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Navy Nabs 11 Indians, Five Others With Stolen Crude

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The Nigerian Navy has apprehended 11 Indian nationals, three Ghanaians and two Nigerians in connection with oil theft in Bayelsa State.
The 15 suspects were allegedly arrested by the operatives of the Forward Operating Base of the Central Naval Command while attempting to lift substances suspected to be crude oil from an offshore loading terminal in Brass area of the state.
The vessels to be used to carry out the illicit business were said to have come from Ghana.
Commanding Officer, FOB, Formoso, Egwema, Brass, Capt. Noel Madugu, told our correspondent that the suspects, during the time of arrest, had no permit to lift oil.
Madugu said as of the time of intercepting the vessels and arrest of the suspects, they had yet to carry out the operation.
He said they were arrested while waiting for vessels from the creeks of Bayelsa to be used to load the products for onward movement to a yet-to-be-ascertained destination.
Madugu said, “Our operatives arrested 11 Indian nationals, three Ghanaians and two Nigerians as they were waiting for vessels from the creeks.
“During the time of arrest, the suspects could not provide permits authorising them to load from Agbara platform of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company’s terminal in Brass. Their vessels came from Ghana.”
The commander said the suspects would be handed over to the relevant prosecuting agency after preliminary investigation.
He reiterated that oil criminals had no hiding place in the waterways, urging those involved in the illicit activities to desist from them in their own interest.
Meanwhile, the Navy has said piracy, oil theft and other sea crimes committed in the nation’s maritime domain are mostly perpetuated by foreigners.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade, spoke yesterday on the involvement of foreigners in high seas crimes at the command’s headquarters in Lagos when he hosted crew members of a visiting British ship, HMS Iron Duke.
Alade, who said the navy was poised to take full control of the nation’s waterways by ridding them of private security and criminals, added that the waterways should not be a private affair.
He said: “Given the occurrences on our waters, the navy is now set to take complete ownership. A lot of people and nations have interest in our waters for obvious reasons. With the decline in piracy in the Gulf of Eden, it would not be wrong to say that most of the elements have left that area and found their way in the Gulf of Guinea, including our waters.
“Some foreigners have been arrested in our waters for perpetrating illegalities. Most criminality in our waters is carried out by foreigners and not Nigerians.
“The era when the navy had challenges of platforms will soon be over because we will take delivery of some ships before the end of the year and command our waterways. We will take full command once again and there will be no need for private security here and there because our water is not private.
“We have some private security companies registered with the Nigerian Navy. They have a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with us, like Ocean Marine Company. We allow them to operate with their vessels. But normally, we attach our personnel to such vessels.”
On the allegation that multi-national oil companies steal crude in Nigeria’s maritime area, Alade said oil theft was not being treated with kid gloves.
According to him, anyone arrested is appropriately dealt with.
Alade said: “Piracy and illegality on the seas are not beyond us. The responsibility of ensuring the security of the Nigerian maritime domain is that of the Nigerian Navy.
We are poised to take total control of the Nigerian waters and rid it of any form of illegalities.”
The Commanding Officer, HMS Iron Duke, Commander Tom Tredery said the ship came to Nigeria to work and train with the Nigerian Navy.
He said: “We are looking forward to training and exercising together. The role of the navy is to work together and ensure that that freedom and safety are in place. Our range of training includes

L-R: Chairman, Women's Wing, Eastern Delta People's Association, Mrs Manuela Izunwa, Keynote Speaker, Prof. Bene Abbey and guest lecturer, Mrs Mina Ogbanga, at the Eastern Delta Women's Convention in Port Harcourt last Wednesday

L-R: Chairman, Women’s Wing, Eastern Delta People’s Association, Mrs Manuela Izunwa, Keynote Speaker, Prof. Bene Abbey and guest lecturer, Mrs Mina Ogbanga, at the Eastern Delta Women’s Convention in Port Harcourt last Wednesday

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FG Targets Production Of Locally Made Vehicles By Dec

