News Agency of Nigeria
RMAFC warns SEEPCO on compliance, mandates cooperation with host communities 
Environment , Oil & Gas

RMAFC warns SEEPCO on compliance, mandates cooperation with host communities 

 

 

By Vivian Emoni

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)  cautions  Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) to abide by the commission’s mandates and ensure effective cooperation with its host communities.

Mr Ekene Enefe, Chairman, RMAFC, Investment Monitoring Committee, gave the warning on Friday in Abuja, during a meeting with some officials of SEEPCO and its host communities in Anambra.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some other officials such as Orient Petroleum (OPR), Cotton Wooden Gas Ltd., Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), were present at the meeting.

Also, representatives of  the host communities of  Ogwu-Ikpele in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra and Ugwu Aniocha in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta were present.

Enefe, who is also the Commissioner representing Anambra in the commission, recalled that on July 17, 2025, the commission invited the SEEPCO and the host communities to discuss unresolved issues.

He added that SEEPCO requested that the commission should give enough time to the company to come back with detailed answers and documents.

He noted that the issues involved were related to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) and community compensation which were agreed by both SEEPCO and the host communities.

The commissioner said that the SEEPCO was expected to adhere to the Nigerian laws and regulations regarding community compensation.

“ I believe the company has put the details of the unresolved issues in order, as the representative requested during last meeting..

“Now, the committee wants to confirm if gas flaring penalties are being paid into the federation account.

“The truth must be told and things must be done rightly. We need to see what you are doing in real terms.

“From all indications, SEEPCO is not really doing the right thing, the company should ensure effective cooperation with the host communities,” he said.

Enefe said that the RMAFC deemed it necessary to also invite NUPRC as supervising agency to strengthen the review.

Mr Emmanuel Ajang, who represented the SEEPCO, said that the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), had been duly incorporated with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) approval and registration at Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

According to Ajang, the management of the company and advisory committees have been constituted.

He added that the company had also made payments of three per cent operating expenses for 2021 and 2022.

“Payment for 2023 had delayed due to joint review with the NUPRC but approval has now been granted.

“The company started operation in 2019 in the community and the company had fixed the community`s roads and constructed boreholes in the host communities,” he said.

Mr Patric Esumai, President-General of Ogwu-Ikpele Community, said that the SEEPCO commenced operations in their community in 2016, not 2019 as stated earlier by the SEEPCO representative.

Esumai added that the road constructed was only from one operational point, adding that the road constructed was not serving the community.

He, however, appealed to the commission to conduct an oversight verification visit to confirm the true situation in the communities.

Mr Abdulazeez King, Commissioner representing Kogi  in the commission, emphasised that the situation of the host communities across the Niger Delta area was both painful and heartbreaking.

King stressed that the SEEPCO and other operators must be held accountable, noting that they would always present reports of projects supposedly executed, but real benefits to host communities were missing.

Mr Iyke Akuezumba, who represented the Orient Petroleum (OPR) and Cotton wooden Gas Ltd., said that the invitation letter the companies received by the commission did not indicate exactly the issues to be discussed.

“I was not really prepared because I did not know the purpose of the meeting, but the companies are working closely with the NUPRC to ensure the mandates are adhered to”.

Dr Mohammed Shehu, Chairman, RMAFC, earlier in his remarks, encouraged the oil companies to ensure mutual cooperation and demonstrate effective commitment in executing their social responsibilities.

According to him, if things are done rightly, revenues accruing to the federation account will be seamless.

“But if there is crisis, it will affect production. Your plant won’t be working. So, things have to be done rightly,” he said.

The Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, NUPRC,  Mr Enorense Amadasu, assured the committee that the group tracked every molecule of hydrocarbon produced in Nigeria and no volume was left untracked. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

IATF 2025: Oilserv highlights opportunities for Pan-African EPC companies
Oil & Gas

IATF 2025: Oilserv highlights opportunities for Pan-African EPC companies

 

By Yunus Yusuf

Oilserv Nigeria Ltd. has called on International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating across Africa to fully leverage the opportunities available within the continent, especially in the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) sector.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Oilserv Group, Mr Emeka Okwuosa, made the call on Thursday at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) in Algeria.

