News Agency of Nigeria
Oil & Gas

NIPCO embarks on business expansion to aid diversification, others

 



 

 

By Yusuf Yunus

The Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO), says it has intensified investment in gas infrastructure to aid diversification and Nigeria’s energy transition.
Mr Suresh Kumar, Managing Director, NIPCO Plc, who said this during a facility tour of the company on Sunday in Lagos, added that it would also reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Kumar said that the organisation had deepened gas usage and market penetration in the country through massive investment in the sector.
He said that as the Federal Government plans to put an end to fuel subsidy, natural gas by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Auto CNG were bound to be a preferred “fuel of choice”.
According to him, the benefits of the natural gas is that it is safe, environmental friendly, economical, among others.
Kumar said that the company had invested massively in gas infrastructure, in line with Federal Government declaration of 2021 to 2030 as “Nigeria’s Decade of Gas“.
He noted that the declaration  is a period the government aspired to accelerate domestic and export gas production and utilisation.
He said that NIPCO was intensifing investment in gas infrastructure to bolster the gas agenda of the Federal Government, which was getting a booster.
According to him, already, the company has established Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facilities across the country to make cars run on gas.
He also said that NIPCO had been  expanding its scope on supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and constructing new pipeline infrastructure to strategic locations in the country.
Kumar, said the company had invested over 50 million dollars in developing Nigeria’s natural gas over the years, while more projects were still in the offing.
He said: “We have spent more than 50 million dollars on natural gas infrastructure over the years. We believe that there are lots of potential in Nigeria that can be explored for gas utilisation, and this will further boost our economy.
“By using indigenous gas, we can reduce subsidy burden on the Federal Government.
“We can also reduce the importation burden and that will directly or indirectly reduce  capital flight and create more employment opportunities for Nigerians.
“We are the pioneers. We always dream for the future. So, we dreamt for natural gas utilisation in Nigeria right from 2008 and we started investing.
“We introduced this model to the government. Nigeria is a country that has abundant natural gas and instead of wasting subsidy on petrol, we should be looking at a blueprint that can change the petrol market to CNG market,” he said.
According to him, NIPCO is an integrated company that supplies Nigerian market with petrol, diesel and gas.
Kamar said the company currently has about 19,500 metric tonnes combined storage capacity for LPG with 10 loading bays, which could truck-out over 4,000 tons per day.
Also speaking, Mr Nagendra Verma, Managing Director, NIPCO Gas, said the company currently has 14 CNG filling stations in various states across Nigeria and another six CNG stations, currently under construction.
He said over 7,000 vehicles were currently running on CNG, adding that over 350 truck fleet belonging to NIPCO were all on gas.
“We have workshops which are fully efficient and fully capable to convert PMS vehicles to gas, we have the expertise and we are ready to convert more vehicles to run on gas, he said.
Verma said: “So, we intend to have CNG stations in almost all the states of Nigeria, wherever the pipeline is available.
“Presently, we are laying LNG pipeline for 80 Kilometer pipeline from Shagamu interchange to Ibadan.
“The pipeline work is going on. We expect to commission first phase by the end of December 2023.
“And the entire pipeline is expected to be completed by next year.”
According to him, the company is also developing gas pipeline infrastructure in Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, which is currently nearing completion.
He said the company is currently constructing a propane tank of 500 metric tonnes capacity, the biggest in Nigeria, in a bid to meet up with the federal government requirements of mixing certain quantity of propane with butane for domestic gas.
Verma said that the propane tank would be completed in the next three months. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

 

Economy/Business

Experts task women entrepreneurs on digital transformation

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

The Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria (DTC) has advised women entrepreneurs to be fearless, courageous and embrace digital transformation to boost their businesses.

Dr Thuweba Diwani, Head of Project, DTC Nigeria, gave the advice at a seminar on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the seminar was: “Driving the Digital Transformation of Female Entrepreneurship in Nigeria.”

NAN also reports that the seminar organised by the DTC Nigeria was co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union, implemented by the German Agency for International Corporation (GIZ).

