NEWS
Modular Refinery: FG lauds Waltersmith, NCDMB on completion of 5000 bpd…plans expansion to 50,000 bpd
The company growth plans part of which is to significantly expand the refinery’s production capacity to 50,000 barrels of crude oil per day. He said: “We have started with the first module which is 5000 barrels. The next module will be 25,000 barrels. Then the finale module will be 20,000.
Precious ADELOLA

Tour of Waltersmith Modular Refinery developed with 30 Percent equity investment by the NCDMB L-R: Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, Mr. Abdulrasaq Isah; Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma; Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Chief Lai Mohammed and Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, on Tuesday during the Minister’s tour of the 5000 barrels per day modular refinery completed with NCDMB’s equity investment at Ibigwe, Ohaji-Egbema LGA of Imo State.
IBIGWE-THE Federal Government has applauded Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for their effective partnership that led to the record completion of the Waltersmith 5000 barrels per day modular refinery within two years.
The Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Chief Lai Mohammed conveyed the commendation on Tuesday after touring the project located at Ibigwe, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State, in company with the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Minister of State for Education, Hon Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba and the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote.
The modular refinery was started in October 2018 and will commence operations on October 14, 2020, loading out 23 trucks of refined products per day, having concluded off-take arrangements with select firms.
The Minister stated that the completion of Waltersmith modular refinery and conceptualization of similar projects in Bayelsa were key achievements of President Muhammed Buhari’s administration, adding that modular refineries only became a reality under the present administration despite years of rhetoric by previous governments.
Mohammed described modular refineries as key to meeting the Federal Government’s agenda of increasing local refining capacity, enhancing value addition to the hydrocarbon resources and employment generation. He gave assurance that government through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and relevant agencies will provide Waltersmith with all necessary support it needs to operate and grow sustainably.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB expressed pride that the Board moved quickly to invest 30 percent equity in the Waltersmith modular refinery project with the approval of its Board’s Governing Council. He hinted that the project had several benefits, including generation of direct, indirect, and induced employment opportunities for management staff, plant operators, technicians, drivers, cleaners, suppliers, security personnel and others.
He said that one of NCDMB’s mandates is to develop in-country capacities and capabilities to utilize and add value to the nation’s hydrocarbon resources, while its vision is to serve as a catalyst for the industrialization of the Nigerian oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors.
According to him, “this vision contributes to the realization of our 70 percent Nigerian Content target in the oil and gas sector by 2027. Our partnership with Waltersmith and other similar investments are some of the levers we are using to deliver the target growth rate.”
Wabote canvassed that at least 10 percent of Nigeria’s oil production should be refined through the modular refineries. He noted that an average of ten direct jobs were created for every 1,000 barrels/day capacity of modular refinery, hence over 2,500 direct jobs and over 25,000 indirect jobs can be created if 10 percent of Nigeria’s production is refined using modular refineries.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, Mr. Abdulrasaq Isah indicated that the company decided to embark on the modular project as a strategy to address incessant pipeline vandalism and theft of its crude oil products. The project will also ensure import substitution, energy security for the nation, lower of the company’s operating cost and create lots of jobs, he revealed.
He outlined the company growth plans, “part of which is to significantly expand the refinery’s production capacity to 50,000 barrels of crude oil per day. He said: “We have started with the first module which is 5000 barrels. The next module will be 25,000 barrels. Then the finale module will be 20,000.
“At that point we will be loading 120 trucks every day at peak production, comprising different products-diesel, kerosene, PMS, HFO and Jet Fuel.”
He confirmed that load out of products will commence on October 14, starting with diesel, to be followed closely with the commencement of phase two of the project.
Isah also endorsed Federal Government’s deregulation of the downstream subsector, remarking that “the removal of subsidy has created a market for what we are doing. It also facilitates our ability to raise financing for the next module we will be doing.”
NEWS
Shettima Arrives Maiduguri to Commission Hospital, Schools, 104 Housing Units
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, a student hostel, and 104 staff housing units at the institution.
Shettima’s arrival was disclosed by Stanley Nkwocha, in a post on X on Friday.
The Vice President was received at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.
SEE ALSO: Subsidy Removal, FX Reforms Driving Fresh Oil Sector Investment – Shettima
Members of the National Assembly, the Borno State Executive Council, prominent political figures and other top government officials were also present to welcome him.
During the visit, Shettima is expected to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, alongside a student hostel and 104 staff housing units at the institution.
He will also commission Yerwa Central Primary and Junior Secondary School in Maiduguri, as well as the Kashim Shettima Academy, established by his foundation to support children from less privileged backgrounds.
The Vice President has repeatedly emphasised that poverty should not prevent Nigerian children from accessing higher education.
He has also highlighted government initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as avenues for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations.
