Legislature

Senate admits, its on same page with FG over N48b oil theft surveillance contract

Published

2 years ago

November 22, 2022

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***Confirms $2b has been lost to oil theft since January

The Senate has indicated that it is on same page with the federal government over N48b Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s oil pipeline surveillance contract to apprehend oil thieves as it insisted there are both formal and informal approaches to solving the oil theft issue

The Federal Government had awarded multi-billion naira Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s oil pipeline surveillance contract to a former militant leader in the Niger Delta and ex-commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo amidst opposition
The N4bn per month contract, which covers the Ijaw-speaking part of Bayelsa State (Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor local government areas), Delta, Ondo, Imo and Rivers states, had attracted a groundswell of opposition from some stakeholders in Bayelsa, Ondo, Imo and Rivers states.
However the chairman Senate ad-hoc Committee that investigated oil lifting, theft and the impact on petroleum production and oil revenues, Senator Albert Bassey Akpan while addressing newen on the report of his committee which he presenred at plenary said the effort of the Government in tackling oil theft was yielding positive results

When asked while he was silent on the involvement of none state actors in addressing the oil theft he said they were in agreement with the action of Government.
He said, If that contract was contracted duly and procured we don’t have any issue with it and if they yield desired outcomes I don’t think there is anything wrong
“We must commend NNPC because as we speak FOCADOS Terminal had been restored 500 000 barrels to our national production and just the day before yesterday the first 87000 barrels per day was received at the Bonny terminals so things are getting better.

“This means that the abridged interventions done recently by government is yielding results if not all the 500 000 barrels would have been stolen and you know the effect in terms of employment.

The committee chairman who could not identify any oil thief in its report said

“I think what is most important is that we must accept collective responsibility for what have befallen this country`s oil and gas industry because the oil theft did not start today, it started since 2004 as in the captured by the report and I believe a stich in time would have saved nine

“Taking the Saudi Arabia example, the country understand and know exactly how much volume is produced and in that country oil pipelines are just on the streets and nobody is tampering with them because the pipelines are in line with the current technology.

“When we we flew the region we could not see the right of way of these pipelines and when you cannot see the right of way how can you ensure effective surveillance

“I must also let you know that these pipelines were installed in the 40s and the 60s so I must tell you that one of the key things that we must embark upon is the replacement of all the pipelines because they have out lived their lifespan we are managing

He said the oil theft has also impacted negatively on the host communities benefits.

“The coming of the PIA had envisaged that all the issues about the host communities benefits and all that would have be addressed but when you see the huge theft and the volume involved it kills the real essence of what the host community trust fund was meant to achieve.

“Based on record the country has lost over $2b since January, how much is our deficit of the country. If we lost $2b that is almost N1.3tr that would have taken care of our fiscal deficit and enhanced the implementation of the capital budget.

“We can not allow criminals to bring the country to its knees. I believe the committee has done an extensive work
Meanwhile, the ad hoc committee, after the investigation, failed to disclosed those behind crude oil theft but instead said all stakeholders must accept collective responsibility for what have befallen the country’s oil and gas industry.
We are not here to apportion much blame, because when you do that you don’t get anything solved. Everybody must take their responsibility, theexecutive must also take responsibility.
Senator Akpan, said apportioning blame would not curb oil theft.
The panel, in its recommendations, said, “Curtailing crude oil theft should be a collective responsibility thereby well-meaning members of the public must be encouraged to report illegal activities and transactions in stolen crude oil that may come to their knowledge from any part of the world.
“Nigeria should seek international financial collaboration to check illegal Letters of Credit used to fund the sale and purchase of Nigeria stolen crude, as such illegal crude sales can only be transacted through the world financial system.”
It also urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to deploy an online real time monitoring system across all upstream oil and gas production platforms to ensure accurate measure of production volume.

Legislature

Lawan condoles with Borno Governor, victims of flood disaster

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2024

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Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has extended his condolences to Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno State following the recent devastating floods that have ravaged parts of the state.
A statement by his media adviser Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo quoted Lawan to have expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and property caused by the disaster, which has left many residents displaced and without livelihoods.

He urged swift intervention from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.

Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District, commended Governor Zulum’s efforts in responding to the flood disaster and pledged his support for the affected communities.