According to Diwani, digital transformation essentially aims to improve Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem and growth.

Diwani urged women entrepreneurs to be fearless, step out of their comfort zones and embrace digitalisation for enhanced growth.

“So, the focus is essentially to seek to improve the digital innovation ecosystem in Nigeria and the capacity of the Nigerian economy to utilise digital innovations for growth.

“We work in varying capacities and creating an enabling environment in improving the development of digital solutions and innovations and having these adopted by Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs).
“We ensure that women are able to acquire digital tools in their entrepreneurship activities and one of the greatest challenge for women is the fear of getting out there.
“Exploring new things and we tend to stay in our comfort zones, what I will advice is to be fearless and let us embrace what is new,” she said.
Diwani added that the benefits of digitisation should be looked at very analytically, critically and then deliberately go ahead to acquire the skills we need to be able to get ahead.
She also stressed the importance of mentorships, positive attitude, curiosity and confidence by women entrepreneurs to reach the next level of their careers.
Dr Amina Sambo-Magaji, Acting Director, Digital Literacy and Capacity Development Department, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said that women are essential in the digital space.
Sambo-Mogaji was represented by Dr Aminu Tanbuwal, Head, Digital Literacy/Skills Division of the agency.
She said: “Having women in the digital space is very important. At the moment, we are seeing a lot of progress, especially in Nigeria.
“We about 25 per cent or so of women in technology. So, this number needs to go higher. You know, it is said that a lot of women that are at home can also engage in the technology sector through the digital economy.
“The good thing about technology is that you can participate from wherever you are and whatever you are currently engaged in,” she added.
She disclosed that the agency was working on policies to close the gap between women and men there in terms of participation in the technology space.
“So, we are working on a strategy and we are also working on other things.
“For example, increasing the number of programmes targeted at women, in terms of capacity building programmes.
“Having access to the digital tools, when we combine all of these things, it will really help to increase participation for women,” she noted.
Giving an overview of the seminar discourse, Mrs Gbeke Oshinowo, Technical Adversor, Digital/Entrepreneurship Skills Women and Youth, GIZ/DTC, said the objective of the seminar was to demystify the fears of female entrepreneurs in digital transformation.
Oshinowo said exposing the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in Nigeria was a critical tool to drive the success of female-owned businesses.
Mrs Tosin Abajo, Assistant Chief Enterprise officer, South-West, SMEDAN, said that bridging the gap in female enterpreneurship through digital transformation was critical to the growth of women in technology sector.
Dr Wole Odetayo, Co-Founder, LoftyInc Allied Partners Ltd. Wennovation Hub, said that the percentage of women in technology currently stood at 25 per cent.
Odetayo said that the figure was not small when compared with 40 per cent women entrepreneurs in the country.
He highlighted the benefits of digital transformation as accelerated growth; multidimensional inclusion; job creation; increased collaborations; fosters innovation among others.
NAN reports that the seminar brought together seasoned actors from the digital ecosystem such as women support organisations, female entrepreneurs and stakeholders, among others to identify gender barriers to digital transformation of female-owned businesses and ways to overcome them.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ITM/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Politics

Tinubu: Don’t turn Nigeria into banana republic, Obanikoro tells rivals

 

Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro displaying his ACAOSA Award

 

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye/Yinka Olawale

A former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, says those protesting and kicking against the inauguration of the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, on May 29, should not turn the country into a “banana republic”.

 

Obanikoro, also a former Ambassador of Nigeria to Ghana, made the remark while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the 9th Ramadan Lecture of Anwar-Ul Islam College, Agege, Old Students’ Association (ACAOSA), on Saturday in Lagos.

 

NAN reports that the Ramadan Lecture  had in attendance various alumni of the school including Obanikoro; Alhaji Tunde Balogun, former Lagos APC Chairman; civil servants, technocrats; entrepreneurs; legal practitioners and academics.

The lecture was titled, “Islamic Perspective of a Good Governance: Any Lesson for Nigeria?”

Obanikoro said: “They are daydreaming. There is no perfect election anywhere in the world.

