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Artisan Wins ‘Salary for Life’ in Access Bank Promo

Artisan Wins ‘Salary for Life’ in Access Bank Promo

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

In a gesture of appreciation for customers’ loyalty, Access Bank, in its 17th DiamondXtra ‘Salary for Life’ promo in Jos, has rewarded the grand prize winner, Abdurman Idris, with N200,000 monthly salary for 15 years. The bank also rewarded many other loyal customers with other life-changing cash prizes.

Idris, a labourer from Rekos quarters in Jos, expressed excitement over the gesture saying: “I am very excited about the gesture, and I promise that I’m going to use the money to start up a business.”

His win is expected to have a positive impact on his life and business prospects, enabling him to achieve his dreams and improve his socio-economic status.

Another winner, Bitkat Dimlong Mbok, a civil servant working with Jos North Local Government Area, won N200,000 cash prize. Mbok, who received the message about the draw and was initially hesitant to attend, said: “I told my wife to pray for me, and I’m happy I won.”

He plans to use the money to invest in his housing project, and has promised to open three other DiamondXtra accounts for his children, further solidifying his commitment to financial planning. “Access times, Access Bank”, he praised, expressing his gratitude to the bank.

The Regional Manager for Plateau State, Rosemary Oyedim, explained that the DiamondXtra ‘Salary for Life’ promo is not just a promo, but a reward scheme that has been consistently running for 17 seasons. “Access Bank is passionate about its customers, and this scheme is a way of giving back to the community. The scheme aims to create loyalty ambassadors who can help build a customer base. When people hear that Access Bank is willing to give back to the community, it attracts them to bank with the institution,” she said.

Oyedim further stated that customers are always excited to know they’re part of a system that rewards loyalty, and the scheme aims to create loyalty ambassadors who can help build a customer base.

“The winner of the Salary for Life promo will be engaged, enlightened, and become an ambassador for the bank, helping to attract others, including family and friends, to bank with them,” she said.

Also, the Regional Director of Access Bank, North Central, Uche Onyegwe, gave a history of the scheme, stating that since its inception, over 30,000 customers have been rewarded, and over N6 billion has been given to loyal customers. “People who won never knew they were going to win. We didn’t know them until today. They just came here and luckily they won,” he said, highlighting the transparency and fairness of the selection process.

Onyegwe encouraged customers to save more, comparing the grand prize to being above the minimum wage, underscoring financial inclusivity and empowerment. “Open a Diamond Xtra account, fund it, and key into it,” he advised, highlighting the bank’s culture of improving customers’ saving habits. He also announced that other draws are expected to happen in November, depending on the location, giving more customers a chance to win.

The winners’ reactions and the bank officials’ remarks underscore the impact of Access Bank’s DiamondXtra ‘Salary for Life’ promo in promoting financial inclusion and rewarding loyal customers. As Access Bank continues to reward its customers, it reinforces its commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians, one customer at a time.

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Seriki Adinoyi in Jos In a gesture of appreciation for customers’ loyalty, Access Bank, in its 17th DiamondXtra ‘Salary for Life’ promo in Jos, has rewarded the grand prize winner, Abdurman

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Fani-Kayode: God Sent Uba Sani to Restore Peace, Unity in Kaduna

Fani-Kayode: God Sent Uba Sani to Restore Peace, Unity in Kaduna

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Former  Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has described the Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani, as “God-send” to restore peace, unity,  and justice in the state.

Speaking at the 35th Anniversary Synod of the Diocese of Kafanchan, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), at the weekend, Fani-Kayode said the governor’s emergence was a divine intervention after years of carnage and discrimination against Christians in the state.

He recalled that there was a time when all  security chiefs in the country were northern Muslims, and Christians, particularly in Kaduna, suffered marginalisation.

Fani-Kayode said with Sani’s leadership, “the situation has started to change for the better in Kaduna State,” adding that, “what he is doing should serve as an example to the rest of the country.”

