We Target 2 Million Barrels Per Day Crude Oil Production In 2024 – NNPCL Chair, Pius

December 18, 2023

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) has set a production target of two million barrels of crude oil per day in 2024.
The Chairman of the NNPCL Board, Pius Akinyelure, announced this today, December 18, and advocated a comprehensive overhaul of the national security architecture to address losses incurred from oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
He spoke after the official inauguration of the board and management team for the NNPCL by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential villa in Abuja.
He said: ”We have assured Mr. President of our collective effort to ensure turn around in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
“To make it a company we will all be proud of, a company that will help sustain the economy and create some level of prosperity for Nigerians.
“It is not an easy task, but we know we have the challenge of oil stealing, the vandalisation of our pipelines. Our commitment is to produce at the rate of two million barrels per day anytime from next year.
“But to do this, we have to overhaul our security architecture so that the incidences of stealing vandalisation of pipelines can be reduced. And this will possibly help to build up our cash flow. And we will become a better nation.”
The Federal Government revealed that more than N4.3 trillion worth of crude oil was stolen in 7,143 pipeline vandalism cases within a period of five years.
Oil theft has drastically hampered the growth of the country’s oil production with Nigeria losing between 5 percent and 30 percent of daily production.
About 619 million barrels of crude valued at $46 billion were stolen from 2009-2020. Nigeria has continually failed to meet its daily production quota as set by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Recently, Nigeria’s OPEC quota was reduced from 1.742 million barrels per day to 1.38 million barrels per day. Yet, the country is still struggling to meet this quota as daily production output was 1.184 million barrels per day and 1.249 million barrels per day in May and June 2023 respectively.
The only female member on the board, Dr. Eunice Thomas, said that they are committed to increasing “productivity, improve the economy and sustain the environment.
“We will provide power for the people of Nigeria; we will industrialize the energy and transit from fossil fuel to more sustainable green energy.
“I am really challenged. But I would like to begin by thanking President Bola Tinubu for finding me worthy to sit on that board.
“I am aware of the challenges and his expectations of the board. I agree with the management of the NNPCL, they’ve done quite a lot so far and we will be working together with pleasure to increase productivity, improve the economy and sustain the environment,” Thomas said.
The board members inaugurated on today, December 18, include Umar Ajiya as Chief Financial Officer, Ledum Mitee, Mr. Musa Tumsa and Mr. Ghali Muhammad as Non-Executive Directors.
Other Non-Executive Directors are Professor Mustapha Aliyu, David Ogbodo and Ms. Eunice Thomas.

Tinubu Gives Marching Order To NNPCL Board On Increase Production

Greenbarge Reporters

December 18, 2023

President Bola Tinubu has given members of the Board of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited a marching order on the increase in production.
He asked them to take a look at the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and know what the pitfalls are.
“The Cabinet members and Board should decide what we can do differently for production increase, profitability, and governance. It is in your hands. I will work with you.’’
Inaugurating the Board of the company today, December 28, President
Tinubu confirmed that so far, the Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari Kolo, is doing very well, “and doing all that I know.
The President advised that corporate social responsibility should be given priority for the Niger Delta, considering the devastating effects of oil exploration and exploitation on the environment.
“It is not about us. It is about the well-being of the entire country and the lifeblood of the nation. We should care more about the environment. We will do more for security to minimise stealing and vandalisation.”
The President directed that more attention should be given to gas as Nigeria transitions to cleaner energy, adding: “We need to show that we are committed to the welfare of our country.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Pius Akinyelure, commended the President for the removal of petrol subsidy, saying that the nation would have drowned in debt, but for his decisiveness.
“Our focus is to increase production. We must address the problem of stealing and pipeline vandalisation in the Niger Delta. We are aware of the efforts in the past, but we will do more.”
Source: NAN.

EFCC Boss Wants Law To Arrest People With Questionable Wealth

Greenbarge Reporters

December 18, 2023

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called for a law to enable the officers of the Commission to arrest and prosecute people with questionable, unexplained wealth.

According to him, that is one of the strong methods for checking the criminal activities of treasury looters in the country.

The Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in a statement, quoted Olukoyede as making the call at a two-day International Law Conference organised by Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State. The theme of the conference is: “Unexplained Wealth in the Global South: Examining the Asset Recovery and Return Trajectory.”
Olukoyede said that several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Mauritius, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Trinidad and Tobago, have embraced the Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) since it came into force in 2018. He said that for Nigeria, the EFCC is still relying on the provisions of Section 7 of its Establishment Act to check the menace.
“The issue of unexplained wealth is not a local issue. There are jurisdictional legislations across the world to tackle it. To date, countries of the world are faced with criminalities emanating from money laundering practices and illicit funds.
“This circumstance led to the promulgation of Unexplained Wealth Orders, UWOs that came into force in 2018. Several countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Mauritius and African countries like Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean have come up with UWO.
“Nigeria is yet to come up with a national legislation on it.”
The EFCC boss, who was represented at the conference by the Abuja Zonal Commander, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Adebayo Adeniyi, stressed that treasury looters would have little cover if the issue of unexplained wealth is tackled more seriously across the world.
“In Nigeria today, unexplained wealth has become practical means of tracing, identifying, investigating and prosecuting corruption cases.
“As an anti-graft agency, suspects of any economic and financial crimes are usually required to declare their assets in the course of investigation.
“The basis for this is to properly establish their true asset base and their linkage or otherwise to any act of corruption. Owing to the absence of legislation on the issue of unexplained wealth, the EFCC continues to rely on provisions of Section 7 of its Establishment Act to handle it.”
Olukoyede said that the concerns about unexplained wealth relates more to asset tracing, investigation and recovery, adding that nations are rapidly settling for non-conviction-based asset forfeiture.
“The reason for this is simple because unexplained wealth can only be beneficial to the state if they are forfeited. “Since inception, the EFCC has secured sizable assets from fraudsters. They range from houses, vehicles, barges, jewellery, money, furniture items, landed properties, among others.”
He said that the procedures for asset forfeiture usually involve the prosecution of the suspected fraudster, as assets may be forfeited on an interim basis or be forfeited permanently, depending on the position of the law and the court.
Source: NAN.

Why I Left Lagbaja, Star Lady In Masked Musician, Ego Ihenacho Opens Up

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2023

Star lady in the musical band of Lagbaja, the masked musician, Ego Ihenacho has opened up on why she left him.
Ego, who is also a singer and actress, who left Lagbaja’s band in 2006, said: “I just felt I needed to move on and it wasn’t as dramatic as people thought it was. There was nothing and it wasn’t something I’ve been thinking about for a long time.”
She told QEDNG publisher, Olumide Iyanda in an interview that Lagbaja actually supported her when she told him she wanted to leave him.
“So, it was probably a month after, it just came to my mind, my gut feeling said okay that was the time to move and I told him sometime in October and I mean, it was expected, I wouldn’t stay there forever, as passionate as I am and as ambitious as I am about music.
“In fact, I’m surprised I even lasted that long. You know, so he was very supportive, he was happy-sad you know, he was like ‘Okay, I always knew you had this in you so when do you want to?’ and I was like ‘Okay, we just started the new year, December will be like my graduation, so that was like a farewell show and that was it and I moved on.”
Ego said that working on her own is tough and that she had to fight for her place as a solo artiste, and she was able to succeed with the help of those who supported her.
“Musically, it’s been good, tough, but like I always say, I took some things for granted. It’s not Lagbaja anymore, it’s me with my band. So, you’ve seen me with a band so it’s not going to be hard for you to call me for shows but it didn’t happen that way.
“I really had to fight for my place as a band and it was encouraging, I had people who supported me by calling me for shows and it was great. I got the Glo ambassadorship and other opportunities. It was just a mix of the good and bad and here I am, also as an actor, so I’m grateful for the journey.”
When asked if she missed the monthly show at Lagbaja’s Motherlan’, the Wura actress said: “I miss Motherlan’ a lot. Like I said, it was just a vibe. There was something to look forward to. we had everybody and there was just that common thing for everybody at that time, you know, the jokes, the music, we had the old, the young it was just amazing. It was just a nice vibe so I miss that.”

Ex NASS Clerk, Ataba; Media Chief; Prof Angela, 69 Others Vying For Ohinoyi Of Ebira Throne

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2023

At the close of submission of application for those that want to be Ohinoyi, first class King of Ebiraland in Kogi State, no fewer than 72 sons and one daughter of the Kingdom, have submitted applications to the King makers.
Among those who have submitted applications are the former Clerk of the National Assembly, Barrister Muhammad Ataba Sanni Omolori, a media chief (owner of Jatto FM in Okene), Isezuo Edward Jatto; former Deputy Governor, Dr. Phillip Omeiza Salawu and Engineer, Professor Ibrahim Onuwe.
Others are Professor Angela Orengwu Okatahi (female); three sons of late Muhammad Sanni Omolori former Ohinoyi: Tijjani, Saaki and Abbas as well as Engineer Jibrin Ibrahim and Barrister Momohsani Shaibu. Ataba is also the son of late Muhammad Sanni Omolori.
The throne became vacant at the death of the occupant, Alhaji, Dr. Abdulrahman Ado Ibrahim on October 29 in Abuja, after a brief illness. He died aged 94 and was on the throne for 25 years. His predecessor, late Muhammad Sanni Omolori was on the same throne for 40 years and 40 days before his demise in 1996.
The Kingmakers’ Committee was inaugurated last week by the State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Deen.

