Rivers

Confab Seeks Local Solutions To Oil, Gas Sector Challenges

Published

2 years ago

September 29, 2023

The just-concluded 6th international conference organised by the Centre for Gas, Refining and Petrochemicals (CGRP) of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPOTT) has made critical recommendations for the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
A communique read at the end of the conference and signed on behalf of organisers and participants by the Vice-Chancellor, UNIPORT, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill; Chairman, CGRP Board and Chairman of the conference, Engr. Anthony Ogbuigwe; Ag. Director, CGRP, Dr. Akuma Oji; and Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Prof. Ayoade Kuye; stated that the Federal Government should make deliberate efforts to develop local solutions to the challenges of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
The communique, made available by the Chairman, Conference Sub-Committee on Publicity and Protocols, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, on Saturday, said, “Government must make deliberate policy to encourage the design and fabrication of oil and gas equipment in Nigeria.
“This is important because of its impact on the economy, job creation opportunities, as well as optimal and sustainable operation of the oil and gas industry”, it said.
The communique further stated that, “the Federal Government should initiate policies that will insist that at least 60percent of equipment being used should be manufactured in Nigeria. Timelines to this also should be set”.
Other aspects of the 19-point recommendations of the communique include: “The Federal Government of Nigeria should divest some of its ownership of the commercial refineries in Nigeria for a sustainable operation of the oil and gas industry, at least in line with the NLNG model, i.e. 49percent Government and 51percent private sector, as only this will ensure sustainability.
“All efforts should be expedited to ensure the optimal performance of all commercial refineries in Nigeria. These refineries can be upgraded with new technologies to increase capacity of production and quality of products.
“There is need to ensure the standardization of products of gas, refining and petrochemicals in Nigeria especially the modular refineries to ensure sustainability.
“More efforts should be targeted towards arresting the menace of crude oil pipeline vandalisation, gas flaring and ensure turn-around maintenance of the commercial refineries in Nigeria as and when due.
“Efforts should be made at increasing the consumption of fertilizer in Nigeria. Efforts at digitizing the operation and management of the oil and gas industry should be explored to drive the change in the downstream sector.
“Nigeria like other African countries must pay adequate attention to targeted and sustainable financing of the downstream sector and the agricultural sector and policies made towards its actualization.
“Government/private sector partnership in the mid and downstream sector can improve job creation, revenue generation, food security and national GDP.
“The Agricultural sector can be made more attractive in Nigeria with emphasis on using the right seeds, right fertilizers and applying fertilizer at the right time are essentials for getting optimal production in the industry.
“Gas flaring penalties must be well priced to discourage this activity. Government should ensure diligent application and execution of this policy.
“Utilization of gas resources is essential to discourage wastage. Gas-to-power, gas-to-fertilizer, gas-to-energy and gas-to- liquids are viable options.
“Investment in Hydrogen gas generation and utilization in Nigeria must be explored.
“Efforts must be geared at improving the collaboration between the government, academia, industry and professional bodies as this is key to a sustainable oil and gas industry and the agricultural sector.
“Industry and community harmony is an incentive to cross-community cooperation and development.
“Home grown technologies and collaborations with other African countries is key to attaining sustainability in the oil and gas industry”.
The conference extended its felicitations to President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our prayers are that the recommendations of this international conference will be religiously implemented to usher in innovations for sustainable optimal operations of existing oil and gas assets in Nigeria”, the communique declared.
The conference, which was held at Novotel Hotels, Port Harcourt from Wednesday to Thursday, September 20-21, 2023, attracted participants from government, academia, industry and stakeholders in the mid/downstream oil and gas industry in Nigeria and abroad.
The theme of the conference was “Innovations for Sustainable Optimal Operations of Existing Oil and Gas Assets in Nigeria”.
It was organised by CGRP in collaboration with with the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE) and Africa Centre of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research (ACE-CEFOR).

Rivers

Rivers To Honour Veterans In 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, has reiterated the commitment of the Rivers State Government to the welfare of military veterans, widows of fallen heroes, and officers currently serving in the State, saying they will be honoured this year.

Dr. Anabraba made this known during the Central Planning Committee meeting for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held in Port Harcourt.

He commended members of the Committee for their contributions to the successful Emblem Appeal Fund Ceremony recently conducted in the State and urged them to intensify efforts to ensure a resounding success in the remaining activities lined up for the celebration.

According to him, activities commenced with Juma’at Prayers on Friday, January 9, at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt Township.

As part of events marking this year’s event, a special engagement was also hosted by the wife of the State Governor, Her Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, to honour, celebrate, and interact with widows and veterans.

On Saturday, January 10, a Humanitarian Outreach, Family and Community was hosted for widows and veterans by Her Excellency, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, wife of the State Governor.

Yesterday, an Interdenominational Church Thanksgiving Service was also held at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt Township.

The grand finale, the Wreath-Laying Ceremony, is billed to take place on Thursday, January 15, at the Isaac Boro Park Cenotaph, Port Harcourt.

Dr. Anabraba noted that a major highlight of the programme would be the laying of wreaths by the Governor alongside heads of security agencies in the State.

