News

NNPC Identifies Gas As Transition Fuel

Published

4 years ago

May 6, 2022

The Federal Government has said that it was focusing on exploitation of gas to close the gap that can be created by less use of petrol, diesel and other fossil fuels, following the gradual exit from fossil fuels.
The Chairman, Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC), Mrs Margrey Chuba-Okadigbo, stated this in her remarks at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas in United States, last Wednesday.
The conference was anchored by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), the umbrella body of all the indigenous oil services companies in Nigeria.
According to Chuba-Okadigbo, gas as a transition fuel would not only bridge the energy gap to be created by exit of fossil fuels, but enhance economic development.
A statement by PETAN made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, quoted Chuba-Okadigbo as saying that the conference would arm the Nigerian team with the requisite knowledge and latest technology.
This, she said, would help to tackle energy issues as the energy industry players face increasing need for clarification of the implications of energy transition on their operations and business models.
The NNPC board chairman said that the conference was also to explain the contributions needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to achieve the goals and commitment of Paris Accord and the COP 26.
She said that the increasing social and environmental pressures on many energy companies raise complex questions about the role of oil and gas in a changing energy economy and the positions of those companies in the various societies where they operate.
To her, as the world moves to substitute fossil fuel with other forms of cleaner energies, Nigeria is still faced with numerous challenges in ensuring energy security, deepening domestic gas utilisation and maximising revenues derivable from hydrocarbon resources.
According to her, as world and business leaders join in the global solidarity against climate change and reduction of carbon emissions, NNPC Ltd., is taking giant strides in lowering her carbon footprints, sustaining energy security and driving prosperity in Nigeria.
She said: “We believe that achieving and sustaining a carbon neutral economy requires inclusive policy actions that guarantee access to finance and low carbon technology.
“Recently, Nigerian witnessed the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2012, which guarantees a reasonable return on investments; promotes business and operational transparency, and proffers better fiscal regimes than it was in the past.
“In effect, this Act provides the legal framework and guarantees investors’ confidence.
“Therefore, it is expected that much more significant change in overall capital allocation would be required to accelerate energy transition, especially in getting some key capital intensives, clean energy technologies to reach maturity.”
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of PETAN, Mr Nicholas Odinuwe, said the theme of the workshop: “Energy transition and the future of Africa”, underscores the fact that Africa is said to the last energy frontier and global hub as there is a global energy revolution and the quest for alternative and cleaner sources of energy.
However, he said, developing countries were keeping an open mind in the choices of their energy mix as they take cognisance of what best works for their heterogeneous populations.
According to him, “energy access is critical, so is funding, and so to fulfill the needs of the industry and secure future investment and energy security in Africa, emphasis should be on collaboration, entrepreneurship, innovation and funding”.
He reminded the gathering that many African countries, companies, and individuals had made huge investments in the energy sector and the economy of many African countries depends largely on stakeholders.
“It is expedient that the region begins to examine those critical issues and proffer solutions on how to properly position the sector for maximum economic transformation.”
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr Simbi Wabote, stressed that African countries must leverage on the robust platform and opportunities presented by African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which according to him, was key to drive home the Local Content narrative to achieve sustainable growth and development in Africa.
While commending the foresight of the league of African leaders that adopted the AfCFTA agreement in 2012, he noted that the AfCFTA has become an enabler for deepening African Local Content practice beyond national borders to enable project delivery and development of natural resources.
Speaking on the theme: ‘Cross-Border Service Integration As Enabler Of Project Delivery In The African Oil And Gas Industry’, the NCDMB boss noted that the AfCFTA is “Africa’s move to harmonize it’s markets for economic integration across all 55 member states with the objective of tapping into the Gross Domestic Product of over $3trillion.”
He noted that with the official commencement of AfCFTA, and the focus on addressing some of Africa’s “teething” problems, the prospect of opportunities among African businesses is gathering momentum, thus, Africa must not be left behind in developing its own response to the prevailing challenges.
Wabote commended the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and other key stakeholders for bringing together participants to this year’s OTC to have a robust strategy session on African Local Content, “especially against the backdrop of the ongoing energy transition narrative and the shifting dynamics of the security of energy supply across the globe.”
“From Kenya to Malawi, from Uganda to Nigeria, and all over the continent, I have always seen AfCFTA as the practice of local content at the continental level,” he added.
During his presentation, Wabote made it clear that to drive Local Content in the Oil and Gas industry, and any other sector, six key parameters must be looked at.
He listed them as: “Regulatory Framework, Gap Analysis, Capacity Building, Funding and Incentives, Research and Development, and Access to Market.
“A law or decree, depending on the political arrangement in a country, sets the framework and boundaries for all local content practitioners.”
This, he said, is “better than directives, or policies that are enshrined with the pretext of pushing the boundaries of local content.”
He further noted that in Nigeria, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, ensures the compliance of local content requirements.
He informed the audience that to this effect, the NOGICD Act established the NCDMB as the sole agency for Local Content implementation in the oil and gas industry, adding that the newly passed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), further re-enforces the practice of Local Content in the industry.
Wabote told the gathering that the NCDMB has now moved Local Content in Nigeria to 42percent from the less than 5percent that it was before the enactment of the Local Content Act in 2010.
He, therefore, urged African nations and businesses to take advantage of the opportunities and platform provided the AfCFTA.
“Why can’t we take advantage of the opportunities within Africa? I can tell you that it comes cheaper easier and can be delivered expeditiously. It is my sincere hope that our sister countries take full advantage of this rather than going over to Houston, across the Atlantic or the Pacific in search of capacity development.”
Wabote added that Angola has enacted an Act of Local Content, taking a cue from the success story of Nigeria’s Local Content drive.
Key players of the oil and gas industry who gathered at the conference included: Chairman, NNPC Board,Sen. Margaret Okadigbo; Managing Director, Chevron,Richard Kennedy; PETAN Chairman,Nicholas Odinuwe; Chairman of Platform Petroleum Limited, High Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs; and other top captains of industry in Nigeria and Africa.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

