The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has countered claims made by Alhaji Aliko Dangote that International Oil Companies (IOCs) are refusing to supply his 650, 000 BPD refinery with crude.
Dangote, Africa’s richest person, had accused some international oil companies (IOCs) of struggling to supply crude to Dangote Petroleum Refinery while speaking on CNN’s ‘Connecting Africa’ programme, which aired on June 3, 2024.
Asked if domestic oil companies have been supplying crude to the refinery, he said “there are challenges”.
A few weeks later, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, also accused the IOCs of planning to frustrate the survival of the new Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Edwin had said the IOCs were deliberately and willfully frustrating the refinery’s efforts to buy local crude by hiking the cost above the market price, thereby forcing the refinery to import crude from countries as far as the United States, with its attendant high costs.
However, the NUPRC punctured the narrative on Monday as Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer while appearing on an interview with Arise TV disclosed that the Dangote refinery is receiving crude oil sales from International Oil Companies (IOCs)
He said that according to the commission’s knowledge, the IOCs are making crude oil available for interested buyers, and the product is abundant.
“Yes, in recognition of the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) that make the supply of crude to domestic refineries obligatory, the commission has enforced that. The issue is not that the IOCs or other producers are refusing to make crude available.
“To the best of the knowledge of the commission, there is nothing like IOCs being too big or not complying with their statutory obligations to make crude oil available.
“Making the crude available is done at a price and the provisions of the law is that it should be done on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis.
“No producer is refusing to make crude available to the Dangote refinery,” Komolafe said.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post IOCs supplying crude to Dangote Refinery, FG counters Dangote’s claims appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
IOCs supplying crude to Dangote Refinery, FG counters Dangote’s claims
Obaseki sacks health commissioner, Samuel Alli
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has sacked the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, with immediate effect.
According to a statement on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, the governor directed Alli to hand over all government documents and resources in his possession to the most senior civil servant within the ministry.
Ogie also announced the appointment of Dr. Roland Igbinoba as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects.
The statement reads, “The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the disengagement of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, with immediate effect.
“He is to hand over all government documents and resources in his possession to the most senior civil servant within the Ministry of Health.
“The government thanks him for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”
It added, “The governor is resolute on his finishing strong objective and will remove any obstacles that may hinder optimal service delivery to the people in the remaining four months of his administration.
“The governor has also approved the appointment of Dr. Roland Igbinoba as Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects, who will support the government in fast-tracking the conclusion of developmental projects across the state.”
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Court dismisses application to vacate forfeiture order in N96m contract fraud case
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed an application to vacate a final forfeiture order granted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in a N96 million contract fraud case.
The ruling was predicated on an application dated and filed on 15th February 2024 asking the court to set aside the interim and final forfeiture orders granted to the ICPC to freeze certain bank accounts believed to have been used to receive the sum of N96 million for contracts that were never executed.
In a case involving former Surveyor-General of the Federation (SGF), Ebisintei Bietoru Awudu, Kumeni Services Limited and Geolev Nigeria Limited, ICPC had in December, 2021 and April 2022 secured interim and final forfeiture orders respectively from the Federal High Court over funds believed to be proceeds of crime.
However, the second respondent/applicant (Kumeni Services Limited) challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter just as it argued that ICPC lacked the locus standi to apply for order of forfeiture.
Delivering her judgement on the application on Thursday, Justice Evelyn Maha held that the argument of the second respondent/applicant (Kumeni Services Limited) was confusing and unsettling because the originating process filed failed to refer to any extant law or imaginary law that precludes the federal government to apply for a forfeiture order.
“The second respondent applicant did not attach any document before me that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation did not give consent to the ICPC to file this action for forfeiture.
“Also, it’s a common knowledge in law that the AGF is in charge of protecting all the interests of the federal public in Nigeria and any action before any court of law or anything that has to do with any federal government of Nigeria.
“In that contention, the arguments of the second respondent applicant failed having not shown in the court, the law that should not allow ICPC to apply under the name of the federal government,” the judge stated.
She further stressed that ICPC did comply with the publication order made by the court for anyone affected to show course, why the interim forfeiture order should not be made final.
“And it is clear that the publication order was made by the court. Again, the second applicant is also misleading the court, as my records show that the ICPC complied with the order of publication and the interim. So, in consequence of the above, it’s my finding that the application is lacking in merit and is hereby dismissed by the court.”
Justice Maha also frowned at the application that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter saying that was a gross-abuse of court process.
“If I have heard that I don’t have jurisdiction, I would have awarded a million-dollar cost. You have to be careful because this is a gross abuse of court process.” the judge warned.