“For anyone that is not satisfied, what is next is to go through the judiciary. If you feel aggrieved, go to the court.

“We cannot turn Nigeria into a banana republic.

“Our system is not perfect, it is a work in progress, we have to continue to work at it until we get to a situation that all of us will be comfortable with.”

Describing as sad and unfortunate the calls by some people for Interim National Government, Obanikoro said that those calling for it showed that they did not appreciate democracy, hence not qualified to lead such government.

“It sounds crazy to me,” he added.

On the Ramadan Lecture, Obanikoro, who described good governance as teaching of God in Quran and Bible, said that governance should be about putting people first.

“The idea  is to help the vulnerable among us and create a society where we will be our brother’s keepers.

“That is the essence of  governance, and that is what the religion of Islam or Christianity is preaching almost on a daily basis,” he said.

Obanikoro, who was presented an award by ACAOSA for his contributions to the school through the association, said it was a privilege to give back to the school that had given them so much.

“Giving back comes naturally. I commend the ACAOSA for honouring us and we shall do more.

“Anytime you are recognised by your peers for doing something special, you have to appreciate it because you are not the only one, there are others  too,” he said.

Commending the organisers for their tenacity, Obanikoro said that the association would continue to do more for the college.

Similarly, Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN),  the President General, ACAOSA,  also told NAN that those protesting against the May 29 inauguration of Tinubu were not democrats, saying “they are people who do not mean well for the country”.

Maintaining that the election was relatively free and fair considering the number of states each of the major contenders won, Pedro urged those who lost to plan for the next electoral cycle.

“These people should not be tolerated, in fact the necessary authorities should go after them. If they have evidence of being rigged, they should take it to the court rather can constituting nuisance,” he said.

Also, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, former Lagos APC Chairman, another recipient of ACAOSA Life Time Award, said that the college had done a lot of positive things for him in life.

“My life was shaped and given foundation by this college. I came into this school at age 14 and left when I was an adult.

“It is was a great privilege for this school to have helped me in building my character and preparing me for what I do now,” the former Senior Prefect Boy of the college said.

The Chairman of the day, Alhaji Fola Adeola, said that the school had produced so many great personalities in Nigeria.

Adeola, who was represented Mr Yinka Adeola, his brother,  noted that the association was proud of the feats of the college in the area of academics, sports and others.

 

NAN reports that other awardees include Alhaji S. Adeyanju, the first College Imam (1960-1963); Dr A. Omofade, a former Permanent Secretary in Lagos State and  Prof.  Alade Akintonwa, former Dean, Faculty of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

Others are Alhaji Rasaq Yusuf, a retired civil servant, and Alhaji Abdul-Ganiu Ajala, a Surveyor among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Oil & Gas

NMDPRA harps on safety, compliance in downstream oil, gas operations

 

By Yusuf Yunus

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has raised alarm over the high level of non-compliance to its regulations in the retail outlets of the energy sector.

Dr Mustapha Lamorde, the Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSE&C) of NMDPRA, said this at a one-day South–West region stakeholders’ engagement on incessant incidents in the midstream and downstream of the Nigerian petroleum industry operations, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Lamorde, who was represented by Mr Ayo Cadoso, Regional Coordinator, Southwest, said that the purpose of the engagement was to call for a sound management of HSE in the depots/jetties and retail outlets operations in the downstream sector.

He noted that the discourse was key for adequate profitability in the sector and proper approach to achieve this lies on the fact that HSE should be managed from a business perspective and not for compliance purposes only.

According to him, related matters on HSE should be integrated into the management decision-making process.

Lamorde said that NMDPRA would always want to engage operators to attune them of the need to fully comply with relevant health, safety and environment laws and regulations as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

He said that the engagement would also forestall the dangers and risks posed by unwholesome practices and non-compliance to statutory provisions, with respect to HSE in the transportation of petroleum products including gas.

Lamorde noted that there was need for the creation of awareness and a culture of safe operations to protect persons, assets, and the environment, thereby eliminating accidents, and the cost of replacing damaged parts which is a sure way to profitability.