The former Senate President’s statement conveyed his solidarity with the people of Borno State during this challenging time.
The statement reads, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the severe flooding in Borno State, which has caused untold hardship and suffering to our compatriots. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and property in this disaster.

“I urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to swiftly provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.“

“I want to commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his proactive efforts in evacuating residents from the flooded areas and providing temporary shelters for them. His leadership has been instrumental in minimizing the impact of the disaster.“

He commended the federal government for providing additional support to Borno State to enable it to cope with the aftermath of the flood.

Lawan also urged the Borno State government to work with relevant agencies to find lasting solutions to the flooding in the state.

“While we commiserate with the victims of the flood, we must also work towards finding lasting solutions to this perennial problem. The Borno State government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, should embark on a comprehensive flood control programme to mitigate future disasters,” he said.

Senator Lawan prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the flood and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Legislature

KGHA Resumes Sitting, Congratulates Ododo over Supreme Court Victory

Published

2 weeks ago

September 3, 2024

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From Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The Kogi State House of Assembly has reconvened after a lengthy recess, with Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf expressing gratitude and excitement over the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s victory in the November 11th governorship election.

In his welcome address to members, Speaker Yusuf commended the lawmakers for their solidarity and assured them of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s commitment to collaborative governance for the state’s betterment.

Yusuf stated, “The Supreme Court’s pronouncement has profound significance for all of us, both as members of this esteemed assembly and as a state. We attribute this triumph to the Almighty God.”

The Speaker emphasized the legislature’s unity across party lines, saying, “As lawmakers, we have collectively rejoiced at this outcome, demonstrating our commitment to working harmoniously for the state’s progress.”

The assembly pledged its support for the executive branch, ensuring a harmonious working relationship to drive development and progress in Kogi State.

Legislature

Kogi Assembly Passes Vote of Confidence on Governor Usman Ododo

Published

2 weeks ago

September 3, 2024

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***Applauds Numerous Achievements in 7 Months

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed a Vote of Confidence on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, lauding his outstanding achievements over the past seven months.

The vote of confidence was passed during Tuesday’s plenary session following the adoption of a motion on Urgent Public Importance, moved by Hon. Akus Lawal (APC-Ankpa 1).

In his motion, Hon. Akus highlighted the governor’s significant accomplishments in fiscal discipline, financial management, agriculture, health, security, infrastructure development, and education.

The motion commended Governor Ododo’s efforts in reducing the state’s domestic debt from N121 billion to N38 billion, earning Kogi State a “B-” rating with a positive outlook from FITCH Ratings.

The governor’s initiatives in agriculture, such as designating 8,000 hectares of farmland, releasing N8 billion to farm clusters, and refurbishing 200 tractors, were also praised.

In health, the motion recognized the governor’s efforts in formalizing the Health Insurance Scheme, revitalizing over 70 primary health centers, and distributing essential consumables and hospital equipment.

The governor’s commitment to security, infrastructure development, and education was acknowledged as well, including the engagement of local hunters and vigilantes, the launch of a metropolitan quick response unit, and the construction of roads and model colleges.

The House of Assembly’s vote of confidence is a testament to Governor Ododo’s dedication to transforming Kogi State and improving the lives of its citizens.

Hon. Jibrin Abu (APC-Ajaokuta) seconded the motion, which was supported by other members. In their various submissions, they applauded the governor for his achievements despite the pressure from ongoing litigation.

In his ruling on the motion, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that despite the pending litigation from the election, the governor had achieved a great deal within seven months. He highlighted Governor Ododo’s impact on fiscal discipline, financial management, debt reduction, improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and advancements in the agricultural sector.

Speaker Yusuf also emphasized the tremendous support the health sector has received under Ododo’s administration, from private healthcare to tertiary health institutions. He noted significant improvements in security, infrastructure development across the three senatorial districts, continuity and support for education, as well as reforms and improvements in Kogi’s civil service at both the state and local government levels.

He concluded that the governor not only deserves a pass mark but also excellence, and that a Vote of Confidence to support and encourage him was indeed in order.

Speaker Yusuf then adopted the motion following overwhelming voice votes in favor of the motion.