the regulatory framework in the oil and gas sector, he disclosed that there had been no investment for close to 10 years, because there was no stable regulatory framework. According to him, one of the reasons Nigeria is doing 1.7 million barrels today is because, as a government, it has been able to put certain measures in place to curb pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft. “Before we came, there was a big issue as to the integrity of our pipelines. So, even companies that could produce more were scared of producing up to the capacity that they could because the fear was that if you produce the crude into the pipeline, at the termination point, less than 10 per cent got there, because there were too many infractions along the way. That is no longer the case. “I’m sure you must have heard the NNPC management team always saying that if you put crude oil in, you get 100 per cent at the terminal. That wasn’t the case a few years ago. That was one of the reasons why we were not doing higher volumes at that time,” he stated. Without much stress, Lokpobiri stated that Nigeria can comfortably do 2.5 million barrels per day or more, even without any significant new investment, but blamed almost 500 oil wells that were shut during the sale of assets by the International Oil Companies (IOCs). “Now they (local firms) also have a programme of re-entering those wells. So, I believe that going forward, the numbers will be increasing. Although there will be routine maintenance where they have to shut down some pipelines for maintenance; that could happen,” he pointed out. He also blamed the ageing pipelines for some of the issues in the upstream, but said that the NNPC was in the process of getting investors to put their money in revamping the expired facilities. “ Before now, part of the problem was that the pipelines had already expired. Most of the pipelines have been there for 60-70 years, their lifespan is gone, but we’re managing them. Since we were confronted with the issue of pipeline vandalism, there’s a bold step now to change some of those pipelines with a view to restoring the integrity of those pipelines,” Lokpobiri stated. He bemoaned Nigeria’s high cost of oil production, which is above the global average, but noted that there were efforts to bring it down. “The cost of production is bound to be high depending on the circumstances. “But today, we have taken steps to ensure that the cost of production is made competitive and the executive orders have been very helpful in ensuring that we take certain steps that will reduce the cost of per barrel production,” the minister noted. Also speaking, Minister of State, Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said that one of the significant achievements of the NUPRC has been the successful execution of the 2024 Licensing Round, which opened up 24 oil and gas assets to investors. “This move has drawn in around $16 billion in investments, positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the market. Additionally, the commitment from industry giants like ExxonMobil, which is putting in about $1.5 billion for deepwater exploration, underscores the growing investor confidence stemming from the regulatory reforms introduced under the PIA,” Ekpo noted. He stated that the Nigerian government is fully aware of the challenges the gas segment faces and has made infrastructure development a top priority, highlighting that some of the key initiatives underway include the Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Blueprint, which focuses on expanding and upgrading pipelines, compression facilities and LNG terminals. “By fostering partnerships and exploring innovative financing solutions, we’re working to close the infrastructure gap and ensure efficient gas transport to meet the country’s rapidly growing domestic demand, which is expected to rise at a compound annual growth rate of 16.6 per cent by 2030,” the minister said. Over the last four years, he said that the NUPRC has made impressive progress in reducing gas flaring, primarily through the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) and the zero routine flaring policy. “ As of July 2025, the gas flaring rate has dropped to 7.16 per cent, down from 7.55 per cent in 2024, showcasing effective manage-ment alongside a boost in gas production,” he stressed . However, to keep attracting investment, he stated that the NUPRC needs to improve regulatory clarity and operational efficiency, explaining that by simplifying the processes for permits and licenses, the NUPRC can boost investor confidence and encourage new capital inflows. In his remarks, the Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, stated that the projected achievement of a 3 million barrels per day crude oil output was not a fluke, although it remains an ambitious target. “Achieving 3 million barrels per day is indeed an ambitious target, but it is by no means a pipe dream: it is within our reach. Project One Million gave us a strong foundation, but we are not stopping there. Our strategy goes beyond incremental gains; it is about unlocking new frontiers, maximising existing assets and fast-tracking projects that can bring real barrels into the market. “First, we are pushing aggressively into the frontier basins with massive exploration and data acquisition. Nigeria has enormous untapped potential in these areas and with advanced seismic data acquisition and carefully structured licensing opportunities, we are opening them up to both local and international investors. That means more exploration, more discoveries and ultimately, more production. “Second, we are making it attractive for operators to deploy improved oil recovery (IOR) technologies in mature fields, as well as vigorously pursuing field life extension projects. Many of our producing assets still have significant volumes locked underground. With the right incentives and the right technology, we can extend the productive life of these fields and extract barrels that would otherwise remain stranded. This is low-hanging fruit that we cannot afford to ignore,” he argued.

