News
RSG Urges Timely PIB Passage
Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has called on
the National Assembly to speed-up passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB)
to promote investment and employment opportunities in the country.
Addressing members of the House of Representatives Committee
on Airforce who paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday at Government House,
Port Harcourt, Amaechi said the PIB would contribute to curbing the security
challenges in the country.
He explained that apart from the state and federal
government having a duty to fund security, passage of the PIB would pave way
for investors to invest and create employment opportunities that would address
the security challenges, poverty and unemployment facing the nation.
“The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is a law for the overall
benefit of all Nigerians to allow investors to come into the country and
invest. This is so because, if we don’t enact a law that would attract
investors, then we can’t make progress; right now investors are heading towards
Angola, we must seek ways of attracting investors,” Amaechi said.
He urged the federal government to make the Nigerian
National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) a regulatory agency and give wider
opportunities to the private sector to participate in investment to create more
employment opportunities and tackle poverty in the country
“As Governor, I don’t know the quantity of oil NNPC produces
per day, this is why government should be a regulatory agency and allow
investors to come in, and I think it will go a long way to address the needed
peace in the country.”
Amaechi called for the amendment of the Constitution to
ensure justice and fairness to institute transparent leadership in the country.
“That is why I said, we need a state police to compliment
the Nigerian Police, we need to amend the constitution to ensure fairness and
justice, we must go above ethnic and parochial interest to guarantee
transparency in leadership,” Amaechi said.
Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, Hon. Kenneth
Archibong commended the efforts of the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike
Rotimi Amaechi on his achievements and existing peace in the state.
“We are proud of your numerous achievements, including the
35 Patrol vehicles you donated to security formations in the state, we are not
in doubt of the sustainable peace in the state, unlike in the past, and we wish
to call on other governors across the country to emulate the enviable gesture
and performance,” Archibong said.
“You have become a role model, and your contributions to the
state and national development are practically enormous, you have done what
Napoleon could not do, and in this regard you stand tall above other governors.
“I will include in my report to the House when I return,
about your laudable achievements, and the federal government on how you
performed on capital expenditure, and I will also tell others that we have a
governor in the South-South that has made us proud,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC),
yesterday, urged the National Assembly to critically examine the Petroleum
Industry Bill (PIB) to ensure transparency and accountability in the oil and
gas sector.
The Executive Director of CISLAC, Mallam Auwal Rafsanjani,
made the call at a Media Interaction on the Nigerian Extractive Industries
Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Process in Abuja.
“ We call on the NASS to critically examine the PIB in the
light of national interest, devise an effective mechanism for harvesting the
input of critical stakeholders and the passage of the bill into law.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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