ICPC had in 2019 received a petition from concerned citizens alleging that that one Surveyor Ebisintei Bietoru Awudu, in connivance and collusion with the second respondent/applicant (Kumeni Services Limited) perpetrated fraud at the office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation.
The petition was investigated and the Commission discovered that all the contracts awarded to the 2nd Respondent/Applicant by the 1st Respondent was a conduit pipe for siphoning money belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria in form of unexecuted and inflated contracts.
Court dismisses application to vacate forfeiture order in N96m contract fraud case
13 killed in Benue communities
Gunmen suspected to be armed herders have killed 13 people in separate attacks on Benue communities on Sunday.
According to locals, 12 people were reportedly killed in Egwuma in Agatu, and one displaced person returning from a farm in Gwer West LGAs of the state.
Some locals who spoke to journalists on Monday in a telephone chat said that one displaced person was injured and five others still missing.
At Egwumoa, in Agatu LGA, suspected armed herders were said to have attacked the community in a killing spree.
Confirming the report, a lawmaker representing the Agatu state constituency at the House of Assembly, Godwin Edoh said that 12 people were killed.
He said, “We are tired of this daily killing at Ogbumogbo, Ejima and all those areas down to Ikpele, those villages have been deserted for close to one year. So, those places are like the Fulani colony.
“This one happened yesterday (Sunday) 12 people were killed.”
When told that the governor said relative peace had returned and that IDPs are going back to their ancestral homes, the lawmaker said, “It’s a lie, they are talking nonsense. There is no peace anywhere.”
“Even the IDPs they said have returned, if you go there you will see them there, so I don’t know why they use propaganda, it’s not correct.
In Gwer West LGA, suspected armed herders were reported to have attacked some displaced persons who were returning from their farms on Sunday killing one, one injured and five others still missing.
A former camp manager in Agagbe IDP camp, Jacob Terna said, “Armed Fulani herders attacked and killed Mr Ikyumbu Aondowase, 30, while Mr Achin Terzungwe, 45, was badly injured and five others missing.”
He said that the suspected armed herders ambushed the displaced people while returning from their farms.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the killing of five people in the Agatu community but said she was not aware of the incident in Agagbe, Gwer West LGA.
She said, “There was an attack in Agatu, about five persons were killed but in Gwer West am not aware of that.”
Taraba: Gov Kefas inaugurates committee on local government autonomy
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has inaugurated a seven man local government Autonomy Advisory Committee.
The committee which was inaugurated on Monday, in Jalingo, the state capital, was assigned with the responsibility of guiding the government on the implementation of the local government autonomy.
The move was necessitated by the recent Supreme Court judgement declaring full autonomy for the 774 local government councils spread across the country.
Kefas described the formation of the committee as a significant milestone in the journey of the state towards a more democratic, accountable and efficient governance system.
The judgement, as made known by the governor, aligned with his administration’s commitment to centralization and local empowerment and further sets a clear path for the full autonomy of local government councils.
Emphasizing that the judgement reaffirmed his earlier decision to conduct local government elections on the 18th of November 2023 and swear in the chairmen on the 23rd of November 2023, the steps, as opined by him, were to ensure that local government councils are equipped with the mandate and legitimacy to serve their communities effectively.
Recalling how he had earlier communicated to the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional, and Chieftaincy Affairs to allow council chairmen to take full responsibility for the management of the Joint Account and all administrative affairs, he reiterated his administration’s commitment and dedication to service, transparency and accountability.
The committee’s terms of reference as revealed by the governor, includes implementation of oversight functions, capacity building, financial autonomy, administrative reforms, security coordination, community engagements, evaluation and feedback, among others.
Responding, the committee chairman, Abel Peter Diah, said, the financial autonomy of the local government councils has been on the front burner, adding that the Supreme Court verdict was a victory for democracy and good governance.
Taraba: Gov Kefas inaugurates committee on local government autonomy
FG, World Bank set $10m for skills acquisition
The World Bank in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday expressed readiness to spend 10 million dollars for Nigerian youths to acquire the critical skills needed for employment.
The World Bank Education Specialist, Dr Mistura Rufai,, made this known at a two-day workshop for grantees of the Innovation Grant Facility in Abuja on Monday.
The workshop was organised by the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills project of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Rufai said the country needed youths to be empowered and trained in building its economic fortunes, adding that the current scheme had about 78 grantees to empower over 50,000 youths across the country.
She said, “This facility was designed to support complementing agencies that are promoting innovations in the training of digital skills.
“It aims at supporting critical intervention projects in the skills development ecosystem such that we develop digital skills across the country.
