. . . Launches Probe Into Incident, Vows To Deal With Culprits

The attention of NNPC Retail Limited has been drawn to a recent video clip making rounds on social media (X to be precise) concerning a fuel pump attendant in one of the NNPC filling stations.

In the said video, customers were coerced to purchase lubricants or engine oil as a prerequisite for purchasing or dispensing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol. Still in the video, the attendant alleged that this was a directive from the NNPC Retail’s Management.

The NNPC Retail wishes to state unequivocally that the allegation is entirely false and does not represent the company’s customer service charter.

It declared in a statement, :At all NNPC Retail filling stations, customers are not obligated to purchase lubricants or engine oil or other products as a precursor to buying PMS (petrol).”

On the incident, Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd, Huub Stokman, said, “We are dedicated to providing clear, transparent and quality service to all our customers, guaranteeing that their needs are met without any recourse to unnecessary and unscrupulous conditionalities.”

The public is hereby advised to disregard the information in its entirety and report any such occurrences to the appropriate authority, the statement added.

It was gathered that the NNPC Retail Limited has launched an investigation into the unfortunate incident and assured that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against the culprit(s).

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced plans to carry out essential maintenance on the 132kV Akure-Osogbo transmission line, leading to power disruptions in Ondo and Ekiti States over the next two months.

According to a public notice cited by Naija News, the maintenance work will cause power outages in these states for nine hours daily from July 1 to August 31.

The notice specifies that the maintenance will involve the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) and other necessary activities that require a temporary outage on the affected network to ensure a safe working environment.

The TCN’s notice read, “Please be informed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, is scheduled to carry out critical maintenance work on the 132kV Akure Osogbo transmission line.

“The planned work involves the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) and other activities. This will require outage on the affected network for safe working space.

“Customers in the affected areas will experience service interruptions during the period of the planned outages. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and kindly solicit your patience and understanding.”

Protecting and rehabilitating Africa’s natural carbon sinks, such as forests, oceans, coastal mangroves, wetlands and grasslands can significantly aid in mitigating the effects of climate change.

This view was expressed by Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, at the maiden edition of Asharami Square, Sahara Group’s initiative aimed at promoting sustainability through media advocacy.

According to Gray this developing intentional policies and investments on protecting the continent’s carbon sinks would enhance carbon sequestration and reduce net emissions.

She maintained that these natural landscapes act as significant carbon reservoirs, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, adding that developing reforestation and afforestation programs, implementing strict conservation policies, and providing financial incentives for conservation projects are critical for combating climate change in Africa.

Gray pointed out that Natural Gas Development and Commercialization, Increase Use of Renewables, investment in low-cost/low emissions clean energy solutions, Carbon Capture Storage/Carbon Capture and Reutilization are other factors that can help accelerate Africa’s march towards sustainability.

“Natural gas presents a viable opportunity to serve as a transition fuel as Africa continues to gradually invest in renewable energy. It is a relatively clean-burning fossil fuel, producing fewer CO₂ emissions compared to coal or petroleum. In 2021, Africa’s natural gas reserves totalled over 620 trillion cubic feet. By developing and monetizing these reserves through processing and eventual usage of CNG, LNG, LPG and other gas products, Africa can leverage its natural gas resources to support sustainable energy development,” Gray said.

On the role of the media in promoting sustainability, Head, Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, said that Africa needed to articulate and promote a robust sustainability narrative that leaves no one behind in issues relating to climate change, energy access and energy transition, among others.

“To achieve this, Sahara Group hopes to make Asharami Square a formidable platform through advocacy and collaboration towards shoring up capacity and participation of all segments of the media to drive accuracy, clarity, impact, positive policy formulation, agenda-setting and collective action,” he said.

Obioma noted that Asharami Square would feature mentoring, training, exchange programs, facility tours for media practitioners and competitions to recognise and celebrate exceptional reporting of sustainability in the media.