“The governor that you have today came as a consequence of prayer. I have known him for many years. He is one of my closest friends. He is not an ordinary person,” he said.

Fani-Kayode noted that “there was a time in this very ground, you had a governor who despised Christians.

“I use the word ‘despised’ advisedly and with a capital ‘D’. He treated Christians with contempt and disdain.”

The former minister recalled the Christmas Day massacre of December 25, 2016, when 800 people were killed in four local government areas of Southern Kaduna, saying he wrote and spoke extensively about the tragedy.

He lamented that hospitals were closed and victims abandoned by the government.

“Nobody listened to you from Government House so that you will suffer all the more. And that kept on happening, community after community,” he said.

According to him, the persecution of Christians became a rallying point for believers across the country.

“To be a Christian is not to be a second class citizen, is not to be a slave, is not to be a nobody. To be a Christian is to be everything, a child of the living God, a believer,” he said.

He said God answered the prayers of Christians by raising “a humane governor in the person of Senator Uba Sani,” whose victory many doubted.

“One of the first things that Uba Sani did when he came in, and he told me he was going to do this, was the bridging of the division between Christians and Muslims. “And he honoured that promise. Kaduna is now both for Christians and Muslims as well,” he said.

According to him, the killings in Southern Kaduna stopped after Sani assumed office, saying the state is now “more united and peaceful, with no more carnage or Christian persecution.”

“This is a governor who entered a church. I saw it on television and I was so touched. And out of respect to us, and our faith and our God, he removed his cap.

“This is a man that you must respect and revere and stand by. Not only that, this is why you must ensure that you make total and complete peace with the Muslim community”, he said.

Fani-Kayode called on Christians and Muslims to forgive, reconcile and work together to develop the state.

“If you lost a child during the time of terror, just like Mahatma Gandhi told the Hindus, find a Muslim child to adopt. And if you are a Muslim and your child was killed by Christians, look for a Christian child and adopt,” he advised.

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John Shiklam in Kaduna Former  Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has described the Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani, as “God-send” to restore peace, unity,  and justice in the state. Speaking at the

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Adedeji: FIRS Collected N22.59tn in 9 Months, N47.39tn in 2 Years

Adedeji: FIRS Collected N22.59tn in 9 Months, N47.39tn in 2 Years

•Says service transformation to Nigeria Revenue Service will expand mandate to include non-tax revenue collection from NUPRC

•Assures on fair implementation of new tax laws, simplification and revenue maximisation, others

James Emejo in Abuja

Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, said the service had achieved significant revenue improvements, as tax collections reached N22.59 trillion between January and September 2025.

Adedeji said the service also achieved a record-breaking revenue growth of N47.39 trillion between October 2023 and September this year, representing 115 per cent of its target.

Highlighting FIRS’ key achievements under his watch, he said 2025 represented a period of remarkable achievements and transformation, as non-oil revenue accounted for 76 per cent of total collections, reflecting diversification and reform success.

Giving a breakdown of key tax performance, Adedeji said oil tax revenue stood at N5.29 trillion, representing 98 per cent of target, while non-oil taxes stood at N17.3 trillion, representing 128 per cent of the target for the nine-month period and 76 per cent of total collection.

Non-import VAT accounted for 137 per cent of target while import VAT accounted 131 per cent of target.

Adedeji further assured of fair implementation of the new tax laws, vowing that the service will meet and surpass government revenue target, continually pursue the digitalisation of tax processes, training and retraining of officers, as well as partnership with all stakeholders.

He said FIRS’ proposed transformation to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), effective January 1, 2026, will expand the agency’s mandate to include non-tax revenue collection from Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Adedeji stated that building on the foundations laid during his first year in office, the service had continued to strengthen the country’s tax administration through strategic reforms, technological innovation, and enhanced operational efficiency.

He said during the period, the service not only met its revenue targets but also advanced several landmark initiatives that were reshaping the fiscal landscape.