Represented by Mr Cephalus Wari, the company’s Chief of Staff, Okwuosa, highlighted Oilserv’s over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas sector.

He emphasised the company’s reputation as a major driver of oil and gas-based construction and engineering projects in Nigeria, with continuous expansion across the country.

He explained that Oilserv’s successful execution of complex, high-standard engineering contracts within Nigeria and other African countries positions it as a strong competitor on the continent.

“The company has over the years leveraged partnerships with Afreximbank for transformative growth, which has enhanced both our skills and capacity,” he stated.

“We have managed several large-scale turnkey projects and are currently leading Africa’s largest gas project.

” Our expertise extends to developing flow stations and facilitating services and product delivery through collaborations with Nigerian entities such as NNPC,” he added.

Oilserv has also expanded its operations to countries including Benin, Ghana, Senegal, and other Pan-African economies.

“As a key provider of oil and gas sector infrastructure, we are equipped to deliver quality services and timely project completion for oil companies,” Okwuosa noted.

He further revealed that Oilserv was now focused on extending its services beyond Nigeria, having firmly established itself in the Nigerian market and ready to support other African countries.

“All oil companies need our infrastructure to advance their projects, and we are prepared to provide comprehensive facilities to our clients,” he said.

Okwuosa acknowledged that financing remained a significant challenge for projects, noting that local banks often lacked the capacity to support large-scale investments, thus turning frequently to multilateral institutions like Afreximbank.

“As an intra-African construction company, we initiated Nigeria’s ambitious Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline project in 2014 and have continued to make excellent progress despite some unforeseen natural challenges that are now under control”.

He highlighted ongoing issues such as financing difficulties, insecurity, the ease of doing business, and foreign exchange instability, all of which conflicted with the goal of a stable African economy.

“Thanks to our collaboration with Afreximbank, we have secured critical financing that has allowed us to participate in infrastructure development across multiple African economies,” Okwuosa said.

He added that visa logistics and travel challenges also affected project timelines and efficiency, emphasising the need for uniform policies across African countries.

“Streamlining these processes would save valuable time and resources,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

NUPRC seals deepwater deal with NNPC, TotalEnergies–Sapetro
Oil & Gas

NUPRC seals deepwater deal with NNPC, TotalEnergies–Sapetro

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has signed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for Petroleum Prospecting Licences 2000 and 2001 with NNPC Limited and the TotalEnergies–Sapetro Consortium.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on Monday in Abuja, NUPRC Chief Executive, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, described the agreement as a milestone that marked a new chapter in Nigeria’s upstream sector, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The licences, awarded to TotalEnergies and its partner South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO) under the 2024 Licensing Round, also signify the formal conclusion of the round.

According to Komolafe, the PSC launches a committed work programme aimed at unlocking deepwater geological potential, expanding reserves, boosting production, and enhancing Nigeria’s energy security.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for his bold reforms and directive that undeveloped assets be returned for rebidding and reallocation to competent bidders in line with the PIA.

Komolafe also highlighted the impact of the 2024 Executive Orders—#40 on fiscal incentives, #41 on local content, and #42 on cost efficiency and contract timelines—saying they had catalysed significant investment inflows and set the stage for shared prosperity.

