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Stop Destroying Local Refineries …Ijaws Advance Reasons To Buhari
The Ijaw Peoples’ Development Initiative (IPDI), at the weekend, urged the military to stop further destruction of local refineries in the Niger Delta, saying they were not illegal as charged.
National President of the group, Austin Ozobo, in a press statement, said, “the local refineries help in controlling price and availability of petroleum, diesel and kerosene products in the country, and government should regulate, rather than destroy the technology.”
The group said, “it is, therefore, unfair to describe its operation as illegal. What is illegal about it? No innovation or technology is illegal in the world. The government can regulate its operation and earn revenue from it. It is subject to improvement.
“They should think of improving the robust local technology and stop destroying them. The Army and Navy, which destroy stolen crude or locally refined products are another set of economic saboteurs against the national economy. They are not different from oil thieves and vandals because both efforts are geared towards bleeding the nation’s economy.
“That local refineries are not owned by government does not make them illegal. The government is sectional and lopsided, that is why they fail to see the beauty of this local technology,” IPDI asserted.
It noted, “local refineries in the South complement other refineries in the country. They help in controlling price and availability of petroleum products in the country, such as petrol, diesel and kerosene. The Nigerian government does not see the beauty of the business because it is being operated by people of the most neglected Niger Delta. But it would have been welcomed if it were operated by the northerners.
“Local refinery bunkering business has created thousands of jobs for interested jobless persons and young school leavers all over the Niger Delta region and the western part of this country, and had drastically reduced crime rate in the region. The activities of local refinery have reduced poverty among aborigines in these regions.
“The so-called illegal refineries could be converted to modular refineries. If the government thinks it is illegal, let them legalize it by either issuing operational licences or permits. It can be regulated in such a way that the operators will be buying raw crude direct from NNPC at local price,” the group stated.
IPDI said: “Of what importance is the destruction of impounded stolen crude. It is unfair to destroy it, looking at its economic importance. Whether stolen or impounded, such does not reduce or devalue the crude or other locally-refined products. If the government is wise, such impounded products can be converted to assist the dying economy. Instead of burning it or wasting it, it is better to allow the citizens use it to develop themselves.
“The local refineries help to checkmate activities of militants and pirates in the region as thousands of jobless persons now earn a living from it. Operators of local refineries are neither oil thieves, nor pipeline vandals; they buy to refine.
“They are different from oil thieves, vandals and saboteurs, who are seeking pipeline repair and surveillance contracts. Oil thieves are those, who use vessels and barges to siphon crude from pipelines and export it. These include NNPC top staff, politicians, Army and Navy officers,” it said.
It added: “Local refinery operators buy remnants or spill overs from such cartels to refine. They buy to refine, and do not siphon from pipelines to get their products. The government of President Muhammadu Buhari, and its military should have a rethink, and stop further destruction of the nation’s economic resources.”
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.