“This will no longer be business as usual, it is now safety first, the NMDPRA will ensure that the aspirations of the Federal Government, by passing the PIA, is achieved.

“The law had provided, in clear terms, that in case of negligence by any operator, such operator would be sanctioned accordingly.

“Although, our aim is not to sanction the operators but to ensure that operations are run in a safe manner to protect people, assets and the environment is the reason for today’s engagement.

“The HSE needs to be a front burner to attract the growth of the business, reduction of insurance premiums and protection of the public (which you are a member of) and for us to achieve the following, we must reawaken the safety consciousness in our operations,” he added.

Mrs Rukhayat Akanbi, HSE &C Team lead of NMDPRA, said that between 2018 and 2023, 412 fatalities and 244 incidents were recorded, while 173 fatalities and 103 incidents were recorded in 2021, meaning an average of one death every four days occurred.

Akanbi also added that in 2022 to date, 48 fatalities and 41 incidents were recorded.

“In terms of accidents statistics, 39 per cent recorded in retail outlets, 13 per cent in vehicle tankers, 13 per cent each in refinery and gas facilities respectively, while 11 per cent was recorded in depots from 2018 to date.

“Retail outlets recorded the highest number of incidents over the years,” she said.

On the way forward, Akanbi said that every truck and station must have adequate earthing cables and hoses of various sizes for discharge and coupling, and inspection must be carried out before loading and offloading.

Responding on behalf of the marketers, Mr Akin Akinlade, Chairman, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Satellite Depot, Ejigbo, Lagos, commended NMDPRA for the sensitisation programme on safety at most filing stations.

Akinlade assured that lPMAN, Southwest zone, would imbibe the culture of training all petroleum attendants in its operations.

He said that body had commenced building of training institute that would engage all members and workers in training.

“We appreciate NMDPRA for this laudable initiative towards organising discourse on Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

“We also appeal to NMDPRA support towards collaboration on area of training and partnership,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IPMAN, DAPPMAN, FRSC, Federal Fire Service and representatives of NMDPRA in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Osun states were in attendance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Agriculture

Experts urge regulation for antibiotics use on poultry, livestock

 

 

By Funmilola Gboteku

Mr Sunday Bamgbose, Former President, Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Lagos Chapter, has called for the regulation of antibiotics use on poultry and other livestock.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos, Bamgbose said that its non-regulation in the poultry, food and animal industries has health implications.

He also said that lack of education of poultry farmers on the proper use of antibiotics and wide spread dependency on antibiotics were additional factors that mitigates curbing of the problem.

“Usually antibiotics should only be administered for treatment of infections, prevention of disease and growth promotion.

“Overuse of antibiotics, however contributes to the emergency of antibiotics-resistant genes in bacteria.

“For instance when humans consume the poultry products like eggs which also contains antibiotics residue, it accumulates in the body.

“This causes drug resistant strains leading to gastrointestinal disorders, toxic and allergies reactions among others which are detrimental to our health,” he said.

Bamgbose also said that on the economic side, farm products with heavy concentration of antibiotics could not be exported out of the country.

He noted that because of the antibiotics residue present in the egg produced by poultry farms, most farmers could not sell them to egg powder industries.

Similarly, Dr James Wageti, General Manager, Adamore Nigeria Ltd. and a Poultry expert, said that some of the antibiotics administered to poultry birds and other livestock were cancerous.

Wageti noted that the drugs may not have any effect on the poultry birds, but posed a risk to humans.

He explained that the overuse of antibiotics was more dominant in the poultry industries because the birds lay eggs daily so it was easy to pass the residue.

He added that for other livestock the only danger of using antibiotics was towards the period the animal would be slaughtered.

The poultry expert said that it was also important to know that most of the antibiotics used for animals were the same ones used by humans.

He said that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), by 2050 there would be almost 10 million deaths as a result of antimicrobial resistance.

“They said that out of the 10 million, 4.2 million deaths would occur in Asia and four million in Africa, while the rest is shared among other continents.

