Business

Wike Pledges N500m To Support Sokoto Rebuild Burnt Market

Published

5 years ago

January 22, 2021

The Rivers State Government has pledged N500million to support the Sokoto State Government rebuild the Sokoto Central Market that was gutted by fire, last Tuesday.
Part of the money would also be used to support victims of the devastating fire that destroyed goods worth billions of Naira.
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, made the pledge on behalf of the state government during a visit to the Sokoto State Governor, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, last Wednesday.
Wike, who was conducted round the destroyed market by Tambuwal, said he was saddened by the devastating fire that razed over 60 per cent of the 16,000 shops in the market.
“We have come here to commiserate and sympathise with our brother, our friend and the good people of Sokoto State on what had happened to one of the biggest market in this country, the Sokoto Central Market.
“When I got the information last night, I was touched and I said as brothers, what affects you affects us. What affects Sokoto State affects Rivers State.”
The Rivers State governor, who empathized with the traders over the loss of their goods worth billions of Naira, thanked God that no life was lost in the disastrous inferno.
“There is nothing you can equate with life. That there was no life lost; we give glory to the almighty Allah. Having come here, I’ve seen the level of destruction, it is unfortunate. People have lost their goods; the state government will have to see how this market will be brought back to the way it is supposed to be.
“We sympathise with you. We identify with you and we know the negative effect on the economy of the various families; families who depend for day to day trading and sales of their goods.”
Wike expressed his appreciation to the various security and paramilitary agencies that prevented the fire from destroying the entire market.
He pledged that the government of Rivers State would support Sokoto State to rebuild the market and ameliorate the plight of the traders with N500million.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, we will support the Sokoto State government to see how quickly they can rebuild this market” he added.
In his response, the Sokoto State Governor, Hon Aminu Tambuwal thanked Wike and the people of Rivers State for the kind gesture.
Wike also paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar in his palace to commiserate with him over the demise of his junior brother, Hon. Abdulkadir Jeli Abubakar, who was Sokoto State commissioner for home affairs.
In his response, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, acknowledged the age-long relationship between Sokoto and Rivers State, and lauded Wike for sustaining it.
He explained that Wike’s visit and pledge to support Sokoto State was a demonstration of what Nigeria is and should be.
The Sultan further commended Wike for his remarkable developmental stride in Rivers State.
“I commend you and congratulate you for all what you have been doing for Rivers State in particular, because we have seen a lot of infrastructure being put in place and that is why they call you Mr Project in Rivers.
“You have just some few more years; please, do much more so that nobody will beat you when he takes over from you”.
Similarly, the Sultan lauded Tambuwal for his judicious management of the state resources which earned the state a World Bank grant under the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability And Sustainability (SFTAS) programme.

Business

IPMAN Raises Concern Over Delay In Chinese Refinery Deal …Predicts Lower Fuel Prices Through Competition

Published

3 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Eastern Zone of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to fast-track the conclusion of the proposed Technical Equity Partnership with two Chinese firms.

IPMAN made the appeal amid growing concerns over the delay in finalising the agreement initiated through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 30, 2026, between NNPCL and Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited as well as Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Company Limited.

It said the proposed arrangement was designed to revive and expand operations at the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, noting that successful implementation would strengthen the downstream petroleum sector and restore confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The former Unit Chairman and current Zonal Secretary of IPMAN, Eastern Zone (System 2E), Comrade Inimgba Emmanuel Okubowei, made the call in a statement issued by the union after the Good Governance Summit organised by the Working People United (WOPU) in Abuja, and obtained by TheTide in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.

Okubowei expressed concern over the continued hardship faced by Nigerians due to the high cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), stressing that households and businesses were increasingly burdened by rising energy costs.

Okubowei stated that fuel prices would naturally decline once the Chinese partners commence full operations at the refineries, explaining that increased refining capacity and a more competitive market environment would positively influence pump prices.

The unionist further noted that the partnership would attract fresh investment, improve domestic refining output, increase petroleum product availability and create a more stable operational environment for industry stakeholders.

He maintained that healthy competition remains one of the most effective mechanisms for achieving fair pricing in the downstream petroleum industry and protecting consumers from avoidable price pressures.

The IPMAN official further argued that the entry of additional technically competent operators into the refining space would discourage monopolistic tendencies, improve operational efficiency and guarantee a more stable supply of petroleum products across the country.

He, therefore, appealed to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, and the management of the company to accelerate all outstanding processes required for the successful execution of the Technical Equity Partnership.