Elumelu: African Businesses Must Create Global Value, Not Just Consumers of Ideas
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Elumelu: African Businesses Must Create Global Value, Not Just Consumers of Ideas

Says private sector key to economic transformation •Declares consistency, rule of law, infrastructure will enable businesses to thrive James Emejo in Abuja Group Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, yesterday, declared that African entrepreneurs must now lead a continental movement, where businesses create value for the global economy “not just consumers of global ideas”. Elumelu said Africans must be architects of progress, believing in excellence as well as investing in innovation across the continent. Elumelu, who delivered the keynote address at the Abuja Business and Investment Summit and Expo 2025, said foreign investors could only believe in the continent if Africans themselves invested in their own economy. He called for a new African business ethos that sought to build economies, not extract profits. He said, “Let us build the Africa we deserve — prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant.” Elumelu stressed that Africa’s economic transformation will not be written in boardrooms in New York, London, or Beijing but in the continent by “African entrepreneurs, African investors, and African leaders — standing at the forefront of history, transforming challenge into opportunity, and potential into prosperity”. In his address, titled, “Private Sector Leadership at the Forefront of Africa’s Economic Transformation,” Elumelu said the continent currently stood at a pivotal moment in its economic journey. He said, “We are the world’s youngest continent, endowed with vast natural resources, a growing consumer market, and a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit.” Elumelu stated, “Yet, we also face persistent challenges — youth unemployment, infrastructure deficits, limited access to finance, climate devastation, and the lingering effects of global economic volatility. “But amid these challenges lies an extraordinary opportunity: to build a new African economy driven by innovation, enterprise, and private sector leadership.” He said the private sector remained the engine of transformation as “No nation has achieved sustained prosperity without a vibrant private sector”. The Heirs Holdings chairman pointed out that across Africa, the private sector already contributed over 70 per cent of the continent’s GDP and over 80 per cent of total employment. “But this is not just about numbers — it’s about influence and initiative,” he said, adding that the “private sector drives productivity, connects markets, mobilises investment, and builds resilience”. He said, “From fintech start-ups in Lagos to renewable energy firms in Nairobi, from agribusiness entrepreneurs in Kigali to manufacturing innovators in Johannesburg — the private sector is reimagining what is possible for Africa.” Elumelu, however, pointed out that the private sector cannot drive sustainable transformation alone. He said, “We must build a new social contract between governments, businesses, and citizens — anchored in trust, transparency, and shared vision. “Governments must create the enabling environment — sound macroeconomic policies, reliable infrastructure, and predictable regulations. “In return, the private sector must uphold ethical standards, invest locally, and deliver tangible social impact. Public-private partnerships are the bridges that can turn ambition into achievement — whether in digital connectivity, agriculture, transport infrastructure, or power generation.” He further stated that for the private sector to deliver, the government must support, sustain, and partner the sector. To attract private capital, he said certainty of policy was critical, adding that predictable regulation also attracts long-term investment while inconsistency drives it away. Elumelu said, “No investor will commit where the rules keep changing. Trust is the currency of investment — and policy stability converts trust into capital. “When asked recently in Oslo, ‘Why invest in Africa when the risks are so high?’ My answer was simple: ‘There is risk everywhere — but in Africa, the returns are higher, and the impact is deeper.’ “Still, optimism must be matched with structure. We need consistency, rule of law, and infrastructure that enable businesses to thrive.” Elumelu also told participants that transforming Africa required capital — “but not just any capital. It requires patient, purposeful, and Pan-African capital”. He, however, submitted that the rise of African investment funds, impact investors, and diaspora financing was changing the game. He said, “We need to deepen our capital markets, embrace fintech innovation, and expand access to credit for MSMEs — the true backbone of our economies. “If we align capital with vision, Africa will not just grow — it will thrive.” He said, “At Heirs Holdings, this belief drives everything we do. It’s what I call Africapitalism — the philosophy that the private sector must lead Africa’s transformation by investing long-term in sectors that generate both economic prosperity and social wealth. “True leadership is not just about generating profits — it’s about generating progress. Africa’s private sector must lead with a sense of purpose: Investing in skills development to empower Africa’s youth, championing sustainability and green growth as we industrialise, building inclusive value chains that bring small enterprises and rural communities into the growth story, and driving digital transformation to unlock productivity and competitiveness.” He also said, “This is what it means to lead at the forefront of transformation — not just to participate in growth, but to shape it. “Doing well and doing good are not mutually exclusive — on the contrary, they are the twin foundations of Africa’s transformation. “This year, Heirs Holdings celebrates 15 years of defining Africapitalism — 15 years of investments that create value, empower communities, and transform lives.”