“There will not be too many deaths in those continents because they have a strict regulation on the use of antibiotics on livestock,” he said.

Wageti noted that Europe for instance, had banned the use of antibiotics in poultry farms more than 15 years ago.

He said that the problem with Africa was the long term use of antibiotics on poultry birds and non-regulation.

He therefore advocated for strict measures and regulations with a view to curtailing the overuse of antibiotics in Nigeria.

He also called for more awareness for poultry and livestock farmers on the dangers of antibiotics abuse. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Deborah Coker/Ismail Abdulaziz

 

Entertainment

8th Nigerian Idol begins April 23 – MultiChoice

 

By Taiye Olayemi

Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice, on Tuesday disclosed that the eighth edition of Nigerian Idol would begin April 23 and run till July 16.

Tejumola during a media briefing in Lagos said the live performances for the show would also run from May 28.

She said the winner of this year’s edition of the show would walk away with N35 million cash prize with overall grand prize worth N100 million, including gift items, which would be disclosed later.

“This time, we are having our judges back, Obi Asika, Simi and D’Banj would be retained as judges as well as Ikponmwosa Osakioduwa as the host of the show.

“We decided to retain them because they succeeded in doing a great job during the 7th edition, bringing their unique personalities to the show and it emerged the best so far.

“The 8th Nigerian Idol will air on Africa Magic Showcase, Urban and Family. It will also air on an extra channel- channel 199, every Sunday at 7.00.p.m.

“This edition promises to unveil another set of great talents among Nigerian youths,” she said.

Tejumola disclosed that there was a 10 per cent increase in the number of entries received for the eighth edition of the show.

She acknowledged the headline sponsors of the show- Techno and Bigi; the tactical sponsors- Waw, Close-up, Tom-Tom and many others.

She appreciated the sponsors for their quest to contribute their quota to the growth of the entertainment industry.

“Nigerian Idol over the years has provided our audience with premium entertainment, the contestants with healthy competitions in their performances that drive to the emergence of the winner.

“Nigerian Idol will continue to offer talented artistes platform to show the continent what they can do and the opportunity to rise to fame through hard work and dedication.

“It is the right space to gain access to mentorship through the judges and couches who will expose the intricacies of the industry to the young talents.

“We invite all to join us in this journey of self discovery,” she said.

Speaking on his company’s involvement, Biola Aransiola, Assistant Brand Manager, Bigi, said “We are happy to be here, it is a big platform to help talents grow in Nigeria.

“We want to be that partner that holds them hand-on-hand to achieve greatness.”

Also, Mr Thompson Ani, Techno Marketing Manager, said “We are here bigger and better, we like giving back to the communiy, we are coming as headline sponsor this time because we want people to see the hidden talent in individual Nigerians.

“We are coming bigger this year.  So, expect something big.” NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

General News

Engineering council, college partner to sanitise profession

By Funmilola Gboteku/Stellamaris Ashinze

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) is partnering with the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT) to sanitise the profession against quackery.

A Senior Engineer and COREN Representative in Lagos, Mr Tomide Akinnawo, made this known during a courtesy visit to the FCFMT, Victoria Island, on Monday in Lagos.

He said that the partnership would give them the opportunity to help the institute ensure that all its engineers were certified members of COREN and not quacks.

“We need to ensure that all the engineers are registered professionals; that way we are sure the students are in safe hands.

“Engineering is the backbone of development in any nation. Therefore, it has to be taken seriously,” he said.

Akinnawo said as members of COREN, it was essential to ensure that quackery and fraudulent practices which had been hindering engineering practice in the society were curbed.

The Provost of the FCFMT, Dr Chuks Onuoha, said that the institute was ready to collaborate with any sister agency and COREN would not be an exception.

Onuoha said that such collaboration would lead to the development of the nation.

”Just as pointed out by COREN that technology or engineering is the bedrock of any development.

”We look forward to a friendly relationship with your agency and also no advice from you regarding how to make our institution better would be disregarded, ” he said.

He also urged the council to assist in registering their students as members of COREN at a subsidised fee.

