Niger Delta

SPDC, NNPC, Others Hail Wabote Over Local Content Policy

Published

3 years ago

May 22, 2023

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

Niger Delta

NPC Unveils Digital Registration System In Delta

Published

6 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The National Population Commission (NPC), on Friday, launched the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (eCRVS) in Delta State, designed to strengthen data generation and vital statistics management.

The Tide’s source reports that the system was launched by the Delta Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, at a news briefing in Asaba.

Brume-Ataguba recalled that President Bola Tinubu formally launched the eCRVS in November 2023 as part of the efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration process.

She said the initiative followed resolutions reached at the Sixth Session of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Addis Ababa in 2022.

According to her, African ministers urged member states to automate civil registration processes and implement the UN Legal Identity Agenda.

“Nigeria responded by developing an electronic, technology-driven system to enhance data generation and improve civil statistics nationwide,” Brume-Ataguba said.

She said NPC, in collaboration with UNICEF, produced an eCRVS Operational Readiness Assessment Report to guide implementation.

She explained that the partnership aims to establish a fully digital civil registration system that converts records of vital events into reliable statistics for effective planning and decision-making.

Brume-Ataguba described the initiative as a complete shift from paper-based documentation to a modern digital platform aligned with international best practices.

She said the system would transform the way births and deaths were recorded, tracked and analysed across the country.

“This process marks a complete departure from the traditional paper-based recording of vital events to a state-of-the-art digital solution that conforms to international best practices.

“This eCRVS promises to revolutionise how vital events are recorded, tracked and analysed in the country.

“This will ensure commitments, and a sustained national, international financial and political investment for birth registration within the CVRS in Nigeria, ” Brume-Ataguba said.

She also said the launch demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening civil registration data capture and processing.

She further said improved vital statistics would support national development planning and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brume-Ataguba continued that the state-level launch was necessary to sensitise the media and the public on the significance of the digital registration system.

She described the media as a vital partner in informing and educating citizens about the importance of registering vital events electronically.

She further assured residents that competent ICT personnel were available at the state level to address technical challenges and provide support.

The NPC commissioner emphasised that the eCRVS would overhaul the registration of births and deaths in the country and lay a solid foundation for efficient civil statistics management.

She urged stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to realise its goal of providing accurate and timely vital registration data.

She announced that the current phase of the e-CRVS programme would be concluded in March.

In her remark, the NPC State Director, Mrs. Jane Odigwe, appealed to the Delta Government to support the implementation of the system in the state.

“Your partnership is vital in helping us to reach this goal,” Odigwe said.

She also urged parents to register their children, saying that a birth certificate is essential for access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said that registering children today would secure their identity and future participation in Nigeria’s development.

“To every parent in Delta, I urge you to bring your children forward for birth registration.

“A birth certificate is not just a document but your child’s key to education, healthcare and global opportunities.

“By registering your child today, you are giving them a voice in Nigeria of tomorrow,” Odigwe said.

Niger Delta

Police Uncover Suspects’ Armoury … Recover Weapons In Delta

Published

6 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has recovered assorted weapons from a criminal hideout in the state.

Spokesman for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen, who on Friday in Warri, said the weapons were recovered on Thursday by the operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson.

He said the feat was achieved following a confession by a suspect handed over to the police team by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orerokpe Division, for further interrogation.

Edafe said the suspect was alleged to be a member of a criminal syndicate terrorising commuters and residents on the Warri/Sapele Road.

“On February 19, acting on information obtained during interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located on the Sapele/Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.

“A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun.

“Also recovered were a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, 10 live cartridges and a dagger,” he said.

Edafe stated that the investigation into the matter was ongoing.

He, however, quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Mr. Aina Adesola, to have reiterated the command’s resolve in dismantling criminal networks, and mopping up illegal firearms, among others, in the state.

Niger Delta

Police Caution On Lawless Protests On Court Matters In A’Ibom

Published

6 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has cautioned on threats of lawless protests by some members of the public over matters that are already before the courts.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, told newsmen in Uyo on Friday that illegal protests could undermine public peace and order.

“When matters are already in court, let’s follow legal and civil means to seek redress. That is how a civilised society works.

“Although we recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful expression and peaceful assembly, illegal protests are not allowed,” he said.

Azare said the Command would not tolerate threats or acts of nude protests, unlawful occupation of public or private facilities, and disruption of government, economic or social activities.

He said anyone found culpable of engaging in acts or threats of illegal protests would be prosecuted in line with the law.

“As a Command, we are committed to the maintenance of law and order, we are also committed to protecting lives and property”, he stated.