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Niger Delta

SPDC, NNPC, Others Hail Wabote Over Local Content Policy

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3 years ago

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Major stakeholders and operators of the Nigerian oil and gas industry have lauded the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Management Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote, for turning around the fortunes of indigenous people in the oil and gas sector of the nation.
They said Wabote achieved the feat through concerted efforts in implementation of local content policy of the Federal Government.
The stakeholders include the Country Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbo; Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Malam Mele Kolo Kyari; and the Chief Executive of the National Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr Gbenga Komolafe and, other stakeholders in the industry. Komolafe was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning, NUPRC, Dr Kelechi Ofoegbu.
The stakeholders gave the commendation at the 2023 Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF), which took place at the content tower, the NCDMB headquarters, in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State.
In his opening address, Wabote, commended invitees and partnering agencies as well as major players in the oil and gas sector for being part of the event.
He also lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for giving the oil and gas industry the needed support to champion economic and infrastructural development of the nation, by signing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law, noting that the oil and gas industry contributes about 48% to the economic and industrial development of the nation.
The NCDMB scribe described the NOGOF as a biennial event which brings investors and critical stakeholders in the oil and gas industry together to brainstorm and to proffer solutions to likely problems in the industry, and opportunities for stakeholders, including partnering agencies and individuals, to network towards the industrialisation of the nation.
He reemphasised the need for greater and more robust synergy, noting that upon the establishment of the NCDMB, the board has been playing pivotal roles in developing the economy through deliberate and legal implementation of the local content act (NOGICD Act) for greater economic expansion and opportunities.
Wabote expressed the optimism that in the near future, the Nigerian oil and gas parks (NOGAPS) in Bayelsa and other states of the Niger Delta would be completed and put to use in furtherance of the economic development and industrialisation of the nation.
“The theme of this year’s NOGOF is ‘Oil and Gas Industry: Catalyst and Fuel for the Industrialisation of Nigeria’’.
“It’s my belief that the oil and gas sector can serve as the catalyst that will enable us to achieve the desired double-digit GDP growth rate, if we’re bold and disruptive in our strategy.
“In the aspect of creating opportunities, the NOGICD Act set the minimum targets in 278 services across oil and gas value chain in schedule.
“One probable means through which double-digit GDP growth can be achieved is by harnessing the array of opportunities that exist in various categories enabled by the oil and gas industry”, the NCDMB’s Executive-Secretary said.
In his speech, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by the State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Dr Ebieri Jones berated the Federal Government for not according oil producing states any significant role to play in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Diri also frowned at the Federal Government for allocating just 3% from the gains from the oil industries operating in the Niger Delta region to the host communities, while 30% percent of the NNPC annual profit was allocated for exploration in frontier states, noting that it amounts to continuous marginalisation and undermining of the Niger Delta region.
Highpoints of the event was the presentation of awards to stakeholders in the oil and gas Industry, panel discussions by panelists, comprising managers and staff members of the multinationals.
The NCDMB held the 4th edition of the NOGOF last week Wednesday to Friday.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

C’River Bans VIOs From Road Operations 

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5 days ago

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March 9, 2026

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The Cross River State Government has banned the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from road operations across the state.
The State Governor, Bassey Out, who made the announcement in Calabar on Saturday, restricted activities of the VIO to office duties.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary,  Mr. Linus  Obogo, the directive followed protests by commercial bus drivers and tricycle operators over high tickets, excessive fines and alleged harassment by enforcement teams.
The Governor, who made other announcements in the sector, said the measures were approved after a meeting with key transport stakeholders.
According to the statement, other announcements made was the reduction of daily ticket fee from N850 to N500,  while the penalty for failure to purchase the ticket had also been reduced to N10,000.
“All traffic-related fines be slashed by 50 per cent and must be paid only into designated Cross River State Government accounts.
“Daily ticket for tricycle riders have been reduced from N1,200 to N500. However, every activity of commercial tricycle operators ends at 6 p.m. daily, night operations are permanently banned,” Otu asserted.
He said the review was aimed to ease the burden on drivers and restore order in the state’s transport system.
Speaking further, the Governor said the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA) would now focus on vehicle registration and sale of tickets at approved rates.
He noted that enforcement officers must operate only in proper uniforms and with verifiable identification.
He directed the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) to restrict its activities to statutory traffic management duties.
In addition, the Governor announced that “commercial bus drivers and tricycle riders will no longer purchase tickets on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
“These directives will take effect from March 9, and I urge all residents and transport operators to cooperate with relevant authorities.”
Speaking to The Tide’s source, some commercial drivers said the statement did not address some activities of TRAMRA such as the illegal “no parking order” for drivers who only pick and drop passengers.
For Johnson Ade, a commercial driver,  there should be an official release stating the traffic infractions in the state and the fine for each of them.
He said slashing the fines by 50 per cent was ambiguous, adding that the amounts to be paid for each crime should be clearly stated to prevent criminal elements who posed as government traffic regulatory officials from abusing the directive.
On his part, Mr. Sunday Dennis, Metropolitan Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), said they would convene a meeting immediately to critically look at the governor’s statement.
It would be recalled that series of protests by commercial bus drivers and tricycle operators had led to the suspension of all forms of  transport tickets in the state by the government.
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Niger Delta