Key milestones included meeting and sustaining revenue collection targets through improved efficiency and compliance measures, and passage of key tax reform acts designed to modernise Nigeria’s tax framework and promote transparency.

Under his watch, Adedeji said the service drove the implementation of National Single Window Project to simplify and harmonise trade and tax processes, as well as the launch of the e-invoicing system to enhance accuracy, accountability, and digital integration in tax collection.

He said the tax policy consisted of a tripod – basically the development of sound and inclusive tax policies that support national growth and fiscal stability; promoting fairness, broadening the tax base, and aligning policy direction with the country’s long-term economic objectives.

The FIRS chairman further clarified that recent tax reforms through the enactment of new laws aimed to promote fairness and equity, competitiveness, simplification, and

efficiency of the tax system.

He said modernisation of tax administration was being implemented through technology, process improvement (restructuring of internal operations to a one-stop-shop), and staff capacity development.

Adedeji explained, “A major highlight of 2025 was the successful passage of several key tax reform laws, part of the government’s broader fiscal modernization agenda. These new laws aim to simplify tax compliance, close administrative gaps, and align Nigeria’s tax system with international best practices.

“Also, a key reform is the transformation of FIRS to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), effective January 1, 2026. This expands the agency’s mandate to include non-tax revenue collection from Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).”

Adedeji said, “Building on progress made in 2024, the National Single Window Project advanced significantly in 2025. The digital platform, designed to connect ports, government agencies, and trade stakeholders, is streamlining import and export processes, reducing clearance times, and improving transparency.

“This initiative continues to strengthen Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness and supports the government’s broader agenda to enhance efficiency and ease of doing business.

“In August 2025, FIRS launched the full implementation of the National e-Invoicing Solution (Merchant-Buyer Model) following a successful pilot phase. The system enhances transparency, efficiency, and real-time monitoring of business transactions.”

He stressed that the *829# USSD Code initiative, which was launched on October 9, 2024, will allow taxpayers to access services including retrieving their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verifying TCCs, viewing tax types and rates, locating tax offices and making general enquiries directly from their mobile phones.

On collaborations with other agencies and taxpayer education and awareness, Adedeji stated that FIRS will host a tax clinic across the country to improve tax education and compliance among small businesses, start-ups, and informal sector operators, offering direct assistance with tax filing and dispute resolution.

Commenting on international tax cooperation, he said FIRS advanced Nigeria’s global tax leadership by concluding five mutual agreement processes with Belgium, France, and Netherlands, as well as partnership with the Swedish Revenue Agency to facilitate α training programme on tax administration to increase voluntary compliance.

He said the service concluded treaty negotiations with Hong Kong, Botswana, Tanzania, Rwanda and Switzerland, including renegotiation of legacy tax treaties starting with the Netherlands, and commenced treaty negotiations with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Morocco, India and Jersey.

Adedeji said, “FIRS has in 2025, continued its transformation into a modern, technology-driven, and service-oriented institution, and has achieved major legislative, operational, and technological milestones that position it for sustained growth and greater efficiency.

“FIRS remains committed to simplifying tax, maximizing revenue, and enabling national development through transparency, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration.”

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•Says service transformation to Nigeria Revenue Service will expand mandate to include non-tax revenue collection from NUPRC •Assures on fair implementation of new tax laws, simplification and revenue maximisation, others

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Lamido Joins PDP National Chairmanship Race, Picks Nomination Form Today

Lamido Joins PDP National Chairmanship Race, Picks Nomination Form Today

Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has joined the race for the office of National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and he is expected to pick his nomination form today.

Lamido told THISDAY that he would pick the national chairmanship nomination form Monday at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.

By implication, the consensus nomination of former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, might have failed.

It was also expected that former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, would pick his nomination form within the week

It was learnt at the weekend that PDP chapters in the North-west had rejected the nomination of Turaki.

Kebbi State chapter of PDP, for instance, rejected the endorsement of Turaki as the northern consensus candidate.

The PDP national organising secretary, Umar Bature, told news men last week that the nomination of Turaki was an imposition without any consultation.

