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NAOC Commissions Projects In Bayelsa

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14 years ago

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In compliance to the agreed Memorandum of  Understating with its host communities, the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and its joint venture partners have respectively. Commissioned a six classroom block in Abuetor Community in Sagbama Local Government Area and a community Town Hall in Ologoama community in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

In his remark while commissioning the projects during the week, NAOC General Manager, District, Giovanri Salvini, represented by the Public Relations Communication and Government Laison Manager, Prince Nwachuku Obi, said that the projects are true testimony of company’s willingness to improve the general living standard of the host communities.

He recalled that last year, NAOC respectively commissioned Okugbe Isoko Health Centre / Doctors and Nurses quarters in Osifo community, while in Okoroma clan, it commissioned 2 kilometer road and drains in Ologoama, Akakumama and Dorgu Ewoama communities of the clan.

According to him, “this exercise is not limited to the respective communities, we have over the past eight months, covered more than forty communities within the land and swamp Areas of our operational states of Beyalsa, Rivers, Delta and Imo.

He maintained that in order to empower the host communities, the contracts are awarded to indigenous contractors, advising them not to abandon projects awarded them, so as not to stall the developmental efforts of the company.

Prince Obi urged the respective communities to maintain the existing cordial relationship to enable the business environment continue to thrive.

Speaking, the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment representative, Director, Ezekiel Adike, lauded    Agip for its magnanimity and commended the various communities for maintaining peace in the area, as well as protecting the oil facilities   sited in their domain.

He warned that any attempt to interrupt  oil operations in the community will not only hamper progress in the area but will also affect the revenue allocation of the state and inturn  show down the pace of development in the rural areas and  the state in general.

Earlier in their address, the President-General of Abuetor community, Chief Lawrence  Agwor thanked Nigerian Agip Oil Company and its joint venture for their commitment toward the realisation of the six-class room block project for and the government’s preparedness to take over the school.

He appealed to NAOC to expedite action on  the supply of science equipment and provision of mini-water scheme for effective take off of the school.

He called  on the government to complement NAOC’s efforts by providing hostels, teachers quarters and other necessary amenities. The President demanded  that NAOC should as a matter  of priority separate the new MOU between  the Abuetor, Osifo and Osekwenike communities, in order to fostering peace and unity among the sister communities.

Similarly  the CDC chairman of Ologoama, Edler Willis Obiene, in an address, expressed his appreciation over the electrification, Health Centre,  Concrete landing jetty/roads and water scheme projects already commissioned  in the area by Agip as well as the town hall project.

The chairman Ologoama council of Chiefs, Chief Ohikakpan expressed his gratitude over the kind gesture of NAOC, describing Agip as the only visible government in action in Ologoama.

He enjoined the community to encourage the company to site more developmental projects  by ensuring that peace and tranquillity  reigns so as to create enabling environment for NAOC  smooth oil operations to thrive.

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Oil & Energy

MIND Slams PENGASSAN, Urges Senate Probe Over Alleged Maltreatment Of Nigerians At TotalEnergies

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7 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Movement of Intellectuals for National Development (MIND) has  criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over what it describes as an evasive response to allegations concerning the treatment of Nigerian employees at TotalEnergies.
In a statement issued by its Western Coordinator, Ebi Warekromo, MIND expressed disappointment at PENGASSAN’s attempt to distance itself from a petition submitted to the President of the Nigerian Senate, maintaining that its petition is grounded in verified evidence and first hand accounts from affected workers.
Warekromo noted that the submission draws extensively from documented correspondence originating from PENGASSAN’s local branch communications that previously raised concerns about unfair labour practices and managerial misconduct within TotalEnergies.
Among the critical issues highlighted are allegations of workplace bullying and intimidation allegedly perpetrated by certain expatriate staff.
The petition also cites serious security concerns and alleged violations of the Nigerian oil and gas industry content development (NOGICD) act, particularly claims that expatriate positions have been unlawfully extended beyond their approved tenures.
Warekromo who dismissed PENGASSAN’s characterization of the documents as merely ‘internal correspondence’ as weak and disingenuous, insisted that workers’ rights violations and systemic oppression cease to be internal matters once they begin to harm Nigerian employees.
The group argued that confidentiality must not be used as a shield for injustice, stressing that internal dispute resolution mechanisms must deliver measurable outcomes.
Where such mechanisms fail, MIND insists that public and legislative oversight becomes necessary
beyond the immediate allegations, questioning PENGASSAN’s independence and effectiveness in representing its members.
The group urged the union to welcome a Senate hearing, describing it as an opportunity to clarify its position, restore credibility, and rebuild trust among workers.
“We are not attacking PENGASSAN. We are responding to the absence of effective representation that has allowed these oppressive practices to persist unchecked”,
MIND emphasised its belief that when unions appear reluctant to act decisively, civil society organizations have a responsibility to intervene in pursuit of justice and equitable labour relations.
Calling for a collaborative response, the group urged workers, unions, regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to work together toward fostering a healthier and more accountable environment within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
It further reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and urged PENGASSAN to take concrete and transparent steps to fulfill its mandate as a labour union.
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Oil & Energy

Elumelu Tasks FG On Power Sector Debt Payment 

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7 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Transcorp and United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, has urged the Federal Government to fast-track the settlement of debts owed to electricity generation companies (GenCos).
Elumelu said that the timely payment was imperative to boosting power supply and accelerating economic growth.
Speaking to State House correspondents, shortly after the meeting with President Bola Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Weekend, Elumelu insisted that the debt payment would aid in revitalising the power sector and stabilising the economy while strengthening the Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs).
He said “All of us who are in the power sector are owed significantly, but in spite of that, we continue to generate electricity. We want to see the payments made so that there will be more provision of electricity to the country. Access to electricity is critical for the development of our economy.”
Elumelu, whose conglomerate has major investments in Nigeria’s power industry, stressed that improving electricity supply remains one of the most important enablers of economic expansion, job creation and industrial productivity.
According to him, President Tinubu recognised the urgency of resolving the liquidity challenges in the power sector and is committed to addressing legacy debts to ensure generation companies can scale operations.
“The President realises it, embraces it and is committed to doing more, especially helping to fast-track the payment of the power sector debt so that power generators can do more for the country. That is very, very critical,” he added.
In his assessment of the outlook for 2026, he said growing macroeconomic stability, improved foreign exchange management and sustained reforms in the power sector could position Nigeria for stronger growth — provided implementation remains consistent and structural bottlenecks are addressed.
Elumelu posited that one priority stands out, which is: resolving power sector liquidity challenges to unlock increased electricity generation and energise the Nigerian economy.
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Oil & Energy

‘Over 86 Million Nigerians Without Electricity’ 

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7 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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Nigeria has been said to have more than 86 million of its population still without access to electricity.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, stated this at the Award Ceremony of the Leadership Newspaper, in Abuja, last Thursday.
Mohammed noted that sixty per cent of the world’s best solar resources are on this continent adding that by 2040, Africa could generate ten times more electricity than it needs, and entirely from renewables.
Mohammad regretted that Africa now receives just two per cent of global clean energy investment saying, “And here in Nigeria, more than 86 million people still have no access to electricity at all.”
Expressing concerns over the large population of Nigerians living without access to electricity, the deputy scribe, said however, that Nigeria is responding to this challenge the right way insisting that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has developed a best-in-class action plan for climate, one that treats climate not as a constraint but as an engine for growth.
According to her, by placing energy access, climate-smart agriculture, clean cooking, and water management at the heart of its development agenda, Nigeria is showing what serious climate leadership looks like but Nigeria cannot close the climate action gap alone.
 “Developed countries must the triple adaptation financing, we need for serious contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, and mobilize 300 billion dollars per year by 2035 for developing countries to succeed. Early warning systems need to reach everyone, so that communities have the means to prepare for climate shocks before they hit.
“And as Africa drives the global renewables revolution, including through its critical minerals, Africans must be the first and primary beneficiaries of the wealth that they generate”, Mohammed stated.
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