By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has expressed deep concern over the recent tragic boat mishap which claimed about 20 lives near Ezetu 1 community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

In a condolence message signed by Suleiman Makama, AGM (Corporate Affairs) and made available to newsmen on Friday, the Authority commiserated with the families, people and government of Bayelsa State over the mishap and loss of 20 lives.

“The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) expresses its deepest condolences to the families affected by the recent tragic boat mishap that occurred on Wednesday, 7th August, 2024, near Ezetu 1 community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State”, the message read.

According to Makama, the incident was caused by an engine default explosion which resulted in the loss of several lives among passengers and crew members.

“NIWA stands in solidarity with the Government of Bayelsa State and the bereaved families during this difficult time, and we offer our prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed”, he said.

The AGM Corporate Affairs said NIWA in response to the distressing news, promptly mobilized its search and rescue team to the scene to investigate the root cause of the accident and provide updates to the public as necessary.

He said that the Authority had consistently reiterated the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations for both boat operators and passengers.

He added, “It is mandatory for all individuals using the Inland Waterways to wear life jackets at all times to ensure their safety and well-being.

“We urge all stakeholders in the maritime sector to prioritize safety measures and compliance with regulations to prevent future tragedies on the waterways.” (Ends)

The leadership of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended the people of the Niger Delta region, for maintaining peace in the Niger Delta region in the face of the nationwide protests.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the forum Dr. Ken Robinson applauded especially leaders of ethnic youth organizations, community-based and civil society groups, as well as activists, ex-agitators, and youths in general for the peace.
The statement reads, “In light of reports of looting, destruction, and loss of lives in some parts of the country, PANDEF urges the protesters in some states of the region to end their protests to prevent criminal elements from hijacking the process and causing disruptions to the relative peace in the region.

“It is important to note that the point has already been made. Your Voice gas been heard
“We call on the government at all levels to take necessary and urgent steps to address the difficulties citizens are facing.”

Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) have lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to sell Crude Oil to Dangote and Local Refineries with Naira Component.
This was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and signed by the National President of HOSTCOM, his Highness Dr. Benjamin Tamaranebi (JP) titled: Thank you Mr. President for granting our demand to support Dangote Refinery and other indigenous refineries in Nigeria to produce Fuel Locally and stop costly importation.
The letter reads, “On Saturday 27th July, 2024, the National Executive Council and Board of Trustees of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) including some prominent Traditional Rulers in Niger Delta region, visited Dangote refinery, on inspection to ascertain the true status of the largest refinery in Africa, proudly and strategically situated in Lagos State.

“While at the magnificent 650,000 bpd private Dangote Refinery, we made an appeal to you Mr. President to direct the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and International Oil Companies IOCs operating in our communities to sell and supply crude oil to Dangote Refinery and other local Refineries.

“We also emphasized that supplying crude oil to Dangote Refinery will help to meet the domestic demands of Nigerians, and will certainly put an end to continuous importation of substandard and costly refine petroleum products into Nigeria.

“Commendably, on Monday 29th July, 2024, you directed the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited to sell crude to Dangote Refinery and other upcoming refineries in Naira.

“This laudable decision was approved at the Federal Executive Council.”
According to Dr. Tamaranebi, what the President has done will ultimately give hope and confidence to local and international investors to invest in Nigeria which will improve the economy and more importantly create jobs for the youths.

“Your directive to NNPCL to sell crude oil to Dangote Refinery and local Refineries is an attestation to government efforts to stabilize, reduce fuel prices and ensure availability of refined products.

“An African Proverbs says ‘A man at the river side will not use saliva to wash his hands’. Therefore, Nigeria blessed with abundance of crude oil and having Refineries in the country should not be importing refined products and buying same at high price.”
The HOSTCOM president also urged the President to also ensure that the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries are made to commence production as soon as possible.

“Finally, it is our submission that Alhaji Aliko Dangote and other Modular Refinery owners be appreciated for their patriotism and commitment in investing and building the magnificent 650,000 bpd Refinery and others in Nigeria.”

He appealed to fellow Nigerians to start thinking positively by believe that with this direction of local refining the hardship will be drastically reduce to the barest minimum.