The Chairman of Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), Lagos chapter, Mr Kayode Ibidapo, said that the council was willing to expose the students to more beneficial workshops and trainings about the engineering profession.

“We believe that the technicians and craftsmen in your institution should also not be excluded. They need to attend trainings and workshops to upgrade themselves, ” Ibidapo said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that COREN is the regulatory body that governs the practice of engineering in Nigeria, while the FCFMT is a monotechnic approved by the National Board for Technical Education.

The College was originally known as the Federal School of Fisheries, established in 1969 as a vocational training institute for Nigeria’s in-shore fishing fleet.

It was upgraded to a technological institution in 1992.

The college offers courses in Fisheries Technology, General Science, Marine Engineering, Nautical Science and Maritime Transport. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

Oil & Gas

Petroleum stakeholders outline strategies for post-subsidy era

 

By Yusuf Yunus

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors have urged the Federal Government to outline strategies for a sustainable future in the downstream sector.

The appeal was made during a virtual online workshop on Friday in Lagos with the theme “Deregulation of the Nigerian downstream sector: The day after.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by the Nigerian Petroleum Downstream Industry in collaboration with the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA).

The stakeholders at the workshop called on the government to implement appropriate palliatives in the form of public transportation and freight of agricultural produce.

They urged government to ensure transparent and effective communication, improve access to foreign exchange, trade finance, guarantee strategic stock, and provide access to crude oil for refineries ahead of the plan to embark on the total removal of petrol subsidy.

The workshop offered the industry regulator and all players across the midstream and downstream value chain the opportunity to deliberate on measures that needed to be put in place ahead of the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The participants also focused on the need for operators in the industry to professionalise the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors ahead of the take-off of full deregulation.

Mr Farouk Ahmed, the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory (NMDPRA), said that the Authority would allow free market pricing once the sector was fully deregulated.

Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director, Distributions System, Storage and Retail Infrastructure of NMDPRA, spoke on the role of the regulator in pricing, safe operation and enforcement, while the Managing Director, CITAC Africa, Gary Still, touched on market liberalisation or elimination of subsidies.

Alhaji Othman Yusuf, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), warned that the full deregulation of the downstream sector and complete removal of petrol subsidy would bring about opportunities and challenges.

The National President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, revealed that the marketers are in full support of the government’s plan to embark on full deregulation of the downstream sector.

Okoronkwo, who was represented by Mr Mike Osatuyi, IPMAN’s National Operations Controller, warned Nigerians to prepare to pay up to N750 for every litre of petrol after the removal of subsidy.

He added that the pump price is likely to drop to around N500 if the Government encourages the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide forex to marketers at the official rate.

Okoronkwo also urged the government to channel savings from subsidy provisions to provide palliatives to the masses, adding that government must be sensitive to resentment from Nigerians.

Mr Taiwo Oyedele, the Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), charged the government and the regulator to identify potential pitfalls that could trigger resentment from citizens before, during, and after the removal of the petrol subsidy.

According to him, deliberate public sensitization, industry engagement, and collaboration with civil society organizations are needed to aid public buy-in during the implementation of full deregulation.

He said that in the course of implementing the policies, the government’s interpretation of its strategy must be issue-based and not confrontational.

Mr Babatunde Irukera, Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), advised the industry regulator to establish quality and safety standards for petroleum products.

Irukera, represented by Mrs Morayo Adisa, his Technical Consultant, said this include fuel quality standards, safety regulations for storage and transportation, and environmental regulations.

The Chairman of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr Olumide Adeosun, who doubled as the facilitator, stated that the virtual workshop aimed at addressing key challenges and outlining strategies to ensure a sustainable future for the petroleum downstream sector.

He said that safeguarding consumer interest in a deregulated environment was also significant, adding that the workshop provided data-driven insights into the sector’s growth potential.

“The importance of connecting to regional markets, positioning Nigeria as the regional refining hub, and fostering relationships with international service providers.

“Including rating agencies, finance and governance institutions, and aligning with the goals of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP), was reiterated at the workshop.