Shettima: Tinubu Remains Journalists’ Ally, And Will Preserve Their Rights
Technology

Shettima: Tinubu Remains Journalists’ Ally, And Will Preserve Their Rights

Promises to table NUJ’s demands of protection, review of libel laws, others before president Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday assured the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains an ally of the media, and is committed to protecting and advancing the journalism profession in the country. The Vice President recalled that President Tinubu has long been supportive of the media and would not deviate from his consistent track record of upholding the integrity of the journalism profession in Nigeria. Shettima gave the assurance when he hosted a delegation of the NUJ leadership at the State House, Abuja. The Vice President however noted that the government and citizens alike expect a lot from the media, emphasizing that the journalism profession stands almost at par with the judiciary. According to him, journalists are expected to hold public officials accountable and adjudicate on issues of governance. “In President Bola Tinubu, you have a friend, an ally, and a proprietor who has been kind to the Nigerian media over the years. “I want to assure you that this administration will do its best to promote, project, and preserve the interests of the journalism profession. You are the life wire of the nation — we can’t afford to muzzle you,” he said. Describing the media as the conscience of the nation, Shettima stressed that authorities cannot afford to intimidate journalists, as they are indispensable to the survival of democracy in the country. “Past generations of Nigerian leaders — from Herbert Macaulay to Nnamdi Azikiwe and even Obafemi Awolowo — were first journalists before they became political leaders,” the Vice President recalled. Shettima acknowledged the challenges facing the media industry and appealed to the NUJ to remain hopeful, promising that President Tinubu would continue to support the Union. “Be rest assured that the President will render his support to your organization. We cannot afford to allow the journalism profession to die,” he added. Shettima further noted that President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies was made in the national interest, just as he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to repositioning the Nigerian economy for the benefit of all citizens. Earlier, the National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, drew the Vice President’s attention to some critical issues confronting journalists in the course of doing their job, urging him to use his office “to take a firm stance in defending press freedom, and ensuring that journalists are not punished for doing their constitutional duty.” He also urged the government “to initiate a comprehensive review of colonial-era laws such as sections of the Criminal and Penal Codes that continue to criminalize journalism,” maintaining that “libel should be decriminalized.” Other demands made by the NUJ President include facilitation of a national safety protocol for journalists, in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure that no reporter is harmed for simply reporting the news. He also called for government’s partnership with the media to initiate a media support framework, including training grants, soft loans, tax relief, and a targeted bailout for critical media institutions. The NUJ also sought partnerships with TETFUND, universities, and international media institutes to uplift training standards across the profession, as well as the creation of a Permanent Government- Media Liaison Platform under the office of the Vice President to foster regular engagement, clarify national policies, and prevent the vacuum breeding misinformation. Abdullahi pledged the support of the Nigerian press for the President Tinubu’s development agenda, noting however that the press will always maintain the right to speak truth to power for the survival of democracy. “We are institutional partners and would not be drowned in the false narratives that the media must be antagonistic to government. Same way we call out government when we feel that certain issues are not clearly given the needed consideration, we also would be ready to applaud government when things have been done right” He commended the administration of President Tinubu over what he described as tangible efforts and firm support in key areas of national development, despite the economic headwinds facing Nigeria, just like many other nations. Abdullahi acknowledged that in less than three years, the administration has undertaken bold reforms targeted at stabilizing the nation’s economy.