The rejection followed an emergency meeting of the state chapter held on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi.

In a statement issued after the meeting, State Publicity Secretary, Sani Dododo, said the decision by northern PDP governors to adopt Turaki was taken without consulting the Kebbi State chapter.

The statement said, “Kabiru Tanimu has never reached out to the Kebbi State chapter regarding his ambition. He has also not participated in any recent party activities within the state.

“Accordingly, the Kebbi State chapter outrightly rejects the purported adoption of the former minister as the consensus candidate.”

The northern PDP leaders had earlier endorsed Turaki as the consensus candidate for the forthcoming national elective convention scheduled to hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.

The endorsement was reached at a meeting in Abuja attended by PDP governors, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, and other northern stakeholders.

Meanwhile, PDP lawmakers from the South-east in the National Assembly threatened to boycott the party’s national convention if the position of woman leader, originally zoned to Imo State, was hijacked by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for South-south.

Checks revealed that the position was initially zoned to the South-east, with Imo State favoured candidate and current South-east zonal woman leader, Mrs. Arodiogbu Ifeyinwa, billed to clinch it, before Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State nominated an Enugu woman, who recently followed him to All Progressives Congress (APC), thereby giving Imo PDP the chance to clinch the position.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Imo Ugochinyere, in a statement, said they would issue a disclaimer against the convention in two weeks and would not participate if South-east was humiliated by those who wanted to rubbish an entire region.

He stressed that there was still time to remedy the situation before the screening on Tuesday next week, saying no elected lawmaker from South-east would remain in PDP if the impending insult was allowed to happen.

Ugochinyere added, “The current South-east zonal woman leader, Ifeyinwa Arodiogbu was unanimously backed by South-east PDP chieftains to clinch the position before  Governor Mbah, who is now in the ruling All Progressives Congress APC) allegedly influenced the zoning to Enugu and took the woman leader for Enugu after supporting Gov. Makinde to take the National Secretary that belonged to South-east and Imo state to South-west.

“We don’t want to see PDP suffer more setbacks. Still, we will stick to our position on the Ibadan convention if, in the next few weeks, the position of National woman leader is not ceded expressly to Imo State and an Imo person allowed to emerge.

“Now that Governor Mbah has left for APC, that earlier arrangement of producing a woman leader is not going to stand because Gov. Mbah’s woman leader nominee is also in APC with him.”

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Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has joined the race for the office of National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and

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Dangote Projects Over $55bn Annual Revenue from Refinery as Afreximbank Considers Fresh $5bn Expansion Credit

Dangote Projects Over $55bn Annual Revenue from Refinery as Afreximbank Considers Fresh $5bn Expansion Credit

•Dangote says expanded refinery will guarantee energy security; Afreximbank foresees expansion will halve petroleum prices in West Africa with expansion 

•Commends Tinubu’s industry- friendly policies 

•Company to increase power generation output to 1,000mw

James Emejo in Abuja and Peter Uzoho, Dike Onwuamaeze 

Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has projected that the revenue from his 650,000 barrels per day petroleum refinery in Lagos can exceed $55 billion annually, making it one of the most valuable industrial assets on the continent.

The assertion came as new Afreximbank President, George Elombi, announced that the bank was considering another $5 billion expansion credit to the refinery.

Dangote, who welcomed the proposed fresh capital injection reportedly committed by Afreximbank, said the expansion of the refinery will  guarantee energy security in the region.

While Afreximbank  believes the expansion will reduce by half petroleum prices in West Africa.

The development was also expected to resolve some of the macroeconomic challenges currently facing member countries.

The announcement came just as the refinery signed an agreement with its technology licensor to begin an expansion project that would raise the plant’s production capacity from the current 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million bpd within the next three years. Dangote disclosed this yesterday in Lagos during a press conference, immediately after his meeting with the technology partners from abroad. 

