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Category: Energy

  • Breaking: NUPENG, PENGASSAN write Tinubu, seek probe of alleged IOCs against Dangote Refinery

    Breaking: NUPENG, PENGASSAN write Tinubu, seek probe of alleged IOCs against Dangote Refinery

    The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG and its Petroleum and Natural and Senior Staff Association, PENGASSAN, have written to President Bola Tinubu, demanding a high powered investigation into the allegation that the International Oil Companies, IOCs, are plotting to undermine and destabilize the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.

    In a written through the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, dated July 1, 2024, the oil workers demanded among others, that the findings of such investigation must be made public to ensure transparency and maintain public trust.

    The letter signed by the NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale and his PENGASSAN’s counterpart, Lumumba Okugbawa, read “The leadership and members of our great Union and Association profoundly appreciate your commitment and dedication to restoring the economic growth and prosperity of our dear Nation and we are also fuly mobilized and committed to supporting al your laudable thoughts and hard decisions towards these lofty goals.

    “Unfortunately, we are deeply concerned and shocked by the recent unusual allegations by the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company of a deliberate plot by some International Oil Companies (IOCs) to frustrate their business efforts and continued existence.

    “These sabotaging actions reportedly include denying the Refinery crude oil supply and artificially inflating market prices of the crude oil to the Company, thereby forcing Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company to source crude oil from other countries, even as far as the United States of America with attendant high operating costs and logistics.

    “The Dangote Refinery is not only a critical National asset but also a beacon of hope for our energy security, economic growth, and employment opportunities. The economic benefits of a Local Refinery with such capacity as the Dangote’s to Nigeria, can never be overstated.

    “This is why for several decades now, NUPENG and PENGASSAN have campaigned vigorously that Nigeria should make ti a pre-requisite condition that Companies that want to benefit from JVC arrangements with Nigeria, to set up a Refinery/Petrochemical Company ni Nigeria.

    “Unfortunately, no sucessive Governments summoned enough political and patriotic courage to take that logical and pragmatic policy direction. The survival of companies that have braved ti up and invested hugely ni refining crude ni Nigeria thus saving our Nation from wasteful product importations that profit other countries and cost us forex, should be of great interest to us as a Nation because of the enormous economic benefits involved.

    “Our demands are as follows: Immediate Investigation: The Federal Government should set up an independent panel ot investigate the claims of sabotage by some International Oli Companies. This investigation should be compreensive and transparent, ensuring that al parties involved are held accountable.

    “Public Disclosure: The findings of this investigation must be made public ot ensure transparency and maintain public trust. Nigerians deserve to know the truth about the actions of these International Oil Companies and the impact on our National interests.

    “Legal Action: Should the allegations be substantiated, we expect the Government to take decisive legal action against the entities involved. This must include sanctions, penalties, and any other measures necessary to deter future acts of economic sabotage.

    “Support for Dangote Refinery: The Government should provide al necessary support to ensure the uninterrupted commencement and operation of the Dangote Refinery. This includes ensuring security and stability around the Refinery’s operations.

    “Your Excellency Sir, we trust your courage and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project and we believe that the Presidency wil take decisive action to safeguard the Dangote Refinery and ensure its successful operation for the benefit of our Nation.

  • JUST IN: Dangote Refinery contains minor fire at its effluent treatment plant

    JUST IN: Dangote Refinery contains minor fire at its effluent treatment plant

    The management of Dangote Refinery has reacted to reports of a fire incident at its refinery on Wednesday, saying the ‘minor fire’ occurred at its Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and has been swiftly contained.

    Anthony Chiejina, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer for Dangote Group, confirmed the development in a statement made available to Tribune Online.

    He assured the public that there was no cause for alarm as the refinery continued to operate normally and no injuries or harm was reported among the staff on duty.
     
    “We have swiftly contained a minor fire incident at our effluent treatment plant (ETP) today, Wednesday, 26th of June. There is no cause for alarm as the refinery is operating, and there is no recorded injury or body harm to all our staff on duty,” Chiejina stated

  • AMFSON Holds OGM, Inaugurates National, P/Harcourt Excos

    AMFSON Holds OGM, Inaugurates National, P/Harcourt Excos

    The Association of Mega Filling Station Owners of Nigeria (AMFSON) has inaugurated its national executive committee with Chief Davison Nwankwo as the national president.

    The inauguration ceremony was the highpoint of the 2024 Ordinary General Meeting (OGM), which held at Tokyu Grande Hotel, Port Harcourt marked to full return of the umbrella body of owners of filling stations branded in NNPC colours across the country.

    The rejuvenation of AMFSON is coming as the nation continues to battle epileptic supply and the high cost of petroleum products across the country.