“The Awardees of 2000 and 2001 Licensees clearly have become beneficiaries of the laudable initiatives and reforms of Mr president,” he said.
At the signing of the PSC, he said the licences, awarded to TotalEnergies and its partner South Atlantic Petroleum (Sapetro) in the 2024 Licensing Round, marked a new chapter in the oil and gas upstream sector.
He urged the TotalEnergies and other potential investors to take advantage of the right regulatory, fiscal and governance regime as enthroned by the NUPRC, with the president’s support by participating in the next Licensing Round.
“I congratulate the TotalEnergies with over 60 years operations in Nigeria and holding 80 per cent contractor interest, as well as Sapetro with 30 years operations and holding 20 per cent contractor interest, on their success in the Licensing Round,” he said.
Recall that the Licensing Round was based on a fair, transparent and competitive bidding process in line with Section 73 of the PIA.
Hence, he described the award of these two offshore blocks, spanning about 2,000 square kilometres in the prolific Niger Delta Basin, as a direct product of the transparent, competitive, and reform-driven framework introduced under the PIA.
He commended the NNPC Ltd. and contractors (TotalEnergies & Sapetro) for their commitments in exploration and production
activities in Nigeria, adding that the successes recorded in Egina, Akpo and other assets were highly commendable.
“The commission, working hand-in-hand with
stakeholders, especially NNPC Limited as the
concessionaire, devoted significant time and
expertise to develop a new standardised PSC
template that reflects the spirit and intent
of the PIA,” he said.
He advised the parties to imbibe swift and
technically sound exploration, leading to early Final Investment Decisions, while striving to deepen local content, create jobs,
empower businesses, develop and produce the asset in line with decarbonisation principles.
Speaking, Mr Bashir Ojulari, Ground Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd. thanked the Federal Government, NUPRC and the TotalEnergies leadership on the bold step taken to reopen the deep water exploration space.
“This particular PSC is unique in many respects. I just want to highlight a few.
“It is the first in the deep water offshore PSC following the successful completion of the 2024 licensing round.
“It is the first PSC that comprehensively covers in scope both crude oil and natural gas. It is the first PSC with robust gas terms including a profit gas split that incentives monetisation of non-associated gas.
“So this is quite front leading from as you know, following the PIA, the whole non-associated gas in the deep water is one of the critical areas that we needed to really push the frontiers in Nigeria,” he said.
Ojulari said the PSC had robust fiscal terms, including a signature bonus of 10 million dollars, production bonus of two million barrels and four million or cash equivalent on attainment of 35 million barrels and 100 million barrels production respectively.
“We will ensure there are no gaps. It will bring NNPC Limited closer to achieving the target of three million barrels per day and an additional investment of 60 billion dollars by 2030,” he said.
The Managing Director of TotalEnergies, Mr Mathieu Bouyer, thanked NUPRC for the work done in ensuring extensive deliberations, rigorous evaluations and transparent bid process concluded in December, 2024.
“We are honoured to be the first International Oil Company to be awarded an exploration block in 10 years and that our joint bid with our partner Sapetro was successful.
“We are eager to progress swiftly and responsibly with the implementation of the agreed work programme for both blocks,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Okaba, INC leader, identifies oil sector challenges
Oil & Gas

Okaba, INC leader, identifies oil sector challenges

By Deborah Coker

Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Global President, Ijaw National Congress (INC), says the main challenge facing the nation’s oil industry is poor execution rather than dearth of policies.

Okaba said this in a paper he presented at the GbaramatuVoice 10th Anniversary Lecture and Night of Honour, held in Abuja.

The paper was entitled ‘’Gaps and Silence in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Economy: Appraisal of Resource Control, Security and Media Dynamics.’’

He said that Niger Delta’s ecological and social crises required more community-focused reforms resource in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.

He also said it required prioritisation of domestic industrialisation over export rents and funding of advocacy journalism to make silence unsustainable.

According to him, as Nigeria targets 2.5 million bpd (barrels per day) production, bridging these gaps is essential to transform the “curse of oil” into equitable energy future.

‘’We must take very seriously the fact that monumental gaps and silences abound everywhere in this country of ours; from education, healthcare delivery services, agriculture among others.

‘’This is due mainly to unaddressed constitutional infractions, systemic corruption and mass indiscipline,’’ he said.

Okaba said this had left many citizens frustrated and disenchanted thereby making retrogressive reactions attractive.

“We must all rise to the occasion and in synergy be decisive in our resolve to individually and collectively reset our nationhood and restore our national pride, prosperity and dignity.

He urged the media to continue to highlight the challenges faced by Niger Delta communities.

“The media is truly a weapon of justice; to every politician and policy maker, govern as if your legacy depends on justice in the creeks.

“The Niger Delta is not a victim. We are the moral compass of Nigeria. Let the creeks speak. Let Nigeria listen. And let the world bear witness,’’ he said.

Okaba also said that the Niger Delta could no longer expect approval from institutions that had failed to meet its expectations.

“The Niger Delta can no longer linger in expectation of validation from institutions that have willfully chosen blindness to our suffering and deafness to our truth.

‘’Our wounds are not invisible. Our cries are not faint. And our humanity is not negotiable. The time has come to transcend mere exposure and embrace authentic empowerment,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Military reaffirms commitment to securing oil, gas in South-South region
Oil & Gas

Military reaffirms commitment to securing oil, gas in South-South region

By Jessica Dogo

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has pledged the Nigerian military’s support to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) in securing oil and gas facilities in the region.

