The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) says it expects over 300 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from eight vessels to ease fuel scarcity and queues in Lagos and other parts of the country this week.
MEMAN Chairman, Mr Huub Stokman, said this while addressing newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday.
Stokman said that the organisation was actively coordinating with its members in Apapa and other locations to ensure that fuel was loaded and distributed to retail outlets safely and quickly.
He said that this effort was aimed at addressing the current fuel shortage and the challenges faced by consumers.
According to him, MEMAN is working closely with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and other stakeholders to eliminate fuel queues and restore stability.
“Additional support is being provided by the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD).
“MEMAN is extending depot loading time to ensure that loading goes unhindered including tomorrow the 1st of May 2024.
“Selected retail outlets will be open for longer hours to ensure we can service our customers as long and as safely as possible.
“Independent marketers (depots &stations) are being allocated additional fuel to alleviate the situation,” he said.
Stokman said that the association remained committed to supporting the Federal Government’s distribution efforts and ensuring the availability of petroleum products nationwide. (NAN)
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said it has begun the conduct of fresh bid round for marginal oil fields in Nigeria.
The NUPRC said 12 oil fields would be offered together with the five from the 2022 bid round that was put on hold due to the 2023 general elections.
The Commission’s Chief Executive, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, said this at the Maiden Edition of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Policy Dialogue on Monday in Abuja.
The NEITI House Dialogue is a platform for quarterly policy briefing by Chief Executive Officers and policy makers in the extractive industries to update the public on their activities.
It enables them present information and data on key transparency and accountability policy reform efforts either accomplished or ongoing in their respective organisations.
Komolafe, in his presentation, said the bid round would be conducted between 2024 and 2025.
He stated that the Commission would conduct a comprehensive review of all awarded assets to ascertain active and idle assets in the industry.
He assured that the process would be fair, transparent and competitive in line with Section 73(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He said it would be difficult to put a figure to the amount that would be generated from the bid round, adding, however, that it would run into billions of dollars.
According to him, the country’s oil production is currently hovering around 1.4mbpd and 1.5mbpd.
He said the petroleum environment prior to the PIA was chaotic, but had been changed with 25 regulations put in place by the Commission.
He added that the sector had become predictable for investors to come in.
Komolafe said the Commission awarded 49 gas flare sites under the gas commercialisation programme of the Federal Government, and generated N4.344 trillion revenue in 2023.
Earlier, in his Opening Remarks, the NEITI Executive Secretary, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said the Dialogue would host notable policy makers in Nigeria’s extractive industries and related sectors.
Orji said it would address issues that were of interest and topical to the industry.
He added that the policy dialogue would also get the invited policy maker to provide update or status report on the implementation of NEITI report recommendations as it concerned the agency.
“This is with a view to deepening not just government oversight and reforms in the extractive sector, but making it inclusive of all stakeholders.
“Selected section of company representatives, media and civil society actors will be invited to the programme live.
“This is to demonstrate the multi-stakeholders’ nature of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) assets being considered for divestments have an estimated reserve of 4.96 billion barrels of oil.
The Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mr Gbenga Komolafe disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the NUPRC-SPDC due diligence divestment workshop.
Komolafe said at the workshop that the assets have reserves of 1.77 billion barrels of condensate, 28.16 trillion cubic feet of associated gas and 28.11 trillion cubic feet of non-associated gas.
The workshop was aimed at discussing the proposed divestment of the participating interests held by SPDC in the SPDC JV Assets, through a sale by the shareholders of all the issued shares of SPDC to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.
The SPDC JV assets are currently operated by the SPDC on behalf of its Joint Venture (JV) partners namely Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Total Upstream Nigeria Limited, Nigeria Agip Oil Company and SPDC.
“To date, the assets have achieved a cumulative production of 5.35 billion barrels of crude oil, 165. 57 million barrels of condensate, 9.51 trillion cubic feet of associated gas and 3.75 trillion cubic feet of non-associated gas.
