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PHCCIMA Tasks FG On Deregulation Policy
The Federal government has been urged to consult with stakeholders in the petroleum industry with a view to fast tracking the implementation of the deregulation policy.
The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) made the call after her technical and economic meeting under the chairmanship of its President, Engr. Vincent Adonye Kingston Furo at the chambers secretariat in Port Harcourt.
PHCCIMA condemned the perennial scarcity of petroleum products in Rivers State, expressing confidence that the implementation of the deregulation policy would bring about the desired changes in the sector.
In a communiqué made available to newsmen, PHCCIMA noted that the development is posing a serious threat to the survival of transportation and other business considering that petroleum is the mainstay of the economy.
To this end, the group suggested the need for relevant authorities to wake up to their responsibilities by making concerted efforts in ensuring that the incessant cases of diversion of petroleum products is brought to an end and advised that a more proactive measure should be put in place to tackle the disturbing trend.
Besides the PHCCIMA also condemned the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for its inability to effect the desired changes in the sector and concluded that DPR has failed the masses in its duties adding that government should explore other ways to bring about sanity in the petroleum sector in order to boost economic activities.
Speaking further, PHCCIMA President, Engr. Vincent Furo advocated for a more effective team to monitor the loading of petroleum products from the depot to the places of dislodgment, calling on the Rivers State Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources to be alive to their statutory duties in checking the activities of miscreants who indulge in the diversion of products meant for Rivers State.
The chamber then appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) to evolve a more effective distribution system that will ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
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.
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