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The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has affirmed that Nigeria now has the capacity and materials to manufacture Made-In-Nigeria cars for local use and export.
With the enabling environment being provided by the government, she said manufacturers should be held responsible if the cars are not rolling out by December 2024.
Currently, Nigeria produces less than 10 per cent of the vehicles used in the country.
Last year, Nigeria’s vehicle assembling industry, estimated to be worth around N302billion, tanked to a new low due to increasing production costs and weakened demand for locally assembled automobiles.
According to the Manufacturers CEOs Confidence Index, activities of motor vehicles and miscellaneous assembly deteriorated further below the benchmark (50 points) from 48.6 to 46.7 points.
But speaking at the Automotive Component Manufacturers meeting in Abuja, she noted that the automobile industry is faced with both challenges and opportunities.
A statement issued last Friday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Adebayo Thomas, said, “In a significant move aimed at fostering sustainable growth and development in Nigeria’s automobile industry, the Federal Government has issued a clarion call to all stakeholders, including manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem.
“The call comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy.”
Encouraging the stakeholders to key into the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy, the Minister said, “As far as we are concerned, the auto industry is now set to go.
“We are counting on all stakeholders to make that happen. If we do not produce made-in-Nigeria cars before the end of this year (December), it will be your fault, because I am sitting down here giving you all the assurances that this administration has created the enabling environment to make sure that the auto policy kicks off.”
Anite emphasised the need for collaboration among manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem, saying by working together, they can address challenges, streamline processes, and drive innovation.
She also urged stakeholders to maintain high-quality standards across the board, including vehicle manufacturing, safety features, emissions control, and after-sales services.
Stringent adherence to quality, she said, will boost consumer confidence and attract investment.
The minister assured all that the government would continue to encourage increased investment in research and development, adding that, innovations in electric vehicles, fuel efficiency, and alternative energy sources are critical for long-term sustainability.
On local content, she also emphasised the importance of promoting local content by sourcing materials and components locally.
By doing this, she said, the sector can create jobs, reduce import dependency, and contribute to economic diversification
In his introductory comments, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nura Rimi, emphasised the significance of team action and shared vision as outlined in the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy.
He also urged stakeholders that the country “will overcome obstacles and unleash the full potential of Nigeria’s automotive component sector.”
He encouraged NADDC and other stakeholders to use the chance to form alliances, explore new areas of collaboration, and devise ways to catapult the automotive components manufacturing industry to new heights of success.
The statement added, “The government’s charge underscores the pivotal role stakeholders play in shaping its trajectory. Their commitment to sustainable practices will drive Nigeria’s automotive sector towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
“Environmental Responsibility: Stakeholders are reminded of their environmental responsibilities. Sustainable practices, recycling, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes are essential for a greener future.”

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Waive Tax On Electronic Imports, Women Engineers Appeal To Tinubu

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The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has called on President Bola Tinubu to exempt the importation of electronic components from taxation for inventive engineers.
Chairman of APWEN, Ms Atinuke Owolabi, said this a in statement yesterday in Lagos, in commenration of the 2024 World Creativity and Innovation Day, with the theme: “Step Out and Innovate”.
The Tide source reports that World Creativity and Innovation Day is a global UN Day, celebrated on April 21, to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in problem solving.
This is with respect to advancing the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, also known as the global goal.
Owolabi explained that such a measure would significantly enhance technological progress, support local innovators, and elevate Nigeria as a leading hub for innovation globally.
She stated that in a world marked by dynamic challenges and unprecedented opportunities, creativity and innovation stand as the driving forces behind progress and transformation.
According to her, women engineers recognise the critical role that innovation plays in shaping our societies and driving sustainable development.
”On this occasion, we affirm our commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation within our organisation and the broader engineering community.
”Together, let us step out, innovate, and inspire the next generation of women engineers to reach even greater heights of achievement and impact.
”We believe that by stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new ideas, technologies, and approaches, we can unlock innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today,” she said.
According to her, the theme: ‘step out and innovate’, serves as a call to action for women engineers everywhere to break barriers, challenge conventions.
She noted that it would also pioneer groundbreaking solutions that would propel them toward a brighter and more sustainable future.
Owolabi disclosed that in celebration of the World Creativity Day, APWEN Lagos had inaugurated an artificial intelligence club tailored for female engineering students and young engineers.
She said that the proactive initiative aimed to inspire and equip young engineers with cutting-edge technological insights.
Th chairman said, “Additionally, we already have a 200-capacity hall to set up a resource, technology, and innovation hub to empower women and girls in engineering.
”This endeavour serves as a catalyst for encouraging aspiring female engineers to embrace innovation and stay abreast of emerging trends in the field.
”APWEN Lagos stands united in its dedication to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and excellence in engineering.
“We encourage all female engineers to seize this opportunity to unleash their creativity, explore new frontiers, and make an indelible mark on the world.”

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Pan-Igbo Group Hails Dangote Group For Reducing Diesel Price

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A pan-Igbo group, Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF), has commended the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his management for reducing the price of diesel from N1,600 to N,1000 per litre.
The Tide’s source reports that diesel is the major fuel used by heavy duty vehicles and generating sets to transport goods as well as run industries across the country.
The President of NUF, Mr Augustine Chukwudum, told The Tide’s source in Enugu, yesterday, that Dangote’s timely response to suffering masses of Nigerians, going through hell to get a meal a day, “is highly commendable”.
According to Chukwudum, Nigerians need to appreciate the patriotism of Dangote since what he has done will go a long way in reducing prices of goods, especially food stuff which has gone out of the reach of the poor.
He called on Nigerians, who wish and pray always for the betterment of the country, to appreciate and thank God for answering their prayer through Dangote’s move.
“It is clear that if Dangote Refinery starts fully and gets all the crude oil needed from Nigeria, the prices of petrol, kerosene and diesel will further reduce.
“We commend President Bola Tinubu for being a listening President and supporting the Dangote Group on our crude oil needs.
“We appeal to Tinubu to encourage Dangote by providing the company with crude oil at a reduced rate as we have been demanding,” he said.
Chukwudum said that this move and subsequent further reduction, would bring industries in comatose back to life, jobs created for unemployed youths and reduction in crime as well.
“We call on governors of oil-producing Anambra, Imo and Abia States to bring investors, who shall build refineries in each of the states to refine thousands of barrels of crude in commercial quantities,” he said.

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