“These contribute to the achievement of Nigeria’s crude and condensate output.
“The assets being considered have an estimated total reserve of 4.96 billion barrels of oil, 1.77 billion barrels of condensate, 28.16 trillion cubic feet of associated gas and 28.11 trillion cubic feet of non-associated gas.
“This makes a significant contribution to the nation’s hydrocarbon resources.
“Additionally, these assets hold P3 reserves estimated at 2.85 billion barrels of oil, 850.85 million barrels of condensate, 11.3 trillion cubic feet of associated gas and 12.26 trillion cubic feet of Non-Associated Gas,” he said.
Komolafe said the due diligence meeting would enable the commission to identify a successor who would not only possess the requisite financial resources but also demonstrate the technical expertise to responsibly manage these assets throughout their lifecycle.
He further said that the commission would ensure that the inherent environmental and end-of-life liabilities such as decommissioning liabilities were accurately identified and assigned to the party best equipped to bear the associated risks.
This, he said would necessitate a comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements, industry best practices and the unique challenges inherent in oil and gas operations.
“To this end, we have implemented robust measures to streamline regulatory procedures and eliminate unnecessary barriers to investment.
“Let me emphasise that the NUPRC wholeheartedly welcomes investment in the Nigerian upstream petroleum sector.
“We recognise the critical role investment plays in driving innovation, creating employment opportunities and ultimately fueling economic prosperity for our nation and its people.
“Therefore, we are always eager to welcome local and international investors who choose to invest in the Nigerian upstream petroleum sector,” he said.
He added that the commission was fully committed to facilitating and supporting investment initiatives that align with national development goals.
Komolafe urged SPDC and Renaissance to engage proactively, adhere to regulatory requirements and work collaboratively with the NUPRC to ensure the successful conclusion of the Shell Divestment.
“As regulators, we will ensure that this evaluation is conducted with precision and impartiality, with a focus on transparency and accountability,” he said.
He lauded President Bola Tinubu for his support and commitment towards ensuring a purposeful leadership that would attract investment and development of the country’s oil and gas sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NUPRC has developed a Divestment Framework consisting of seven cardinal pillars to guide the assessment of applications for Ministerial consent to the SPDC divestments and other similar divestments. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has developed a divestment framework to guide the assessment of applications for ministerial consent to the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. (SPDC) divestment.
The NUPRC said the framework with seven cardinal pillars would also guide other similar divestments in the country.
The commission’s Chief Executive, NUPRC, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, said this at the NUPRC-Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. divestment workshop on Monday in Abuja.
The due diligence workshop aimed at discussing the proposed divestment of the participating interests in the SPDC JV Assets, through a sale by its shareholders of all the issued shares of the SPDC to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd.
The SPDC JV assets are currently operated by the SPDC on behalf of its Joint Venture (JV) partners, namely, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Total Upstream Nigeria Limited, Nigeria Agip Oil Company and SPDC.
SPDC JV OMLs were originally awarded as Oil Exploration Licence -1(OEL-1) on Jan. 1, 1949, covering the whole of southern Nigeria and Cameroon.
Ultimately, the assets were converted to OMLs in April 1962 and subsequently renewed in 2014 and 2018 for 20 years.
Komolafe listed the cardinal pillars to include technical capacity, financial, legal, decommissioning and abandonment (D&A), host community trust/environmental remediation fund, industrial relations and labour issues and data repatriation.
On technical capacity, he said the successor entity must demonstrate verifiable capacity to operate the asset vigorously, while the NUPRC shall assess the prospective successor’s financial viability to undertake a defined programme and fulfil required obligations on the assets.
On the legal framework, he said the acquiring entity must be ‘fit and proper’ persons in the eyes of the law.
He added that clear evidence of resolutions of legacy debts and legal encumbrances must be established.