Nigeria Recommits to Climate Action, Just Energy Transition at Landmark Regional Conference
Technology

Nigeria Recommits to Climate Action, Just Energy Transition at Landmark Regional Conference

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Nigeria has reaffirmed its leadership in tackling climate change, pledging bold action on climate resilience and a just energy transition. At the opening of the inaugural WASCAL International Conference on Climate Change and Just Energy Transition (I3C-JET), the federal government signaled its commitment to driving Africa’s clean energy future. Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, emphasized that while Africa contributes the least to global carbon emissions, the continent is determined to lead through equity, innovation, and sustainable development. Held in Abuja, the three-day conference brought together a wide array of participants from across Africa and beyond, including policymakers, scientists, investors, civil society, youth, academia, and development partners. In his address, Lawal highlighted the continent’s disproportionate exposure to climate impacts and stressed the urgency of locally driven solutions that are inclusive and equitable. “The world is watching Africa. Even though we are not major contributors to global warming, our resolve to be part of the solution remains firm and inspiring. Africa is ever ready to serve as architects of a new energy paradigm built on equity and innovation,” he said. He reiterated Nigeria’s ambitious climate and energy goals, noting that the country’s Energy Transition Plan serves as a guiding framework to reach net-zero emissions by 2060 while expanding energy access across communities. “Nigeria’s commitment to a Just Transition is clear, deliberate, and rooted in our belief that no one should be left behind in the journey toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. Through a developed Energy Transition Plan, we aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 while ensuring universal access to modern energy by 2030.” Lawal called on stakeholders present to move beyond rhetoric and push for real, scalable change. “I urge us all to move beyond declarations to translate our shared vision into actionable frameworks that empower communities, protect livelihoods, and unlock the enormous opportunities of the green economy.” The minister further encouraged delegates to use the conference as a springboard for lasting partnerships and science-informed policies that drive real-world impact. “Let us harness the wealth of knowledge, research, and innovation represented here to generate practical solutions and evidence-based strategies that will not only drive sustainable development but also enhance resilience across our communities.” He praised WASCAL and the National Organizing Committee for convening the timely summit and stressed the importance of pan-African and global collaboration. “Nigeria values WASCAL as a trusted partner in strengthening climate science capacity across West Africa. Together, we are building a foundation for a resilient and low-carbon future that speaks to our realities. “I would like to seize this opportunity to call on all participants to use this conference as a platform to deepen dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and translate scientific research into actionable policies that will transform our societies and safeguard our shared future.” Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of WASCAL’s Governing Board and Nigeria’s representative on the Board, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, echoed similar sentiments, describing Nigeria as a key trigger point for Africa’s climate solutions. “We can therefore imagine that for Africa to shoot down her challenges, Africa’s gunshots have to be triggered here in Nigeria. In several ways, that is what this conference represents to trigger Africa’s scientific and intellectual communities, in alliance with her political leadership and global partners, for evidence-based responses to climate change and just energy transition.” Prof. Nwajiuba highlighted the gap in African scientific contribution to global climate discourse and called on WASCAL to lead in closing that divide. “It can be said that Africa’s scientific contributions should be more than is currently the case. If we look at the intercontinental contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it becomes clear that African scientists need to do more. “I also believe there is no better-positioned body than WASCAL to lead this charge. I therefore appeal to all stakeholders in and outside Africa to support WASCAL to drive Africa’s voice in global climate science.” Referencing the dual threats of flooding and water scarcity in the region, Nwajiuba proposed a bold solution: re-channel floodwaters from the Niger and Benue rivers to help replenish the shrinking Lake Chad. “We have dual challenges historically-supported reducing Lake Chad, and increased frequency of flooding. Sometimes I imagine, why can’t we arrest the floods on and around the Niger and Benue, and re-channel that into Lake Chad? “Why indeed can’t we do that? These are the kinds of bold, science-backed ideas we must begin to seriously consider.” He emphasized that the I3C-JET conference is more than just another event it is a call to action. “That is also in line with the idea of this conference to trigger thought backed by science, to trigger evidence to engage policymakers, to trigger action to address current and future challenges. “WASCAL has committed to taking the outcomes of this conference beyond these rooms, and we hope to deliver policy and action briefs to our stakeholders, consistent with our third mandate, which is the provision of climate services,” he added. Also addressing the gathering, WASCAL Executive Director, Prof. Emmanuel Ramde, reaffirmed the organization’s mission of advancing climate resilience through research, training, and regional cooperation. “At WASCAL, our mission remains clear: to strengthen the resilience of West African countries against climate change through capacity building, research excellence, and climate services. “Since our establishment, we have graduated over 700 Master’s and PhD holders, set up a world-class Competence Centre in Ouagadougou, and continue to drive regional climate services that empower communities, farmers, and governments to make informed choices.” He emphasized the need for member countries to take ownership of the WASCAL agenda for long-term sustainability and impact. “Despite our progress, we must acknowledge a growing need for greater ownership of WASCAL by its member countries. WASCAL belongs to West Africa – it is not just a programme; it is our shared legacy. “Only through collective ownership, shared responsibility, and sustained investment by African governments can we ensure the long-term impact, sustainability, and autonomy of this vital institution.” Prof. Ramde positioned the I3C-JET conference as a catalytic platform to influence policy, connect sectors, and inspire innovation. “This conference, I3C-JET, is not just an event—it is a movement. It provides a unique and much-needed platform for dialogue between science, policy, and society to bridge knowledge gaps, exchange bold ideas, and co-create actionable solutions for climate resilience and energy justice in Africa.” He closed by acknowledging the collaborative spirit that made the conference possible. “This gathering would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners from the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, whose consistent backing has shaped WASCAL’s evolution, to Barani Meteo Innovations from Slovakia, who came all the way to share their climate monitoring technologies. “Let us remember: climate resilience is a global goal. Our success lies in how well we collaborate, learn from each other, and build together – from West Africa to the world.”