Musa made the pledge when a delegation of the SSDC paid a courtesy visit to him at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

He endorsed the commission’s proactive approach and assured strong partnership.

Highlighting the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, Musa stressed community-based initiatives, including the revitalisation of jetties and waterway terminals as alternatives to road and air transport.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the SSDC, describing it as a timely move for regional stability and growth.

“The military will secure oil and gas facilities in the South-South. This will strengthen peace, security, and sustainable development in the region,” he said.

Earlier, the Managing Director of SSDC, Ms Usoro Akpabio, said the commission’s agenda was centred around addressing militancy, pipeline vandalism, illegal mining, and community violence.

Akpabio explained that the SSDC proposed frameworks for intelligence sharing, rapid response, community engagement, and capacity building to protect critical infrastructure and stabilise the region.

She pledged to work with governors in the South-South to strengthen security through community development and amnesty initiatives.

She added that the commission would leverage the region’s mineral resources, promote youth entrepreneurship, and drive environmental sustainability programmes to tackle unemployment and restiveness.

According to her, the SSDC will soon launch grassroots engagement forums across the six South-South states to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in project implementation.

“This visit marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between the SSDC and the armed forces to foster peace, security, and economic transformation in the South-South region.

Akpabio was accompanied by Dr Charles Enukhowate, Joseph Ugheoke, Executive Director, Environment and Commercial, Marcus Ejii, Executive Director, Projects, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Policy instability hurts oil investment – PENGASSAN
Oil & Gas

Policy instability hurts oil investment – PENGASSAN

Investment

By Joan Nwagwu

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has cautioned that ongoing policy instability is discouraging investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Mr Festus Osifo, President of PENGASSAN, raised the concern on Wednesday at the opening of the 4th Petroleum and Energy Advancement and Leadership Summit (PEALS 2025), held in Abuja.

The summit’s theme is “Building a Resilient Oil and Gas Sector in Nigeria.”

Osifo noted that frequent amendments to key laws, particularly the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), had created uncertainty for investors.

“Amendments are inevitable but must not be haphazard or intermittent.

“Businesses need stable policies for long-term planning, job protection, and sustainable production,” he said.

While expressing concern about erratic legislative changes, he commended recent executive orders signed by President Bola Tinubu aimed at boosting oil production, advancing gas development, and streamlining contracting processes.

He described them as “steps in the right direction.”

On worker safety, Osifo emphasised that “no job is worth a life,” stressing the need for strong safety procedures, continuous training, and transparent reporting across both offshore and onshore facilities.

He referenced last 2024 helicopter crash near Bonny that claimed the lives of three PENGASSAN members.

Turning to environmental concerns, he called for an immediate end to gas flaring, cleanup of polluted areas, and stricter accountability for oil operators.

He stressed that Nigeria must protect its land, rivers, and air.

“Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards are now critical for global competitiveness. Sustainability reporting must sit alongside financial statements,” Osifo added.

The PENGASSAN President said the summit would explore pathways to sustaining production recovery, curbing pipeline vandalism, resolving contract delays, developing marginal fields, and bridging funding gaps.

He also pledged the union’s continued commitment to members’ welfare, including leadership development, health programmes, wealth creation, and estate planning.

In his remarks, Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, Mr Bayo Ojulari, lauded PENGASSAN’s leadership and described PEALS as a strategic platform aligning labour, industry, and government to shape Nigeria’s energy future.

He reaffirmed NNPC’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and safety, noting that partnerships with unions and regulators were essential to building a globally competitive oil and gas sector.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, also addressed the summit, urging Nigeria to lead, not just follow, in the global shift toward cleaner energy and ethical industry practices.

“Resilience in oil and gas is not only about infrastructure or investment, but about people, labour policy, and empowering the workforce,” Dingyadi said.

He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to tripartite dialogue, decent work, skills development, and fair wages.

He further emphasised that health and safety must be “non-negotiable pillars” of a resilient energy system and urged companies to prioritise ESG compliance.

