News
Stakeholders Seek Host Communities’ Interest In NCDMB Act
Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region have called for the amendment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 to include a local benefit plan for host communities.
The call was made during the annual public lecture of the Federated Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, on the theme: “Ten Years of the NOGIC Act: Achieving 70% Nigerian Content,” held at the NUJ Press Centre, Yenagoa.
The Chairman of the occasion, and retired federal permanent secretary, Amb Boladei Igali, lamented that host communities were still ignorant of the provisions of the Act, adding that the local folks should be sensitised on the provisions of the Act.
Igali, who was represented by the Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Chief Nengi James, while commending the Correspondents Chapel for organising the lecture, called for the domestication of the Act to accommodate local realities.
In his lecture, titled: “Ten Years of the NOGIC Act: Achieving 70% Nigerian Content,” the guest lecturer and Director-General of the Yenagoa Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (YECCIMA), Mr Warmate Jones, said the NCDMB was yet to achieve the projected 70 Nigerian Content, pointing out that only 30 per cent has been achieved so far.
He noted that the NCDMB has stated that they hope to achieve the strategic roadmap in 2027 as well as 300,000 jobs in the sector.
On the amendment of the NOGIC Act, he highlighted that Sections 7, 10, 13, and 15 need to be amended to include a local benefit plan, and proposed that a minimum of 40 per cent of all in-country services for purchases should be made from within the production areas of the oil industry.
He said, “The NCDMB should review its 10 years’ strategic roadmap to include projections or retaining a minimum of 30 per cent of industry spent by 2027, and 100,000 of projected 300,000 jobs in the Niger Delta.
“To initiate an amendment to Section 3, subsection 1, and 2 of the Act to accommodate a minimum percentage for the award of oil bloc, field license and oil lifting licences to companies indigenous to and in the Niger Delta. Provide 20-30 funding assistant for the local content fund to companies or businesses in the Niger Delta that are utilizing crude oil and gas products or by-products in their production.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Dr Ibiere Jones, said the state government has been providing the enabling environment for the multinational oil companies to peacefully coexist with their within the host communities.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Acting Chairman of the Federated Correspondents Chapel, Mr Chris Eze, said the lecture was to provoke discourse and commentaries and appraise the enforcement of the NOGIC Act ten years after its enactment.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
News4 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
News5 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Niger Delta4 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Sports5 days agoKhana, Akpajo All-Stars Set For Friendly Match ” Morrow”
-
Business5 days ago
Dangote Refinery Ending Nigeria’s Dependence on Imported Fuel – EIU
-
Sports5 days ago
PH To Host 2026 NWFL Super Six
-
Business5 days ago
Commercial Aviation: Bayelsa Begins Operations As Pioneer Airline Launches Maiden Flight
-
Sports5 days ago
FG Approves Nationwide Stadium Overhaul