List Of Applicants For The Vacant Stool Of Ohinoyi Of Ebiraland So Far.
1. Mall. Salami Audu Jibril
Okene
2. Yusuf Abubakar Amuda
Okene
3. Alh. Dr. Amin Abubakar Obaje
Okene
4. Mall. Ibrahim Ahi Ondeku
Adavi
5. Shehu Ahmed A. Ivaju
Okene
6. Ibrahim Hakeem A. Omuya
Okene
7. Mall. Abdullahi Abdulfatai Badogu
Okene
8. Muhammed Yunusa
Adavi
9. Engr. Jibrin Ibrahim
Okene
10. Prince Haruna A. Yusuf
Okene
11. Mr. Sadiq Ozovehe Umar
Ajaokuta
12. Barr. Momohsanni Shaibu
Okene
13. Hon. Sidiq Abdulrahaman Osomose
Okene
14. Alh. Siyaka Ayihi Odoba
Okene
15. Ohida Wahab Ohiku
Okene
16. Dr. Philip Omeiza Salawu
Okehi
17. Ibrahim Jibril Adavize
Okehi
18. Alh. Umar Muhammed Mudashiru
Okehi
19. HRH Alh. Dr. Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje
Okene
20. M. A Sani Omolori
Okene
21. Alh. Alkahi Abdulrahaman Bello
Okehi
22. Yusuf Maishadu Adavuchi
Okehi
23. Suleiman Godwin Ogirima
Okehi
24. Ahmed Ayimi Momohjimoh
Ajaokuta
25. Mall. Ismaila F. Sule
Ajaokuta
26. Dr. Anabe Aliu Tijani
Adavi
27. Isezuo Edward Jatto
Adavi
28. Abdullahi Jabar Ametuo
Okehi
29. Prof. Angela Oregwu Okatahi
Okehi
30. Abdulmalik Salawu (Amas)
Okene
31. Hon. Hussein Yusuf
Okene
32. Alh. Lasisi Sule Oseyiza Ogu
Ajaokuta
33. Dr. Abdulrahaman Musa Ovavu Adeiza
Okehi
34. All Ado Adams
Okene
35. Engr. Abubakar Yakubu Mosuwa
Okehi
36. Salihu Yunusa
Okene
37. Ohioze Itopa Salami
Okehi
38. Abanika Taiye Haruna Ohiani
Okehi
39. Isa Abdullahi Obaro
Okene
40. Hassan Salawu Odoba
Okene
41. Alh. Muktar O. Isa Sani
Okene
42. Abdullahi Enebere Jimoh Adaaja
Okehi
43. Mall. Yakubu Jimoh
Okene
44. Engr. Mohammed Okatahi Ibrahim
Okehi
45. Mall. Abdulrahaam Suberu
Okene
46. Abbas Muhammed Sani Omolori
Okene
47. Mr. Ohiare Itopa Salami
Adavi
48. Momohjimoh Bello
Ajaokuta
49. Tijani Sani Omolori
Okene
50. Ohida Abdulmaliq Haruna
Okene
51. Babatunde Unwaha
Ajaokuta
52. Muktar Muhammed
Okene
53. Shaibu Raimi
Okene
54. M. M. Salami
Okene
55. Abdulrahim Adinoyi
Okehi
56. Abdulmalik Abdulrazak Onuku
Ajaokuta
57. Saaki Muhammed Sani
Okene
58. Omonanyi Adams
Okene
59. Alh. Ahmed Adams
Okene
60. Ilyasu Yusuf Badoko
Okene
61. Engr. Audu Okikiri Edward
Okene
62. Zubair Adinoyi Ilyasu
Okene
63. Ahmed O. Usman
Okehi
64. Mr. Lawal Babameigida Abu
Okehi
65. Dr. Banny Adeku Ojiah
Okene
66. Alh. Abdullahi Isah Ogu
Okene
67. Mall. Sule Buhari Omeiza
Okene
68. AY Abdulwahab
Okene
69. Engr. Prof. Ibrahim Onuwe Abdulmalik
Okehi
70. Tahir Adam Abdullahi
Okehi
71. Muhammed Bashiru Yakubu
Okehi
72. Ibrahim Hudu – Okene.

Picture shows the new palace of Ohinoyi, built by Governor Yahaya Bello.

Ex Kaduna Gov, El-Rufai, Bags Traditional Title Of Gbobaniyi Of Ijebuland.

