Business
‘Deregulate Downstream Oil Sector’
As the Federal Govern
ment continues to grapple with funding infrastructural development and the high recurrent expenditure, a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has advocated total deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.
Chief Diekivie Ikiogha made the observation at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in a chat with newsmen on Tuesday, shortly before departing for Abuja.
Chief Ikiogha, who is the Chief of Staff Bayelsa House, Abuja, noted that the rich are the major beneficiaries of the subsidy regime, as most of them own fleet of cars that are not necessary.
He opined that government has never been a good business entity to venture into building of refineries, stressing that removal of subsidy would enable private individuals to invest in owning refineries.
Chief Ikiogha debunked insinuations that the price of transport and goods and services would rise if the sector is deregulated, insisting that the only way to provide better services for the common man was to utilize the subsidy funds to provide basic social amenities.
“How does my mother in the village benefit from subsidy, it is a way of government buying fuel for the big men that own 10 cars”, noting that what the government it doing in the power sector should be allowed to happen in the downstream sector.
The Chief of Staff lauded the federal government for the initiative to privatise Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), emphasizing that the benefit of the decision would manifest later to the overall good of Nigerians.
According to him, the duty of government is to provide the enabling environment and provide the regulatory framework for the private operators rather than engage directly on the day to day management of the company.
On the call for sovereign national conference, Chief Diekivie, said it is like calling for the separation of the country because the conference would never agree on any issue that would present itself.
The PDP stalwart hinted that if the conference is based on how to look at the country and give respect to each ethnic group, “we may welcome it because the population of Nigeria is what makes the nation great”.
“No section of the country is born to rule others, we are equal stakeholders in the country, no one president has ruled this country once and resigned, that of President Jonathan cannot be different,” he declared.
The Chief of Staff said president Jonathan remains the most qualified person to rule Nigeria come 2015, while denying any understanding to serve one tenure in office.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