Adelabu: FG Will Provide Conducive Environment for Private Energy Investors
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Adelabu: FG Will Provide Conducive Environment for Private Energy Investors

Says excess energy from PH refinery to go to national grid •Insists government cannot single-handedly fund power sector Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government has promised to provide the enabling environment for private sector participation in the power sector, to ensure that the current reforms being undertaken in the sector yields maximum results. Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, made this known during a facility tour of the Genesis Energy company, at the Port Harcourt refinery, Rivers State, a statement by the Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the minister, Bolaji Tunji, said. He praised the partnership of the company with the Nigerian Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), in their efforts to improve the electricity supply in the country, stressing that the partnership would improve sufficiency, efficiency and reliability of power supply. He said: “All we need to do as a government is just to make sure that we make available the conducive atmosphere and environment for the private sector investors to thrive. And to be very comfortable with bringing new investment and be assured of recovery of their investment. “My visit today to the power institutions, which is a partnership between Genesis Energy and the NNPC, is to look at the facilities outside here and to see how the excess power being generated here can be fed onto the national grid.” He noted that his visit would accelerate the take-off of the project and also to meet all the needed agreements to be entered into. “It’s something I believe within 90 to 180 days it can all be concluded. What matters most is to conclude on the infrastructure arrangement to off-take the power from here and supply to the grid,” he added. The Minister expressed the readiness of the federal government to ensure that the relationship between private sector investors and government is smooth. “And again, the commercials are very important. At what price, at what tariff are they going to be giving to Port Harcourt Disco to ensure that the power is taken up and supplied to end-user customers? Even at a price that will also be comfortable and convenient for the end-user customers. That is all they need to do. I don’t think this should take too long. Since I’m here today, we’ll track the talk and ensure that it takes off very, very soon. “There are a few things that we are doing as a government to ensure this. Number one is the regulatory environment, I mean the policy environment. You are all aware that we just launched the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP). “After two decades, we just have such a comprehensive policy. So it is clear now to every investor what are the responsibilities expected of them. What are the things expected of the government to ensure that coming into the power sector is quite easy. “And it is something that will not lead to loss to any of the private sector investors. So we have a comprehensive policy in place for any investor to look through, understand before they come in. Number two is the regulatory environment, which to a large extent is being consistent and quite friendly to new investors,” he said. Adelabu promised that whatever the government needs to do that would make it easy for private sector investors to come in, it will do, stressing that the government cannot single-handedly fund the power sector in Nigeria. “The investment required is too huge for it to be left in the hands of the government alone. So we are ready to do everything possible to attract investors, to ensure they support us, so that industries, businesses, households can have uninterrupted, functional and reliable electricity”, he said. The minister expressed satisfaction with the facilities available at the site. “All I can say simply is that I’m quite impressed with the facilities I’ve met on the ground. Given the age and the operational hours of these facilities, and they are still in this form, I’m quite impressed that they are doing very well. “All we want to eliminate is the inherent inefficiencies by ensuring that all that excess energy being generated is taken off and given to where it will be used. I believe once we use this as a proof of concept and it works well, they have an expansion plan of an additional 120 MW with commitments to build infrastructure, transmission infrastructure, to off-take this new huge energy supply, not only to Port Harcourt DisCo, but to the entire country at large. “And I believe that once this initial proof of concept is successful, the new expansion will also follow”, the minister said. Genesis Energy operates an 84MW Gas-fired Power Project at the NNPC Port Harcourt Refinery (PHRC). The facility, powered by three GE TM2500+ gas turbines (25 MW each), is dedicated exclusively to supplying electricity to the refinery, guaranteeing a continuous and stable power supply essential for refining operations. The plant operates under a structured scheme where at least two turbines run simultaneously while the third remains on standby to ensure uninterrupted service and rapid response in the event of a trip. Since its commissioning in 2014, the plant has achieved over 99 per cent availability with zero Loss Time Injury (LTI) incidents, the statement added.

