Oil & Energy

Court Discharges Six Suspected Pipeline Vandals In Lagos

Published

12 years ago

May 12, 2014

A Federal High Court in Lagos
has discharged six men allegedly found in possession of three boats and 800 empty jerry cans on a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline at Atlas Cove in Apapa in 2013.
The accused persons are Terry Towei, 20; Luke Etowei, 22; Isaac Ebezhe, 21; Gbatomiwi Isepe, 45; Owei Ebiwei, 25; and Precious Osuwo, 24.
They were charged before Justice Mohammed Yunusa on a two-count charge of conspiracy and illegal possession of materials on the right way of the NNPC.
Yunusa discharged the six men based on the request made by the counsel to the accused, Mr Seliwei Baidi.
Baidi told the court that the case had suffered several adjournments because the prosecutor and his witnesses had not been coming to court. He said that the accused were first arraigned on Nov. 15, 2013. According to him, they pleaded not guilty and were remanded in prison custody.
Baidi said the prosecutor only appeared twice in court and the accused had been in prison custody since they were first arraigned.
He said the prosecutor and the witnesses had since Jan. 30 abandoned the case which had suffered several adjournments. Baidi urged the court to strike out the case for want of diligent prosecution, citing Section 36 (5), (1) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Laws of the Federation.
According to him, these sections allow the court to dismiss the case, if the court deems it credible.
“I urge this court to dismiss this charge so that these men will join their families they left several months ago. “This court is not a dumping ground where cases will be brought and left unattended to.
“Whenever the prosecution is ready they can come back and begin the case afresh, but for now let these men enjoy their freedom,’’ Baidi ruled.
The judge consequently discharged the case. He said that the prosecution had refused to appear in court without an explanation.
The prosecutor, DSP Matthew Omosun, had on Nov. 15, 2013 told the court that the accused committed the offences on Aug. 18 at Atlas Cove, Apapa, Lagos. He alleged that the accused were found in possession of empty jerry cans, three wooden boats and rubber hoses.
Omosun said the offences contravened Sections 1 (19) and 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004.

Oil & Energy

Electricity Boost: Abia Launches Waste-To-Energy Project

Published

60 minutes ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, says the state is no longer experiencing power failures caused by frequent collapses of the national grid.

This is as his administration begins investing in converting organic waste Into electricity.

Speaking to the media at the State Government House, last Thursday, Governor Otti revealed that waste products are now being transformed into renewable energy through Biogas.

He stated that the state is no longer fully under the supervision of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Otti explained that the new arrangement has been negotiated and accepted by the the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), the utility firm responsible for power distribution in Abia.

In his words “This is a pilot programme. Instead of discarding waste, we can convert it into clean energy, enabling us to power numerous areas, particularly the Umuahia In-Farms.

“I had earlier reported that our proposals to EEDC have been accepted, and we are in the process of raising funds to settle obligations with them.

“On 24th December, the Abia State Electricity Regulation Authority took iver the regulation of power from NERC. From now on, generation, transmission, and distribution will be regulated within the state.”

Otti highlighted that the initiative is aimed at improving efficiency and achieving energy independence, similar to how Aba Power provides electricity for the Aba In-Farms.

“You may Have noticed that during some recent national grid collapses, our state remained unaffected because a significant portion of our power infrastructure is now under our authority,” he said.

Governor Otti further expressed optimism on the Progress of the programme saying “That is the entire purpose acquiring the Umuahia in-farms, and i am pleased with the advancements we are making in this regard.”

Oil & Energy

NUPRC Pledges Transparency In 2025 Oil Pre – Bid Round

Published

60 minutes ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reiterated its dedication to a transparent process for the 2025 Oil Bid Round.

The Chief Executive, NUPRC, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, while speaking at a Pre-Bid Webinar, at the Weekend, emphasized that the process is an opportunity for investors to participate in a stable, rules-based system that fosters genuine value creation.

Eyesan disclosed that the process involves five steps including “Registration, Pre-qualification, Data acquisition, Technical bid submission, and Evaluation and Commercial Bid Conference.

“This has been done to increase competitiveness and a response to capital mobility,”.

“Only candidates with strong technical and financial credentials will move forward, chosen through a transparent merit-based process”.

She noted that with President Bola Tinubu’s approval, signature bonuses have been adjusted to reduce entry barriers, prioritizing technical capabilities, credible programs, financial strength, and production delivery speed.

“Let me state clearly that the bid process will comply with the PIA 2021, promote the use of digital tools, for smooth data access and remain open to public, and international and institutional scrutiny through partners like NEITI, and other oversight agencies. Indeed, transparency is an integral part of our process,” she stated.

“To further strengthen the process, today’s Webinar, the first of its kind, aims to clarify bid requirements and helps you participate effectively before the tender deadline as well. We also invite your questions and feedback to improve the licensing round process and outcomes.

“In closing, let me emphasize that the Nigerian 2025 Licensing Round is not merely a bidding exercise; it is a clear signal of a reimagined Upstream Sector anchored on the rule of law, driven by data, aligned with global investment realities, and focused on long term value creation”, the NUPRC boss stated.

The 2025 Licensing Round, launched on December 1, 2025, offers 50 oil and gas blocks across various terrains, including frontier, onshore, shallow water, and deep water.

Since then, all licensing materials have been posted on the Commission’s portal, and dedicated support channels have been created to address applicant inquiries.

Oil & Energy

Dangote Refinery Affirms 75m Litres PMS, 25m Litres Diesel Daily Supply

Published

60 minutes ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reaffirmed its capacity to supply fuel volumes significantly more than Nigeria’s estimated domestic consumption.

The refinery said it can supply 75 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily against an estimated national consumption of 50 million litres.

The company, in a statement issued to Journalists, at the Weekend, also said it has capacity to supply 25 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) compared with an estimated daily demand of 14 million litres, along side capacity to supply 20 million litres of aviation fuel daily, above the estimated maximum domestic consumption of four million litres.

According to the refinery, the availability of volumes above prevailing demand provides critical supply buffers, enhances market stability and reduces reliance on imports, particularly during periods of peak demand or logistical disruption.

“The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery would like to reiterate our capability to supply the underlisted petroleum products of the highest international quality standard to marketers and stakeholders,” the company said in a public notice.

The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to full regulatory compliance and continued cooperation with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), stating that its supply approach is aligned with ongoing efforts to ensure market stability and orderly downstream operations.

The refinery said it remains fully engaged with regulators and industry stakeholders in support of Nigeria’s national energy security objectives, as the country deepens its transition from fuel import dependence to domestic refining.

It expressed willingness to work closely with market participants to ensure that the benefits of local refining, including reliable supply, competitive pricing and improved market discipline are delivered consistently to consumers nationwide.

The statement added “With domestic refining capacity expanding, stakeholders believe Nigeria is increasingly positioned to reduce foreign exchange exposure, improve supply security and strengthen downstream efficiency through locally refined petroleum products”.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu