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Stakeholders oppose proposed Commission for Decommissioning Oil, Gas Installations

Stakeholders under the auspices of Energy Reforms Advocates of Nigeria, ERAN, have kicked against the National Commission for the Decommissioning of Oil and Gas Installations, NC-DOGI, Bill, 2024. The bill seeks to establish the National Commission for the Decommissioning of Oil and Gas Installations, NC-DOGI. At a press conference during the weekend, ERAN Executive Director,
Stakeholders oppose proposed Commission for Decommissioning Oil, Gas Installations

Stakeholders under the auspices of Energy Reforms Advocates of Nigeria, ERAN, have kicked against the National Commission for the Decommissioning of Oil and Gas Installations, NC-DOGI, Bill, 2024.

The bill seeks to establish the National Commission for the Decommissioning of Oil and Gas Installations, NC-DOGI.

At a press conference during the weekend, ERAN Executive Director, Comrade Henry Abba, faulted the bill, describing the proposed commission as “another feeding bottle for the boys” and “a poisoned dagger aimed at the heart of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)”.

The stakeholders insisted that the proposed commission will not serve any useful purpose, but instead, would lead to monumental waste of scarce resources.

Abba noted that the commission would lead to needless multiplication of the agencies for an assignment that is already being carried out by various Federal Government establishments.

He said, “Nigeria is broke. Our debt is choking us. Yet some senators want to birth a brand-new commission that will swallow billions just to watch old pipes rust.

“We already have the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

“They have the staff, the laws, the labs, and the muscle to decommission any platform from Bonny to Forcados. Why create a third referee when the field already has two?”

The stakeholders warned that NC-DOGI will only breed confusion, scare investors, and open fresh avenues for corruption.

“One agency will approve the plan, another will supervise the cutting, and the third will fight over who collects the contractor’s kickback. Investors hate chaos. They will simply take their dollars to Ghana,” Abba said.

He stressed that the PIA, signed only four years ago after twenty years of labour, is yet to be fully implemented.

“The ink is still wet. Don’t tear the book to add a new chapter nobody asked for,” Abba added.

Calling on the National Assembly to “kill this bill’, the stakeholders said they will flood the National Assembly Complex with petitions, livestream town hall meetings in every oil community and drag the bill to court if it nears passage.

“Nigerians are awake. We will name and shame every senator who votes for this money-guzzler. History will record their greed,” Abba declared.

“Do not keep it alive. Do not smuggle it. Do not rename it. Bury it today so Nigeria can breathe tomorrow,” the stakeholders added in a direct message to the National Assembly leadership.

Stakeholders oppose proposed Commission for Decommissioning Oil, Gas Installations

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‘No valid charge, no jurisdiction, no justice against Nnamdi Kanu’ – Rights activists

A coalition of rights activists under the aegis of Rising Sun Survival Outreach, has declared that the Nigerian government has no valid charge against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu. Rising Sun made the declaration in a statement jointly signed by Rev. Fr. Augustine Odimmegwa and Mazi Maxwell Dede. The
‘No valid charge, no jurisdiction, no justice against Nnamdi Kanu’ – Rights activists

A coalition of rights activists under the aegis of Rising Sun Survival Outreach, has declared that the Nigerian government has no valid charge against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

Rising Sun made the declaration in a statement jointly signed by Rev. Fr. Augustine Odimmegwa and Mazi Maxwell Dede. The statement was made available to journalists in Umuahia on Sunday.

The group in the same vein declared that the Abuja Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to prosecute Kanu, adding that justice cannot be dispensed in the ongoing trial of the IPOB leader.

Stressing that Kanu should not continue to be in detention, the activists noted that the law under which the Biafra agitator was charged had been repealed.

They also argued that Kanu was illegally abducted in Kenya to face trial in Nigeria, and had already been acquitted by the Court of Appeal.

The statement titled ‘No valid charge. No jurisdiction. No justice’, read, “We, the people, are saying it loud and clear: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should not be in detention for one more day. He was abducted, not extradited. The law is clear — when a man is taken illegally from another country, no court in Nigeria has any right to try him. He was charged under a dead law — the old Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 that no longer exists. You cannot revive a repealed law to persecute someone.

“The Court of Appeal discharged him, yet the DSS keeps him locked up in total disregard for that ruling. And now the Supreme Court has abandoned its own principle of finality — when a higher court says “discharged,” that’s the end of the matter.

“But they bent the rules just to keep him trapped. Let’s call it what it is — a shameful abuse of justice.

“Why the law says he must be freed:
1. Unlawful rendition = No trial. 2. No valid charge exists. 3. Fair hearing denied. 4. Double jeopardy breached. 5. Supreme Court failed its own doctrine. 6. International law is on his side.

“Justice cannot survive where the law is ignored. Freedom cannot breathe when truth is buried. According to the Appeal Court, no court in Nigeria can put Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to trial because he was kidnapped from Kenya and brought forcefully to Nigeria. That amounts to gross violation of the International law. We are not asking for favours — we are demanding justice under the law. If one man’s rights can be trampled, no one is safe. Justice for one = Justice for all. #FreeMNKNow.”

‘No valid charge, no jurisdiction, no justice against Nnamdi Kanu’ – Rights activists

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15% tariff on fuel imports will end dumping of fake products, scarcity in Nigeria – CSO

A coalition of civil-society organisations, CSOs, under the umbrella of the Coalition of Civil Rights Activists, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a 15 percent import duty on refined petroleum products. In a statement on Sunday, the CSOs described the policy as a watershed decision in the annals of Nigeria’s history, noting that it
15% tariff on fuel imports will end dumping of fake products, scarcity in Nigeria – CSO

A coalition of civil-society organisations, CSOs, under the umbrella of the Coalition of Civil Rights Activists, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a 15 percent import duty on refined petroleum products.

In a statement on Sunday, the CSOs described the policy as a watershed decision in the annals of Nigeria’s history, noting that it will finally put an end to the dumping of sub-standard fuel and the perennial scarcity that has plagued the nation for decades.

Convener of the coalition, Mr Agabi Emmanuel, noted that the tariff is not a revenue-grab but a “strategic lever” to shield Nigeria’s budding domestic refineries from predatory under-pricing by foreign importers.

“This 15% duty will stop the flood of fake, adulterated products that have destroyed engines, polluted our air and endangered lives.

“It will also guarantee steady supply because local refineries — Dangote, Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna — will now run at full throttle without fear of being undercut by smuggled or below-cost imports,” Emmanuel said.

The coalition further insisted that short-term price adjustments are a small price to pay for long-term energy sovereignty.

The CSOs dismissed critics who labelled the policy “pro-monopoly,” stressing that regulatory safeguards already exist to prevent any single player from dominating the market.

“This is about structural transformation, not favoritism,” Emmanuel said while urging the National Assembly to fast-track social compensation packages, including targeted tax relief and cash transfers to cushion vulnerable households.

It also called on the Presidency to publish a transparent implementation timetable and revenue-allocation framework within 14 days.

The CSOs also appealed to opposition parties to join hands with President Tinubu to bury the subsidy ghost forever.

“History will judge those who choose partisan point-scoring over national rebirth,” Emmanuel said.

The CSOs invited the World Bank, AfDB and technical agencies to provide concessional loans and training to maximise the policy’s benefits.

They hailed President Tinubu as a “compassionate leader who truly cares for his people”.

“Nigerians, remain patient, remain vigilant, remain engaged. From dependence to dignity — that is the promise of this 15% tariff,” the statement added.

15% tariff on fuel imports will end dumping of fake products, scarcity in Nigeria – CSO

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‘14% coverage unacceptable’ – Stakeholders demand improved media voice for women

Participants at a training workshop in Adamawa State have dissected the limited voice that women get in the media in Nigeria and made a case for improvement. Facilitators and participants at the four-day event on the theme, ‘Strengthening the Capacity of Media Personnel for Positive Response porting to Support Gender Responsiveness and Inclusive Governance in
‘14% coverage unacceptable’ – Stakeholders demand improved media voice for women

Participants at a training workshop in Adamawa State have dissected the limited voice that women get in the media in Nigeria and made a case for improvement.

Facilitators and participants at the four-day event on the theme, ‘Strengthening the Capacity of Media Personnel for Positive Response porting to Support Gender Responsiveness and Inclusive Governance in Adamawa State’, noted that women are significantly underrepresented as sources in Nigerian media.

