Energy
NCDMB Partners ACAN on Zero-tolerance for Corruption in Workplace
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Anti-Corruption Agency of Nigeria (ACAN) recently concluded a three-day sensitisation workshop on “Achieving Zero-tolerance for Corruption in the Workplace,” with staff educated on the types and potential consequences of corruption as well as appropriate safeguards.
Declaring the workshop open on Day 1, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, commended ACAN and its parent body, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for extending the anti-corruption campaign to ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
He said the initiative was very welcome at the NCDMB, which has signified its approval and support of the campaign by launching its own outfit known as NCDMB-Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), which is a distinct unit and now functional.
The Executive Secretary, who was represented by the NCDMB Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Akintunde Adelana, pledged the continued support of the Board for the anti-corruption drive, while urging all staff to make the best of the workshop. Mr. Adelana doubles as Chairman of NCDMB-ACTU.
The ICPC Chairman, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, expressed appreciation for the principled stance of the NCDMB Management on zero-tolerance for corruption in the workplace and for support for the anti-corruption drive of the Commission. He recalled that earlier in the year, NCDMB-ACTU was fully involved in a similar one-week sensitisation workshop organised by the Commission in Abuja.
Represented by the Provost of ACAN, Professor Olatunde Babawale, the ICPC boss lamented that “Corruption is at the heart of the underdevelopment of the country” and would have to be combated effectively to give a new lease of life to the society.
He noted “The critical role that NCDMB plays in the oil and gas industry,” pointing out the necessity “to sanitise procedures” in that sector. According to him, “when corruption is taken out of the processes the industry is healthier and that would be to the good of the country.”
Sub-themes of the sensitisation workshop were “Tackling Workplace Corruption – The Role of NCDMB-ACTU,” “Eradicating Corruption in the Workplace: A Behavioural Change Approach,” “Overview of National Integrity Laws and the Implications for Organisational Integrity, ”Strategies for Achieving Zero-Tolerance for Corruption in the Workplace.” Resource persons were Professor Olatunde Babawale, Mr. G.N. Bako, and Mr. Richard A. Bello.
In his presentation on “Eradicating Corruption in the Workplace: A Behavioural Change Approach,” Professor Babawale noted that the country is in a dilemma because corruption has persisted despite the multiplicity of laws designed to curb it. According to him a new, complementary approach is required that targets social norms – “unspoken principles and collectively held beliefs.”
He said rather than adore individuals whose sources of wealth are questionable, society should emphasise “norms that care about morals and integrity” and be unequivocal in condemning irresponsible acquisitive behaviour.
On little-known forms of corruption, he referred to gifts from subordinates to superiors, noting that it must not be encouraged. Besides, gifts from persons who have been rendered service should also be rejected by public servants because the giver is “only wetting the ground” for the next job or contract in that office.
Professor Babawale enjoined public officials to avoid “favour reciprocation,” noting that it behoves everyone who stands for integrity “to create a cultural context in which corruption is not acceptable.”
All members of Management and staff, except those on leave or assignments outside, participated in the workshop.
Energy
Asharami Synergy Unveils Fuelling Solutions In Omagwa
In line with its commitment to driving access to quality petroleum products, Asharami Synergy Limited, a leading Sahara Group downstream company, has said the public can now access exceptional fuelling solutions at its newly commissioned retail station in Omagwa, Rivers State.
Situated strategically along the Airport Road in Omagwa, the station, which features a storage capacity of 45,000 litres each for Automotive Gas Oil (AGO, also known as diesel) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS, also known as petrol) is equipped with two pumps and four discharge nozzles for PMS and AGO.
The facility also has ample space for sundry services in a bid to ensure consumers get more “miles and smiles” as well as the energy to “go further” with Asharami’s world-class products.
“The Asharami Omagwa Retail Station is fully operational, offering a range of premium products and services. It’s a one-stop shop that also gives our esteemed customers eat-in and take-out restaurant services, shopping, as well as the Asha lubricants and Asha Service experience which will ensure premium care for all classes of automobiles and engines,” said Oladimeji Williams, Head, Government Relations and Business Development at Asharami Synergy.
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At the Commissioning, Willaims said the new station represents an important step in Asharami Synergy’s expansion plan aimed at reaching and serving more communities responsibly. “This station is strategically positioned close to the airport, serving as the gateway for powering socio-economic development in the community and those close to it, while enabling Asharami Synergy integrate all aspects of its downstream business towards ensuring efficiency and value for our customers,” he stated.
Williams commended the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Omagwa community leaders for their support and collaboration throughout the project’s duration, describing it as a “seamless and productive process that highlights Asharami’s corporate stewardship and social impact” in the community.
