Business

FG Votes N930m For ECOWAS Building

Published

14 years ago

September 26, 2012

The Federal Governmnet has approved $6 million (about N930
million) to build a new office for the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike
Ekweremadu, speaker, ECOWAS Parliament, has said this on Monday.

Addressing the second ordinary session of the parliament in
Abuja, Monday Ekweremadu said the Federal Government had already paid the money
into the account of the ECOWAS Parliament.

“We have notified the President of the Commission of the
release of the sum as well as the intention of the parliament to apply it to
the purpose for which it was secured.

“Tender processes and drawings are ongoing.

“Since we have the money intact, I see no reason why we
should not complete the building project in a specific period,’’ he said.

Ekweremadu who expressed gratitude to the federal
government, also said that other financial provisions were being made to
renovate the current building in Abuja currently occupied by the parliament.
The speaker said the need for renovation followed concerns expressed by the
members over the state of the building.

He said the financial provision was included in the 2012
budget of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that work would begin
immediately after the session and would last for a year. “You would recall that
we have variously expressed concerns over the state of infrastructure we met in
this complex.

“We have faced the challenges of leaking roof,
non-serviceable elevators, lack of offices for the members of parliament and
some members of staff, and unsuitable parliamentary auditoriums and committee
rooms, to name a few.

“I therefore approached the President of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR), as well as
other relevant Nigerian authorities such as the presiding officers of the National
Assembly, over this matter. “A financial provision was therefore made for
infrastructural rehabilitation of this parliamentary complex in the 2012 budget
of the Ministry for the Federal Capital Territory.

“I am therefore happy to inform you that a contract has
already been awarded for the total rehabilitation of the parliamentary
building.

“The contract covers the full reroofing of the complex,
reconfiguration of the plenary auditorium and the interpreters’ booths to meet
the taste and needs of a modern day legislature, provision of brand new
elevators, among others.

“Work will commence immediately we are done with this
session and will last for about one year.”

On the enhancement of powers, Ekweremadu expressed delight
at the progress made and urged members to use their positions to reach out to
relevant government organs in achieving the aim.

He reiterated that the enhancement of powers of the
parliament would complement efforts of national parliaments of member states
rather than compete with them.

“ I expect us to reach out to all ECOWAS institutions and
organs, visit our Heads of State and Government, especially the Chairman of the
Authority of Heads of State and Government, His Excellency, President Alassane
Ouattara of Cote d’Ivorie and the Chairman of the African Union, His
Excellency, President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic.

“We must take our advocacy to regional elder statesmen,
founding fathers of ECOWAS, and influential voices in the sub-region. We will
also partner with the press to drive our message home.”

Amb. Kadre Ouedraogo, President, ECOWAS Commission, received
the draft supplementary Act on the enhancement of the powers of the ECOWAS
Parliament in August.

The document is expected to be communicated to the authority
of Heads of State and Government and other relevant organs of ECOWAS.

The session is expected to consider and adopt the Draft
Report on the 2013 Budget and also adopt the Draft Reports of the first
Ordinary session of May 2012.

Business

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

Published

5 hours 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

8 hours 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

8 hours 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