Oil & Energy

Monarchs Task FG On Host Communities’ Welfare ………As PINL Targets 2000 Women For Empowerment

Published

10 months ago

October 27, 2025

Monarchs of Host Communities have called on the federal government to place premium on the welfare of communities hosting oil pipelines.

This is even as the government records continuous increase in crude oil production output.

They lamented that the increase has not affected the lives of host communities

insisting that the deliberate consideration of the welfare of the communities would further enhance the safety of the oil pipelines and production output.

The monarchs, along the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline ((TNP), made the call at the Stakeholders Engagement Meeting organised by the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its host communities of Rivers, Abia and Imo States, held in Port Harcourt, noted that lately the ……………

The Paramount Ruler of Emohua in Rivers State, His Majesty, Eze Sergeant Awuse, who led the call said “You have been announcing increased in production but are there improvement in the welfares of the people of the areas? How much improvement do we have?

“No amount of dramatisation here will give us peace if the government don’t look into the welfare of the area where these incomes are taken from. The well-being of our people are more important. This oil is our own.

“Every community would say those who are going to break the pipelines are from your community. How much more ability do we have as traditional rulers? How much power do we think we have?

“Pass our message to the government. Tell them it is time to not only put it into law and give authority to the traditional rulers but it’s time to implement it because if you don’t implement it nothing will happen”.

Also speaking, the Coordinator, Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, King Samuel Nnee, said people of the host communities deserve better dividends from the resources on their soil.

He decried the notion that traditional rulers are usually aware of the activities of suspected vandals in communities, urging the government and security agencies to level up in ensuring peace in the host communities.

In his words, “It has not been easy with traditional rulers because in our respective communities when you have bad boys they say we are responsible. When government want to confront traditional rulers or the evil deeds of our people, they say traditional rulers know all the people that are bad without thinking that the children- most of them, who are well educated; deserve the good things of life which government has refused to provide for them. So I want to say that the government should help our communities”.

On the responsibility to protect the pipelines and other critical assets, the monarch said Niger Delta kings need improved empowerment from the government at all levels to better perform that responsibility.

“I want to call on the agencies of government to care for the kings because we mean well for them. We’ll join you in this battle but if we are hungry we might not be able to do it more effectively.

” I want to urge the companies and government that the kings of the Niger Delta need a push to work better and then government will make progress, ” he added.

Nnee who commended the PINL for the recognition of traditional institution in their operations further called on the monarchs in the Niger Delta step up their primary function of protecting lives and all critical assets in their domain.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, the spokesperson, Coalition of Niger Delta Ethnic Youth Leaders, Comrade Legborsi Yamaabana, said lauded PINL’s mode of operations particularly in the monthly engagement of communities and relevant stakeholders.

Yamaabana attributed the company’s successes to its people oriented strategies, urging the government to give the company more responsibility.

“You are aware that production has surged, it didn’t happen as a mere coincidence, it happened as a result of concerted effort.

” So because this company has done well thus far, we’ll be calling on the government to give PINL more responsibilities because they have performed so that we’ll continue to enjoy the environmental protection we now have, ” Yamaabana said.

The Eze Ekpeye Logbo, King Kevin Anugwo, described as ‘competent’ the operations of PINL pointing out that the company has identified with the host communities which has resulted in maximum production output.

Represented by Dr Patricia Ogbonnaya, King Anugwo appealed to the Federal Government to retain the services of PINL saying “We want to appeal to the Federal Government that if they want these areas to grow, don’t replace PINL with another company.

” We are calling on the Federal Government that you (PINL) has delivered on the job and so it’s only natural and moral that you give more to them so that they can render more services”.

Earlier in his address, the General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement, PINL, Dr Akpos Mezeh, disclosed that the company has finalised plans to kick start the empowerment of 2000 women from the host communities.

Mezeh, said the program was focused on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls in the host communities.

“Through the PINL Women’s Skills Development and Enterprise Program, 2,000 women are being targeted for empowerment before the year’s end.

“The PINL Women Entrepreneurs & Empowerment Initiative has completed data capturing, conducted in Port Harcourt for host communities in Abia, Imo, and Rivers States, and Yenagoa for Bayelsa communities. This program focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls. Verification of data had just been completed beneficiaries would soon be contacted”, he said.

