News

PETAN, Others Leverage Local Content To Maximise Economic Gains Of AfCFTA

Published

5 years ago

June 7, 2021

The Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr. Nicolas Odinuwe, has joined critical stakeholders in the oil and gas sector in Africa to deliberate on how to lay a solid foundation for the design of an African Local Content mechanism to maximise the economic benefits from the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in the hydrocarbon value chain.
The pan-African engagement themed, ‘Fostering Local Content in Africa for Africans’, was hosted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in collaboration with the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Odinuwe, speaking on behalf of Nigerian service companies, emphasised the role of legislation needed to create a regulatory mechanism to midwife the process and ensure independent funding that would promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive entrepreneurship and capacity building and promote inclusiveness and integration in the region.
He said that while African content was a relatively need concept, regional cooperation was not, and developing a standard local content framework would involve a conscious utilisation of goods and services available within the continent to exploit and produce Africa’s vast and largely untapped oil and gas reserves.
“The time has come for us to look beyond our local arrangements at the bigger picture, to see how we can harness available resources within our continent for our collective development and the key to unlocking this potential is collaboration”, he said.
He, therefore, advised that the regional local content regulatory model incorporate provisions that will ensure that its minders are people of the right skill set who will help direct capital to where there are opportunities as local content does not always develop commensurately with capital flows.
He commended the efforts of the NCDMB through its committed leadership for the successful implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act which has exponentially grown the capacities and capabilities of Nigerian service companies, including that of PETAN and created synergy among stakeholders through constructive engagements and innovative programmes to encourage and incentivise local companies to form joint ventures with foreign companies to ensure technology transfer as well as the development of young minds in the field of Engineering through Science and Technology Innovation challenges and vocational trainings.
He noted that PETAN’s partnership with the NCDMB and other critical stakeholders have ensured that indigenous companies were creating the needed domestic production linkages to ensure that the extractive industry makes significant contributions to accelerate the economic growth and development of Nigeria and now Africa.
While urging an enabling environment to create a private-sector-led regional oil and gas industry, Odinuwe described the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as a key enabler which has helped to widen the path for Africa as the next global energy hub with great investment opportunities.
“Governments across Africa”, he charged, “especially the Sub-Saharan Africa oil and gas producing countries should provide the necessary incentives to attract private-sector investments across the entire value chain of the oil and gas industry. Using oil and gas as its critical resources, Africa speedily promotes its development”.
He added that PETAN, as the foremost leading advocacy group of over 300 indigenous oil and gas service companies with over 30 years experience across the entire value chain of the industry will always be ready to partner relevant national and regional stakeholders to share experiences and expertise as well as nurture, mentor and invest in available opportunities across the region and continent.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote, express the commitment of the board to facilitate linkages among all stakeholders in the oil and gas value chain, and thanked participants for their desire to push the envelope for the development of the continent.
Wabote stated that African countries have been fascinated by the remarkable impact and achievements of Nigeria in the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act and the development of its hydrocarbon resources which is anchored on the philosophy of in-country value addition.
He said that this has inspired some African countries to undertake a study tour to Nigeria to understand the NCDMB delivery model with some signing similar local content laws or policies based on insights from Nigeria.
He added that the APPO Charter on Bilateral Cooperation among oil producing countries as well as the signing of the AfCFTA were bold steps which has prompted a new era for the galvanisation of the region towards regional cooperation around developing capacities and capabilities to deliver oil and gas services in the continent.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said the government working to create enabling environment for businesses in the sector to thrive, and build wealth for the country.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), Dr, Omar Farouk Ibrahim, said that players in the sector were exploring investment opportunities to jump-start a new era in the industry.
It would be recalled that PETAN spearheaded a steering committee at its recently concluded Sub-African International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) 2021 following passionate calls for regional collaboration and deepening of local content by stakeholders across Africa.
Discussions focused on evaluation of regulatory models for the governance, funding and monitoring of local content implementation in frontline economies, laying a solid foundation for the design of an African Local Content programme to maximise economic benefits from implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in hydrocarbon value chain and data sharing on capacities that exist around skills, infrastructure, facilities, assets and funding for exploration, field development and production activities in Africa.
Representatives from the African Union (AU), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) attended the event.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

4 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

4 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

4 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor