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FG announces ‘mechanical completion’ of Port Harcourt refinery

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FG announces ‘mechanical completion’ of Port Harcourt refinery

The Federal Government on Thursday announced the mechanical completion and flare start off of the Port Hacourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC).

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil) disclosed this on Thursday in Port Harcourt during a media tour on the refinery which rehabilitation commenced in 2021.

On the tour were the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo; Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) Board Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure; Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Malam Mele Kyari and other dignitaries.

The Managing Director of the PHRC, Ibrahim Onoja, was also on the tour.

“Just to announce to Nigerians the fulfillment of our pledge to bring on stream phase one of the Port Hacourt Refinery by the end of 2023 and the subsequent streaming of phase two in 2024.

“We happily announce the mechanical completion and the flare start-off on Dec. 20, 2023.

“This heralds the commencement of the production of petroleum products after the  Christmas break,” Lokpobiri said.

The minister thanked Nigerians for their patience and the trust on the NNPC Ltd. to deliver on its promise and the mandate of the refinery’s rehabilitation.

According to him, it is another landmark of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Akinyelure, who expressed satisfaction over the new development, said it was a promise made to President Bola Tinubu that the refinery would begin operation in 2023.

The NNPC Ltd. board chairman who recalled that the refinery had undergone several rehabilitation, said that its commencement of operations would keep fuel cost stable.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PHRC comprised of two refining units, with the old plant having a refining capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) and the new plant 150,000 bpd, both summing up to 210,000 bpd.

The refinery was shut down in March 2019 for the first phase of repair works after the government secured the services of Italy’s Maire Tecnimont to handle the scoping of the refinery complex, with oil major Eni appointed technical adviser.

In 2021, NNPC Ltd. said repairs had started after the Federal Executive Council approved $1.5bn for the project.

The refinery had over the years performed below optimal levels which resulted in importation of petroleum products for domestic use for many years to cover for the gap in the refinery’s output.

Niger state declares 7-day holiday for workers

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Niger state declares 7-day holiday for workers

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger has approved a seven-day public holiday for workers to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Bologi Ibrahim, on Thursday in Minna.

Ibrahim said that the holiday would begin on Friday, December 22, and end on January 1.

“The holiday will start from December 22, 2023, to January 1, 2024,” he said.

He stated that foodstuff would be given to government officials for onward distribution to the less privileged in their localities and wards.

“Don’t stay in Minna, go and share foods with the poor people in your local government areas and wards,” Ibrahim quoted Bago as saying.

Petrol price increased to N648.93 in November — NBS

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Petrol price increased to N648.93 in November — NBS

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), says the average retail price of a litre of petrol increased from N202.48 in November 2022 to N648.93 in November 2023.

NBS said this in its Petrol Price Watch for November 2023 released in Abuja on Thursday.

It stated that the November 2023 price of N648.93 represented a 220.49 per cent increase over the price of N202.48 recorded in November 2022.

“Comparing the average price value with the previous month of October 2023, the average retail price increased by 2.90 per cent from N630.63.

“On state profiles analysis, Kebbi paid the highest average retail price of N691.00 per litre, followed by Jigawa and Akwa Ibom at N677.67 and N675.00, respectively.

“Conversely, Taraba, Kaduna and Lagos paid the lowest average retail price at N618.00, N620.29 and N623.12, respectively,’’ it stated.

Analysis by zones showed that the South-South recorded the highest average retail price in November 2023 at N663.59, while the North-East recorded the lowest price of N632.75 per litre.

The NBS also stated in its Diesel Price Watch Report for November 2023 that the average retail price was N1055.57 per litre.

It said that the November 2023 price of N1055.57 per litre amounted to a 30.50 per cent increase over the N808.87 per litre paid in November 2022.

“On a month-on-month basis, the price increased by 5.03 per cent from the N1004.98
per litre recorded in October 2023,’’ it added.

On state profile analysis, the report said the highest average price of diesel in November 2023 was recorded in Benue at N1280.00 per litre, followed by Kaduna at N1183.45 and Sokoto at N1183.33.

On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Rivers at N875.00 per litre, followed by Abia at N900.77 and Bayelsa at N920.00 per litre.

In addition, the analysis by zones showed that the North-Central Zone has the highest price of N1123.75 per litre, while the South-East recorded the lowest price at N959.69 per litre.

5 Logistic Companies, 28 Routes — Full List and Details of FG’s Intervention

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5 Logistic Companies, 28 Routes — Full List and Details of FG’s Intervention

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday approved free rides for commuters on all train services and a 50 per cent slash in the price of public transport via mini buses, luxury buses for Nigerians traveling during the yuletide from Thursday, December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024.

Giving update on the development, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, disclosed the list of “Participating companies in the FG’s plan to reduce the transport burden of travelling 5 million Nigerians”.

The transport companies are:

  1. GIG ( God is Good)
  2. Chisco Transport
  3. Young Shall Grow
  4. God Bless Ezenwata
  5. Area Motor

There are also 28 routes covered by the participating companies:

53,836 inmates awaiting trial nationwide

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53,836 inmates awaiting trial nationwide

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) said no fewer than 53, 836 inmates inmates in the 253 the correctional centres nationwide are awaiting trial as at Dec,18.

The spokesperson of the service, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Abubakar Umar told newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

Umar said that, summary of the inmates across the country by conviction and those on awaiting trial list were 77,849 within the period under review.

According to him, the total number of convicted inmates was 24, 013 persons “adding that the convicted male inmates were 23,569 and 444 convicted females respectively.

” Statistics shows that 69 per cent of the inmates in Custodial Centres are actually awaiting trial while 31 per cent are convicted inmates” he said.

Umar said that one of the challenges of the service was the issues of dilapidated custodial structures which resulted to overcrowded and congested spaces within the centers.

He said that the government has recently constructed 3,000 ultra modern additional custodial facilities across the six geopolitical zones to decongest existing centres.

He said the initiative would help in decongesting the centers as well as enhance the welfare and the health of the inmates.

“That of Kano have been inaugurated and we are expecting speedy completion on the remaining facilities under constructions” he said.

“The ongoing construction of Abuja and the Portharcourt centers had reached completion stages and they would soon be inaugurated” he added.

He appreciated the Federal Government for raising N585m towards the settlement of fines for inmates in a bid to decongest correctional centres across the country.

He also lauded the recent effort of the federal government for releasing 4,068 inmates serving various jail terms.

Rivers commissioner confirms Fubara signed resolution agreement initiated by Tinubu

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Rivers commissioner confirms Fubara signed resolution agreement initiated by Tinubu

Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, has confirmed that Governor Sim Fubara signed the agreement brokered between him and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

Recall that the agreement was reached on Monday evening.

Johnson, who spoke on Channels TV, on Wednesday, said the governor will implement the agreement reached because he is committed to the process of peace.

He said, “There is nothing to doubt it. We have gone beyond the issue as to who signed, and who didn’t sign.

“The Bible that we all profess says we should pursue peace will all men at all cost. Mr Governor is a stickler for the rules.

“And if His Excellency, the President has intervened, he (Fubara) is not a man of perfidy. He will not say something and do the other.

“In the next couple of hours, I will be unveiling some of the approvals His Excellency has already given as an indication that he is prepared for peace.”

He also said the governor did not show weakness when he agreed to the decisions during Monday’s meeting.

Meanwhile, the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said they will continue to perform their constitutional functions of lawmaking and oversight for the development of the state.

This is as the House presided over by Martin Amaewhule, said they withdrew the impeachment notice against Governor Siminalayi Fubara because of the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, signed by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu.

While reiterating their respect for Tinubu, they lauded him for his fatherly role in the settlement of the political crisis in the state.

The statement read, “The Rivers State House of Assembly at its 89th Legislative Sitting, Wednesday, in the auditorium of the House of Assembly quarters on Aba Road, which was converted to a hallowed chamber via a motion at its last plenary, has withdrawn the impeachment notice served on the governor of the state, Sir Siminialayi Fubara.”

Reading a letter on the floor of the House, signed by 24 members, the Amaewhule recalled that on October 30, 2023, he read a notice of impeachment signed by 24 members of the House under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

He said following the agreement reached on December 18, 2023, at the instance of the President, the House has withdrawn the notice of impeachment.

He added that the House will abide by the letters of the agreement and the advice of Mr. President, whom he said members have immense respect for.

“The Speaker added that the House would continue to perform its constitutional functions of lawmaking and oversight for the development of the state; and lauded Mr. President for his fatherly role in the settlement of the issues,” the statement added.

NCoS boasts of zero jailbreaks, attacks in 2023

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NCoS boasts of zero jailbreaks, attacks in 2023

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says it recorded zero jailbreaks and attacks in all the 253 custodial centres across the country in 2023.

The Spokesman, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Mr Abubakar Umar disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

Umar said that the government had taken comprehensive measures to bolster the security of the facilities and effectively counteract any potential threats, whether originating from internal or external sources.

He said that Nigeria had been haunted by alarming occurrences of vicious jailbreaks and attacks in previous years adding that a lot of strategies were put place to avert the trends across the nation.

He recalled that the management had announced in January 20, that 2023 would be a tough year for perpetrators of jailbreaks across the country as massive personnel and technology for intelligence gathering were deployed to forestall jail attacks.

This, he said were both in terms of infrastructural development in the service for the year 2023 and security strategies to prevent what happened in the year 2022.

NAN reports that an incident occurred on July 5, 2022 involving the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram in which they successfully carried out an attack on Nigerian highly fortified custodial centre in Abuja.

By overpowering the vigilant security personnel, the group managed to infiltrate the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, resulting in a significant escape of 879 inmates in which more than half of them were later apprehended.

Umar said that the absence of jail attacks in Nigeria in 2023 was a testament to the robust security measures and the dedicated efforts of the security personnel which included various stakeholders.

He said that it reflected the commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment within custodial centers, ensuring the well-being of inmates and staff alike.

“This achievement should be celebrated as a significant milestone in upholding law and order in the country, “he said.

According to Umar, the fact that there were no jail attacks recorded in Nigeria in 2023 is truly remarkable.

“It speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the top-level security measures that have been diligently upheld in our custodial centers across the nation.

“Ensuring the safety and security of these facilities is of utmost importance, as it does not only protects the inmates, but also the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to maintain order and rehabilitation within the system.

“This accomplishment can be attributed to a combination of factors. It reflects the dedication and professionalism of the security personnel who diligently carry out their duties, implementing robust protocols and procedures to prevent any untoward incidents.

“Our commitment to upholding the highest standards of security is commendable and should be recognised, “he said.

Speaking further, Umar said that proper inmates rehabilitation and reintegration had also contributed to the peace enjoyed in all custodial centres in Nigeria.

He said that the care for inmates’ was a very huge tasks adding that the safety and peace of the custodial centres vis-a-vis were the public safety given to societies in the country.

He said “don’t forget that it is only in the absence of chaos that businesses strives.

“This year, we ensure that this inmates are kept in our Custodial centres without any problem, no riot, no agitation and the inmates are going about their normal businesses and that is what gives the society the safety they require.

“A secure and well-maintained custodial system not only upholds the rule of law but also provides an environment conducive to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, “he said.

The NCoS spokesman acknowledged that the absence of jail attacks in 2023 also highlighted the importance of collaboration and intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies.

Umar said that the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Police Force, NCoS authorities, and other security agencies, have also played a pivotal role in maintaining the security of custodial centers.

“Their cooperation and vigilance have undoubtedly contributed to this positive outcome, “he said.

VIDEO: Two arrested for manufacturing fake drinks in Lagos

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VIDEO: Two arrested for manufacturing fake drinks in Lagos

Two men, Imo Lawrence and Magnus Nwonka, have been arrested by the Lagos state police command, for allegedly operating a factory where fake drinks that are harmful to people’s health are produced.

A statement released by the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, says the two suspects were arrested after they were found in possession of fake drinks.

He said in the course of investigation, the suspects led detectives to their inconspicuous, multi-room ‘factory.’”

Hundeyin added that investigation was ongoing on the discovery.

‘’Officers of Ojo Division today arrested the duo of Imo Lawrence ‘m’ aged 35 and Magnus Nwonka ‘m’ aged 42 in possession of fake drinks.

In the course of investigation, the suspects led detectives to their inconspicuous, multi-room ‘factory.’

“Investigation is ongoing.”

Mambilla Power Project: EFCC grants ex-minister, Agunloye, bail

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Mambilla Power Project: EFCC grants ex-minister, Agunloye, bail

A former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, has been released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on bail.

Recall that the former minister was arrested on December 13 and detained over alleged official corruption and forgery to the tune of N6bn in connection with the Mambilla Power Project.

But according to The Punch, the former Minister of State for Defence was released by the anti-graft agency around 3.30 p.m. on Wednesday to his lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN).

EFCC sources disclosed that Agunloye would be arraigned in court in January 2024 on charges of official corruption and forgery to the tune of N6bn.

In a chat with the newspaper, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the ex-munister’s release on Wednesday.