The latest move will make the Nigerian oil refiner the world’s biggest refinery, displacing Reliance Refinery in Jamnagar, India, which has 1.36 million bpd capacity.

Dangote said the decision demonstrated strong confidence in Nigeria’s economic future and Africa’s capacity for industrial transformation.

He stated, “The key announcement today is that we are expanding the Dangote Refinery. We are announcing it officially. We are expanding the Dangote refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.

“Actually, we are even a bit late because we had to sign the agreement with the technology licensor, which we are actually expanding in this moment. We have been doing that since 8 o’clock. So, upon completion of this, this will make it the largest refinery in the world ever.”

Dangote added that the project aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to make Nigeria one of the major exporters of refined petroleum products in Africa and beyond.

“This expansion reflects our confidence in Nigeria’s future, our belief in Africa’s potential, and our commitment to building energy independence for our continent and the world,” he said.

Responding to questions from journalists, Dangote confirmed that the expansion was scheduled for completion within three years, stating that much of the groundwork had already been prepared during the initial refinery construction.

He said, “Timeline, we are looking at three years. This time, it will take us much less time than before because we already have the infrastructure, the port, the SPM (Single Point Mooring facility), the land.

“We don’t have to raise the land or dredge again.”

Although he declined to disclose the exact investment figures for the new expansion, Dangote assured that the project had been costed internally.

The original 650,000 bpd refinery reportedly cost around $20 billion.

“We have our own costing, and we know what it will cost us,” he said.

Dangote explained that the new development would replicate an additional processing line within the existing complex, allowing for continuous production even during maintenance shutdowns.

“By replicating another line, it has given us a guarantee. Even if you are going to shut down for 40 days, it means that at least 50 percent of the refinery will still work,” he explained.

Asked about feedstock availability, Dangote acknowledged that securing crude oil had previously posed challenges but expressed optimism that new government policies would ensure a consistent domestic supply.

He said, “At 650,000 barrels a day, you struggle to get feedstock.” He added, “But the President now has a clear policy. I’m sure the government will not sit back and allow our crude to go abroad while refineries here are idle.”

He likened the situation to Ghana’s cocoa processing industry, stressing that it would be counterproductive for Nigeria to export crude while importing refined products.

Dangote said, “It’s like Ghana saying they want to process all their cocoa, and someone saying they will still export the raw beans.”

He said, “I’m sure things will change, and they are already changing with Mr. President’s policy.”

Nigeria’s current crude production hovers around 1.8 million bpd, but Dangote said the government’s target of 2.4 million bpd would ensure enough supply for both local refiners and others.

Dangote added that the expansion will create over 65,000 jobs during construction and double polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million tonnes annually.

He said the refinery will also transition from producing Euro 5 fuels to Euro 6 standards, meeting the world’s highest environmental benchmark.

“Over 85 percent of our workforce will be Nigerian, with ongoing investment in skills and technology transfer,” Dangote said. “Our goal has never been just to refine oil, but to refine opportunities for our people,” he added.

He further revealed that the plant’s power generation capacity will increase from 500 megawatts to 1,000mw, ensuring energy reliability for operations and nearby industries.

Dangote called on other investors to participate in the federal government’s drive to expand local refining capacity, stating that competition will strengthen the sector.

He said, “Once we touch the government refineries, there is a lot of noise.”

Dangote stated, “There are other people with a lot of money, maybe more cash than we have. They should go and buy or build their own refineries so that there won’t be talk about monopoly.”

When asked if he would be willing to buy off the four refineries owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and turn them around instead of building new one, Dangote declined taking such business decision.

He said he wanted to focus on his own and allow other investors to take such opportunity, saying some companies are already in talks with NNPC to revive dormant refineries under partnership models.

Dangote said, “All of us must contribute our quota to achieve a $1 trillion economy. It doesn’t come easy. We are doing our own, and I believe others should do theirs.”

As part of its long-term strategy, Dangote reconfirmed plans to list the refinery and petrochemical complex on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) within the next year to allow Nigerians to own shares in the facility.