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2023

Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has bagged the traditional title of Gbobaniyi (genius) of Ijebuland in Ogun State of Nigeria.
The title was conferred on him by the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, making El-Rufai the first non-Yoruba person to receive such a chieftaincy title from the Awujale in his nearly 64-year reign.
The ex-governor wrote on X, late Friday, that he was grateful to the monarch for the honour.
He wrote: “I am pleased to announce that on Saturday, the 16th of December 2023, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona the Paramount Ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland will honour my brother and confidante Otunba Jimi Lawal with two chieftaincy titles for his contributions to the Ijebu Kingdom and Nigeria, along with his wife Maryam Lawal.
“I also am privileged to be the first Nigerian outside of South-West of Nigeria to be conferred with a chieftaincy title by the Awujale in his nearly 64-year reign.
“I am to be recognised as the Gbobaniyi of Ijebuland. I am grateful to Kabiyesi Awujale for the recognition and thank all those who have wished me well for this.”

Kogi Searches For Outstanding Sons, Daughters For Special Rewards

Greenbarge Reporters

December 16, 2023

Kogi State Government has set up an eight-member committee to fish out sons and daughters of the State who have distinguished themselves both within and outside the country as outstanding ambassadors of the State for recognition and special rewards.
A statement today, December 16, by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG),
Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, said that the committee will be headed by a retired Chief Judge of the State, Justice Henry Olusuyi, with the Ejeh Ankpa, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu; the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the Ohi of Okenwe, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Mohammed Anaje; Barrister Omeiza Abdulkarim Suleiman mni; Akowe Abimaje Amana and Alhaji Aliu Salau Omopariola as Advisory members. Barrister Okpanachi Mohammed Adama will serve as Secretary.
The statement said that the initiative is in tandem with the recently enacted Kogi State Honours Award Law, 2023.
It said that the committee has the responsibility to meticulously review, screen and recommend deserving individuals for the Honours, subject to the approval of the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
The Committee is given one month to fulfill its responsibilities.
Governor Yahaya Bello was quoted as emphasizing the importance of the committee’s role and urged its members to exhibit diligence, thoroughness, and fairness throughout the process.

Federal, States, Local Governments Share N1088.783 Trillion Revenue For November

Greenbarge Reporters

December 15, 2023

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total sum of N1088.783 trillion November 2023 Federation Account Revenue to the Federal Government, States and Local Government Councils.
In a communique issued by the FAAC at its December, 2023 meeting today, December 15, the N1088.783 billion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N376.306 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N335.656 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N11.952 billion and Exchange Difference revenue of N364.869 billion.
According to the communique, total revenue of N1620.335 billion was available in the month of November 2023. Total deductions for cost of collection was N60.960 billion; total transfers, interventions and refunds was N470.592 billion.
Gross statutory revenue of N882.560 billion was received for the month of November 2023. This was higher than the N660.090 billion received in the month of October 2023 by N222.470 billion.
The gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in November 2023 was N360.455 billion. This was higher than the N347.343 billion available in the month of October 2023 by N13.112 billion.
The communique said that from the N1088.783 billion total distributable revenue, the Federal Government received a total of N402.867 billion, the State Governments received N351.697 billion and the Local Government Councils received N258.810 billion.
A total sum of N75.410 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
From the N376.306 billion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N174.908 billion, the State Governments received N88.716 billion and the Local Government Councils received N68.396 billion. The sum of N44.286 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
The Federal Government received N50.348 billion, the State Governments received N167. 828 billion and the Local Government Councils received N117.480 billion from the N335.656 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue.
The N11.952 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) was shared as follows: the Federal Government received N1.793 billion, the State Governments received N5.976 billion and the Local Government Councils received N4.183 billion.
The Federal Government received N175.817 billion from the N364.869 billion Exchange Difference revenue. The State Governments received N89.177 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N68.751 billion. The sum of N31.124 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
In the month of November 2023, Companies Income Tax (CIT), Excise Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Oil and Gas Royalties and Value Added Tax (VAT) increased considerably, while CET Levies, Import Duty and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) recorded decreases.
The balance in the ECA was $473,754.57, the communique added.

Akpabio Returns To Office After Short Break From Birthday Colloquium

Greenbarge Reporters

December 15, 2023

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio resumed duty today, December 15, after a post birthday Colloquium in his honour.
Senator Akpabio was welcomed to the National Assembly complex by fellow lawmakers and a cream of media men and women covering the beat.

BREAKING: You Are Guilty Of Treason, Supreme Court Rules On Nnamdi Kanu

Greenbarge Reporters

December 15, 2023

The highest court in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Supreme Court has ruled finally that the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is guilty of treason.
The court ruling overturned the Appeal Court judgment that found him not guilty of treasonable charges.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), since he was re-arrested in 2021.
The Federal Government had prayed the court to set aside an earlier judgement by the Court of Appeal, which quashed the treasonable felony charge against Kanu and ordered his release on the grounds that he was unlawfully brought back to the country after he jumped bail.
The judgment is still ongoing as at the time of publishing this part of it.
More later…

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