News
132 Firms Bid For NNPC’s Crude Sales Contract
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), yesterday, opened the 2019 Direct Sale of Crude Oil and Direct Purchase (DSDP) to its local and international business partners, and potential off-takers and suppliers with 132 organisations indicating interest.
The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru, who set the process in motion, said the essence of the bidding was to ensure reputable qualified companies were engaged.
The 132 companies are bidding for about 14 billion liters of products under the DSDP scheme.
Baru explained that the process was to ensure that the selection of off-takers aligned with transparent and accountable procedures in compliance with the Public Procurement and Nigerian Content Acts.
“The third public bid opening ceremony for the DSDP tenders is fully in line.
“The DSDP scheme was introduced in 2016 with efficient and cost effective systems and processes to plug the value eroding loopholes of the January, 2015 OPC contracts.
“Since the inception of the DSDP scheme in 2016 until March, 2019, about 29.5million metric tons (39.6 billion liters) of petroleum products have been supplied under the scheme representing over 90 per cent of the national requirement.
“Through a transparent competitive bidding and evaluation process, the scheme has enlisted a robust supplier mix comprising of the big international players and strong Nigerian downstream companies for supply flexibility and local capacity development,” Baru said.
According to him, the scheme has over the years, ensured significant reduction in product demurrage cost in the range of 84 per cent and cost savings of about $2.2 billion.
He assured the bidders that all the bids would be given fair consideration.
The Group General Manager (GGM), Crude Oil Marketing Division, NNPC, Mele Kyari, said the bid process was open to all to optimise local participation.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday, disclosed that it has saved $2.2 billion since the introduction of the Direct Sales, Direct Purchase scheme, DSDP.
The DSDP scheme involves the NNPC allocating certain volume of crude oil to the successful companies, while the companies are required to bring in equivalent value of different petroleum products to the country.
Speaking at the DSDP bid opening ceremony in Abuja, Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, also disclosed that the agreement the NNPC was looking to enter into with the successful companies would involve about 14 billion litres of petroleum products per annum.
He stated that over the years, through a transparent competitive bidding and evaluation process, the DSDP scheme had enlisted a robust supplier mix, comprising big international players and strong Nigerian downstream companies for supply flexibility and local capacity development.
Baru said, “The scheme prides itself with a competitive pricing framework, that is lower than the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, benchmark, which over the years has ensured significant reduction in product demurrage cost in the range of 84 per cent and cost savings of about $2.2 billion.”
He added that 132 bids were received for the 2019/2020 programme, noting that the DSDP marks a milestone that aimed to maximise Nigeria’s crude oil for the benefit of all Nigerians. He stated that the programme was designed to plug loopholes recorded in previous Offshore Processing Arrangement deals, explaining that reputable and qualified companies would be engaged for the scheme.
According to Baru, credible, tested and compliant offtakers would be engaged for the scheme, as well as strong Nigerian downstream companies to ensure steady supply of petroleum products and also develop their capacity.
Also speaking, Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, disclosed that the key objective was to eliminate corruption, adding that corruption cannot be eliminated without putting in place measured to eliminate opacity. He said, “We are trying to ensure that out processes are open to all the DSDP is an intervention 6to ensure unfettered supply of petroleum products.”
He said the scheme would ensure optimal value for Nigeria’s crude oil, ensure cost saving and also guarantee that it’s processes can be validated.
He noted that each of the partners must be able to demonstrate financial capacity to a minimum of $72 million as well as cognate experience in crude oil marketing and petroleum products import. He added that the NNPC, “would do its best efforts to conduct its own internal estimates, setting up minimum price levels.
This is not a highest or lowest bidder tender, because we know some prices are not realistic. “We want to ensure best value, secure products supply, encourage local participation and grow capacity of indigenous companies. These are the aims of the programme. The companies are expected to pay taxes to government, while we would get best and fair prices.”
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo