Oil & Energy
NIMASA, NRC Law Volations Affecting NSIB Operations –DG

The Director General of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Captain Alex Badeh, has faulted the continued disregard for the bureau’s establishment act of 2022 by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NPA), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NMASA) by refusing to remit the statutory percentage of their revenue to the bureau.
Badeh, who disclosed this while re-opening the bureau’s regional office in Lagos on Friday, noted that the violation of the law by NIMASA and NRC had continued to adversely affect the activities of the bureau.
Recall that the NSIB’s operational office was demolished to pave the way for development during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
But over three years after the office was pulled down by the former minister, Senator Hadi Sirika, nothing was done at the site as the space has been taken over by grass.
This development, according to the DG of the bureau, has caused an obvious setback to it operations, adding that the nightmare was ended through the help of the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
He said, “However, our journey is far from complete. We continue to face significant challenges in fulfilling our mandate, notably securing the necessary funding to support our operations.
“The non-compliance with the NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Nigerian Railway Commission in remitting the statutorily required percentages of their revenue to NSIB has severely impacted our ability to conduct comprehensive multi-modal accident investigations.
“The NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 stipulates that NIMASA should remit three per cent of the gross freight from international cargo, while the NRC is required to contribute five per cent of ticket sales and cargo charges.
“This financial shortfall not only limits our operational capabilities but also hinders our growth and effectiveness in safeguarding Nigerian lives”.
NSIB boss, however, appealed for the Federal Government’s financial support, “to enable us to effectively fulfil our mandate, conduct thorough investigations, enhance safety standards, and contribute meaningfully to advancing transportation safety across Nigeria”.
Responding at the event, Keyamo appreciated Badeh’s work, recalling how the NSIB office was pulled down.
His words, “A functional office owned by the NSIB was demolished for no reason, that was very sad and the DG spokes with me when I got into office and we have no choice but to make this happen and all the accolades should not come to me but to the DG NSIB for his drive and passion for this agency, which has driven this agency forward. This looks good, I thank you and all the other directors here seated.
“And on the issue of the non-remitted funds from the other agencies, thankfully my brother is here, the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation.
“Please, thank him very much. I must tell you all that a lot has happened as regards making what you want to happen and a lot is still going on behind the scenes and very soon you will begin to see some change of attitude by the other agencies and you will have your funds. It may not be all of it”.
Meanwhile, an attempt to speak with NRC publicist, Mahmoud Yakub, was unsuccessful and he did not pick up repeated calls to his phone number, nor did he respond SMS sent to him on the issue.
Also, the spokesperson of NIMASA, Edward Osagie’s phone rang once and became unreachable afterwards and he did not reply to messages sent to him by our correspondent as of the time of filing this report.
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Oil & Energy
Nigeria Loses More Crude Oil Than Some OPEC Members – Nwoko

Nigeria’s losses due to crude oil theft has been said to be more significant than those of some other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC).
The Chairman, Senate Ad- hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, Senator Ned Nwoko, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Nwoko noted with dismay the detrimental impact of the issue, which, he said include economic damage, environmental destruction, and its impact on host communities.
According to him, the theft was not only weakening the Naira, but also depriving the nation of vital revenue needed for infrastructure, healthcare, education and social development.
The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District described the scale of the theft as staggering, with reports indicating losses of over 200,000 barrels per day.
Nwoko disclosed that the ad hoc committee on Crude Oil Theft, which he chairs, recently had a two-day public hearing on the rampant theft of crude oil through illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and the systemic gaps in the regulation and surveillance of the nation’s petroleum resources.
According to him, the public hearing was a pivotal step in addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing the nation.
‘’Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually to crude oil theft. This is severely undermining our economy, weakening the Naira and depriving the nation of vital revenue needed for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social development.
‘’The scale of this theft is staggering, with reports indicating losses of over 200,000 barrels per day more than some OPEC member nations produce.
‘’This criminal enterprise fuels corruption, funds illegal activities and devastates our environment through spills and pollution.
‘’The public hearing was not just another talk shop; it was a decisive platform to uncover the root causes of crude oil theft, bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
‘’It was a platform to evaluate the effectiveness of existing surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms; Identify regulatory and legislative gaps that enable these crimes to thrive.
‘’It was also to engage stakeholders, security agencies, host communities, oil companies, regulators, and experts to proffer actionable solutions; and strengthen legal frameworks to ensure stricter penalties and more efficient prosecution of offenders”, he said.
Nwoko noted that Nigeria’s survival depended
Oil & Energy
Tap Into Offshore Oil, Gas Opportunities, SNEPCO Urges Companies

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd. (SNEPCo) has called on Nigerian companies to position themselves strategically to take full advantage of the growing opportunities in upcoming offshore and shallow water oil and gas projects.
The Managing Director, SNEPCO, Ronald Adams, made the call at the 5th Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) Conference, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, last Thursday.
Adams highlighted the major projects, including Bonga Southwest Aparo, Bonga North, and the Bonga Main Life Extension, as key areas where Nigerian businesses can grow their capacity and increase their involvement.
“Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd. (SNEPCo) says Nigerian companies have a lot to benefit if they are prepared to take advantage of more opportunities in its offshore and shallow water oil and gas projects.
“Projects such as Bonga Southwest Aparo, Bonga North and Bonga Main Life Extension could grow Nigerian businesses and improve their expertise if they applied themselves seriously to executing higher value contracts”, Adams stated.
Adams noted that SNEPCo pioneered Nigeria’s deepwater oil exploration with the Bonga development and has since played a key role in growing local industry capacity.
He emphasized that Nigerian businesses could expand in key areas like logistics, drilling, and the construction of vital equipment such as subsea systems, mooring units, and gas processing facilities.
The SNEPCO boss explained that since production began at the Bonga field in 2005, SNEPCo has worked closely with Nigerian contractors to build systems and develop a skilled workforce capable of delivering projects safely, on time, and within budget both in Nigeria and across West Africa.
According to him, this long-term support has enabled local firms to take on key roles in managing the Bonga Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, which reached a major milestone by producing its one-billion barrel of oil on February 3, 2023.
Oil & Energy
Administrator Assures Community Of Improved Power Supply

The Emohua Local Government Area Administrator, Franklin Ajinwo, has pledged to improve electricity distribution in Oduoha Ogbakiri and its environs.
Ajinwo made the pledge recently while playing host in a courtesy visit to the Oduoha Ogbakiri Wezina Council of Chiefs, in his office in Rumuakunde.
He stated that arrangements are underway to enhance available power, reduce frequent outages, and promote steady electricity supply.
The move, he said, was aimed at boosting small and medium-scale businesses in the area.
“The essence of power is not just to have light at night. It’s for those who can use it to enhance their businesses”, he said.
The Administrator, who commended the peaceful nature of Ogbakiri people, urged the Chiefs to continue in promoting peace and stability, saying “meaningful development can only thrive in a peaceful environment”.
He also charged the Chiefs to protect existing infrastructure while promising to address the challenges faced by the community.
Earlier, the Oduoha Ogbakiri Wezina Council of Chiefs, led by HRH Eze Goodluck Mekwa Eleni Ekenta XV, expressed gratitude to the Administrator over his appointment and pledged their support to his administration.
The chiefs highlighted challenges facing the community to include incessant power outage, need for new transformers, and the completion of Community Secondary School, Oduoha.
The visit underscored the community’s expectations from the LGA administration.
With Ajinwo’s assurance of enhancing electricity distribution and promoting development, the people of Oduoha Ogbakiri said they look forward to a brighter future.
By: King Onunwor