He called on unions to pursue constructive engagement and on government agencies to streamline regulations that balanced labour welfare with investor confidence. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu commissions WAGL’s 40,000 CBM LPG vessel in South Korea
Oil & Gas

Tinubu commissions WAGL’s 40,000 CBM LPG vessel in South Korea

By Emmanuella Anokam

President Bola Tinubu has commissioned a 40,000 cubic metre (CBM) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel, christened “MT Iyaloja (Lagos),” in Ulsan, South Korea to deepen LPG availability and affordability.

The President, at the commissioning of the 40,000 CBM LPG vessel on Monday, said Nigeria was poised to deliver clean and sustainable energy solutions not just in-country but also across Africa and beyond.

The vessel owned by WAGL Energy Limited (an NNPC Ltd./Sahara Group Joint Venture) is a dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier.

This latest addition brings WAGL’s total LPG vessel capacity to 162,000 CBM. Other vessels in the fleet include MT Africa Gas, MT Sahara Gas, MT BaruMK, and MT Sapet.

Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, the President commended WAGL Energy Limited, NNPC Limited and Sahara Group, for their strategic foresight.

Tinubu, in a statement by the NNPC Ltd. management also lauded the partners for their technical excellence and unwavering dedication to expanding Africa’s role in the global clean energy value-chain.

In his remarks, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., Mr Bashir Ojulari, described WAGL’s LPG Vessel as a great addition to gas development efforts in Nigeria.

The GCEO, represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, added that the vessel will be crucial in realising the impact of gas in Nigeria’s economic development.

Ojulari said the NNPC Ltd. was deepening its commitment to ensure LPG affordability, availability and access, nationwide.

“NNPC Ltd. is proud to be a major shareholder in this indigenous company which, in addition to the newly commissioned vessel, owns four other LPG vessels in its growing fleet, delivering over six million MT of LPG across West Africa over the last five years,” he added.

Also speaking, WAGL’s Chairman/Executive Director at Sahara Group, Mr Temitope Shonubi, said that the company’s expansion demonstrated its vision of responsibly driving efforts aimed at bridging the continent’s critical energy infrastructure gap.

“The addition of MT Iyaloja (Lagos) embodies the spirit of progress and empowerment championed by the iconic Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, whose legacy we honour.

“Sahara Group is proud of its partnership with NNPC Ltd. and reaffirms its commitment to partnerships that drive energy access in Africa,” he added.

WAGL’s Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Bello, said that the company was dedicated to expanding its integrated supply network across the entire energy value chain.

“WAGL already has plans to further expand the fleet within the next two years with the addition of a Small Gas Carrier and a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC),” he added.

The symbolic ribbon cutting of MT Iyaloja (Lagos) named in honour of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, (the late mother of President Bola Tinubu), was performed by her grand-daughter, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Alhaja Folasade Tinubu-Ojo. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

A’Ibom: NGO trains HCDT members in projects, fund management
Oil & Gas

A’Ibom: NGO trains HCDT members in projects, fund management

By Isaiah Eka

An NGO, Connected Development (CODE), has trained members of Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) in Akwa Ibom on effective projects and funds management techniques.

The one-day workshop, which aimed to equip members of HCDT in Akwa Ibom with project management and development skills, was organised in collaboration with Oxfam Foundation.

Speaking at the workshop in Uyo on Thursday, CODE’s Programmes Officer, Mr Abdulazeez Hussani, said the workshop would also equip participants with project management, resource mobilisation and community development skills.

Hussani urged the HCDT members to thoroughly interface with community dwellers before embarking on any project in order to ensure acceptance.

The programmes officer further urged them to ensure proper management and utilisation of the funds allocated to them for community development projects.

He stated that the workshop was also to equip host community trust members on grievance addressing mechanisms, saying, “this is critical in safeguarding community rights around the Petroleum Industry Act”

“We are currently in Uyo to engage with HCDT members, civil society organisations, community-based organisations, settlers and government officials.

“The essence is to strengthen the capacity of this category of stakeholders in project management, resource mobilisation and communication,” he said.

Hussani urged HCDT members to ensure transparency in handling projects in their respective communities, adding,”ensure proper communication, it is the key to effective engagement”

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Nsikak Ekong, commended CODE for organising the workshop, describing it as an essential step towards equipping host communities with project and resource management skills.

