Niger Delta
NEITI Eyes Energy Sufficiency Through PH, Warri Refineries
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has said the resumption of operations at the 210,000 barrels per day Port Harcourt refinery and the 150,000bpd Warri refinery is a step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency and fostering economic sustainability.
In a statement signed by the Acting Director of Communication and Stakeholders Management, Obiageli Onuorah, on Sunday, the agency said these accomplishments represent significant strides toward addressing Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on imported petroleum products.
It said the milestone will reduce the staggering costs associated with fuel importation and create a ripple effect across key sectors of the economy.
NEITI also congratulated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful completion of the first phase of the Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation project and the gradual resumption of operations at the Warri refinery.
Although not operating at full capacity, this achievement marked a significant milestone, as it revived vital infrastructure that had long been neglected and underutilised.
Acknowledging the milestone, NEITI said it will positively impact Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and reduce the staggering costs associated with fuel importation.
“NEITI acknowledges that the revitalisation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries has the potential to enhance energy security, create jobs, stimulate local industries, and free up critical funds that can be redirected towards national priorities like health, education, and infrastructure”, the statement read in part.
It added that through its Industry Reports for the Oil and Gas 2023, it was disclosed that between 2006-2023 (in 18 years), a total of N15.87tn has been expended as under-recovery through price differentials (subsidy), with 2022 recording the highest sum of N4.714tn.
“2022 also recorded the highest importation of PMS put at 23.54bn litres, while 2017 recorded the lowest import volumes of 16.88bn litres.
“Between 2022 and 2023, importation volumes declined by 3.25bn litres (14 per cent) from 23.54bn litres in 2022 to 20.28bn litres in 2023. This is attributed to the announcement of the removal of fuel subsidy.
“With the current efforts to put the refineries back to work, NEITI is delighted that the huge payments expended on subsidy will henceforth be available to support national development, ongoing rebuilding of the national infrastructure and poverty reduction”, it stated.
The Acting Director also urged the NNPCL to expedite action on the second phase of the Port Harcourt Refinery and the ongoing rehabilitation of the Kaduna refinery.
“This should be followed closely with the restoration of phase 1 of the Port Harcourt refinery to optimal capacity in the ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
“We commend the leadership of the NNPCL team for their resilience, dedication, and unwavering determination in executing this complex and challenging task.
“As stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector, NEITI said that it remains committed to supporting NNPCL’s efforts to ensure the long-term success of these projects and to share the achievements with national and global partners, including the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative community.
“NEITI stands ready to collaborate with NNPCL to sustain and expand these gains in the national interest and Nigeria’s energy security”, the statement concluded.
Continue Reading
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
-
News2 days agoNigeria Recorded Two World’s Deadliest Terror Attacks In 2025 –Report
-
Politics2 days agoEid-el-fitr: INEC Urges Staff Discipline Ahead Ekiti, Osun Guber Polls
-
Editorial2 days agoThumbs Up For Sit-At-Home Reversal
-
News2 days agoPerm. Sec Pats Rivers NUJ On The Back
-
News2 days agoExplosions Rock Lagos, C’River, Kill One, Injure 40
-
News2 days agoFubara Hails Umah Ukpai’s Contributions To Global Christian Evangelism
-
Education2 days agoOpobo Kingdom moves to incorporate Ibani Language Into School Curriculum, Takes Off April
-
News2 days ago
Etche Monarch Alleges Death Threats, Assault