Similarly, Ifesinachi Ezike, Regional General Manager (South South), FAAN, emphasized the broader significance of the new station, stating, “This occasion marks a significant milestone not just for Asharami Synergy but for the airport and the entire community. It marks not just an opening of a new facility but the beginning of a renewed commitment to enhancing the travel experience of all our passengers and stakeholders”.
In a move that underscores its commitment to sustainability and community development, Asharami Synergy also commissioned a solar-powered borehole during the launch. The borehole is set to improve access to clean and reliable water for residents, marking a tangible contribution to the local community.
“At Sahara, we are always making a difference—not just through our business operations; we are unwavering in our commitment to driving sustainable development and building partnerships that enhance the well-being of our host communities,” Williams added.
Energy
Awards Galore For Shell, Staff At NAPE 2024 Conference
The Shell companies in Nigeria and staff won awards in recognition of their robust participation at the 42nd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), held in Lagos.
At the closing dinner of the event, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Ronald Adams pledged sustained efforts by the company to address “the Nigerian energy trilemma by powering progress towards energy security in a sustainable manner”.
On the awards, the Shell was declared Best Overall Exhibitor and Best Exhibiting Energy company (International) just as Geophysicist Somime Oguntola took home the Award of Excellence for Oral Paper (second place).
The icing on the cake was a Shell staff, Johnbosco Uche, being installed as the new President of the NAPE.
It was gathered that the Shell companies in Nigeria have supported NAPE since its founding in 1975, using the skills and expertise of the large pool of energy professionals in its employment to improve its activities especially educational and mentoring programmes.
In addition to being a major sponsor of the 2024 conference, Shell mounted a high-profile exhibition, featuring among other things, career counselling, engagements on Nigerian Content and Contractor development and panel sessions on Women in Industry and Sustainability Energy Challenge.
A highlight was the Shell medical stand which attended to more than more than 500 conference participants and members of the public over the four days of the annual event. The doctors and nurses offered a wide range of services including laboratory tests, deworming, medical consultation as well as ophthalmology checks and distribution of nearly 300 eyeglasses.
Adams referred to the operations of SNEPCo as an example of Shell’s contribution to energy security in Nigeria. “As a result of sustained production from Bonga, we have provided funds to finance development, created a new generation of Nigerian Deepwater professionals, empowered indigenous contractors and service providers, and implemented social investments that have touched lives in the six geo-political zones of the country,” he said.
Adams added, “SNEPCo and indeed Shell are in Nigeria for the long haul. Our commitment is reflected in both our current and growth plans, all of which are grounded in principles of safety, affordability, and competitive performance.”
Energy
Accugas Denies Culpability In Akwa Ibom’s Power Outage
Owing to the persistent power outage, which has crippled economic and social life in most parts of Akwa Ibom State and environs, Accugas Limited has washed its hands off the ugly situation.
This was contained in a statement under the signature of its Communications Manager, Okwudili Onyia, in which the company traced the anomaly to a “fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line”.
To ameliorate the situation, the company maintained that “It is imperative that the restoration of the Aba-Itu line is completed as soon as possible.”
In addition, the company pledged thus, “Accugas will continue to partner with, and support, the government of Akwa Ibom State towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.”
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The statement reads, “Accugas Limited, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy, wishes to strongly deny the misinformation concerning its alleged involvement in the current power outage in Akwa Ibom State.
“The power cut in Akwa Ibom State is entirely due to the reported fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line, which, unfortunately, is preventing power being transmitted from the National Grid into the State. It is imperative that the restoration of the Aba-Itu line is completed as soon as possible.
“Ibom Power Company (“IPC”) is one of 23 thermal power generation companies which channel power to the National Grid, which in turn disseminates all accumulated power to each State of the Federation through the electricity distribution companies (“Discos”). Indeed, Accugas supplies gas to enable c. 20% of Nigeria’s thermal generation capacity and, as such, is a critical enabler of the Nigerian economy.
“Within Akwa Ibom State, Accugas has been the sole supplier of gas to IPC since 2014 and, together with other Savannah subsidiaries, has invested over US$1.5 billion in gas development within the state. Furthermore, Savannah has recently invested c. US$45 million in a gas compression project at Accugas’ Uquo central processing facility at Esit Eket. Accugas’ commitments also extend to several social investment projects in the state. All the foregoing investments and projects, including other imminent investments Accugas intends to make in the State, demonstrate the Company’s long-term commitment to Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
“Accugas will continue to partner with, and support, the government of Akwa Ibom State towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.”