“Applicable decommissioning and abandonment costs must be diligently assessed and ensure settlement of outstanding obligations. Commission will ensure that potential exposure of the Nigerian government to decommissioning liabilities is averted.
“The commission shall assess the status of Host Community Trust Fund obligations and ensure the robustness of the successor entity’s adherence to decarbonisation plans and sound Environmental Social & Governance principles.
“The commission shall implement a robust assessment mechanism to avert undesirable labour union issues and disharmony arising from the divestment process.
“Concerned parties shall endorse a “Certificate of Settlement” to validate alignments reached on all labour issues (staff welfare, benefits, entitlements as well as disengagement, redundancies and retirement, among others).
“The aim is to ensure the nation averts socioeconomic disruptions arising from failure to resolve labour issues that might result because of post-divestment,” he said.
On data repatriation, the CCE emphasised that the commission would ensure that all data mined during the operating life of the asset were repatriated to the National Data Repository in line with extant regulations.
Komolafe, however, emphasised that the NUPRC would remain committed to free entry, free exit business principle aimed at encouraging investors in the sector.
Mr Wessel de Haas, General Manager, SPDC Assets and Deputy Managing Director, reiterated the significant contribution the company had made and expected to make in the future, toward Nigeria’s economic growth.
He anticipated a favourable outcome from the workshop with expectation of a due diligence process to finalise the divestment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
African oil and gas executives and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operators are set to discuss opportunities and collaborations for investment in the industry at the 2024 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, U.S.
Mrs Jumoke Oyedun, the Chief Executive Officer of New House International Ltd., said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
She said that the company would lead a delegation of African executives and SMEs to the OTC 2024 taking place from May 6 to May 9.
Oyedun said that the annual event is one of the largest gatherings of oil and gas industry operators worldwide.
She said that the conference would afford participants the opportunity to meet with the best and latest technological development in the oil and gas industry worldwide.
Oyedun noted that the delegates would also be able to tap into opportunities available in the global energy industry.
She said that the annual event would attract foreign investments, leading to partnering needed to boost the oil and gas industry.
She said: “The New House International Ltd., is an indigenous Events Management Company (EMC), registered also in the United States of America with a vision of supporting and promoting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from the African region to the global market.
“The company coordinates the exhibition, participation, and logistics of these SMEs in international conferences and exhibitions.
“OTC 2023 presents another unique opportunity for interested companies to showcase themselves,” she said.
According to her, the conference will afford participants to meet with the best and latest technologies and allow the delegates to tap into the opportunities available in the global energy industry.
She said: “The African delegation comprising chief executives of oil service companies and government officials from the following confirmed countries and national corporations: Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Uganda, Tanzania, Uganda, Gambia, Namibia, Mozambique, etc.
“They will during the conference, make several presentations aimed at highlighting the opportunities for investment in their respective oil and gas industry and will explore opportunities to attract foreign investment and partnership to boost regional oil and gas industry.
” The CEOs of various oil companies will discuss and secure business transactions with relevant participating companies,” she added.
She said that the company is at the forefront of empowering SMEs from the African region and also facilitates their integration into the global market in conferences and exhibition.
According to her, by curating this distinguished delegation, the company champions entrepreneurship, innovation, and cross-border collaboration, fostering sustainable growth and economic development.
“OTC 2024 stands as the premier platform for industry leaders to convene, exchange insights, and delve into the latest technological advancements and investment opportunities within the global energy sector.
“Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Houston, Texas, this delegation will engage in discussions surrounding groundbreaking innovations, strategic partnerships and investment prospects shaping the future of energy.
Oyedun said that the OTC 2024 delegation would feature impressive roster of companies poised to showcase their services and products.
She said that the companies expected at the conference were Seplat Energy Plc, Goddie Chemicals, International Ltd., Western Ltd., Afagaf Company Ltd, JOENY Holdings Ltd. and Well Energy Ltd.
