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FG Gives Update On Ongoing Work At Port Harcourt Refinery

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The rehabilitation of the refinery was awarded to Maire Tecnimont SpA in April, 2021 at the cost of $1.5 billion. The first phase of the project was initially scheduled for completion next month.

But speaking after an inspection visit to the refinery, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri said the refinery will be back on stream in December.

A statement by the NNPC Limited in Abuja said the Minister reiterated the Federal Government commitment to end petroleum product importation soon, as efforts are being redoubled to restore the nation’s local refining capacity.

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He said: “Our objective in coming here today is to ensure that in the next few years, Nigeria stops fuel importation. From what we have seen here today, Port Harcourt Refinery will come on board by the end of the year, Warri will come on stream by the end of the first quarter of next year, and Kaduna will also come on board towards the end of next year. If you add that to the Dangote Refinery, we will be able to stop fuel importation, and Nigerians will enjoy the full benefits of deregulation”.

Sen. Lokpobiri who expressed satisfaction with the ongoing rehabilitation work at the refinery, noted that once all the refineries are back on stream, Nigerians will enjoy a better supply of petroleum products, and foreign exchange will be domesticated, leading to an improved economy.

The Minister was accompanied on the inspection visit by the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Gabriel T. Aduda, and the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd., Mr. Mele Kyari.

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In his remarks, Hon. Ekpo said: “We are here to go into the field. Yesterday was the era of subsidies. Today, we don’t have subsidies. Today, people are in a desperate situation to heave a sigh of relief; and see how to live. You all know that petrol is very vital to our economy. All hands must be on deck to ensure that the refineries are working”

Earlier, Mr. Kyari informed the ministers that bringing back the refineries to their optimal levels is a national aspiration, and the Company remains focused on delivering that.

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According to him, “We are aware of our nation’s challenges in terms of fuel supply. But we are not here to give excuses. We are focused on delivering this rehabilitation project, our two other refineries, and all other investments towards revamping the nation’s refining capacity. We are hopeful that in 2024, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products”.

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Jonathan To Meet Tinubu Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention — Sowore

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Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, said former President Goodluck Jonathan has agreed to engage President Bola Tinubu on the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore disclosed this on Friday via his X handle after meeting with Jonathan in Abuja.

According to him, their discussion centred on the “urgent and compelling need” to address Kanu’s case “decisively and justly.”

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Sowore said, “Earlier today in Abuja, I met with former President @GEJonathan (Goodluck Jonathan) to discuss the continued incarceration of Mazi @NnamdiKanu

READ ALSO:Jonathan Dragged To Court Over Bid To Participate In 2027 Election

“President Jonathan agreed that there is an urgent and compelling need to address this matter decisively and justly. I thank him sincerely for recognising the importance of resolving Kanu’s case in the interest of peace, fairness, and national healing.

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“Particularly assuring was that he promised to meet @officialabat (President Bola Tinubu) to discuss this issue as soon as possible.”

He noted that with this development, Jonathan joins a growing list of Nigerians who have called for justice in Nnamdi Kanu’s case.

A list that already includes ex-Vice President @atiku, Femi Falana SAN, Senator @ShehuSani, and many others across political and regional divides,” Sowore said.

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READ ALSO:2027: Presidency’s Attack On Jonathan Shows Fear Of PDP, Says Zamfara PDP

The activist reiterated his call for Kanu’s release, saying the IPOB leader “remains in detention today because he took up the just cause of confronting the long-standing issue of marginalisation in Nigeria.”

He also urged political, cultural, and religious leaders, including Peter Obi, Chukwuma Soludo, Alex Otti, Francis Nwifuru, Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodinma, Oby Ezekwesili, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s John Mbata, to join the campaign for Kanu’s release.

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Kanu has been in detention since 2021 after being re-arrested abroad and returned to Nigeria to face trial on charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.

Several court orders granting him bail or ordering his release have yet to be implemented.

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Yiaga Africa, Kukah Centre, Others Demand Live Broadcast Of INEC Chair Screening

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Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have appealed to the Senate to ensure that the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is broadcast live to the public.

According to the groups, a live broadcast of the screening would promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the process of appointing the head of the nation’s electoral body.

In a statement made available to The Guardian on Friday, they emphasised that, given the crucial role INEC plays in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, citizens have a right to witness and assess the integrity, competence, and independence of the nominee being considered for such a sensitive position.

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The CSOs include Yiaga Africa, Women Rights Advancement Protection Alternative (WRAPA), International Press Centre, The Kukah Centre, Centre for Media and Society, TAF Africa, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and YERP Naija Campaign.

According to the organisations, live coverage would help dispel any suspicion of bias or backroom dealings, while allowing Nigerians to engage more meaningfully in discussions about electoral reforms and leadership within the electoral body.

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“We call on the Senate to ensure that its confirmation hearings are transparent, televised, and inclusive of citizen and civil society input through memoranda, petitions, and participation in the confirmation hearings.

READ ALSO:Ondo Poll: Yiaga Africa Releases Pre-election Statement, Predicts Low Turnout, Others

The Senate should undertake a rigorous examination of his competence, public records, vision for electoral reform, INEC’s institutional strengthening, as well as his capacity to resist political interference and uphold electoral integrity.

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“The Senate should also interrogate the nominee’s plans to address systemic challenges, including voter registration, result transmission, and enforcement of INEC’s regulations and guidelines.

“Nigerians expect the Senate confirmation process to be open to citizens’ participation in line with the Framework for Citizens’ Engagement in the INEC Appointment Process previously submitted to the Senate by the undersigned civil society organisations. This includes full disclosure of the nominee’s credentials, public service history, and capacity to manage elections without political interference,” the statement reads.

While acknowledging Professor Amupitan’s academic and professional accomplishments, they declared that they have no objection to his nomination, even as they tasked him to “demonstrate moral courage and resistance to political interference,” if confirmed by the Senate.
(GUARDIAN)

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Recruitment: NCS sets Date For Final Exam

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that the final computer-based examination for all successful Superintendent Cadre applicants will hold on Tuesday, 14 October, across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

According to a statement posted on the NCS recruitment update portal, the examination will be conducted simultaneously in designated states and centres based on candidates’ states of origin.

The service advised shortlisted applicants to log in with their National Identification Number (NIN) at https://updates.customs.gov.ng](https://updates.customs.gov.ng) to access their examination details, including assigned centres. Candidates are required to print their coloured examination slips for presentation at the venue.

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The designated centres for the examination include Lagos and Osun (South West), Enugu and Abia (South East), Rivers and Edo (South South), Abuja and Kwara (North Central), Bauchi and Adamawa (North East), and Kaduna and Sokoto (North West).

NCS warned that failure to report at assigned centres could result in disqualification. Further details and specific instructions will be communicated through the recruitment update portal.

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The agency stressed that the stage is strictly for successful applicants under the Superintendent Cadre category.

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