Represented by Mr Idongesit Essen, a Director in the ministry, Ekong urged HCDT members to ensure transparent engagement and prudent management of resources.

He said that the workshop was in line with the state government’s policy on grassroots empowerment, transparency, and sustainable community development.

One of the participants, Dr Umana Umana, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the training would enhance synergy among host community development trust members.

Umana, a member of Eket HCDT, said that the training had equipped host community development trust members with the skills to serve better.

“The training has added value to us, we can now go back to re-strategise, identify projects, communicate with the people, and implement such projects with transparency,” he said.

NAN reports that participants at the training workshop were drawn from oil producing communities across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Azubuike Okeh

NOGASA resumes fuel supply to IHS
Oil & Gas

NOGASA resumes fuel supply to IHS

By Nana Hauwa Musa
The National President, Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), Mr Bennett Okorie, has directed members to resume petroleum supply to telecom tower managers, IHS.

Okorie disclosed this during a news conference in Abuja on Saturday.

He said the union had earlier instructed members to halt supply to IHS and others over debts amounting to billions of Naira.

The president directed members to resume business with IHS and other telecom operators to avert network shutdown.

“Interventions by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Communications Commission (NCC) assured us the issue will be resolved amicably from Monday.

“In the interest of energy security and Nigerians, we have resolved to resume our services immediately at the affected depots.

“The NEC of NOGASA has resolved to suspend our withdrawal of services for seven days to IHS.

“However, if the matter is not resolved within the seven days, we will resume service withdrawal without further notice.

“All suppliers are directed to resume business with IHS immediately, providing 24-hour round-the-clock services if possible, to make up for lost time,” Okorie said.

He warned that if the debts remain unpaid within seven days, NOGASA members would resume service withdrawal without prior notice. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Kamal Tayo Oropo

NOSDRA, EU collaborate on oil spill response
Oil & Gas

NOSDRA, EU collaborate on oil spill response

By Diana Omueza

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) is collaborating with the European Union in the areas of oil spill response and environmental protection in the country’s oil-producing regions

This followed a bold step toward international partnership following a strategic engagement meeting with the European Union (EU) Delegation, held at the EU office.

The meeting led by the Director General of NOSDRA, Chukwuemeka Woke, focused on forging a strategic alliance with the EU to strengthen the agency’s institutional mandate.

“Priority areas for collaboration discussed during the meeting included the development of a robust environmental impact assessment and remediation framework for artisanal refining sites, the deployment of in-situ oil spill response equipment and tools, and the enhancement of human capacity through structured training and retraining initiatives.

“This partnership is essential to tackling persistent environmental threats particularly the challenges posed by illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refining which have devastated oil-producing communities across Nigeria.

“The main objective of this visit is to seek strategic collaboration with the EU to help escalate the challenges we face, particularly the issues of illegal bunkering and artisanal refineries. With the support of the Nigerian government and the European Union, we believe we can eliminate the suffering of people living in oil spill-impacted areas and attract stronger international commitment to environmental justice,” Woke said.

The NOSDRA DG noted that effective international collaboration would not only bring global attention to the environmental degradation in the Niger Delta and other oil-producing regions, but also drive impactful policy reforms and resource mobilisation needed for long-term remediation and sustainable development.

In response, the Acting Head of Delegation at the EU, Ruben Alba, welcomed the NOSDRA team and praised the agency for taking the initiative to engage with international partners.

He announced that the EU would establish a technical working group to review NOSDRA’s mandate and identify areas where the EU could provide meaningful support.

“We appreciate NOSDRA’s efforts and commitment to environmental protection. As a next step, we will establish a smaller committee to examine the agency’s mandate and determine how best we can contribute to its objectives,” Alba said.

EU officials at the meeting include Temitayo Omole, Programme Manager for Human Development, Tomasz Gawlik, Programme Officer for the Climate, Green and Digital Economy Section and Godfrey Ogbemudia, Programme Manager for Energy and Satellite Initiatives.

On the NOSDRA side, members of the agency’s management team were also present.

A detailed presentation was delivered by NOSDRA staff, outlining the agency’s core functions, the scale of environmental challenges caused by oil spills, and the critical need for technical and policy-based support from the EU to enhance environmental monitoring, emergency response capabilities, and regulatory enforcement.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained dialogue and partnership.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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