Others include Prudent Energy/ Ardova Plc, Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre, New Energy Services Company Ltd., Numad Energy, Integrated Services Ltd., Plc, among others. (NAN)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
The Federal Government through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) has attracted a 50 million dollar deal for the conversion of commercial vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The P-CNGi Programme Director/Chief Executive, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, said this on Saturday during a Live programme on television tagged ‘’Compressed Natural Gas Roll Out: Prospects for Economic Growth.”
Oluwagbemi said the deal, which was a private sector initiative, would enable the construction of CNG conversion workshop infrastructure across the country.
P-CNGi is a component of President Bola Tinubu administration’s palliative directed at providing succour to the masses, following the removal of fuel subsidy.
To alleviate the burden of rising fuel prices, the Federal Government allocated N100 billion from the N500 billion palliative budget to buy 5,500 CNG vehicles (buses and tricycles), 100 electric buses, and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits.
“We will be announcing on May 29, targeted conversion incentive programme for the mass transit sector.
“We are working with our partners in the mass transit sector, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), to determine modalities for providing the equipment and incentive,” he said.
He said the first phase of the initiative would roll out 100 conversion workshops and 60 refuelling sites across 18 states in Nigeria before the end of 2024.
“We are very well on track to meet all our objectives this year with respect to conversion centres, we are beginning to see the private sector jump in; as at Friday 85, conversion centre bidders were about to be completed.
“We expect 15 more to get started before the end of May; we will hit 100 targets before the end of 2024. The private sector leads and the government supports, it is definitely a good news for Nigeria.
“CNG is much safer in natural condition than PMS and Diesel, with bullet-proof container and high auto ignition temperature, almost one thousand degrees safer in natural condition than petrol,” he said.
In terms of reliability, he said it had regulations and standard developed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
He said a Nigerian gas vehicle monitoring system was also being established to ensure safety of operation from the point of conversion to the point of refuelling.
He said the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and other agencies were also involved in promoting the initiative.
“Throughout the country we are rolling out conversion centres, we will be able to provide it at a subsidised cost and significant discount while allowing them to pay back slowly.
“For us as a government, it is not really subsidy, rather utilisation fund,” he said.
CNG Bus
Also speaking, Dr Mohammed Bawa, Group Managing Director, ABG Group, said the Group had a partnership with banks to assist anyone willing to convert his or her vehicle.
He said since the initial investment was on the high side, the group could recommend for the bank to pay on behalf of anyone interested, while the person would repay over a period of time without interest.
“Nigerians are entrepreneurial by nature and always want an enabling environment and support by government.
“This government has taken the bull by the horn by putting in place the P-CNGi, which is doing a great job; automatically the private sector is already keying in.
“Not less than 20 private sector players have keyed into the CNG space and value chain, from conversion to refuelling. Now that the atmosphere is inviting, you will see many Nigerians investing in it,” he said.
He further said that before the end of May 2024, based on reliable information from the private sector, there would be at least six CNG refuelling centres in Abuja, as against only two stations currently.
Fuel subsidy removal caused an increase in transport fare, but the deployment of CNG vehicles is expected to reduce reliance on petrol and diesel thereby making transportation affordable and mitigate air pollution which aligns with the Paris Climate Accord.
Conversion of vehicles costs between N700,000 and N800,000, and vehicles can also operate on the energy mix of petrol and CNG after conversion safely. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, says Federal Government is employing a dual-pronged approach to combating illegal mining in the country.
Alake stated this while declaring open a two-day ministerial stepdown retreat, organised for the staff of the ministry and its parastatals on Friday in Abuja.
The theme of the retreat is “Delivering on the Eight Presidential Priorities.”
The retreat is geared towards ensuring that the workers performed their duties diligently in line with the eight presidential priorities of the Tinubu’s administration, particularly in unlocking energy and natural resources for sustainable development.
Alake said that the dual approach comprised both coercive and persuasive measures, being concurrently to get the desired result.