“Ultimately, this collaborative workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and develop strategies to ensure the Nigerian Petroleum downstream Industry remains a strong, competitive force while transitioning to a more sustainable future,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

LASG, engineers task students as 7 schools shine in WASH essay competition

 

 

 

By Grace Alegba

 

The Lagos State Government has advised secondary school students to come up with innovations to address water, sanitation and hygiene issues.

 

The Managing Director, Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), Mr Muminu Badmus, made the call on Wednesday at the Grand Finale and Maiden Annual Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Essay Competition.

 

The event, which was part of activities to mark World Water Day, was organised by the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) in collaboration with LWC and held at Victoria Island.

 

It had over 80 schools and representatives from six education districts in Lagos in attendance.

 

Badmus commended participants in the essay competition, saying the students must go beyond classroom knowledge to providing solutions.

 

The managing director said analytical skills would help the students to become game changers and pledged continuous support for the essay competition.

 

He urged secondary school students to keep participating in the competition to boost their knowledge, exposure and get important research skills to become solution providers.

 

Badmus cited example of Ansar-udeen Grammar School, ‘ADGS’ Surulere which invented a water Filtration and Purification system a few years ago, which won them the Nigerian Stockholm Junior Water Prize.

 

He said that the winners went on to represent Nigeria later that year in Sweden and were commended for their innovation.

 

“By asking the right questions, you can develop analytical skills and Investigate effects by digging deep into their causes.

 

“When you know the cause of a problem, the solution would easily fall on our laps,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Miss Chioma Joseph, SS2 student of Keke Senior High School, Ifako Ijaye, clinched the overall best position in the senior category.

 

Vetland Senior Grammar School’s Olaoluwa Olaniyn came second while Oyewole Egunjobi of Ayangburen Senior High School and Josephine Hunpe of Lagos State Senior Model College, Kankon Badagry both came third place.

 

In the Junior Secondary category, Miss Chisom Ezeanya, Lagos State Junior Model College Ojo came first; Esther Ajileye, Eva Adelaja Junior Girls Secondary School came second while Blessing Nwabueze of District Junior College Agege, came third.

 

NAN reports that winners were given laptops and other educational gift items while some schools also received cash donations.

 

The National Chairman, NIMechE, Dr Funmilade Akingbagbohun, said over 80 schools from six education districts participated in the essay writing on topics related to water, sanitation and hygiene.

 

Akingbagbohun said the competition was organised to address a lacuna in the space of water sanitation and hygiene in Nigeria and engineering is about problem solving.

 

She thanked the Lagos State Water Corporation for supporting the programme, and commended all the six education districts that participated.

 

The chairman said 20 out of 80 schools qualified for the grand finale, with seven emerging as winners.

 

She said all hands must be on deck for effective collaboration towards achieving a clean environment.

 

The Chairman said everyone had a role to play in ensuring improved water and sanitation facilities, to promote hand washing and prevent diseases.

 

Akingbagbohun said that every aspect of life required water.

 

She said the use of polluted drinking water and poor sanitary conditions in Nigeria had increased water-borne diseases including diarrhea and cholera.

 

The chairman gave statistics on the consequences of poor sanitation and water and the need to target the youth as game changers to provide solutions.

 

The guest speaker, Ms Cherish Jefferson, said the problems of water required multi-sectoral solution because its impact affected every sector and segment of life.

 

Jefferson, a 500 level student of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, called for collective action, saying SDG 6 was the most important which must be pursued to solve societal problems.

 

She said SDG 6 stated that everyone should have safely managed water, good hygiene and sanitation and focused on ending open defecation by 2030.

 

 

Jefferson called for deliberate efforts towards conserving water to mitigate the impact of climate change.

 

“Simple action like turning off a tap is important,” she said.

 

She also called for recycling of water, volunteering to support community-led initiatives for change and increased awareness campaigns.

 

Dr Adetola Salau, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on STEM Education said 1,000 children die daily from bad water, sanitation and hygiene, hence the need for creative ways for water conservation.

