Business

Aiteo’s Host Community Wants Court To Halt OML 29 Renewal

Published

7 years ago

March 27, 2019

The people of Nembe-Bassambiri in Bayelsa State yesterday urged the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, to halt the renewal of lease for OML 29 to Aiteo pending the outcome of a substantive suit before the court.
The development is sequel to plans by the Minister of Petroleum Resources to renew the lease of OML 29 oil block to Aiteo for $82 million without regard to the position of the community in Suit No. FHC/YNG/CS/62/2015.
The plaintiffs are Ikaonaworio Eferebo-Igoma, Iyerite Chiefson Awululu-Atubu,Ayebaesin Edoghotu-Omoh, Markson Amaegbe-Orutari, B.C. Benwari-Yousuo and Doibo Evans representing OML 29 host communities.
The defendants are Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Federal Ministry of Environment and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria.
Others are Aiteo Exploration and Production Ltd, Attorney-General of Bayelsa State and The Deeds Registrar, Bayelsa State Ministry of Lands.
In an 18 paragraph motion on notice, the plaintiffs said they had filed an application for an interlocutory injunction on June 29, 2017 before the court.
The application sought an order restraining the Minister of Petroleum Resources from granting any application for the renewal of OML 29 “beyond the subsisting 30-year term.
“The lease on OML 29 will expire on June 30, 2019 and the Nembe communities want the pending hearing and determination of the substantive suit before the lease is renewed.
“They also averred that without allowing the court to decide on the interlocutory injunction, the 5th Defendant went ahead to make payments to the 2nd Defendant through the Department of Petroleum Resources.
“The 82 million dollars payment was made in five tranches of $18,455,000, $9,277,500, $9,277,500, $6,866,468.23, $20 million and $18,230,000.
“The payments were made on 22nd January, 2018, 22nd January 2018, 6th November, 2018, 14th November, 2018, 18th December, 2018 and 22nd January, 2019, respectively.
“The conduct of the 5th Defendant/Respondent in ignoring the suit to make payments for the renewal of the OML 29 is capable of generating unprecedented violence in our Kingdom within the OML 29 acreage,” the representatives of the community said.
At the resumed hearing in Court 2, Federal High Court, Yenagoa, the trial Justice, Awogboro Abimbola, fixed April 11 for hearing on the motion on notice, while urging both parties to make more efforts in ongoing settlement moves.
Abimbola asked both parties to inform the court of any progress made on the settlement efforts at the next adjourned date.
Earlier, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Iniruo Wills, told the court that by proceeding to renew the lease, the 2nd and 5th defendants were sending a dangerous and disturbing signal to both the court and the host community.
The grounds, including an alleged attempt by Aiteo to escape their development and social obligations to the host community.
Reports say that Shell Petroleum Development Company in 2015, divested its equity in OML 29 and transferred its interest in the oil block, including NCTL for 1.7 billion dollars to Aiteo.
However, the host community, said the divestment was done “without resolving the untold negative impact of their operations on the people.”

Business

Dangote Refinery Ending Nigeria’s Dependence on Imported Fuel – EIU

Published

3 days ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals is fundamentally transforming Nigeria’s downstream oil sector by significantly reducing the country’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products and strengthening foreign exchange earnings, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

In its latest assessment of Nigeria’s fuel market and regulatory environment, the EIU said the operational ramp-up of the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery has reshaped a sector previously characterised by heavy dependence on imported fuel despite Nigeria being Africa’s largest crude oil producer.

The report stated that refinery supplied nearly 80 per cent of Nigeria’s domestic petrol demand in April and has produced sufficient volumes to meet local consumption needs as it approaches full operational capacity.

Describing Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector before the refinery as “long dysfunctional,” the EIU noted that the country had relied almost entirely on costly fuel imports while producing nearly 1.5 million barrels of crude oil daily.

According to the report, the emergence of the refinery has improved domestic fuel availability, reduced import dependence, and strengthened Nigeria’s balance of payments position through lower import demand and increasing exports of refined petroleum products.

“The gradual ramp up of the 650,000 barrel/day Dangote refinery since May 2023 has transformed Nigeria’s long dysfunctional downstream sector.

“The country’s main refineries, all state-owned, had been inoperative for years and Nigeria was almost entirely reliant on costly imported fuel”, the report stated.

The EIU, the research and analysis division of The Economist Group, added that the refinery’s attainment of full operational capacity and planned future expansion would further support Nigeria’s economic growth and foreign exchange earnings in the coming years.

It projected that increased exports from the refinery, alongside plans to double production capacity before the end of the decade, would boost Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and forex inflows from 2026 onward.

Industry analysts said the refinery is positioning Nigeria as a major refining and export hub in Africa, potentially reshaping regional energy trade flows and reducing the continent’s dependence on imported fuel.

The EIU also noted that the refinery’s growth has coincided with major reforms in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the introduction of market-driven pricing mechanisms.

However, the report observed that the shift from a state-dominated import structure to large-scale domestic refining has generated resistance from interests linked to the old import regime.

The latest controversy followed the decision by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to relax restrictions on petrol imports despite the refinery’s increasing production capacity.

Dangote Industries Limited subsequently initiated legal action, arguing that continued import approvals undermine investments in local refining and contradict the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act aimed at promoting domestic refining capacity.

Analysts further noted that the availability of large-scale domestic refining capacity has improved Nigeria’s energy security while reducing exposure to external supply shocks and foreign exchange volatility.

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise also warned against unrestrained fuel importation, saying such a policy could weaken Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and discourage investment in domestic refining.

Chief Executive Officer of the CPPE, Muda Yusuf, said continued dependence on imported fuel had historically exerted pressure on foreign reserves, contributed to exchange rate instability, and created fiscal leakages.

Nkpemenyie Mcdominic

Business

NCDMB Partner Dafinone For Youths Technical Skills Training

Published

3 days ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

The lawmaker representing the Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has unveiled a three-week capacity building programme on rigging and scaffolding for youths in the Senatorial District.

Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.

In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.

Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.

He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.

Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”

Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.

Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.

He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.

The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.

Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries

He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.

He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.

Business

Commercial Aviation: Bayelsa Begins Operations As Pioneer Airline Launches Maiden Flight

Published

3 days ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Bayelsa State has officially commenced commercial aviation operations recently as Pioneer Airlines operated its first non-scheduled flight using one of the state government’s newly acquired aircraft, an ATR 72-600.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Alabrah, this week and made available to Aviation correspondents .

The statement said that the initiative reflects Governor Diri’s commitment to transforming Bayelsa through visionary leadership and strategic investments.

Governor Diri in the statement expressed satisfaction with the airline’s operational capacity and professionalism, noting that he was optimistic about a productive and mutually beneficial partnership between the state and the airline.

The governor described the development as another milestone in the state’s drive toward economic growth and infrastructural advancement.

The historic maiden flight departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 11:10 a.m. after taxiing off the tarmac at about 11:00 a.m. and receiving clearance from the control tower.

The aircraft, piloted by Captain M. Ibrahim alongside First Officer Joyce, a female co-pilot, arrived at the Bayelsa International Airport at 12:15 p.m. after a smooth one-hour, five-minute journey.

On board of the inaugural flight was the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, who occupied seat 1A as the symbolic first passenger of the airline operation.

RYa1.

Also on the flight were former House of Representatives member, Hon. Gabriel Onyenwife, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters I, High Chief Collins Cocodia, and five aides to the governor.

The launch marks the beginning of Bayelsa State’s entry into the commercial aviation sector through its partnership with Pioneer Airlines, a move expected to boost connectivity and expand the state’s internally generated revenue base.

Enoch Epelle