Oil & Energy

Stakeholders Seek Adjustment In Subsidy Payment To Marketers

Published

11 years ago

January 12, 2015

Stakeholders in the oil and
gas industry have advised the Federal Government to adjust payment of subsidy to marketers, following the crash of crude oil prices at the international market.
Former Publicity Relations Officer, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Mr Seyi Gambo, said there was need for Federal Government to re-adjust payment of subsidy to marketers.
Gambo expressed shock over the provision of N291 billion as fuel subsidy in the 2015 budget, in spite of the persistent decline in crude oil price at the international market.
According to him, subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise called petrol, has dropped to 90k per litre.
“Household Kerosene (HHK), otherwise called kerosene, has dropped to N64.71k per litre at the same date, according to Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).
“The expected open market price was N97.90k for petrol while kerosene was N114.71 per litre.”
Gambo said that contrary to other opinions, the low crude oil prices made it cheaper for global refineries to procure andprocess crude oil into various petroleum products.
He said that the scenario had made it imperative for government agencies in the oil and gas sector to reflect the current realities by adjusting pump prices of petroleum products.
The former PENGASSAN leader said that reversal of petroleum products pump prices would further enhance government policy toward ameliorating the suffering of Nigerian masses.
Gambo said that the devaluation of the nation’s currency had also weakened the purchasing power of Nigerians.
Managing Partner, Magnum Oil and Gas Ltd., Mr Austin Bello, said that government should reduce the price of petroleum products, as the prices of crude oil continued to crash at the global oil market.
Bello said that oil price has dropped in the international market from $115 in June 2014 to around $56 or 48 per cent decline.
“The crude oil revenue on which the country’s economy depends has fallen sharply, threatening the capacity of the government to fund the 2015 budget.
“Since the oil price began its free fall, the Federal Government has revised the 2015 budget benchmark three times.
“Yet the falling price has already surpassed government’s projection in the latest revised budget, which is predicated on $65 per barrel.
“But when the price of oil dropped ahead of the passage of the budget, the government reduced the benchmark from $78 dollars to $73 dollars per barrel, with an exchange rate of N162 to a dollar and a total budget figure of N4.7 trillion.
“With further fall in the oil prices, the benchmark was further reduced to 65 dollars per barrel, with an exchange rate of N165 to a dollar and a total budget figure of N4.357 trillion for the 2015 fiscal year.

NSCDC, NGOs and SPDC officials on road show to sensitise Nigerians on dangers of encroachment on gas pipeline right of way

Oil & Energy

MIND Slams PENGASSAN, Urges Senate Probe Over Alleged Maltreatment Of Nigerians At TotalEnergies

Published

4 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Movement of Intellectuals for National Development (MIND) has criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over what it describes as an evasive response to allegations concerning the treatment of Nigerian employees at TotalEnergies.

In a statement issued by its Western Coordinator, Ebi Warekromo, MIND expressed disappointment at PENGASSAN’s attempt to distance itself from a petition submitted to the President of the Nigerian Senate, maintaining that its petition is grounded in verified evidence and first hand accounts from affected workers.

Warekromo noted that the submission draws extensively from documented correspondence originating from PENGASSAN’s local branch communications that previously raised concerns about unfair labour practices and managerial misconduct within TotalEnergies.

Among the critical issues highlighted are allegations of workplace bullying and intimidation allegedly perpetrated by certain expatriate staff.

The petition also cites serious security concerns and alleged violations of the Nigerian oil and gas industry content development (NOGICD) act, particularly claims that expatriate positions have been unlawfully extended beyond their approved tenures.

Warekromo who dismissed PENGASSAN’s characterization of the documents as merely ‘internal correspondence’ as weak and disingenuous, insisted that workers’ rights violations and systemic oppression cease to be internal matters once they begin to harm Nigerian employees.

The group argued that confidentiality must not be used as a shield for injustice, stressing that internal dispute resolution mechanisms must deliver measurable outcomes.

Where such mechanisms fail, MIND insists that public and legislative oversight becomes necessary

beyond the immediate allegations, questioning PENGASSAN’s independence and effectiveness in representing its members.

The group urged the union to welcome a Senate hearing, describing it as an opportunity to clarify its position, restore credibility, and rebuild trust among workers.

“We are not attacking PENGASSAN. We are responding to the absence of effective representation that has allowed these oppressive practices to persist unchecked”,

MIND emphasised its belief that when unions appear reluctant to act decisively, civil society organizations have a responsibility to intervene in pursuit of justice and equitable labour relations.

Calling for a collaborative response, the group urged workers, unions, regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to work together toward fostering a healthier and more accountable environment within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

It further reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and urged PENGASSAN to take concrete and transparent steps to fulfill its mandate as a labour union.

Oil & Energy

Elumelu Tasks FG On Power Sector Debt Payment

Published

4 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp and United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, has urged the Federal Government to fast-track the settlement of debts owed to electricity generation companies (GenCos).

Elumelu said that the timely payment was imperative to boosting power supply and accelerating economic growth.

Speaking to State House correspondents, shortly after the meeting with President Bola Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Weekend, Elumelu insisted that the debt payment would aid in revitalising the power sector and stabilising the economy while strengthening the Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs).

He said “All of us who are in the power sector are owed significantly, but in spite of that, we continue to generate electricity. We want to see the payments made so that there will be more provision of electricity to the country. Access to electricity is critical for the development of our economy.”

Elumelu, whose conglomerate has major investments in Nigeria’s power industry, stressed that improving electricity supply remains one of the most important enablers of economic expansion, job creation and industrial productivity.

According to him, President Tinubu recognised the urgency of resolving the liquidity challenges in the power sector and is committed to addressing legacy debts to ensure generation companies can scale operations.

“The President realises it, embraces it and is committed to doing more, especially helping to fast-track the payment of the power sector debt so that power generators can do more for the country. That is very, very critical,” he added.

In his assessment of the outlook for 2026, he said growing macroeconomic stability, improved foreign exchange management and sustained reforms in the power sector could position Nigeria for stronger growth — provided implementation remains consistent and structural bottlenecks are addressed.

Elumelu posited that one priority stands out, which is: resolving power sector liquidity challenges to unlock increased electricity generation and energise the Nigerian economy.

Oil & Energy

‘Over 86 Million Nigerians Without Electricity’

Published

4 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

Nigeria has been said to have more than 86 million of its population still without access to electricity.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, stated this at the Award Ceremony of the Leadership Newspaper, in Abuja, last Thursday.

Mohammed noted that sixty per cent of the world’s best solar resources are on this continent adding that by 2040, Africa could generate ten times more electricity than it needs, and entirely from renewables.

Mohammad regretted that Africa now receives just two per cent of global clean energy investment saying, “And here in Nigeria, more than 86 million people still have no access to electricity at all.”

Expressing concerns over the large population of Nigerians living without access to electricity, the deputy scribe, said however, that Nigeria is responding to this challenge the right way insisting that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has developed a best-in-class action plan for climate, one that treats climate not as a constraint but as an engine for growth.

According to her, by placing energy access, climate-smart agriculture, clean cooking, and water management at the heart of its development agenda, Nigeria is showing what serious climate leadership looks like but Nigeria cannot close the climate action gap alone.

“Developed countries must the triple adaptation financing, we need for serious contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, and mobilize 300 billion dollars per year by 2035 for developing countries to succeed. Early warning systems need to reach everyone, so that communities have the means to prepare for climate shocks before they hit.

“And as Africa drives the global renewables revolution, including through its critical minerals, Africans must be the first and primary beneficiaries of the wealth that they generate”, Mohammed stated.