Oil & Energy
NMGS Laments Inclusion Of Bitumen In PIB
President, Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Mr Akinola George, has decried the inclusion of bitumen in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
The NMGS president, who was speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the Geosciences and Mining House, said that “bitumen as a solid mineral is in the Mineral and Mining Act, 2007 and it should be made to remain so.’’
“Inclusion of this mineral in the PIB is an aberration and it is totally a misnomer; bitumen should be left with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development where it rightly belongs.’’
On the Geosciences and Mining House, George that said it would be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that would cost N1 billion.
He said that the initiative would provide employment opportunities for youths, especially graduates.
“We are planning to spend about N1 billion on the project which we envisage will be completed between 18 months and two years.
“When the project is completed, the most important value we are looking at adding to Nigeria is not only revenue generation, but also provision of employment opportunities.’’
He also said that the society was ready to address infrastructure development in the area of mining and steel development.
Mr Muhammad Sada, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, told newsmen that the Petroleum Industry Bill was still a draft that “is subject to adjustment’’.
“PIB is just a draft, it is still temporary for now, and we don’t have it as law yet. We are still working on it.
“We are in a stage where we are trying to get proposals from experts to help assist in developing our bitumen in Nigeria.
“ We only urge the Nigerian mining bodies to understand that we all are working for the progress of the country,” he said.
Sada advised the NMGS to maintain accuracy in presenting results of minerals resources to improve the growth of the minerals and mines sector.
“ The need to have reliable minerals and metals analytical results cannot be over-emphasised in view of the large sums of monies needed to fund mining projects.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the need to generate correct information for our operators, which is a responsibility of members of this noble body, is imperative for the growth of this sector,’’ he said.
He advised the society to organise trainings for laboratory practitioners as well as introduce programmes that would enhance the quality of professional services to operators.
Oil & Energy
Reps C’mitee Moves To Resolve Dangote, NUPENG Dispute

Oil & Energy
Increased Oil and Gas: Stakeholders Urge Expansion Of PINL Scope

Oil & Energy
Digital Technology Key To Nigeria’s Oil, Gas Future

Experts in the oil and gas industry have said that the adoption of digital technologies would tackle inefficiencies and drive sustainable growth in the energy sector.
With the theme of the symposium as ‘Transforming Energy: The Digital Evolution of Oil and Gas’, he gathering drew top industry players, media leaders, traditional rulers, students, and security officials for a wide-ranging dialogue on the future of Nigeria’s most vital industry.
Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Wole Ogunsanya, highlighted the role of digital solutions across exploration, drilling, production, and other oil services.
Represented by the Vice Chairman, Obi Uzu, Ogunsanya noted that Nigeria’s oil production had risen to about 1.7 million barrels per day and was expected to reach two million barrels soon.
Ogunsanya emphasised that increased production would strengthen the naira and fund key infrastructure projects, such as railway networks connecting Lagos to northern, eastern, and southern Nigeria, without excessive borrowing.
He stressed the importance of using oil revenue to sustain national development rather than relying heavily on loans, which undermine financial independence.
Comparing Nigeria to Norway, Ogunsanya explained how the Nordic country had prudently saved and invested oil earnings into education, infrastructure, and long-term development, in contrast to the nation’s monthly revenue distribution system.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Clement Using, represented by the Secretary of the Association, Ms Ogechi Nkwoji, highlighted the urgent need for stakeholders and regulators in the sector to embrace digital technologies.
According to him, digital evolution can boost operational efficiency, reduce costs, enhance safety, and align with sustainability goals.
Isong pointed out that the downstream energy sector forms the backbone of Nigeria’s economy saying “When the downstream system functions well, commerce thrives, hospitals operate, and markets stay open. When it fails, chaos and hardship follow immediately,” he said.
He identified challenges such as price volatility, equipment failures, fuel losses, fraud, and environmental risks, linking them to aging infrastructure, poor record-keeping, and skill gaps.
According to Isong, the solution lies in integrated digital tools such as sensors, automation, analytics, and secure transaction systems to monitor refining, storage, distribution, and retail activities.
He highlighted key technologies including IoT forecourt automation for real-time pump activity and sales tracking, remote pricing and reconciliation systems at retail fuel stations, AI-powered pipeline leak detection, terminal automation for depot operations, digital tank gauging, and predictive maintenance.
-
Maritime9 hours ago
Blue Economy: FG Targets Lower Logistic Costs, Trade Competitiveness
-
Rivers9 hours ago
Youth Leader Lauds Tinubu, Over Ogoni oil Dispute
-
News9 hours ago
Shettima departs New York for Germany after UNGA engagement
-
Sports9 hours ago
FBN, Group Hold First E1 Lagos GP Champion Oct.3
-
News9 hours ago
Dangote Refinery: PENGASSAN declares nationwide strike, Today
-
Oil & Energy9 hours ago
We Are Elevated Through Plethora Of Projects —- Obagi HCDT Board … As Senator Attributes Success To PIA
-
Business9 hours ago
NCAA Certifies Elin Group Aircraft Maintenance
-
Maritime9 hours ago
Customs To Scan 200 Containers Per Hour At Apapa Port