“The training is expected to have beginners, intermediate to advanced level. As we speak at the national level, we have about 10,000 youths currently being trained.
She noted that they have about 78 grantees and hopes that in about a year, they will have over 50,000 grantees being trained.
“This project has several components and the innovation ground is just a component covering about 10 million dollars.
“The selection process is very competitive and we start the process of asking potential trainees to submit expressions of interest, when this is done, we evaluate and ask them to submit a proposal and then we bring in both the private sector, experts in the field to access those proposals and then the potential grantees are ranked based on their proposals,” she added.
On her part, the National Project Coordinator, IDEAS, Blessing Ogwu, said the programme was created to give every Nigerian child the opportunity to learn and acquire skills.
Ogwu said that with the increasing number of out-of-school children in the country, there was a need to remove them from the street. She charged the grantees to be committed to the initiative to reduce the number of unemployed youths in the country.
“The essence of this project is focusing on the skill acquisition to reduce unemployment in Nigeria. We don’t need anyone to tell us that we have so many youths who are unemployed.
“Most of our youths are unemployed and the only way is for the youth to acquire our skills,” she said.
Also, the IGF Consultant, Prof. Ndem Ayara, explained that the project, scheduled to be implemented within one year, was a Public/Private Partnership arrangement.
“In the partnership, the public sector will support the consortium to implement the project up to 80 per cent, the private sector partner will provide 20 per cent.
“Of the 20 per cent by the private sector, they will contribute 10 per cent in kind and the other 10 per cent in cash.
“It is the cash component of the private sector contribution that is expected to be the counterpart funding by the private sector,” Ayara said.
Tinubu: Ndume’s voice can’t be suppressed – Arewa youths tackle Northern elders
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, on Monday condemned the remark by the Coalition of North-East Elders Forum, CNEF, against the Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
AYCF accused the CNEF of attempting to “suppress dissent and freedom of expression”.
Ndume had claimed that Tinubu’s administration is composed of “kleptocrats”.
He noted that the current administration is being led by the least competent and most corrupt individuals primarily focused on embezzling resources.
Ndume’s remark drew condemnation from the CNEF.
Reacting, the National President of AYCF, Yerima Shettima emphasized that while the remarks represent Ndume’s personal opinions, his right to express them is protected and should be respected.
In a statement he signed, Shettima said: “The attack from CNEF against Senator Ndume is vindictive, unwarranted, and an unacceptable affront to democratic principles of freedom and fair play.
“It is a brutal encroachment on his right to freedom of expression, safeguarded by various international treaties and conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.”
The AYCF also voiced concerns over growing speculations that Ndume might be relieved of his position as Chief Whip of the Senate.
The group warned that any further attempt to breach Ndume’s fundamental right to hold differing views will be vigorously resisted and vehemently challenged.
“Any government that cannot be criticized is a liability,” stated Shettima, while urging the North-East elders to desist from their “indiscriminate attacks on Senator Ndume,” whom they referred to as an “eminent hero of the Northern youth.”
While the AYCF clarified that it does not currently favor protests, it stressed that Ndume’s observations regarding the current harsh realities faced by Nigerians are apt and timely.
The group urged the government to heed the senator’s observations for the benefit of all citizens and warned North-East elders against manipulating and politicizing security issues for their own gain.
“The observations raised by Senator Ndume should be heeded by the government, as they reflect the collective concerns of many Nigerians facing hardships,” the statement concluded.
The AYCF further expressed its commitment towards upholding democratic values and the right to freedom of expression, calling on all stakeholders to adopt a more tolerant and constructive approach to differing viewpoints.
Tinubu: Ndume’s voice can’t be suppressed – Arewa youths tackle Northern elders
Nigeria losing $9bn yearly to illegal mining- Reps C’ttee
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gbefwi, on Monday disclosed that illegal mining activities in Nigeria are costing the country about $9bn annually.
This is just as the lawmaker lamented that only 3 per cent royalty gets paid into government coffers by the few miners licenced to operate legally across the country.
At the investigative hearing organised by the committee in Abuja, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa shocked lawmakers and industry stakeholders with his claim that illegal miners are highly connected and often boast of the same everywhere they go.
The CDS added that men of the Nigerian Army have so far, arrested 387 individuals linked with illegal mining.
Speaking at the event, Gbefwi stated that illegal miners have worked against the economy of the country, preventing her from making the most of its mineral resources.
He said, ” The parliament is deeply worried about the loss of revenue through unregulated and illicit mining operations with the Federal Government disclosing that unlawful mining costs the country $9bn each year, with the only money coming from a 3 per cent royalty paid by the few licensed miners.