He said, “We want to give all Nigerians the opportunity of owning part of the refinery. This refinery should belong to all Nigerians.”

He also assured that the refinery would help stabilise fuel availability and pricing across the country, especially during the festive seasons.

“For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season free of fuel anxiety,” he said, adding, “With this refinery, we’ve had stable pricing and great quality.”

Dangote thanked the federal and Lagos State governments, the host community, and financial partners for their support, describing the expansion as “a testament to confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and potential”.

He said, “This expansion is not just about increasing capacity; it’s about confidence in our people, in the leadership of our country, and our continent,” he said, adding “Together, we’re building a stronger Nigeria and redefining what is possible for Africa.”

Highlighting the economic impact of the project, Dangote said the expansion would further strengthen Nigeria’s energy security, reduce foreign exchange outflows, and save the country billions of dollars annually that would otherwise have gone into importing refined products.

According to him, the expansion reflects the group’s belief in Africa’s potential to achieve energy security and transform its economy from being an exporter of raw crude to a hub for refined petroleum products.

Dangote revealed that the expansion project would be executed over the next three years and would be financed through a mix of cash flow, public listing, and strategic investors.

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•Dangote says expanded refinery will guarantee energy security; Afreximbank foresees expansion will halve petroleum prices in West Africa with expansion  •Commends Tinubu’s industry- friendly policies  •Company to increase power generation

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PTI Conference Ends in Abuja, Stakeholders Seek Gas Sector Growth

PTI Conference Ends in Abuja, Stakeholders Seek Gas Sector Growth

•Urge LPG importers to set up processing plants in Nigeria

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST) has ended in Abuja, with participants calling for an accelerated development of Nigeria’s huge gas resources.

The two-day conference was organised by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), NNPC Academy, among others.

In a communiqué read at the weekend by the Director of Research and Development at the PTI, Dr Tina Isichei, the participants, including heads of government agencies, captains of industry, professionals, academia, noted that if fully deployed, Nigeria’s gas reserves will drive national development.

This year’s theme which was: “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment, and Governance,” examined strategies on how to govern Nigeria’s oil and gas resources in ways that build trust, attract sustainable investment, uplift the people, safeguard the environment, and secure Africa’s rightful place in the global shift toward sustainable energy.

At the end of the conference, the attendees resolved that the future of the African oil and gas industry depends on deepening strategic collaborations between African nations, noting that all agencies in the ministry of petroleum resources must collaborate to generate solutions to Nigeria’s problems.

“The government should establish centres of excellence in PTI and universities to address contemporary human resource requirements in the oil and gas industry. The government should ensure and support collaboration between industry and academia to build a talented and knowledgeable workforce to meet the current energy transition needs.

“Transparency is the currency of trust to propel the Africa hydrocarbon sector. To attain Nigeria’s aspirations for hydrocarbon utilisation, there must be more collaborative efforts and partnerships between stakeholders, driven by enabling policies and a favourable business environment.

“Educational institutions such as PTI have a key role to play as the energy landscape is constantly evolving. Thus, the need for her to evolve by engaging in applied research and establishing on-demand programs on future energies to prepare the nation for technological and economic transformation,” the communiqué stated.

Besides, it emphasised that the Public Trust & Anti-corruption Index and public perceptions are tools that can drive ethical governance and leadership in the hydrocarbon sector, stressing that domestic or local participation will boost the local content intervention and skill development.

Besides, they agreed that Nigeria should leverage the impact of divestment in the oil and gas industry to make a bold statement that the country has come of age and acquired the technical, managerial, and financial capabilities to develop the oil and gas industry.

In the same vein, attendees pointed out that there was a need to develop gas investment solutions for the short, medium, and long term, as energy is the biggest catalyst for economic and national development.

“Nigeria has been blessed with natural gas resources…this is enough to support developments by leveraging digitalisation, innovation, and technology across the board. It is projected that by the year 2050, Nigeria will be the 3rd most populous country on earth, necessitating an urgent need to think outside the box and proffer sustainable solutions to the country’s energy crisis.