Rivers

Police Recover Remains Of Missing Man, Arrest 2 Suspects In Rivers … 12 More Suspects Over Mbodo-Aluu Attack

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Rivers State has recovered the remains of the late Sampson Worianime, who was declared missing on November 11, and arrested two suspects linked to the case.

The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this to newsmen in Port Harcourt, stating that the suspects were arrested following investigations into the crime.

Iringe-Koko recalled that Worianime was declared missing after accompanying an unnamed community youth leader from Ogbogbo Community in the Okrika area of Rivers State to inspect and measure a parcel of land.

She explained that following the report to the police, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding Worianime’s disappearance.

“Upon receipt of the petition, we commenced intelligence-led policing, which led to the arrest of two suspects, including the Chief Security Officer of Aleto-Eleme Community”, she said.

According to her, the suspects, during investigations, confessed to abducting two youths from Okrika Local Government Area.

She said one of the victims, whose identity was not disclosed, escaped, while Worianime was killed.

She added that the suspects later led police operatives to the location where the victim’s remains were recovered from a shallow grave.

“The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with investigations.

“Efforts are currently ongoing to apprehend other accomplices involved in the crime”, Iringe-Koko stated.

In a another development, the Police Command also announced the arrest of 12 suspects in connection with a violent attack of Unity Estate on Mbodo-Aluu Road in Port Harcourt.

Iringe-Koko said the suspects, alleged to be members of a vigilante group, alongside hired thugs, reportedly invaded the estate on January 5, armed with pump-action guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.

“The assailants allegedly fired gunshots indiscriminately, causing panic and fear among residents”, she said.

She continued that the estate suffered significant damage, with several vehicles destroyed during the attack.

“One of the residents, Stephen Nmacha, sustained a shattered leg from gunshot injury and was subsequently abducted by the attackers.

“He was later rescued by police operatives and is currently receiving medical treatment at a healthcare facility”, she said.

Iringe-Koko further disclosed that several other residents sustained varying degrees of injuries while fleeing into nearby bushes to escape the violence.

She listed the items recovered from the suspects to include one automatic pump-action gun, a live cartridge, spent cartridges, charms, five motorcycles, two minibuses and a Sienna bus.

Speaking on the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olugbenga Adepoju, described the attacks as reckless and reprehensible.

He noted that vigilante groups were legally required to operate strictly under police supervision, and questioned why the group failed to coordinate with the police.

Adepoju said efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects involved in the attacks, including the Akpor Commander of vigilante group, currently at large.

“We call on members of the public to provide credible information that will assist the Command in apprehending the fleeing suspects”, Adepoju urged.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Community Warns TotalEnergy, Others Over Entitlement In Bonny

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The people of Jumbo Akatikpo Park Community of the Jumbo Chieftaincy House in Bonny have accused TotalEnergies, Amni International and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited of sidelining legitimate landowners in Bonny, Rivers State, in a manner community leaders warn could trigger unrest.

This, they said, will likely negatively affect ongoing construction projects along the Bonny 48” Offshore Loading Line.

A statement issued by the Jumbo Akatikpo Park Community of the Jumbo Chieftaincy House spokesman, Dr. Fidelis Jumbo, alleged that the companies have been dealing solely with the Brown House while neglecting the joint ownership structure legally established for the land where the project sits.

“This stretch of land belongs jointly to the Jumbo House, the Brown House, and Bonny Kingdom on a 30-30-40 basis.

“For the Brown House to present itself as the sole landlord is bereft of altruism and sincerity. TotalEnergies, Amni and Renaissance must retrace their steps to forestall avoidable crisis”, Dr. Jumbo said.

The land in contention hosts the pipeline route being constructed by TotalEnergies to convey gas from Amni International’s offshore facility to the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal (BOGT) operated by Renaissance.

Referencing a 1972 agreement signed by representatives of the Jumbo House, Brown House and Bonny Kingdom, Dr. Jumbo noted that all six original signatories had long passed, stressing that no party has the authority to unilaterally alter the established structure.

Chairman of the Jumbo Akatikpo Park Community, George Sunju-Jumbo, said peace in Bonny depends heavily on respect for due process.

“We want peace in this Kingdom. Whatever our forebears agreed on must be upheld. Why should the Brown House present themselves as the only family TotalEnergies should talk to? We cannot take it. We will not allow it”, Sunju-Jumbo said.

He stressed that the Kingdom ought to show greater interest in the project, given its implications for the two primary families and Bonny’s traditional authority.

Despite protests, checks at the project site confirmed that construction continued uninterrupted, a development some observers described as “corporate insensitivity.”

Community leaders allege they were excluded from a November 12, 2025, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) review meeting in Port Harcourt.

A former senior oil and gas executive, who requested anonymity, criticized the companies’ posture.

“In this age where everything is being done to de-escalate tension in the energy sector, such corporate misdemeanour is shocking”, he said. “How do you disrespect and disenfranchise landowners of their own property? Bonny Kingdom is taking a whole lot of nonsense.”

As of press time, TotalEnergies and Amni International were yet to react on the matter.

By: Enoch Epelle