“This public hearing is aimed at investigating illegal mining activities, under-reporting wins (extract e-Products) by mining and quarry license operators, utilisation of financial interventions in the Nigerian solid minerals sector amounting to trillions of naira within the solid mineral sector and also the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment Bill) and Nigeria solid Minerals Development Company (establishment bill) respectively.
Gbefwi, a member of the Social Democratic Party representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, also noted that “The unregulated exploitation of our natural resources jeopardises the sustainability of the mineral sector, leading to environmental degradation and revenue loss that could otherwise benefit our communities and nation as a whole.
“It is imperative that we take as a matter of urgency, decisive steps and necessary action to address this issue and ensure that our solid mineral sector operates within the framework of the law, protecting our natural resources for future generations.”
On why illegal mining continues to thrive, Air Vice Marshal, Nnaemeka Ilo who represented the CDS said, “The involvement of the elites in it, we can’t tell, but we know that most of the time when we catch these foreigners, they will tell us that they have connections. I don’t want to say some things, but sometimes you hand these people over and the next thing they’re released.
“Talking of illegal mining, I’m going to talk about how the military sees it. There are so many other stakeholders that I want to talk about. From our various operations and the statistics that we have, we notice that, first of all, the framework guiding mining in Nigeria is very, very good. It needs to be strengthened. Why do I say so, sir?
“In 2018 or so, during the last administration, there was a ban on illegal mining in South Africa, South Africa and Nigeria, which even established a gold mine zone. Despite that ban, mining licenses were being issued to people to mine in that zone. So the strengthening of the institutional framework is very key.”
He further called for tough sanctions on those involved in the act, saying, “Anybody caught in this illegal mining must be dealt with decisively and examples should be made for others to know publicly. The third aspect we noted is poverty. In these areas where this illegal mining takes place, the people are poor. Virtually, lack of education is also part of it. Most of them that we get, have no formal education.”
Also at the hearing, the representative of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Tajudeen Lamidi said that the Nigerian Army has arrested 387 individuals in connection with illegal mining.
At the investigative hearing, Tajudeen Abbas who was represented by the House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere described illegal mining as a growing socio-economic challenge in Nigeria, adding that it has led to the loss of ecosystems and increased poverty levels, especially among peasant farmers.
“A disturbing issue, which makes this investigative hearing very critical is the fact that various mining communities in Nigeria live in agonising conditions, economically and socially, arising from years of neglect, and various deprivations and severe environmental degradation, air and water pollution, arising from unsafe mining practices by illegal miners.
“The impact of the unprecedented illegal mining across Nigeria has been devastating as farmlands, crops and economic trees are not only destroyed by mining activities but reduce their benefit and values to the residents,” he said.
FG declares Nigerian passport holders now free to obtain UAE visas
After a protracted diplomatic row, Nigerians can now apply and obtain visas to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) effective Monday.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu on Monday.in Abuja.
He said the Federal Government has reached an agreement with the UAE to allow Nigerian passport holders to obtain visas for trip to the Gulf State starting today (Monday).
Idris said: “Following successful talks and extensive, mutually beneficial negotiations between the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria @NigeriaGov, an agreement was reached allowing for the resumption of travel to the UAE for Nigerian passport holders.
“This agreement includes updated controls and conditions to facilitate obtaining a UAE visa.
“The resumption of visas will be effective from July 15, 2024.
“Nigerians wishing to learn more about the updated visa conditions from the UAE can visit for any additional information. ”
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post FG declares Nigerian passport holders now free to obtain UAE visas appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
We handed over 387 arrested illegal miners for prosecution – Nigerian Army
The military says it has arrested 387 individuals in connection with illegal mining but has handed them over to agencies with prosecutorial power.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Chris Musa, disclosed this on Monday while appearing before the House Committee on Solid Mineral.
Musa, who was represented by the Director of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius, said the military is only supporting other security agencies in curbing illegal mining.
“The involvement of the elites in it, we can’t tell, but we know that most of the time when we catch these foreigners, they will tell us that they have connections. I don’t want to say some things, but sometimes you hand these people over and the next thing you see, they’re released,” the Chief of Defence Staff said.
He also disclosed that some illegal miners come from Burkina Faso to operate in Nigeria, adding that the military would back the call for the suspension of mining for a short period.
“We have people from Burkina Faso coming to mine in Nigeria. So the strength of our borders, too, is a factor. Why I’m saying all this is that there’s a need for the government to properly equip those involved to checkmate most of this illegal mining,” he said.
In his remarks, the chairman of the Committee, Jonathan Gwefi, said the government loses over $9 billion to illegal mining activities.
We handed over 387 arrested illegal miners for prosecution – Nigerian Army