Rivers

N’Delta Forum Supports PH Refinery Rehabilitation

Published

4 years ago

March 31, 2021

The Niger Delta Nonviolence Agitators Forum (NDNAF) has said that the opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed $1.5bn for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery is needless.
The National President of NDNAF, Mr. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, said this on Monday in Abuja at a news conference.
Minister of State Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, said in Abuja after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved $1.5bn for the rehabilitation of the refinery, which will be done in three phases of 18, 24 and 44 months.
Ikuli, said that it is better to have the refinery rehabilitated due to the long-run benefit it would accrue to the country.
“The $1.5bn to be spent on the Port Harcourt Refinery is a positive omen. It is sad development that we have this abundant crude oil that are shipped abroad and by the time they come, even the by-products are almost unaffordable for the ordinary Nigerian. But by the time these refineries are working optimally, it would reduce the expenditure, especially in the midst of the harsh economic realities.
“This is a commendable one and with the Timipre Sylva that we know, he is a very careful person and I can assure Nigerians that the refinery would be up and running and we should believe in President Muhammadu Buhari to get things worked out for us,” he said.
This is as the forum leadership passed a vote of confidence on Chief Timipre Sylva for his positive giant strides and innovations in the petroleum sector that are under-reported
He also urged the minister, who was a former Governor of Bayelsa and incumbent state Governor Douye Diri, to shelf party differences of being in the APC and PDP respectively but rather work for the oil sector, the Niger Delta and the nation.
“We urged Chief Timipre Sylva and Governor Douye Diri to close rank and work for the betterment of the people, irrespective of their party differences,” Ikuli said.
He commended the minister for his giant strides and the innovations he has introduced in the petroleum sector that has not only ensured stability of the sector in the midst of global economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic but has gone further to build trust and confidence among government and critical stakeholders.
He said, “It is also our imposed task to encourage very cordial working relationship between Niger Delta State Governments and the Federal Government.
We have seen the positive impacts of such synergy in the North and South West and we believe it is one of the best ways to develop our richly blessed region.
“This is the first time since the inception of our contemporary democracy in 1999 that we have not heard or seen state governors and ministers from the south-south fighting dirty.

Rivers

Expert Demands Full Implementation Of PIA In N’Delta Oil Communities

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

An expert in Natural Resource Governance, Dr. Mike Uzoigwe, has called for the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the development of oil communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Uzoigwe made the appeal during a training for community representatives under the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He noted that five years after the PIA was enacted, funding under the HCDT framework for member communities had yet to be fully implemented.

He attributed the slow pace of implementation to oil companies’ failure to remit funds, ongoing litigations, internal community disputes, and regulatory challenges, among other factors.

According to him, these challenges have made it difficult to properly assess the effectiveness of HCDT implementation in host communities.

Uzoigwe also expressed concern that several communities were yet to establish HCDTs, which are essential for accessing funds designated for local development.

“Fortunately, there are communities that have successfully leveraged the HCDT to advance development in their localities.

“However, we want every host community to access these funds to accelerate development in their respective areas and contribute to the broader transformation of the Niger Delta”, he stated.

Uzoigwe urged host communities to familiarise themselves with the provisions and regulations of the PIA to enable them to fully benefit from the Act.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Development and Resource Centre, Dr. Emem Okon, explained that the training was organised for HCDT communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers States.

According to her, the objective of the training was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the PIA’s provisions, conduct needs assessments and undertake community development planning.

“We examined how the HCDT can be made effective and efficient in utilising the three per cent operational cost allocation for community development projects, as stipulated in the PIA.

“This allocation is structured as follows: 75 per cent for project execution, 20 per cent for savings, and five per cent for administrative costs.

“HCDT members are responsible for identifying and prioritising community needs through a transparent, sincere, and people-centred decision-making process in managing these funds”, Okon explained.

She encouraged host communities to engage actively with various stakeholders, including women, youth, farmers, and community leaders, to identify development projects that reflect the genuine needs of their communities.

Rivers

Opobo/Nkoro SOLAD Pledges To Prioritise Workers’ Welfare

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Sole Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Frederick Apiafi, says he will run an all-inclusive government for the betterment of the local government.

He stated that his priority is workers’ welfare in all ramifications and the good people of the area.

Apiafi stated this recently while addressing workers at the council’s headquarters in Opobo, saying that his direct mandate is to ensure that the existing peace is sustained.

According to him, he is a technocrat, hence he will carry out his functions accordingly.

“Thank you all for welcoming me as your administrator. My mandate here is to ensure that you, workers, are well treated, with your salaries paid promptly, and give you what you deserve.

“You all are my brothers, sisters and friends. I know that together we can take this local government to an enviable height. What I need from you is cooperation.

“I solicit for your support to enable us all succeed because I alone cannot achieve the desired development”, he urged.

The administrator used the forum to thank the Sole Administrator of the State, Vice – Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) for giving him the opportunity to serve his people and pledged that he will not disappoint him in any aspect, while promising to discharge his duties in strict compliance to the charge of the Sole Administrator.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the LGA, Comrade Diri Dandison, commended the administrator for placing workers’ welfare top on his list.

According to him, what workers want in the LGA is someone who can give them listening ears, and also give them what they deserve.

“I am happy that Mr. Fredrick Apiafi has placed welfare of workers first, but we pray he fullfills his promises. What we want is for people at the grassroots to also enjoy dividends of governance”, he said.

By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso

Rivers

Navy Saves 99 Persons From Drowning In Rivers

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy Rescue Team from Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER have saved 99 persons from drowning in Rivers State during an operation.

A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in Port Harcourt, said the incident occurred when a barge, ADAM (Damen Buba) was involved in a head-on collision with a market boat en route Akuku Toru Local Government Area in Rivers State, resulting in significant structural damage to the market boat.

He said the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER personnel deployed to Naval Security Station 035 in collaboration with four other Navy Gunboats launched a coordinated and effective search and rescue operation, saving all 99 passengers onboard.

According to him, most of the passengers’ goods were also salvaged successfully.

“The timely intervention and prompt response of Nigerian Navy personnel ensured that no lives were lost and most of the valuable properties were preserved.

“The Nigerian Navy hereby restates that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the service will continue to ensure the security and safety of all legitimate sea farers within Nigeria’s maritime domain”, Adams Aliu said.

By: Theresa Frederick, Charity Amiso