 

Salau promised to join the Lagos Water Corporation in the partnership, while urging the students to create prototypes on ideas they have toward solving problems in their communities.

 

She enumerated various aspects of engineering the students could explore while reeling out examples of teenagers providing solutions in some countries.

 

Other speakers, including the representative of the United Nations and the Commissioner for the Environment, explained measures and solutions being provided for flooding, and how STEM education was aiding creativity.

They enumerated challenges of COVID-19, hand washing, scarcity of drinking water, poor sanitation, among others.(NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environment

World Water Day: CWAY, partners advocate water security

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

A marine scientist, Dr Roland Uwadiae, says Nigeria should strive to overcome water scarcity which constitutes a threat to water security.

Uwadiae, Associate Professor, Department of Marine Sciences,
University of Lagos, said this during the World Water Day organised by CWAY Group on Wednesday in Lagos.

The World Water Day, celebrated annually on March 22, raises awareness and inspires action to tackle the global water crisis affecting 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water and sanitation.

The theme for World Water Day 2023 is: “Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.”

According to the World Health Organisation, 1.4 million people die annually and 74 million will have their lives shortened by diseases related to poor water, sanitation and hygiene.

A report by UNICEF shows that over 86 per cent of Nigerians lack access to a safely managed drinking water source.

Uwadiae said that Nigeria has economic water scarcity when compared with other countries.

He noted that Nigeria has water but lacks infrastructure to distribute the water to citizens in dire need of it.

 

“Securing resources means finding the additional water resources needed to meet demand and respect the balance,” he said.

He said to achieve these, it must rely on human engineering and the ability to constantly innovate and come up with new solutions.

“This begins with technical solutions. In the future, we need to drill for water more deeply, transport it over longer distances, store it for longer and purify it more efficiently.

“We will develop new, cheaper and more advanced solutions, as the wider use of desalination and wastewater reuse.

“Technological innovation enables us to speed up the progress of new, smarter, more efficient, environment friendly, sustainable, and fairer solutions,” he said.

Uwadiae noted that globally, water security has become an integral part of every country’s national security and foreign policy.

“The right to water, so easily proclaimed yet so difficult to enforce, will be the common trend running through collective action and policy on water security.

“We must build to ensure that every drop of water is useful for basic needs,” he said.

According to him, water is not one Sustainable Development Goal among 17 others, saying it is the most precious element that enables the future of the planet.

He said that the World Water Day recommendation of universal right to water and access to water for all should be given a higher political priority.

 

Uwadiae said that financing water, better knowledge and shared governance were keys to implement water priority.

He added that urban and rural planning should include water security solutions as a prerequisite for any type of project.

According to him, electricity and water resources should both be approached as renewable resources.

He said that due to careless domestic, industrial and agricultural uses of water; resources in rivers, boreholes, water tables, dams and reservoirs were under pressure and rapidly being depleted.

To address this, Uwadiae stressed that water recycling and reuse should enter the country’s legal portfolio.

Similarly, Mr Deji Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, Lagos Water Corporation, said availability of water was directly proportional to increasing population.

Johnson noted that the demand for water in Lagos was 650 million gallons of daily.

He disclosed that the state could only produce 210 million gallons of water daily for its citizens.

He said that production at the two main waterworks and mini waterworks in various parts of the state was hampered by infrastructure challenges.

Johnson added that the state government had partnered different stakeholders to improve investment in infrastructure and technologies that would enhance access to clean and safe water.

 

Also, Mr Abiodun Suleiman, Sales Director, CWAY Group, said that the company organised the event as part of its commitment to promote sustainable clean water and conservation.

Suleiman said the firm, through its various corporate social responsibility initiatives, had provided access to safe water to communities that lack access to water.

“Since we began operations in Nigeria over two decades ago, we have made significant contributions toward providing clean drinking water to millions of Nigerians.

“We have also organised several water conservation campaigns aimed at educating the public on the need to use water responsibly.”

Suleiman said the company remains committed to ensuring that Nigerians have access to clean and safe water. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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