A’Ibom Community Seeks Govt Recognition For Elected Village Head

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5 days ago

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March 9, 2026

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Some indigenes of Mbiabong Ikpe Village, in Ikpe Annang Clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have called on the State Government to recognize Chief Samuel James Udo as the authentic Village Head of the community by according him a Certificate of Recognition.
According to them, the call is necessitated by the fact that Chief Udo has won the first and second election processes on 1st May, 2021 and 15th July 2025.
The indigenes said in addition to his emergence after the two election processes, Chief Udo’s emergence has been confirmed by Chief Akpan Akpa Inyang (Okuku Ikpa Isong Annang), who has handed him (Udo) to “UDAK” as stipulated by the custom and tradition of Annang Land.
They said Udo’s emergence marked the end of every struggle by individuals or groups of persons on the issue of headship of Mbiabong Ikpe Village, Ikpe Annang Land, in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
According to them, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, should call for the recognition of the Village Head-elect of Mbiabong Ikpe Village in accordance with the Traditional Rulers Council Law of Akwa Ibom State, CAP 134.
This, they said, is because he has been duly and rightly selected by the kingmakers as the village Head-elect and have satisfied all requirements in the extant law for the said selection.
“We are informing the Akwa Ibom State Government of the development, because any imposition of any other name to the Governor will not be accepted by the community”, they said.
Meanwhile, they have alleged that some “enemies of progress are causing problem over the Chieftaincy issue after the winner has emerged and accepted by the entire Kingmakers.”
When contacted the Village Head-elect, Chief Samuel James Udo, advised the people not to cause any crises, saying that their mandate will not be denied.
“I will continue to respect the law. My people are law abiding citizens and God will surely stand for true justice and the certificate will be given to me, not through fighting, causing unrest, or violence, but by our faith in God, and the belief that the relevant authorities will do the needful”, he said.
By: Christopher Tom, Uyo
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Niger Delta

Delta Unveils World Book Day Festival

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5 days ago

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March 9, 2026

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The Delta State government on Saturday unveiled the LightRay! Distortion World Book Day Festival.
The festival, themed “That Which Bends, Transcends,” is a major celebration of literature, storytelling, and cultural advocacy in the state.
It was unveiled at the office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Mininim Oseji, in Asaba.
The event was organised by LightRay! Media, in partnership with the Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA) and Unchained Vibes Africa.
Founder and President of the media group, Ejiro Umukoro, described the event as the first large-scale literary festival in the state.
She explained that the initiative aims to engage both marginalised and privileged communities in dialogue on resilience, hope, and social change through literature.
Highlighting the transformative power of storytelling, Umukoro said literature can inspire action, reshape perspectives, and drive social change within communities.
According to her, the festival builds on the impact of the Distortion novel series produced by LightRay! Media, which explores themes of human resilience, personal agency, and renewal.
She noted that the book has supported social awareness campaigns and legislative advocacy, contributing to the abolition of the Osu caste system in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo.
“The novel has also received literary recognition, including the TYB Young Adult Literature Prize in 2024,” she added.
Umukoro further revealed that the Delta Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has approved Distortion as a recommended literature text for students.
She expressed concern over the poor condition of public libraries across the state, noting that many remain inactive or non-functional.
”Urban libraries also struggle with outdated collections, inadequate infrastructure, and limited professional staffing”, she said.
Umukoro urged stakeholders to rebuild libraries, strengthen reading communities, and equip facilities with modern learning resources.
“The three-month festival will feature competitions, workshops, creative showcases, and professional development programmes, Umukoro said.
The Permanent Secretary in the office of the Head of Service, Mr. Wilson Chukwuka, commended the initiative.
The leader of the National Association of Seadogs, Mr. Michael Nwaidei, said the project aligns with efforts to encourage critical thinking and knowledge acquisition among young people.
Nwaidei was represented by a member of the association, Mr. Uche Egbuche.
The Tide’s source reports that guests, educators, creatives, and literary enthusiasts from across the state and diaspora communities attended the festival.
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