He explained that the persuasive method involved formalising artisanal and illegal miners into cooperatives, where they could attract adequate funding and be easily identified for incentives and other interventions.
“Their business will become enhanced and they can attract funding from financial institutions.
“They can increase their profits then government can identify with them and obtain the necessary royalties, taxes and revenue that have been lost before,” he said.
According to the minister, within three months of the policy, no fewer than 70 cooperatives have been established.
He said that part of the coercive approach was the establishment of the Mining Marshal Corp who were recently deployed to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to secure the mining environment.
The minister said that Africa possessed more than 60 per cent of the worlds natural resources and should take advantage of the resources to develop its economy by demanding value addition for its mineral resources.
He reiterated that approval for licences would only be given to mining companies that would comply with value addition to mineral resources.
Alake pointed out that Nigeria has the critical minerals needed for the global energy transition in commercial quantities but required the cooperation of its workforce to assist in marketing the products and sanitising the sector.
He said that the government was marketing its solid minerals to attract foreign direct investment, create jobs, support small and medium-sized companies, and foster sustainable economic development.
The minister said that the retreat was a period for the workers to reflect on their performance and make necessary adjustments, as productivity was key to achieving the presidential priorities areas.
He added that it was an opportunity for the workers to engage in fruitful discussions, especially towards the ministry’s seven-point agenda, shared best practices, and identifying innovative strategies to actualise the presidential priorities.
“The importance of delivering on this priority area (energy and natural resources) cannot be over emphasised.
“The Nigerian economy is in dire need of rapid economic growth through the solid mineral sector, given the limitless value this sector can provide.
“I believe with the efforts of everyone in this room, the Nigerian Economy can be positively catalysed,” he said.
The minister maintained that good character and the right mental capacity were required to achieve the ministry’s seven-point agenda.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says the issues that led to the tightness in the supply of fuel currently being experienced in some parts of the country have been resolved.
The NNPC Ltd. said that the issues were as a result of logistics problems.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. Olufemi Soneye, made the disclosure on Thursday while reacting to the situation.
Soneye reiterated that the prices of petroleum products were not changing.
“The NNPC Ltd. wishes to clarify that the tightness in the supply of PMS currently being experienced in some areas across the country is as a result of logistics issues and they have been resolved.
“The NNPC Ltd. urges Nigerians to avoid panic buying as there is a sufficiency of products in the country,” he assured.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed worry over the long queues experienced presently at fuel stations due to scarcity of PMS.
The independent marketers sell between N680 and N800 per litre, while the NNPC Ltd. retail outlets maintain its pump price of N617 per litre.
The black marketers are also seen along the roads and in front of fuel stations making brisk business, selling above N1,000 per litre of fuel.
Some of the motorists have expressed sadness at the inconsistency and unavailability of fuel and its associated high price in the country.
They have also appealed to the Federal Government to urgently resolve whatever the issues were. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed worry over the long queues presently experienced at fueling stations within Abuja due to scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) known as fuel.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who went round the town on Wednesday reports that long queues were seen at fuel stations due to scarcity of the product.
In the city centre, long queues were seen at TotalEnergies, Wuse, Zone 3, TotalEnergies by Audit House, Cornoil and TotalEnergies, opposite the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) Towers and all NNPC Ltd. Retail Outlets.
Along Kubwa express way, the NNPC Ltd. Retail Outlets opposite Salbas fuel station, Shema and AA Rano fuel stations as well as Evergreen station inside Kubwa had long queues.
Along Airport Road, Rimaco fuel station and NNPC Ltd. retail outlet had long queues as well as stranded passengers.
The independent marketers sell between N680 to N700 per litre, while the NNPC Ltd. retail outlets maintain its pump price of N617 per litre.
The black marketers were also seen along the roads and in front of fuel stations making brisk business, selling at N1, 000 per litre of fuel.
Some of the motorists expressed sadness at the inconsistency and unavailability of fuel and its associated high price in the country.
