News
DPR Lists Ways To Fortify Nigeria Oil, Gas Sector
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has listed five ways to fortify the Nigerian oil and gas sector for economic stability and growth.
The Director and Chief Executive Officer of DPR, Mr Sarki Auwalu, made the suggestion while presenting a keynote address at the 20th Nigeria oil and gas conference, in Abuja, yesterday.
The theme of the conference is, “Fortifying the Nigeria oil and gas sector for Economic Stability.”
Auwalu said the DPR would remain committed to the development of oil and gas sector for economic growth and development.
“For us in the DPR, we contemplate five broad areas in which the industry needs to support the nation for economic growth and stability.
“The areas are legal, institutional, financial, in-sector diversification and indigenous capacity.
“And I have to say that with the focused leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, the key fundamental issues on growth are being addressed,” he said.
According to him, under the legal front, the long-awaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that has been passed will enhance clarity in legislative, regulatory, fiscal and administrative frameworks.
He said that evolving commercial institutions would be strengthened for efficiency, prudent management, financial stewardship and operational management.
“At the same vein, the regulatory institutions should be strengthened to streamline roles, prevent duplication and promote ambition that will promote regulatory clarity in rules of doing business.
“The overall industry financial provision must be improved for sustainability to protect the oil and gas production level,” he said.
Auwalu noted that millions of dollars were required for investment in infrastructure in the deep offshore, inland basin, frontier basins, marginal field development and gas infrastructure, among others.
He added that investments in the NLNG Train 7, AKK gas pipeline project, among others, were an indication of an improved business model in the country.
He noted that a stable and legal fiscal operation was critical for improved investment in businesses in Nigeria.
“We have confidence that with the passage of the PIB, existing operators and second-generation International Oil Companies will have the reason to consolidate their business in the country.
“In a related sense, the concept of in sector diversification must take on to add impetus to economic stability and growth,” Auwalu added.
He noted that economic diversification entails many things, adding that the industry must look inwards to drive value for growth and stability.
Commenting on gas, he said that Nigeria must work hard to ensure it witnessed all the benefits of huge gas deposit in the country.
“We need to benchmark our country with the other Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), especially with their contributions to the Gross Domestic Product. We know that most of them are far in their contributions than us.
“Gas is everywhere and using it as a transition fuel, we must use it to add value, create wealth and build indigenous capacity”, he said.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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