Senate: INEC Must Bear Proof of Burden in Poll Disputes, Akpabio Seeks Act Overhaul
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Senate: INEC Must Bear Proof of Burden in Poll Disputes, Akpabio Seeks Act Overhaul

Considers Tinubu’s letters for confirmation of ministerial nominee, others Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Senate has demanded a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s electoral litigation process, declaring that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), not candidates, should bear the burden of proof in election petitions. Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made the call during plenary as lawmakers began deliberation on amendments to the Electoral Act 2022. Akpabio stated that INEC, as the institution responsible for conducting and supervising elections, must be held accountable for the legality and transparency of its operations whenever disputes arose. Akpabio said, “It is wrong to assume that whatever INEC does is perfect. INEC should be held accountable because it controls electoral materials and logistics. “Therefore, it should bear the responsibility in court to prove that its actions were lawful and in line with the will of the people.” Presiding over the session, Akpabio commended the progress made in Nigeria’s electoral system, but stressed that the process was still evolving. He said, “We are improving, but we are not yet perfect. We will do our best to craft amendments that will bring us closer to achieving credible, transparent, and violence-free elections.” The senate president said the forthcoming amendments would aim to deliver a more credible framework before the 2027 general election. He added, “This time around, INEC must be held responsible because it has custody of the electoral materials and manages the logistics. “The commission should be given the legal duty to prove that its actions were legitimate and reflected the will of Nigerians.” He commended the gains of the 2022 Electoral Act, stating that Nigeria has become a model in parts of Africa for advancing electoral reforms. “We have made improvements upon improvements, but we are not there yet. We’ll continue to refine the law until we attain near perfection,” he said. The plenary session featured robust debate as senators across party lines endorsed wide-ranging reforms to strengthen the credibility of future elections. Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) said the proposed amendments must empower citizens by ensuring that votes truly counted at elections. Ningi said, “Since 1999, we have consistently worked to improve the Electoral Act. This amendment is another opportunity to address loopholes, especially regarding BVAS and real-time result transmission.” Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) called for the correction of what he described as “self-inflicted errors” in the 2022 Electoral Act. Aliero faulted the exclusion of elected officials, such as senators, governors, and state assembly members, from delegate lists during party primaries. He said, “We shot ourselves in the foot. We must restore all elected representatives as delegates.” Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) decried the recurring violence during elections, warning that it undermines democracy. Oshiomhole said, “We cannot continue treating elections like war. Politicians arm poor youths, and those weapons later fuel insecurity.” He urged the senate to retain separate dates for national and state elections to enhance security management. Supporting Akpabio’s position, former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) said transferring the evidential burden to INEC would rebuild public trust. “It is INEC that conducts elections and keeps the materials; it must therefore show that its conduct was lawful,” Dickson maintained. Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) condemned the high cost of obtaining certified true copies of election materials, claiming that the process sometimes cost candidates up to N1.5 billion. Maidoki also renewed the call for diaspora voting, stating that Nigerians abroad contribute more to the economy through remittances than oil exports. Responding to Maidoki, Akpabio acknowledged the concerns and assured that diaspora participation would be considered in future reforms. Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South) cautioned that laws alone could not guarantee credible elections. Sampson said, “Elections are not conducted by ghosts. Our laws are strong, but enforcement is weak. “We must strengthen sanctions and ensure that those managing the process act as trustees of the people’s mandate.” Earlier in the session, the senate read three letters from President Bola Tinubu seeking confirmation of nominees to the boards of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), as well as the nomination of Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro as Minister of the Federal Republic. The requests were referred to relevant committees for further legislative action. The senate also resolved to suspend today’s plenary to enable members of the Constitution Review Committee to attend a joint retreat with their counterparts in the House of Representatives in Lagos. Akpabio reaffirmed the upper chamber’s resolve to deliver far-reaching electoral reforms ahead of 2027. “We must close loopholes and strengthen our laws so that Nigerians can trust the process and our democracy can truly reflect the will of the people,” he stated.

Sani Hail Tinubu, DSS as Covert Operation Dismantles Gunrunning Syndicate in Kaduna
Technology

Sani Hail Tinubu, DSS as Covert Operation Dismantles Gunrunning Syndicate in Kaduna

A coordinated covert operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) has led to the dismantling of a gunrunning syndicate operating in Kaduna State, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition and arresting key suspects. Governor Uba Sani, while reacting to the development, commended President Bola Tinubu and the DSS for their decisive intervention. Speaking through the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, SAN, the governor described the operation as a strategic victory in the state’s ongoing security reforms under the Kaduna Peace Model. “There must be some bad eggs who want to rubbish government’s efforts, but the DSS in Kaduna has done wonderfully well. This is the kind of result we get when institutions work together,” the governor said. It was gathered that the covert operations, which targeted gunrunning activities in Igabi and Kachia Local Government Areas, led to the arrest of three suspects linked to a major weapons supply network to bandit groups across the North. The first suspect, a 30-year-old, was intercepted along Nnamdi Azikiwe Bypass, Kaduna, while transporting arms concealed in sacks of maize. Items recovered included two AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, 220 rounds of live ammunition, and four empty magazines. Further arrests were made along the Kaduna–Abuja expressway, where two suspects aged 44 and 38 were found with three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and N69,050 hidden in their vehicle. Sani noted that the success of the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of the state’s security framework, anchored on intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation, and community engagement. He reiterated that Kaduna’s peace and security strategy remains preventive and proactive.

Shettima: Masari Supported Tinubu’s Presidential Bid Against All Odds in 2023
Technology

Shettima: Masari Supported Tinubu’s Presidential Bid Against All Odds in 2023

Francis Sardauna in Katsina Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has recounted how a former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, supported President Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition against all odds in 2023. Shettima, who revealed this at the Ninth Expanded National MSME Clinics in Katsina, said Masari and a few other Northern governors openly endorsed and supported the president during the 2023 poll. He explained that when some politicians in the north were claiming that the former President, late Muhammadu Buhari, was against Tinubu, Masari unequivocally declared his support and stood firmly for him. The vice-president disclosed that some people say “Baba (Buhari) baya son Tinubu” which is literally translated as “Buhari doesn’t like Tinubu, but Masari backed Tinubu’s candidacy amid all the adversities. “Truly, truly, the president is mightily proud of Katsina. And it’s only those who have been in the deepest valley that will appreciate how magnificent it is to be on the mountaintop. “When our back was against the wall…there were some few governors in the north that firmly stood behind the President. One of them is seated here. “We had our turning point when we came to Katsina and the then Governor of Katsina State, Right Honourable Aminu Bello Masari, unequivocally endorsed and supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition. “And if Kano is the California of Nigerian politics, certainly with 34 local government areas, Katsina is the New York of Nigerian politics,” he stated. He explained that Tinubu considered Katsina State as his second home because most of his leading political allies were illustrious sons of the state, who had contributed meaningfully to the development of the nation’s political landscape. Shettima named the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Late President Muhammadu Buhari and Senator Abu Ibrahim as the political allies of the president.