    Before the inauguration ceremony, members of the association who converged in Port Harcourt from across the country lamented the harsh operating environment under which their members were operating.

    According to them, some of the challenges include rising energy costs to run their outlets, huge transportation costs in ferrying products to their stations, as well as shrinking margins in the sale of products.

    Addressing AMFSON delegates shortly after the inauguration, the National President, Chief Davison Nwankwo, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by the members in asking him to pilot the affairs of the association.

    Nwankwo, who is also the Managing Director of Deez Oil & Gas Limited, assured members that the business interest of AMFSON members would be fully protected under his leadership.

    He further assured that AMFSON would constructively engage the leadership of the NNPC Limited in order to ensure that the businesses made by its members yield positive returns on investment.

    Earlier, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of AMFSON, Ambassador Kenneth Nwachukwu, recalled that AMFSON came into existence in 2010 with the aim of protecting the interest of its members.

    Nwachukwu, therefore, urged AMFSON members to remain united and committed to the cause of the association in order for them to derive maximum benefits from the association.

    The inaugurated national executive committee of AMFSON include, Chief Davison Nwankwo (President), Barr Jacob Obande (Vice President), Ambassador Kenneth Nwachukwu (National Secretary), Obi Okechukwu (Publicity Secretary) and Comrade Prince Omugbe (Treasurer). Others are Hon Ejike Amedu(Public Relations Officer), Toyin Ogunwole (Zonal Vice Chairman, South-West), Emmanuel Okon(Zonal Vice Chairman, South-South) and Salem Ahmed (Zonal Vice Chairman, North-West).

  • Dangote Refinery postpones supply of petrol to July

    The Dangote refinery has said its plan to release premium motor spirit into the market this month will no longer be possible.

    The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, told newsmen on Monday that the petrol from the 650,000 barrels per day capacity refinery will be out in July.

    Dangote said this was due to some minor challenges, stating that the product would be out by July 10 to 15.

    “We had a bit of delay, but PMS will start coming out by 10 to 15 of July. But then we want to keep it in the tank to make sure that it settles. So by the third week of July, we’ll be able to come out to take it into the market,” Dangote had said.

    Speaking at the recent Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote expressed optimism about transforming Africa’s energy landscape.

    “Right now, Nigeria has no cause to import anything apart from gasoline and by sometime in June, within the next four or five weeks, Nigeria shouldn’t import anything like gasoline; not one drop of a litre,” he declared.

    “We have enough gasoline to give to at least the entire West Africa, diesel to give to West Africa and Central Africa. We have enough aviation fuel to give to the entire continent and also export some to Brazil and Mexico.

    “We have started producing jet fuel, we are producing diesel, and by next month, we’ll be producing gasoline. What that will do, it will be able to take most African crude,” Dangote told the panel.

    The words of Dangote appeared to have come as a soothing balm to marketers and Nigerians who are hopeful that the Dangote would crash the price of petrol from around N700 to N500 or below.

  • Blackout As Electricity Workers Shut Down National Grid

    Blackout As Electricity Workers Shut Down National Grid

    In compliance with the joint directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to down tools on Monday over the new minimum wage, electricity workers have shut down the National Grid, resulting in nationwide blackout.

    This was disclosed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, on Monday morning.

    TCN said workers were driven away from their duty posts while others were beaten and wounded at some power facilities. It added that all its efforts at grid recovery were being frustrated by the unionists.

    “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby informs the general public that the Labour Union has shut down the national grid, resulting in black out nationwide. The national grid shut down occured at about 2.19am this morning, 3rd June 2024.

    “At about 1:15am this morning, the Benin Transmission Operator under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN reported that all operators were driven away from the control room and that staff that resisted were beaten while some were wounded in the course of forcing them out of the control room and without any form of control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Center was brought to zero.

    “Other transmission substations that were shut down, by the Labour Union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba and Osogbo Transmission Substations. Some transmission lines were equally opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union.

    “On the power generating side, power generating units from different generating stations were forced to shut down some units of their generating plants, the Jebba Generating Station was forced to shut down one of its generating units while three others in the same substation subsequently shut down on very high frequency. The sudden forced load cuts led to high frequency and system instability, which eventually shut down the national grid at 2:19am.

    “At about 3.23am, however, TCN commenced grid recovery, using the Shiroro Substation to attempt to feed the transmission lines supplying bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. The situation is such that the labour Union is still obstructing grid recovery nationwide.

    “We will continue to make effort to recover and stabilize the grid to enable the restoration of normal bulk transmission of electricity to distribution load centres nationwide,” TCN stated.

  • IBEDC Sacks Achife as Managing Director

    IBEDC Sacks Achife as Managing Director

    The Board of Directors of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has relieved Mr Kingsley Achife of his appointment as the company’s Managing Director.

