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Resolution In Sight For OML 25 Dispute After Seven-Year Standoff

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After seven years of tension and protests, the dispute over OML 25, a vital oil flow station in Kula Kingdom, Rivers State, may be nearing resolution.

Stakeholders, including the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Belema Oil, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), host community leaders, and government officials, convened in Port Harcourt for a decisive meeting aimed at finalizing plans to reopen the facility, which has been shut since 2017.

OML 25, with a production capacity of approximately 45,000 barrels of oil per day, was closed following mass protests by youths and women from Offoiama, Ngeji, Belema, and Kula communities.

READ ALSO: Dangote Group, Subsidiaries Steal Show At NECA’s 2024 Visible Impact Awards

The protesters accused the SPDC of neglecting the region, citing a lack of basic amenities and employment opportunities despite over 50 years of oil exploration in the area.

In 2019, the Federal Government brokered an eight-point agreement to address the grievances.

Key provisions included the allocation of 7% equity shares to Belema Oil and assurances of employment opportunities for the youth.

However, SPDC cited security concerns, which delayed the implementation of the agreement and kept the facility closed.

During the recent meeting, stakeholders revisited the 2019 agreement, focusing on unresolved issues and discussing strategies for resuming operations.

The gathering included notable figures such as the Paramount Ruler of the Sara-Igbe Dynasty, Anabs Sara-Igbe, alongside representatives from regulatory bodies and Rivers State government officials.

While community leaders voiced apprehensions about SPDC’s planned divestment from the facility, youth representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the exclusion of community remediation efforts in the original agreement.

These unresolved issues remain a key point of negotiation.

Efforts to obtain comments from SPDC and government representatives on the timeline for reopening OML 25 proved unsuccessful as both parties declined interviews.

Despite the challenges, the reopening of OML 25 is anticipated to significantly boost Nigeria’s daily oil production, currently estimated at 1.8 million barrels.

For the host communities, the meeting rekindles hope for a resolution to the protracted dispute and the establishment of a fairer and more beneficial relationship with SPDC.

 

NEWS

Tinubu Applauds Revival Of Port Harcourt Refinery, Orders Prompt Reactivation Of Warri, Kaduna Refineries

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Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on the successful revitalisation of the Port Harcourt refinery.

Biztellers reports that the refinery commenced petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024, according to statements from the NNPC Ltd.

Tinubu’s joy was conveyed in a statehouse statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, made available on his socials on Tuesday.

He wrote, “The President acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.

ALSO READ: JUST IN: Port Harcourt Refinery Begins Crude Oil Processing

“Furthermore, President Tinubu commends the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.

“With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Tinubu urges NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

“These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration.

“The President underscores his administration’s determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption.

“Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, President Tinubu calls upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.

“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on shared economic prosperity for all, the President reaffirms his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.”

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Egypt’s Red Sea Tragedy: Rescue Teams Recover Four Bodies

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Rescuers have recovered four bodies and rescued four survivors a day after a diving boat capsized off Egypt’s eastern coast, leaving eight people still missing.

The “Sea Story” vessel, which was carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members, was struck by a large wave early Monday morning near Marsa Alam in southeastern Egypt, causing it to sink within minutes.

Among the survivors were two Belgians, one Swiss national, and one Egyptian, Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi confirmed.

The total number of survivors from the tragedy now stands at 32, while authorities continue to search for the missing passengers. The identities of the four deceased have not yet been disclosed.

Related News: JUST IN: 17 Feared Missing After Tourist Boat Sank In Egypt’s Red Sea

Rescue operations are still ongoing, with a military helicopter, a frigate, and multiple divers supporting the efforts.

The boat had set out on a multi-day diving trip on Sunday and was scheduled to dock in Hurghada on Friday, 200 kilometers to the north.

When the wave struck, it left some passengers, including Europeans, Americans, and Chinese tourists, trapped in their cabins.

Military personnel, along with a passing tourist boat, rescued 28 people from the water on Monday.

Six tourists and three Egyptians were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries but were discharged later that day. The injured included nationals from Germany, Britain, Spain, and Switzerland.

The boat was carrying tourists from various countries, including Belgium, the United States, China, Finland, Poland, Spain, and others.

The missing individuals include two Polish and two Finnish nationals, according to their respective governments.

Initial investigations confirmed that the boat was fully licensed and had passed all safety checks prior to the trip, with no technical faults identified.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the capsizing, but early reports indicate that the large wave may have been a major contributing factor.

While the Red Sea remains a popular destination for tourists, this tragic accident has drawn attention to safety concerns in the region.

Despite robust regulations, incidents involving dive boats are not uncommon.

Earlier this year, similar accidents occurred in the region, though no fatalities were reported.

 

 

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NEWS

Viral Video Of Man Surviving Container Accident

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A jaw-dropping incident at Mile 2 in Lagos saw a man survive unscathed after a 40-foot container crashed onto his car.

This astonishing escape has been trending across social media platforms, sparking widespread awe and discussions about road safety.

Join the conversation and watch the incredible footage now here

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