“Considering the government policy of 2020-2030 as the Decade of Gas, the government should speed up the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) investment and ensure all Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) importers set up processing plants in Nigeria so that the commodity will be readily available and at an affordable price.

“Nigeria should vigorously embark on the energy transition without compromising its already developed energy resources and the developmental needs of the country. Nigeria is blessed with both human and mineral resources that can be harnessed for national development. The federal government should take full advantage of the abundant gas reserves to diversify the Nigerian economy into agriculture and Information and Communication Technology (ICT),” they added.

They also called for the liberalisation of the gas sector, formulation of guiding policies and regulations that must be obeyed, and allow the private sector to drive the economy, stressing that there was the need to leverage mentorship platforms and opportunities for the development of young people.

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•Urge LPG importers to set up processing plants in Nigeria Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST) has ended in Abuja, with

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HYPREP Achieves 94% in Phase One of Mangrove Restoration Initiative

HYPREP Achieves 94% in Phase One of Mangrove Restoration Initiative

•Coordinator says 14 water projects commissioned

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has said it has achieved 94 per cent completion in the first phase of the mangrove restoration programme and recorded significant progress in land and shoreline remediation activities across Ogoniland.

Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, disclosed this during the 3rd Quarter Interactive Session with Ogoni youth groups, held in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.

Zabbey said the interactive forum, which began in 2023, was designed to foster transparency, inclusiveness, and constructive engagement with Ogoni youths on the progress of the ongoing environmental cleanup and development projects.

“The project remains on course to achieve its mandate as outlined in the UNEP Report on the Ogoni environment and the official gazette establishing HYPREP. We are committed to transparency and accountability in implementing the cleanup projects and activities,” he stated.

He noted that beyond mangrove restoration, shoreline remediation had reached 67.1 per cent completion, while phase two of land remediation stood at 36.55 per cent.

On potable water supply, the HYPREP boss revealed that 14 completed water facilities had been inaugurated, supplying clean drinking water to 40 Ogoni communities.

He announced that two additional facilities in Bane and Gwara would be commissioned next week, increasing the number of communities with access to safe water to 45.

“The process of operationalising the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Remediation has begun, while the Ogoni Power Project is progressing steadily with wayleave compensation and construction works at Bodo and Wiiyaakara substations ongoing,” Zabbey said.

He further disclosed that work on the Ogoni Specialist Hospital had reached 76.8 per cent completion, while the Buan Cottage Hospital was at 98.7 percent, alongside other public health interventions such as the ongoing Human Bio-Monitoring Survey.

On livelihood development, Zabbey noted that over 7,000 Ogoni women and youths had benefited from employment opportunities, while 5,000 others had been trained in various skills and provided with start-up kits.

“Workshops, education grants, scholarships, and other empowerment programmes will be sustained. Training in demand-driven skills such as cybersecurity, full-stack development, mud logging, commercial diving, and underwater welding will start this quarter,” he announced.

He urged Ogoni youths to remain peaceful, shun misinformation, and collaborate with project teams in their communities, stressing that the success of the cleanup depended largely on their unity and constructive engagement.

“This project belongs to all of you, and its success depends mainly on your participation, unity, and constructive engagement. Let us continue to address challenges through dialogue rather than confrontation,” Zabbey said.

The Project Coordinator also extended his best wishes to postgraduate applicants sitting for the HYPREP scholarship computer-based test on Saturday, adding that the agency was proud of their efforts to advance academically.

He commended the HYPREP security team for maintaining peace and order across project sites, noting that their professionalism had contributed to stability in Ogoni communities.

Zabbey reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to ensuring that “the benefits of the Ogoni cleanup reach all categories of Ogoni youths, whether in business, farming, advocacy, education, entrepreneurship, or community development.”

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•Coordinator says 14 water projects commissioned Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has said it has achieved 94 per cent completion in the first phase