    The board refused to renew Achife’s contract, naming Francis Agoha as the Acting Managing Director of the IBEDC effective from May 31.

    Achife’s sack was contained in an internal memo dated May 31, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent.

    “Dear colleagues, the Board of Directors of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company wishes to inform the staff that it has decided not to renew the contract of the current Managing Director, Engineer Kingsley Achife.

    “The Board expresses its deepest gratitude to Engineer Kingsley Achife for his contributions to the company and for laying the foundation for the ongoing turnaround.

    “In light of this decision, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of the most senior executive, Engineer Francis Agoha as the Acting Managing Director of IBEDC. Engineer Francis Agoha will assume leadership responsibilities with immediate effect and will work closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition,” the memo read in part.

  • Tinuade Sanda Wins 2023 Vanguard Energy Icon of the Year Award

    Tinuade Sanda Wins 2023 Vanguard Energy Icon of the Year Award

    Dr. Tinuade Sanda, a notable leader in Nigeria’s energy sector and former Managing Director of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, has received the esteemed Vanguard Energy Icon of the Year Award.

    The award ceremony took place at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The Vanguard Personality of the Year Award, now in its 12th year, honors individuals who have achieved significant professional success and made substantial contributions to society.

    In her acceptance speech, Dr. Sanda expressed her gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to her team, the workforce, and the Board of Directors of Eko Electricity Distribution Company.
    She highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges of the energy sector and reaffirmed her dedication to advancing Nigeria’s power industry.

    Vanguard Newspaper’s Editor, Mr. Eze Anaba, noted that the event is dedicated to celebrating exceptional achievers and the values they embody, such as integrity, innovation, and perseverance.

    Dr. Sanda’s award underscores her impactful leadership and commitment to improving Nigeria’s energy sector, setting high standards during her tenure and beyond.

  • N1.8bn fraud: ICPC sues Abubakar Abdulahi Sambo, REA official

    N1.8bn fraud: ICPC sues Abubakar Abdulahi Sambo, REA official

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will arraign a staff member of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abubakar Sambo, (Abubakar Abdullahi Sambo ) for allegedly paying N1.835 billion for an unauthorized project supervision exercise.

    This is contained in ICPC’s charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/ CR/209/2024 and filed on May 10, 2024, by Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, Assistant Chief Legal Officer, ICPC.

    The defendant is sued before the Federal High Court, Abuja, for allegedly paying N1.835 billion to some persons for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approval.

    In the three-count charge, the anti-graft agency accused the defendant of allegedly using his password to access the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System platform of REA to finalize the payments.

    ICPC maintained that the development contravenes the Cybercrime Act, Public Enterprise Regulatory Commission Act, and Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

    The charges read,
    “That you ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI SAMBO (M) sometime in March, 2023 оr thereabout while being a public officer I.e., Payment Finalizer on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System platform of Rural Electrification Agency at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did finalize the payment of the total sum of N1,835,000,000.00 (One Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Five Million Naira) in different tranches for the use of Henmentta Onomen Okojie, Asuni Adejoke Aminat, Usman Kwakwa, Laure Shehu Abdullahi, Emmanuel Pada Titus and Musa Umar Karaye for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approval thereby contributing to the economic adversity of the Rural Electrification Agency and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 68 of the Public Enterprise Regulatory Commission Act, CAP. P39, Laws of the Federation, 2004
    “That you ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI SAMBO (M) sometime in March, 2023 or thereabout while being a public officer i.e, Payment Finalizer on the Government Integrated Financial Management System platform of Rural Electrification Agency at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use your access password to access the Government Integrated Financial Management information System platform of Rural Electrification Agency and finalized the payment of the total sum of N1,835,000,000,00 (One Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Five Million Naira) in different tranches for the use of Henrientta Onomen Okojie, Asuni Adejoke Aminat, Usman Kwakwa, Laure Shehu Abdullahi, Emmanuel Pada Titus and Musa Umar Karaye for a purported project supervision exercise without authority and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 6(4) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015.

    “That you ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI SAMBO (M) sometime in March, 2023 or thereabout while being a public officer i.e., Payment Finalizer on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System platform of Rural Electrification Agency at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did confer corrupt advantage on Henrrientta Onomen Okajle, Asuni Adejoke Aminat, Usman Kwakwa, Laure Shehu Abdullahi, Emmanuel Pada Titus and Musa Umar Karaye when you used your access password to access the Government Integrated Financial Management System platform of Rural Electrification Agency and finalized the payment of the total sum of N1,835,000,000.00 (One Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Five Million Naira) in different tranches for the use of Henrientta Onomen Okojie, Asuni Adejake Aminat, Usman Kwakwa, Laure Shehu Abdullahi, Emmanuel Pada Titus and Musa Umar Karaye for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approvals and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

  • Electricity tariff hike: NLC, TUC Picket NERC, DisCos offices today

    Electricity tariff hike: NLC, TUC Picket NERC, DisCos offices today

    If they keep their words, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) will today, picket the office of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the distribution companies (DisCos)’s premises nationwide over the hike in electricity tariff.