They appealed to the Federal Government to resolve whatever the issues were.
Mr Kingsley Adeh, a motorist, complained that he spends more than N100, 000 in purchasing fuel on weekly basis but make no gain.
He said that this had forced many motorists to park their vehicles at home, thereby reducing traffic, while passengers, especially workers were left stranded daily at various bus stops.
However, an official of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said there was no PMS distribution challenge in the FCT.
He said almost every fuel station had PMS to sell and that the few stations with queues were those selling cheaper than others, especially the NNPC Ltd.’s retail outlet.
“I drove round the city centre and there were no queues except at the NNPC retail station,” he said.
Speaking with NAN, Alhaji Maigandi Garima, the President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said there were queues because people prefer to buy fuel from NNPC retail outlets or stations that sell below the rate of independent marketers.
“That is the reason for the long queues but if you go to the independent marketers such as IPMAN, Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) and Depot and Petroleum Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (DAPMAN), you will not see much queues.
“The independent marketers sell higher because of the rate they buy from private depots while those that buy from the NNPC Ltd. depots sell cheaper.
“The ex-depot price for private depot is between N650 and N690, while the ex-depot price for NNPC Ltd. depot is N555 per litre,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), says it has developed a Corrective Action Plan to address issues identified in its validation report by the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
It said the corrective action plan had been shared with the EITI International Secretariat, outlining concrete steps to enhance Nigeria’s implementation of the EITI Standard.
Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary, NEITI said this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the status of the EITI implementation in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a delegation from EITI International Secretariat had visited Nigeria in January to officially communicate the validation outcome to the government.
Global EITI was established with the objective of transparency and disclosing payments and revenues from extractive resources.
The global institution has made significant progress in facilitating openness through the entire processes in the resource extraction value chain.
Orji, however, said the briefing was necessary to address important developments after the EITI Mission’s visit in Nigeria.
“Meanwhile, as part of the follow up actions to the EITI delegation visit, NEITI has developed a corrective action plan to address the issues identified in the validation report.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Nigeria’s corrective actions will focus on improving our ranking on Stakeholders’ Engagement, which include: Government, Company and Civil Society Engagements as well as Multi Stakeholders’ Governance.
“Other requirements are Contracts and licence allocations and Licence Register Contracts.
“Already, our strategy on improving stakeholders’ engagement has yielded very positive results. We now have the NSWG in place with the SGF chairing the NEITI Board,” he said.
He said one major message the EITI International Mission communicated clearly to our government was the urgency to reconstitute the NEITI National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG) Board which was dissolved on June 19, 2023.
President Bola Tinubu had on April 22, approved reconstitution of a 15-member NSWG for NEITI.
The executive secretary said to reaffirm Nigeria’s highest commitment, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume was announced as the Chairman of the NSWG.
“Other members of the new NEITI Board (6th NSWG) include; the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, representing government and the Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Malam Mele Kyari, representing Companies, among others.
“I wish to clarify that it is a 15-member Board, no more, no less as provided by law. As Secretary to the Board and NEITI Executive Secretary/CEO, I remain on a five-year single term, no more, no less as provided by law.
“NEITI is following with interest but from a distance, the ongoing independent process by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to elect their representative on the Board.
“While we commend the painstaking efforts from the CSOs constituency, we hope this will be completed very soon to enable them take up their rightful position waiting for them on the reconstituted Board.
“For this to happen, I appeal and call on the civil society to close ranks and bury their differences. NEITI is and always will be their institution ready and open to work with all CSOs as important partners in the EITI,” he said.
Orji, while commending the larger CSOs on the support it had received from them in areas of partnership and collaboration, he said that its relationship with the media had been impressive, especially on information dissemination and public enlightenment efforts.
He reassured stakeholders, international partners and the global EITI that no stone was being left unturned in ensuring that at the next validation, Nigeria would score the maximum points of 100 in its assessment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
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