He said: “Yes, you’re right, Mr. Agunloye has been released by the commission.”

Recall that the Agunloye was declared wanted in connection with an alleged N6bn scam involving the contentious Mambilla hydropower project.

He was, however, rearrested by the operatives of the agency on December 13, 2023, after getting an arrest warrant following allegations that Agunloye jumped bail.

Agunloye was a minister under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government (1999-2003) and has since been at the centre of the controversy about the Mambilla project.

Agunloye, who was accused by Obasanjo of illegally awarding the project’s contract without the Federal Executive Council’s consent, has since denied the allegation.

JAMB denies hike in UTME registration fee

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JAMB denies hike in UTME registration fee

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has declared that there is no increase in the registration fee for its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for 2024, contrary to reports.

The board said the cost of purchasing the UTME form remained N3,500 despite an increase in its cost of production.

JAMB’s public communication advisor, Fabian Benjamin in a statement on Wednesday, said the cost of the Board examination fee remained low to ensure that candidates are not overburdened.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been drawn to several publications in recent times insinuating that the Board has increased its examination registration fee.

“This is far from the truth as the cost of obtaining the Board’s UTME application documents remains N3,500, which has been the cost of its application documents since it was brought down from N5,000 in 2018. Therefore, the Board wishes to state that the cost of the application document price has not been increased in spite of the prevailing economic reality in the country which has also affected the cost of the Board’s operations.

“Consequently, the Board wishes to assure the general public that the Board has been doing all within its powers to ensure that candidates are not overburdened in any way.

“One of these measures is to deliberately keep cost low hence its decision to make available its Use of English reading text free of charge through a QR code to ensure that the increase in cost of production is not passed to candidates. Therefore, all UTME candidates would access the reading text free of charge through multiple channels, which include their profiles, e-mail addresses, notification slips and the Board’s website.

“It is, however, pertinent to state the fact that what is being perceived in some quarters as an increment in its fees is nothing other than the fallout of its cashless policy through which all fees payable by candidates to CBT centres have been consolidated and are paid along with their application fees to prevent their wanton exploitation by unscrupulous centre owners.

“These fees are in turn remitted to partnering centres every week. For instance, candidates are expected to pay N700 for registration, N1500 as examination fees, and N1500 for the optional Mock-UTME at privately – owned centres.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the 2024 UTME/DE e-PIN remains N3500. The registration fee of N700, which is to be paid to CBT centres by candidates, is now to be collected by the Board along with N1500, which is the cost of setting the main UTME, and N1500 as the cost of the optional Mock-UTME etc is to be collected by the Board on behalf of the CBT centres.”

Akpabio declares Umahi, Giadam’s seats vacant following ministerial appointments

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Akpabio declares Umahi, Giadam’s seats vacant following ministerial appointments

President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has declared the seats of two senators: David Umahi (Ebonyi-South) and Ibrahim Giadam (Yobe-East) vacant, following their appointments as ministers.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed David Umahi as Minister of Works and Ibrahim Giadam as Minister of Police Affairs.

Akpabio made the declaration at plenary on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the declaration of vacancies in their seats was in accordance with section 68, sub-section (1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He, therefore, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence the process of by-elections in the two senatorial districts immediately.

No allocation to my office in six months — Edo Deputy gov, Shaibu

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No allocation to my office in six months — Edo Deputy gov, Shaibu

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has said that his office has not been paid a six-month allowance owing to the tension between him and his principal, Godwin Obaseki.

The deputy governor, who stated this at the opening of the Correspondents Office in Benin on Tuesday, said that he had been running the office and doing other activities through goodwill and contributions from friends.

Shaibu, who described himself as an ambassador of the chapel, noted that he would forever be grateful to journalists as a write-up by an investigative reporter saved him from the grip of the dictator when he was incarcerated alongside other activists during the regime of the late Head of State, Gen. Sanni Abacha.

He said, “You know there is tension between the governor and I. And for six months, there has been no allocation to my office. So, whatever I am doing is contributions from friends and my goodwill; and I am still standing very strong.

“I am your ambassador anywhere I am. This is not because of politics, but because of what you have done to save my life in the cause of doing your work.

“I wouldn’t have been deputy governor today if I am not alive. A journalist who did an investigation and wrote a report saved my life in the hands of the military.

“So, you can see the reason why I come anytime you invite me, even if it is difficult, I must show up because that is the only way I can appreciate and encourage you.”

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