Mezeh further revealed that scholarship programme for youths were being processed for payment, with beneficiaries expected to receive disbursements adding that new entries from underrepresented communities have also been added to the list.

On environmental and social impact support, Mezeh stated that PINL is partnering relevant government agencies and environmental experts on joint assessments to identify priority areas for remediation and social investment in the host communities.

Oil & Energy

Aiyedatiwa Signs New Electricity Bill

Published

1 day ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has signed the State Electric Power Sector (Amendment) Law, 2026, aimed at strengthening regulation and attracting investment into electricity generation, transmission and distribution across the state.

The new legislation, passed by the State House of Assembly, amends Ondo State Electric Power Sector Law, 2020, and aligns the state’s electricity framework with recent constitutional and statutory developments, particularly the Electricity Act, 2023.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said a major provision of the law was the establishment of State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC), an independent body responsible for regulating electricity activities and standards in Ondo State.

It added that the commission would oversee tariffs, open access, franchises, third-party investments, mini-grids and renewable energy development, while also issuing licences and permits for electricity generation, transmission and distribution facilities.

“The law also provides for the establishment of the State Independent System Operator (SISO) and State Market Operator (SMO) to facilitate the effective operation and development of the state’s electricity market.

“Under the amended law, compulsory metering is required for both grid-connected and off-grid electricity consumers. Electricity sellers are mandated to provide appropriate meters, while consumers will maintain direct service and payment relationships with their respective electricity providers.

“The legislation also provides legal protection for electricity infrastructure financed by communities, associations and private individuals. Transformers, distribution lines and other facilities connected to the public distribution network are protected against arbitrary interference,” the statement said.

It stated further that the law creates the offence of “Electricity Infrastructure Expansion Sabotage” for anyone who deliberately prevents certified electricity infrastructure from being connected to the grid.

According to the statement, first conviction attracts a N2 million fine, as well as an additional N25,000 for every day the refusal continues after written notice from the regulatory authority.

Oil & Energy

NLNG Commissions Research And Innovation Centre In RSU

Published

1 day ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) has launched the Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering (RICCEE), in the Rivers State University, a major research and development initiative jointly promoted by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The project, valued at US$6.2 million, is being implemented under NLNG’s Human Capacity Development (HCD) Plan and forms part of the NCDMB Human Capital Development Institutional Strengthening Programme.

The centre is designed to strengthen the university’s capacity for advanced, industry-relevant research, specialised training, technology development and practical problem-solving in computer, electrical and electronics engineering.

The initiative is expected to promote industry-focused research and develop innovative solutions to operational challenges confronting Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.

The facility would be developed on approximately 9,336 square metres of land within Rivers State University and will comprise a three-storey building of more than 9,000 square metres, containing 18 specialised laboratories.

The laboratories would include facilities for Electronics and Signal Processing, Robotics and Embedded Systems, Software Engineering and Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity as well as provide offices, storage areas and technical administration spaces to support research, teaching and equipment management.

The building would incorporate sustainability features, including solar energy provisions, energy-efficient lighting and environmentally responsible systems designed to reduce operating costs and support reliable research activities.

A US$1.2 million Professorial Chair would also be established as part of the initiative to support advanced research, academic leadership, and industry collaboration.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, last Thursday, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Adeleye Falade, who was represented by Dr Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development of NLNG, described the new engineering facility as more than infrastructure, noting that it would serve as a hub for equipping students, lecturers and researchers with the tools required for practical learning, applied research and innovation in computer, electrical and electronics engineering.

Represented by the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, Sophia Horsfall, Falade stated that the centre would strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and ensure that research outcomes from Rivers State University directly address operational and societal challenges facing Nigeria.

He explained that the project is aimed at improving the capacity of institutions of learning through upgraded infrastructure, modern research facilities, technical equipment and industry-aligned training programmes that extend human capital development beyond the classroom.

According to him, the centre would help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry requirements by enabling researchers and professionals to collaborate on innovations with commercial and developmental relevance.

Falade emphasised that while infrastructure is important, people remain the greatest investment, noting that education delivers the highest return by building confidence, competence and capacity for national development.

He further announced that NLNG’s Research and Development Implementation Consultancy would be based at the centre upon completion adding that the consultancy would support the development of a robust research and development framework in line with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010 and facilitate commercially viable, industry-relevant research in partnership with selected tertiary institutions.

