NEWS
Senate asks NLNG to pay host communities N18.4b compensation within 2 months
By John Danjuma
For acquiring their land and loss of use of the affected land to pipeline Rights of Way through the communities, the Senate has directed the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited to pay N18.4 billion compensation to 73 communities of Obiafu, Soku to Bonny in Rivers state
This was just as the upper legislative chamber further directed that the payment should be made within sixty days.
The resolutions were coming after the Senate considered the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges And Public Petitions that investigated a petition by the communities.
Presenting the report, the Committee chairman, Senator Patrick Akinyelure said following its incorporation, the NLNG acquired landed properties in Rivers state spanning over 210 kilometres for use as its pipeline Right of Way which ended at the export terminal of the NLNG in Finima, Bonny Local Government of the state.
According to him, “There were over 73 communities and over 200 families whose hitherto agrarian source of livelihood were negatively impacted upon by the said acquisition.
“That after the recent intervention of the Senate and after being given one month instead of 7 days allowed by the Senate to provide evidence of payment to the Committee, the NLNG could only show evidence of payment to some individuals, families and communities.
“The total amount it paid for part of the 210 kilometres of land acquired for pipelines Rights of Way was N74,642,773.00 which is not significant when compared to the sum of N18.4 billion approximately demanded by the 73 communities and over 200 families, which has never been objected to by the NLNG up till now.
“That the payment made covered only 39 communities and 73 individuals and families; and that there was no Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) signed between the communities and NLNG on future obligations in the name of Corporate Social Responsibility with the impacted communities.
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“There was evidence that other oil companies such as Shell Petroleum Development Company, Totalfina, Elf Petroleum, Agip Oil Company paid compensation for the loss of use of land to their host communities.
“NLNG confessed that the payments were made long ago and could not reasonably trace most of the payments documents but promised to look for further evidence to show that it paid stakeholders concerned if given another one month to enable do so.
“The committee considered their request unnecessary and unreasonably, having granted NLNG one month earlier instead of 7 days allowed by the Senate at plenary to conclude its report.”
Meanwhile, the Senate on Tuesday suspended consideration of the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions urging the National Security Adviser to vacate the request he made to the DSS to watch list one Mr Sunny Oghale Ofehe.
The suspension of the report followed observations by many Senators that watchlisting citizens is one of the ways of monitoring crime suspects by security agencies.
They argued that it would amount to meddlesomeness to direct the DSS to vacate the watch list placed on the petitioner.
Presenting the report earlier, Akinyelure said the DSS confirmed that it placed MOfehe on a watch list on June 3rd, 2009 following a request from the office of the NSA via a letter with reference number NSA/INT/366/S, dated May 28th 2009.
He said, “in the latter, the petitioner was accused of being a self-acclaimed activist and President/Founder of Hope For the Niger Delta Campaign (HNDC) who went to the Netherlands and sought political asylum on the basis of a false claim that the Federal Government of Nigeria assassinated his mother in the course of the Niger Delta crisis.
“He was also accused of using his organisation to swindle money from the Dutch government and other environmental organisations under the guise of facilitating peace process in the Niger Delta.”
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.
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“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.
The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.
The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.
Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”
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Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.
Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.
His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
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Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.
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