They said persistent gender imbalance in the sources used in Nigerian journalism contributes to marginalization of women’s voices and by extension, poor representation in governance.

Multiple sources indicate that highly limited number of women make it to the Nigerian media as sources, accounting consistently for between 14 percent to 20 percent, while men take the lion share of between 80 percent and 86 percent.

Four resource persons who are experts in gender responsive reporting and gender inclusive advocacy, namely Malam Hassan Karofi, Dr Hussaini Lawal, Hajiya Asma’u Joda and Hajiya Aisha Bello, took turns to present papers during the Adamawa Media Training in Gender-Responsive Political Narratives which was attended by reporters and editors from electronic and print media houses.

The facilitators urged journalists to consciously seek to give women a voice by seeking them out for news interviews and projecting them in their reports.

The Media Training was orgainized by the German Corporation for International Development (GIZ) and the Development Research Project Centre (dRPC) with funding from the European Union and Germany under the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection, Participation and Economic Resilience in North-east Nigeria Programme (SEPIN-SUSI).

The dRPC produced statistics which proved that the percentages of women in government in Nigeria is low, with men constituting more than 94 percent (728) of local council chairmanship, leaving women with less than five percent (48); while out of 990 seats in state houses of Assembly, women occupy only 49 which amounts to just 4.9 percent as well as just 4.4 percent of National Assembly seats; with a total of 21 female National Assembly lawmakers (four in Senate and 17 in House of Representatives) as against 448 male senators and House of Representatives members.

The facilitators at the media training which ended in Yola at the weekend impressed on the participants that women need opportunities to grow as men do and that journalists who mirror the society should amplify the voices of women to pave the path to growth.

On their part, the journalists and other media stakeholders at the training committed themselves to championing the amplification of women’s voices through gender-balanced reporting.

‘14% coverage unacceptable’ – Stakeholders demand improved media voice for women

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Ogun Govt distributes reusable clothes, shoes to residents in Ipokia

The Ogun State government has distributed some reusable materials such as clothes and shoes to vulnerable residents living in the Ipokia local government area of the state. DAILY POST reports that the initiative tagged ‘Renew and Reuse Programme’ is part of its effort in promoting proper waste management through acts of charity and donations in
Ogun Govt distributes reusable clothes, shoes to residents in Ipokia

The Ogun State government has distributed some reusable materials such as clothes and shoes to vulnerable residents living in the Ipokia local government area of the state.

DAILY POST reports that the initiative tagged ‘Renew and Reuse Programme’ is part of its effort in promoting proper waste management through acts of charity and donations in the state.

Speaking at the flag-off of the distribution exercise held at weekend, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, stated that the distribution is part of government’s deliberate efforts at bonding every strata of the local government together through renewal of some items considered as waste to useful materials for reuse by those who needs them, thereby promoting human kindness.

Oresanya, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Environmental Quality Control, Water Regulatory Enforcement and Advocacy, Mr Kayode Akinwande, said the distributed renew and reuse materials were items donated by some residents who considered them as waste but were renewed by the state government for the use of other residents who find them useful.

He said, “With the exercise, we want our people to know that waste is not waste unless you waste them as one person’s waste is a source of joy to another person. What you want to throw away is what some people are looking for, so don’t throw them away as this is an avenue for you to show human kindness.”

He asked residents to donate their unused items through collecting boxes positioned at key areas in the state, adding that they will be renewed and made available to locals in need.

“What you only need to do is to donate your unused items through collection boxes that are placed at strategic locations across the state.

“The donated items after renewal will be made available to other residents who may need them instead of dumping them on water ways, canals and drainage channels, which will have adverse effect on our environment,” Oresanya added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ipokia Local Government, Johnson Avoseh, thanked the state government through the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the Rotary Club of Abeokuta for the Renew and Reuse Initiative, saying aside from its benefits to the less privileged, it will solve some environmental challenges which will affect the populace in both the short and long runs.

Two of the beneficiaries, Madam Esther Akovoyan and Mr Simon Gandonu, thanked the state government for the items, urging residents of the local government and the state to donate generously to the initiative so that more less-privileged people can benefit.

Ipokia Local Government is the third out of the 20 local government areas that have benefited from the distribution of the renew and reuse materials since its inauguration last year.