News

NDLEA Intercepts Drugs Hidden In Winter Jackets, Cream At Lagos Airport

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle illicit substances concealed in carton walls, winter jackets, and body cream containers through Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a Lagos-based courier firm.

The agency said two consignments bound for Italy were intercepted at the Lagos airport, leading to the arrest of suspects linked to the shipments.

In a statement released yesterday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said one of the suspects, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was intercepted on Friday, March 20, 2026, while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Rome, Italy.

The statement partly read, “Two of the consignments heading to Italy were to be moved through the Lagos airport where two suspects linked to the shipments were promptly arrested.

“One of them, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was going to Rome, Italy on Friday, March 20, 2026, when he was intercepted while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight with 2,698 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in containers of skin-lightening body cream, all packed in the suspect’s luggage.

“In his statement, Ehianuka, who is a resident of Milan, confirmed that he was to be paid a negotiated fee in Euros if he had succeeded in trafficking the consignment to Italy.”

In another operation on Wednesday, March 18, Babafemi said NDLEA officers at the departure hall intercepted another passenger, Christian Agbonhese, attempting to board a Lufthansa flight to Milan.

A search of his luggage uncovered 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg, 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg, and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg concealed in two large winter jackets.

“No fewer than 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg; 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg; and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg, all concealed in two large winter jackets, bringing the total number of opioids recovered from him to 28,470 pills. The 38-year-old Agbonhese is also a resident of Milan,” the statement added.

In a separate operation at a courier firm in Lagos, Babafemi said NDLEA officers on Monday, March 16, intercepted two parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 1kg, hidden in a carton shipped from the United States.

“Also thwarted was an attempt to export 158 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the walls of a carton to New Zealand,” he said.

In Kano State, operatives arrested Abdulkadir Mamuda, 35, with 102.5kg of skunk at Dan-Tsalle, while another suspect, Uche Johnson Festus, 47, was nabbed at Naibawa Gabas with 95.5kg of the same substance.

Babafemi said the agency also recovered 21,737 bottles of codeine-based syrup during a raid at Otto, Ijora area of Lagos on Wednesday, March 18, adding that two suspects, Chidiebere Anigbogu and Paul Nwagbara, were arrested the same day on the Third Mainland Bridge while conveying 8,380 bottles of the syrup.

In Edo State, operatives recovered 97.5kg of skunk from the residence of Akeem Idde, 37, in Ojah, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area on March 16.

In the FCT, officers intercepted a commercial bus along the Gwagwalada Expressway on March 18, recovering 91,840 pills of tramadol hidden in body compartments of the vehicle. The driver, Aminu Ali, 27, was arrested.

