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NAEE President Wants Buhari To Sign PIGB
The President, Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE), Prof. Wumi Iledare, last Saturday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) before 2019 elections campaigns begin.
Iledare made the call at a pre-conference news briefing in Abuja, ahead of the 11th NAEE/IAEE International Conference beginning today.
The National Assembly passed the bill on March 28 following the unanimous adoption of a report on the Bill presented by Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), Sen. Tayo Alasoadura.
In passing the bill, the lawmakers approved in it, five per cent levy on petroleum products sold in the country.
Iledare urged Buhari to assent to the bill quickly as it still had 12 months to 24 months transition period after the president’s assent “to cushion any event of macro-economic shock”.
“I am not saying he shouldn’t evaluate. He should not assent to it without reviewing it further and that is why we have separation of powers.
“I think he has sent the bill to some critical sectors in the executive arm to look at it to get informed. If I am to advise the executive, I will say look ahead, not the now.
“If I were the president, I will sign it before the election campaigns begin because it will give him something to say look, I have done it after 18 years.
“The president needs an energy council, a competent body of energy professionals to look at the energy supply mix for Nigeria, just like you have in some other places.
“The reason why you see the shale gas developments in the U.S. is because of the Potential Natural Gas Committee that has existed for many years.
“I said this when Buhari came to power, that there is an energy council that is moribund and should be revamped,’’ Iledare said.
He said the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was experiencing under-recovery because it could not recover what it pays for in dollars using naira in an unstable market.
“We warned the government then, at that particular time there was an opportunity not to put any price because the price on the street was already N200.
“Unfortunately, you cannot recover what you pay for in dollars using naira, when the exchange rate is unstable and that is what we have.
“I think also that if you look at the industry, we are not in any way operating a deregulated downstream, what we have is what I will call a price ceiling that has been misinterpreted as a price floor.
“This means that when you have a price ceiling, you do not want the price to go beyond that yet, the equilibrium price is somewhere high.
“This is because when you have a price floor, equilibrium is supposed to be below the price floor, and that is more or less a misinterpretation.’’
According to him, under-recovery will not continue for a long time because when the PIGB is assented to, the NNPC becomes a commercial entity with shareholders that will receive dividends.
“This means that there will be key performance indicators that whoever is heading NNPC will deliver to shareholders,’’ Iledare said.
On his part, Vice President of NAEE, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, said he was worried about the structure of subsidy in Nigeria.
“If you look at Kerosene, the poor people buy it at market price; diesel, the companies buy at market price and petrol, which is the product that is widely used by the elite, is the one that has this kind of issue.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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