NEWS
Lagos CP Warns Officers Against Extortion, Brutality Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned officers against extortion, brutality, unlawful arrests and detention, stressing that any misconduct will attract disciplinary action.
Fatai gave the warning on Thursday, October 22, during a general lecture for officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command at the POWA Hall, GRA, Ikeja.
According to a press release signed by the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and released on Friday, October 23, the lecture was held in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
SEE MORE: Lagos Police Nab Educational Consultancy Staff Over Fake Visa Fraud
The lecture brought together area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other personnel across the command to reinforce professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights.
Fatai reiterated the Inspector-General’s directives on addressing complaints against police personnel, particularly allegations of brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention.
He warned that officers who engage in misconduct would face disciplinary action, adding that supervisory officers would also be held accountable for the actions of personnel under their command.
The commissioner specifically cautioned tactical teams against extortion, brutality, intimidation, incivility towards members of the public and other dishonest practices.
He directed tactical commanders to ensure that their personnel operate professionally, exercise restraint and respect citizens’ rights.
According to the commissioner, operational responsibilities must not be used as an excuse to exploit or harass members of the public.
Fatai also directed all personnel to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Force’s Social Media Policy.
He warned that inappropriate online conduct capable of undermining the image of the police would attract sanctions for erring officers and their responsible supervisors.
Lagos CP Prohibits Arrest by Proxy
Addressing the fight against cultism, Fatai urged officers to intensify efforts to tackle the menace while ensuring that all arrests are conducted lawfully and in accordance with due process.
He prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification.
The commissioner also emphasised the need to protect the lives and welfare of suspects in police custody, directing officers to maintain close supervision of detainees and ensure they receive humane treatment throughout their detention.
Police Told to Remain Neutral Ahead of 2027 Elections
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Fatai charged officers to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties.
He directed personnel to closely monitor electioneering campaigns and provide adequate security to maintain peace and public order.
The commissioner further urged officers to stay informed about local and international developments, strengthen their professional capacity and remain vigilant against emerging security threats that could affect Lagos State.
Fatai charged all officers and men of the command to uphold the highest standards of integrity, stressing that public trust must be earned through responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of every citizen.
NEWS
Why Ebola Outbreaks Keep Returning to Africa, Dr Jean Kaseya Explains
The Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Jean Kaseya, has explained why Ebola outbreaks continue to occur in Africa, citing the need for stronger health systems and surveillance mechanisms to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.
Kaseya spoke during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, October 22, while discussing recurring Ebola outbreaks on the continent and the challenges facing public health authorities.
SEE ALSO: JUST IN: Over 3,000 Dead as Ebola Outbreak Ravages DR Congo
He explained that some outbreaks originate from animals and spread to humans through contact with the environment, stressing that effective surveillance and stronger healthcare systems were necessary to address the threat.
“We are in Africa in a specific environment. And as you are saying, this outbreak is coming also from animals to humans. It means we are in contact with our environment,” he said.
“But we can avoid that if we have a strong health system in place, if we have strong surveillance mechanisms in place. And this is what we are working to address.”
The Africa CDC chief also announced plans to convene African health ministers on October 28 to discuss the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, which he described as the most geographically widespread outbreak of its kind.
According to Kaseya, three African regions—West, Central and East Africa—have been affected, making coordinated action among countries increasingly important.
“This is why I’m calling even a meeting on the 28th of October of all African ministers, because we see now this outbreak — this Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak — is the most geographically extended outbreak, with three regions in Africa already affected: West, Central and Eastern African regions,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in Africa’s preparedness to respond to public health emergencies, while emphasising the importance of strengthening existing systems to contain outbreaks.
Africa CDC Seeks Cooperation Over Nigeria’s Reported Ebola Case
Kaseya further called for cooperation among Nigeria, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to clarify the travel history of a woman linked to Nigeria’s reported Ebola case.
He said he had been communicating with health authorities in the three countries to establish the woman’s movements before she returned to Abuja on October 3.
According to him, the woman was born in Uganda and had spent some time there before returning to Nigeria. However, further information was needed to establish whether she had travelled through the DRC or had contact with anyone arriving from the country.
“We are talking to all authorities—with Nigerian authorities, with Ugandan authorities, even to DRC authorities,” Kaseya said.
He urged the woman to provide the relevant information to health officials, noting that it would help authorities determine the circumstances surrounding the case and support the countries involved.
“What we want is collaboration from this person, the lady. She has to tell us, to disclose to the authorities. I need this information, as Nigeria needs this information, because we need also to support Uganda,” he said.
Kaseya added that establishing the woman’s travel history and possible contacts would help prevent misunderstandings between the African countries.
“I think these are the pieces of information we are looking for, and it will help all of us, and it will avoid crisis between African countries,” he added.