In Oyo State, a suspect, Bankole Bari, was on Tuesday, March 17, arrested at Oke-Oyan, Ibarapa LGA, with 71.2kg of skunk, which he smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic through the Oyan River.

In a similar development, “Not less than 586,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 were recovered by NDLEA operatives from Lawal Anas, 28, along Kaduna-Zaria Highway, Kaduna, on Tuesday, March 17, while 7,290 tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from Musa Shuaibu, 22, at the same location on Friday, March 20,” Babafemi said.

In Taraba State, officers intercepted Aliyu Adamu, 26, along the Takum-Jalingo Highway with 77,660 capsules of tramadol, while in Adamawa State, six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure of 82.8kg of tramadol in a truck in Yola.

The suspects include Ramatu Aliyu, Jungudo Abdullahi, Najid Abdullahi, Musa Mohammed, Usman Abdulrahim, and Musa Mohammed.

The agency said its commands across the country also intensified War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centres, and communities during the week.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers of the MMIA, DOGI, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Oyo, FCT, Taraba, and Adamawa commands for the arrests and seizures, urging them to sustain the balanced approach to drug control efforts.

News

RSG Applauds FRSC, NDLEA For Enhancing Security In Rivers …As NDLEA Pushes For Drug Tests In Schools, NYSC Camps

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has commended the dedication and collaboration of federal government agencies in sustaining security in the State.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the State Commander of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), CN Bature Dawa, in Port Harcourt, last week, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara appreciates the strong synergy between the agencies in promoting his administration’s vision of peace, prosperity and progress in the State.

Wokoma urged residents to remain law-abiding, noting that respect for the law is essential for good governance and sustainable development in all parts of the state.

He stated that the governor has remained committed to initiatives that promote peace and social order, stressing that the administration will continue to support programmes of federal agencies aimed at strengthening security and public safety.

“Our governor is committed to peace, progress and prosperity in Rivers State. I therefore encourage all residents, especially young people who are often targeted by those involved in drug abuse, to stay away from drugs, crime and reckless driving,” he said.

In his remarks, the State NDLEA boss, Dawa, disclosed that the agency has arrested 39 suspects in the state from December 2025 to date, including 16 new cases currently under investigation.

He explained that the NDLEA, through its Drug Demand Reduction and Drug Supply Control Units, has intensified efforts to curb the spread of illicit drugs and ensure offenders are brought to justice.

Dawa also called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, while urging hotel owners and managers to remain vigilant and prevent their facilities from being used for drug-related activities.

He further advocated the introduction of drug integrity tests in schools and within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as part of measures to discourage drug abuse among young people.

In a related development, Dr Wokoma received the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CC Inyang Umoh, during a courtesy visit, and urged residents to abide by road safety laws and drive in consideration of other road users.

In his remarks, the FRSC boss expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the continuous support to the Corps.

News

Rivers Muslims Laud Fubara’s Dev Strides

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Muslims in Rivers State have commended Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his dedication and commitment to the development of the state.

They also lauded the governor for promoting peaceful co-existence among various religious groups in the state.

Vice President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ,Alhaji Nasil Awhelegbe Uhor, gave the commendation last Friday during the Eid-el Fitri prayer to mark the end of Ramadan fasting period, at the Port Harcourt Central Mosque, Niger Street, Port Harcourt.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the prayer, Alhaji Uhor said Governor Fubara has shown exemplary leadership in the affairs of the state.

Uhor who is the leader of the South South Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, called on Muslims to remain committed to the ideal of peace and fear of the Almighty Allah.

According to the Rivers State Islamic leader, the message is for Muslims to imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink into their lives and shape their ways of doing things.

He urged Muslims to imbibe the culture of love and respect for one another.

“My message is that all Muslims should imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink with them,” he advised.

Uhor stressed the need for Muslims and all Nigerians to remain patriotic, while avoiding all forms of anti-social behaviours.

He also called on the political leaders to put the country first, stressing that there is no need for Nigerians to continue to wallow in abject poverty when the country is so rich with natural resources.

Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Rivers State, Alhaji Ibrahim S Yalo, urged Muslims to fear God, and speak the truth always.

According to him, time has come for Nigerians to cultivate the habit of peaceful coexistence, speak the truth and be each others keeper.

“Nigerians own a duty to ensure peace, live together in fear of God and speak the truth always,” he said.

By: John Bibor