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Jonathan, Daukoru laud NCDMB as ERASKON launches factory in Bayelsa
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the former Minister of State for Energy and current chairman of Nigeria LNG Board, King Edmund Daukoru have applauded the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for the effective implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act and the huge impact it had made on the economy.
They spoke on Thursday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State during the groundbreaking ceremony of a 64,000 litres per day lubricants blending plant being developed at Gbarain, Bayelsa State by ERASKON Nigerian Limited in partnership with the NCDMB.
Former President Jonathan had signed the NOGICD Bill into law in April 2010 when he was in office and he extolled NCDMB under the leadership of Engr. SimbiKesiyeWabotefor the outstanding successes it had accomplished, notably for catalysing the industrialization of Bayelsa State through the deliberate domiciliation of strategic oil and gas projects and capacities. Some of these include the 12,000barrelsper day (BPD)Azikelmodular refinery and the 2,000bpd Atlantic modular refinery, Rungascomposite LPG cylinder manufacturing facility at Polaku, the oil and gas industrial park at Emeyal-1 and the Board’s 17-story headquarters building.
2nd Left, former Minister of State for Energy and Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom in Bayelsa State, King Edmund Daukoru; Executive Vice Chairman of ERASKORP Nigeria Limited, Mr. Maxwell Oko; former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan commending the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote for the outstanding successes it had accomplished with the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.
Others are the partnership with a core investor and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd for the development of 10,000metric tonnes per day methanol production plantin Brass,the development of the Brass Island Shipyard to domicile the repair and maintenance of vessels and LNG carriers and the partnership with NNPC and a core investor for the development of a coastal petroleum products terminal in Brass, Bayelsa State as well as the construction of the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Museum and Research Centre in Ogbia LGA of the state in collaboration with PTDF, Shell, and the Bayelsa State Government.
In his comments, King Daukoru,Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom in Bayelsa State, who had previously served as the Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Group Managing Director of NNPC, expressed delight thatNCDMB’s interventions were transforming Bayelsa state into a haven for value addition in the oil and gas industry and changing its reputation of just being a base for commodity export, with no industrial base. He hinted that the number of derivatives and linkages from the oil industry was limitless, and they create opportunities for employment and economic advancement in the polity. He charged stakeholders of the state and host communities to support investors and companies in their domain and refrain from burdening them with onerous demands, so they can thrive sustainably.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan assisted by Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote performing the groundbreaking ceremony of a 64,000 litres per day lubricants blending plant being developed by ERASKON Nigeria Ltd in partnership with NCDMB, at Gbarain, Bayelsa State
In his address, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. SimbiKesiyeWaboteexplained that the partnership with ERASKON was in line with the Board’s mandate of developing local manufacturing capacity, providing employment opportunities, and increasing local content in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and linkage sectors.
He hinted that Section 70(h) of the NOGICD Act of 2010 mandates the Board to assist local contractors and Nigerian companies to develop their capabilities and capacities to further the development of Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry.
He remarked that Nigeria’s in-country manufacturing capacity for lubricating oil falls far below the consumption, hence the shortfall is met through importation, resulting in loss of revenue and job opportunities.The ERASKON facility will produce approximately 64,000 litres of lubricants per day and more than 20million liters of products a year, becoming one of the largest lube plants in the country, with the capacity to serve the Niger Delta region and beyond.
According to the Executive Secretary, no lubricant blending plant exists currently in Bayelsa State and ERASKON decided to domicile and domesticate the production and thereafter submitted proposals to the Board, which was approved after a diligent review of the technical and commercial viability.
He confirmed that the blending plant would be beneficial to the host community, state, and the neighbouring states through meeting their needs for lubricant products as well as providing direct, indirect, and induced job opportunities.
The Executive Vice Chairman of ERASKORP Nigeria Limited – the holding company of ERASKON lubricants, Mr MaxwellOko confirmed that the plant would on completion produce high-quality engine oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids specialized four-wheel-drive products, engine coolants, and speciality products such as waxes.
In the second phase of development, the company would go into the manufacturing of industrial chemicals such as drilling and production chemicals as well as transformer and turbine oil,in addition to household products such as detergents and aerosols, he added.
On why the project was sited in Bayelsa State, Okosaid the lubricants facility is making a huge impact in the lives of the communities, promoting development, creating employment and empowering Nigerians. It would also develop local manufacturing capacity and increase local content participation in the industry, he said.
He stated that the blending plant is co-located with the Shell Gas processing facility, Azikel Refinery, the 550MW NationalIntegratedPowerPlant (NIPP) and the transmission station as well as the NCDMB Gas Park. He hinted that “an industrial hub is quietly emerging along the River Nun corridor in the Niger Delta, and we are very excited to be part of the new, bold and innovative story being written. This project will be an important factor in changing the narrative about the Niger Delta.”
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
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PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
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Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
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Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
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