Okubowei also called on the NNPCL leadership to publicly explain the reasons behind the prolonged delay and provide Nigerians with a definite timeline for the commencement of the project.

He emphasised that transparency, accountability and timely communication would strengthen public confidence in the initiative, adding that prompt execution of the agreement would enhance Nigeria’s energy security, create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth and provide lasting relief to millions of Nigerians through more affordable petroleum products.

King Onunwor

Business

Gas Economy: Decade of Gas, Pi-CNG/ EV Deepen Media Engagement

Published

3 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Poised to achieving an in-depth understanding of the Nigeria’s gas economy by it’s populace, the Decade of Gas Secretariat, in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), has deepened media capacity engagement across the country.

The media session, third in its series, and held at the Hotel President, Port Harcourt, recently, brought together 30 journalists from the television, radio, print, and digital media platforms to deepen their understanding of Nigeria’s gas development agenda and further enhance their reportage on the role of gas in driving economic growth, energy security, industrialization, job creation, and improved living standards.

Speaking during the session, the representative, Decade of Gas Secretariat,Taofeek Balogun , noted that the port Harcourt engagement followed two earlier sessions held in Lagos and Abuja, a move that began in 2025.

According to him, Nigeria’s gas sector continues to record significant progress, with year-to-date gas production reaching 7.85 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcfd).

Domestic gas utilization has surpassed the 2 bcfd mark, while gas exports have risen to their highest level in five years, reflecting growing demand across power generation, industries, transportation, exports, and household consumption.

Balogun emphasised the successful completion of the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) River Niger Crossing by NGIC/NNPCL, describing it as a critical infrastructure milestone that would improve gas transportation across the country, support industrial growth, attract investment, strengthen energy security, and contribute to economic development.

As part of efforts to expand domestic gas utilization, he reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to increasing access to clean cooking solutions. The government’s target is to distribute cooking gas cylinders to five million households by 2030.

Following the successful rollout of the programme across the six geopolitical zones by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, implementation would now move to the state level, beginning with Bayelsa State in July 2026.

Under the initiative, Balogun said, 27,000 households in Bayelsa are expected to receive cooking gas cylinders within the year as part of the 1(one) million homes per year target.

Also speaking, the Chief Operating Officer of Pi-CNG & EV, Tosin Coker, highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric mobility solutions as cleaner and more affordable transportation alternatives for Nigerians.

He disclosed that the Federal Government is promoting the adoption of CNG across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) through the conversion of existing vehicle fleets and the procurement of CNG-powered vehicles as part of broader efforts to reduce transportation costs and improve energy efficiency.

Coker said “more than 100,000 vehicles have now been converted to CNG nationwide under the initiative, reflecting growing acceptance of alternative fuel solutions and supporting the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation”.

Participants commended the initiative for strengthening media capacity and improving public understanding of developments within Nigeria’s energy sector.

The Decade of Gas Secretariat and Pi-CNG & EV further reaffirmed their commitment to sustained stakeholder engagement and public awareness as Nigeria continues its journey towards a gas-powered economy.

Business

Group Seeks Media Partnership To Enhance Business Growth

Published

3 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Executive Officer of Kefa Communication, Mr. Obihele Victor Amos, has called for stronger collaboration between business organisations and media institutions to enhance business growth, economic expansion and wider public engagement across communities.

Amos made the call during a press briefing in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

He emphasised that strategic media partnership remains critical to improving visibility for businesses and attracting investment opportunities.

According to him, the media occupies a central position in shaping public perception and creating awareness that can support enterprise development and economic sustainability.

He also noted that, many emerging businesses continue to face growth limitations due to insufficient publicity and inadequate access to effective communication channels.

“Stronger engagement with the media would help bridge information gaps and create better connections between businesses and potential customers”, he said.

The CEO further stated that responsible and developmental journalism could play a significant role in promoting innovation and encouraging healthy competition within the business environment.

He stressed that beyond informing the public, the media serves as a platform for influencing policies and encouraging stakeholder participation in economic development.

Amos further disclosed the group is committed to building relationships with media organisations through continuous engagement and collaborative initiatives.

He said such partnerships would create opportunities for entrepreneurs and support efforts aimed at expanding market access.

The business leader also urged media practitioners to sustain professionalism and continue highlighting stories that promote enterprise and national development.

He expressed confidence that improved synergy between the media and the business community would contribute to employment generation and economic resilience.

Some participants at the briefing described the initiative as a welcome development capable of strengthening public understanding of business opportunities.

There were also calls for sustained cooperation among stakeholders to drive inclusive business growth and long-term development.

King Onunwor