Nation
NAPO Urges Minister to Release Certificate, Says No Court Order Against Union
The National Association of Plants Operators (NAPO), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has urged the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment to direct the issuance of the union’s certificate as approved, as a matter of urgency.
The union clarified that it was not a party in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/343/2025 at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, pending before president of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria,Honourable Justice B.B. Kanyib, stressing that there was no court order issued in that regard.
Speaking with journalists, the National President of the Union, Comrade Harold I Benstowe, stated that the minister approved the registration of the union as a trade union via a letter date August 28th , 2025, and gazetted on 26th day of November 2025 and expressed concern that after the completion of the gazetting period and the approval, the ministry had failed to issue them with a certificate of registration.
Benstowe explained that the ministry’s inability to comply with the minister’s approval was allegedly due to compromise by some ministry staff.
He questioned the rational of the ministry inability to comply with the Minister’s approval as allegedly due to compromise by some ministry staff after the Trade Union stance on the investigation on the Alleged Taxes Deductions & Non remittance Fraud Case Against Daewoo E&C Nig a partner with SAIPEM Contracting Nigeria limited at the ongoing Nigeria LNG Train 7 Gas Plant Construction Project situated at Bonny LGA Rivers State Nigeria.
According to him, on the 30th October, 2025 when the Union appeared on invitation for a conciliation meeting between the Association NAPO versus Nigeria LNG, Daewoo Engineering & Construction Nigeria & SAIPEM Contracting Nigeria limited that ended in deadlock, because NAPO team rejected some of the items of the Memorandum of Understanding that is targeted to free Daewoo E&C Nig of any liability of the Alleged Tax fraud case, they jointly with the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction furniture & Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) protested against the approval
of NAPO as a Trade Union & further demand for the certificate not to be issued to NAPO.
He explained that it was on that meeting that from the side line this plot never to release the certificate was hatched in colluding with the Registrar of Trade Union that was relying on non existing Court Order & caused the union millions of Naira for that date occasion.
The NAPO boss emphasised that there was no court order barring the ministry from issuing the certificate, according to the court process received from the registrar of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, by the union.
He therefore called on the minister to direct the Registrar of Trade Unions (RTU), Mr. Rabiu Shuaibu, and those concerned to immediately release the certificate of registration to the union, adding that failure to do so within seven days would leave the union no choice but to take legal action against the registrar and the ministry.
He further urged the Honourable Minister of Labour & Employment to save the Administration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the embarrassment of succumbing to the dictates of Daewoo Engineering & Construction Nigeria already facing an Alleged Taxes Fraud Case by the EFCC.
Benstowe used the opportunity to call on members of the union to remain peaceful and trust the leadership of the union in its efforts to take the union to greater heights, adding that every machinery was being put in place to resolve the impasse surrounding the issuance of the certificate of registration.
Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.
The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_
The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.
The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.
Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.
Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.
On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.
In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.
Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.
Amadi Akujobi
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.
Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.
“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.
Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.
She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.
By Kevin Nengia
The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.
Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.
Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.
He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.