Ogun Govt distributes reusable clothes, shoes to residents in Ipokia

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Sharia law rooted in Nigeria’s legal system, can’t be stopped – Bashir Ahmad

Former presidential media aide, Bashir Ahmad says the practice of Sharia law cannot be stopped in Nigeria. In a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, Ahmad stated that Sharia law is rooted in Nigeria’s legal system. He said it is something that cannot be washed away by external influence or misguided opinions. “How
Sharia law rooted in Nigeria’s legal system, can’t be stopped – Bashir Ahmad

Former presidential media aide, Bashir Ahmad says the practice of Sharia law cannot be stopped in Nigeria.
In a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, Ahmad stated that Sharia law is rooted in Nigeria’s legal system.

He said it is something that cannot be washed away by external influence or misguided opinions.

“How do you possibly think you can stop the practice of Sharia law in Nigeria? Sharia law is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s constitutionally recognized legal system.

“It is not something that can be simply washed away by external influence or misguided opinions,” he wrote.

Sharia law rooted in Nigeria’s legal system, can’t be stopped – Bashir Ahmad

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Gov Alia urges Nigerians to embrace patriotism

The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia , has called on Nigerians to rekindle their spirit of patriotism and faith as essential ingredients for building a stronger and more united nation. Speaking during a Holy Mass at the Government House Chapel in Makurdi today, he emphasized the need for citizens to imbibe the spirit
Gov Alia urges Nigerians to embrace patriotism

The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia , has called on Nigerians to rekindle their spirit of patriotism and faith as essential ingredients for building a stronger and more united nation.

Speaking during a Holy Mass at the Government House Chapel in Makurdi today, he emphasized the need for citizens to imbibe the spirit of nationalism by showing love for their country and maintaining a positive outlook despite prevailing challenges.

Gov Alia further cautioned against acts or utterances that undermine national unity, urging Nigerians instead to promote peace, hope, and mutual responsibility.

He said, “Nigeria belongs to all of us. We must continue to pray for our country, believe in her potential, and contribute our quota to her growth. National development is a collective task that requires our unity, optimism, and hard work.”

According to a statement on Sunday by his Spokesman, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia offered special prayers for the repose of departed souls, including members of the Armed Forces who paid the ultimate price for national security, as well as for past leaders and every Nigerian striving for a better future.

He prayed for God’s wisdom, strength, and divine protection upon all citizens.

Kula said, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to peace, development, and moral rejuvenation.

“Gov.Alia assured that his government would continue to implement policies that uplift the welfare of Benue people and contribute to Nigeria’s overall progress.

“He urged Nigerians across all faiths and regions to remain steadfast in their prayers for the country’s peace, stability, and prosperity, adding that collective faith and patriotic action remain the bedrock of a great nation.”

Gov Alia urges Nigerians to embrace patriotism

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NELFUND hits one million student loan applications

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, says the student loan scheme has reached one million applications on its official portal. The Director, Strategic Communications of NELFUND, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, disclosed this in a statement in Sunday. The statement said the milestone comes barely one year after the programme’s launch on 24 May 2024, describing it as
NELFUND hits one million student loan applications

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, says the student loan scheme has reached one million applications on its official portal.
The Director, Strategic Communications of NELFUND, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, disclosed this in a statement in Sunday.

The statement said the milestone comes barely one year after the programme’s launch on 24 May 2024, describing it as proof that the student loan initiative is gaining strong national traction and public trust.

The NELFUND team stated that more than N116bn has so far been disbursed to students across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria, covering institutional charges and upkeep allowances.

According to the Managing Director of the Fund, Akintunde Sawyerr, the development reflects the impact of the President Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope policy drive on access to higher education.

“Crossing the one-million mark represents more than data; it represents renewed hope for a generation of Nigerians determined to rise above financial barriers to education.

“It is a testament to visionary leadership, sound policy design, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders driving this transformative agenda,” he said.

The Fund reiterated its commitment to continuous process improvement to make sure “every qualified Nigerian student, regardless of background or location, can access education funding with transparency, efficiency, and dignity.”

It described the programme as non-discriminatory, saying it benefits Nigerians across religions and ethnic backgrounds and is helping to unify national aspirations through equal learning opportunities.

NELFUND hits one million student loan applications