Falade commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for its leadership in bringing industry and academia together and reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to sustainable human capital development and indigenous technological advancement.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who was represented by the Director, Capacity Building Directorate, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, described the groundbreaking ceremony as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Board’s Human Capital Development objectives.

Ogbe confirmed that NCDMB is fully aligned with NLNG in the implementation of the RICCEE project and would work closely with all stakeholders to ensure its successful execution and completion, commending the NLNG for its commitment to the project.

He explained that the project forms part of NCDMB’s Institutional Strengthening Programme, which seeks to establish enduring partnerships with institutions of higher learning by providing infrastructure that enhances teaching, research, innovation and practical skills development.

He challenged the centre to become a vibrant hub of discovery, creativity, enterprise and technological advancement, where students would be inspired to innovate, researchers would develop solutions to real-world challenges and industry would find reliable partners for research and development.

He also commended NLNG for its commitment to the project and praised the Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor and management of Rivers State University for their dedication to academic ex.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, described the occasion as a historic milestone for the institution and reaffirmed the university’s vision of becoming a leading institution focused on solving practical societal problems through research, innovation and human capacity development.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi stated that the RICCEE project aligns with the university’s 2026–2030 Strategic Development Plan, which prioritises the improvement of academic programmes and the strengthening of research collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Oil & Energy

Reps Demand Urgent Action On Bille Gas Seepage, Odidi Oil Spill

Published

1 day ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The House of Representatives Committee on South-South Development Commission has demanded urgent and concrete measures to resolve the prolonged gas seepage in Bille Community, Rivers State, and the oil spill affecting Odidi Federated Community in Delta State.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Julius Gbabojor Pondi, made the demand during an urgent Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Bille gas seepage and a Legislative Hearing on the Odidi oil spill, in Abuja, last week.

Pondi said the two incidents had exposed host communities in the oil-producing region to prolonged environmental hazards while responses from relevant authorities had yet to produce satisfactory and timely resolutions.

The Committee’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, where communities dependent largely on fishing, farming and other natural-resource-based livelihoods continue to contend with the consequences of oil and gas activities.

Pondi said the Committee’s concern over the Bille incident was heightened following its engagement with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) on July 30, 2026.

He said the Committee was deeply concerned that the gas seepage had persisted for approximately nine months without a clear end in sight.

“The implications are serious. Beyond the potential risks to health, safety and the environment, the incident has imposed severe economic hardship on the people of Bille,” Pondi said.

He noted that Bille, a predominantly fishing community, had suffered consequences affecting livelihoods, food security, household income, education and the general well-being of families.

“It is unacceptable for an incident of this magnitude to persist for so long without a clear, time-bound and effective resolution strategy,” he stated.

According to Pondi, the engagement was intended to establish the facts surrounding the incident, assess the response so far, identify obstacles and agree on practical, measurable and time-bound actions.

He said the Committee expected comprehensive briefings from the operating company, NUPRC, NOSDRA and other relevant agencies on the cause, extent and current status of the seepage, while representatives of Bille Community would be given an opportunity to present their concerns and the relief and interventions required.

“Most importantly, we want to move from prolonged discussion to concrete action and lasting resolution,” he said.

Giving an account of the agency’s technical findings, a Director of NOSDRA, Dr Yusuf Rigasa, said investigations had established what he described as “multi-point subsurface gas bubbling” at several locations in Bille.

He stated that gas bubbling had been detected around the premises of the Government Primary and Secondary School, as well as in waterways and certain mangrove areas.

According to him, NOSDRA conducted an air-quality assessment on December 6, 2025, across 19 stations and recorded elevated levels of hydrogen sulphide, methane, volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide.

Rigasa explained that hydrogen sulphide has a characteristic rotten-egg smell, while methane is highly flammable and potentially explosive.

The concentrations recorded, he said, exceeded applicable regulatory thresholds.

Rigasa stated that the agency’s reference laboratory also analysed samples collected on December 16, 2025, and found elevated levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater, surface water and sediment samples adding that

findings indicated that soil, surface water and groundwater in parts of Bille had been affected by pollution.

What we can confirm for the House is that the air, the groundwater, the surface water and the sediment in the swampy areas in that village, they are all polluted,” he said.

The NOSDRA official, however, said the agency had not established that the gas was from a hydrocarbon source.