    This is following a hike in the tariff for electricity consumers who enjoy at least 20 hours of daily power supply.

    “We write to inform you of the picketing action scheduled to take place in the offices of the NERC and Electricity Distribution companies (DISCOS) in all states, including the FCT,” the unions said in a joint statement by NLC’s Ag General Secretary Chris Uyot and his TUC counterpart Anka Hassan.

    “The action will jointly take place on Monday, 13th of May, 2024 nationwide simultaneously.

    “Therefore, the two Labour centres are directed to work together to carry out this important action.

    “While counting on your usual cooperation, kindly accept the assurances of our goodwill and highest regards.”

    Though the NERC had reviewed the tariff, the labour unions said they were picketing the agency’s office as well as the premises of distribution companies after a Sunday reversal deadline failed.

    The recent tariff hike for electricity consumers has continued to draw comments from several quarters.
    With inflation rising to new highs and Nigerians grappling with the removal of petroleum subsidy, the increase in tariff was met with stiff opposition.

    Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) had claimed that the Federal Government was raising funds for the “cash-strapped” DisCoS with the tariff hike.

    But while defending the move, the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu said the Federal Government will pay about N1.8trn in electricity subsidy in 2024.
    He argued that the Electricity Act, 2023 made provisions for the review of tariffs twice yearly.

    “Review of tariff is actually legal once it is within the exclusive responsibility of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC),” he said on an edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today. “The Act actually provides for review twice in a year, every six months,” he said.

    Following the clapback generated by the move, the House of Representatives asked NERC to suspend the implementation of the tariff hike.

  • Electricity tarrif : NLC, TUC insist on Sunday deadline to reverse hike

    Electricity tarrif : NLC, TUC insist on Sunday deadline to reverse hike

    Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria(TUC) have given the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission(NERC) till May 12 to withdraw the recent hike in electricity tariff or face unprecedented industrial action.

    The ultimatum was issued in a joint letter to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, CEO, was copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, the Ministers of Labour and Power and the electricity distribution companies, DisCos, among others, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, President of NLC and TUC respectively.

    The letter read: “This is to refer you to our May Day address where we expressed grave concerns regarding the recent announcement of an astronomical hike in electricity tariff across the nation from N65/kWh to N225/Kwh by your commission.

    ‘’We believe that this decision is not just morally reprehensible considering the difficulties Nigerians are faced with currently, but it blatantly disregards fundamental principles and statutory obligations.

    ‘’It is a slap in the face of justice and fairness, and we will not stand idly by as the masses and workers are subjected to such unacceptable exploitation.

    “As the regulator of the electricity sector, it is imperative that your commission grasps the weight of its responsibilities. NERC’s role entails the regulation of electricity tariffs in the country, a duty outlined in explicit detail within the statutes governing the commission.

    ‘’Yet, with this recent tariff hike which you have acquiesced, it is evident that the Commission has forsaken its duty and abandoned the people it was meant to protect to the fat cats in the electricity industry.

    “We are miffed that NERC has become a tacit collaborator in crafting the oppressive pricing regime being perpetuated against Nigerian workers and people. The Laws that set up the commission mandate it to act as an unbiased ombudsman in the electricity industry. ‘’Unfortunately, the reverse is the case as it has acted in cahoots with the Distribution Companies, DisCos and the Generating Companies, GenCos, to promote their nefarious market practices.

    “The announced tariff hike not only defies the established procedure mandated by law but also tramples upon the rights of Nigerian citizens. It is a flagrant abuse of power and a clear violation of the trust bestowed upon your commission by the Nigerian people. Such actions will not be tolerated, and we refuse to accept them as the new norm.

    “Nigerian workers and masses led by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, stand united in denouncing this injustice. We must defend the rights of our fellow citizens against exploitation.

    “Therefore, we demand an immediate reversal of the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kwh, immediate cessation of the discriminatory practice of segregating electricity consumers into arbitrary bands, and restoration of the supremacy of the statutes governing the conduct of operators within the electricity industry.

    “We give you until Sunday, May 12, 2024, to comply. Failure to do so will result in swift and decisive action on our part as we will not hesitate to mobilize our members and occupy all NERC’s offices and those of the DisCos nationwide until justice is served.”