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House To Probe $20bn Shortfall In Oil Firms’ Cleanup Funds

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The House of Representatives launched an investigation on Thursday into the compliance level of oil and gas companies with decommissioning and abandonment regulations in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

This comes against the backdrop of concerns over a staggering $20 billion compliance gap and spikes in environmental, fiscal, and social risks associated with outdated infrastructure.

This followed the presentation of a motion of urgent public importance by the Chairman, House Committee on Political Parties Matters, Mr Zakaria Nyampa, at Thursday’s plenary.

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Speaking on the significance of the motion, the Adamawa lawmaker said, “Across oil-producing countries, operators are required to set aside funds during the productive phase of their assets to cover the future costs of dismantling, site remediation, and restoration.

READ ALSO:Reps Move To Regulate Cryptocurrency, POS Operations

This principle is clearly enshrined in Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and the NUPRC/NMDPRA Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations of 2022, yet compliance remains alarmingly poor.”

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He argued that Sections 232 and 233 of the PIA mandate licensees and lessees to “Establish decommissioning programmes, maintain dedicated escrow accounts, obtain regulatory approvals, and pay penalties for non-compliance.

“Unfortunately, most operators in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors are flouting these provisions. In some cases, International Oil Companies have divested from assets in the Niger Delta without adequate D and A funding, effectively transferring future environmental and financial liabilities to the government and host communities.”

In his words, over 90 per cent of operators have failed to meet their mandatory D&A funding obligations, while regulatory agencies, particularly the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, have not shown the necessary enforcement commitment.

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READ ALSO:Reps To Quiz Edun, Cardoso Over Non-compliance With Fiscal Responsibility Act

We are witnessing a dangerous regulatory gap. The regulators must be held accountable for ensuring that every operator complies fully with decommissioning laws. Otherwise, Nigerians, especially host communities, will bear the brunt of environmental disasters,” he added.

He added that the cost of decommissioning in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is estimated between $500,000 and $1m per well, and up to $50 million per field, with total liabilities projected at $10bn to $15bn in the upstream sector alone.

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“Less than 20 percent of operators have established properly funded escrow accounts. The total amount contributed so far is below $1bn, leaving a massive shortfall and compliance gap of about $15bn to $20bn across the industry,” he expressed.

Nyampa raised the alarm that the midstream and downstream sectors face huge risks, with decaying refineries, depots, gas plants, and pipeline infrastructure constituting potential remediation liabilities of up to $5bn.

READ ALSO:NNPP Expels Reps Member, Drags Him To Court

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“If urgent action is not taken, Nigeria risks widespread environmental degradation, oil spills, toxic contamination, and safety hazards such as fires, gas leaks, and explosions, particularly in already vulnerable host communities.”

Following the adoption of his motion, the House resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the level of compliance with decommissioning and abandonment provisions as spelt out in the PIA.

When constituted, the Committee is expected to invite relevant regulatory agencies and oil companies, scrutinise their D and A escrow accounts, and report back to the House within twelve weeks for further legislative action.

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Okpebholo Removes Itua As Chief Press Secretary

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has relieved Mr. Fred Itua of his appointment as Chief Press Secretary (CPS), and replaced him with Dr. Patrick Ebojele.

This was contained in a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor.

The statement, which described Dr. Ebojele as a renowned journalist, public administrator, researcher, and lecturer with an extensive and distinguished professional record in media practice, public affairs, and academia was, however, silent on the next role for Itua.

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According to the statement, Ebojele’s appointment reflected the current administration’s commitment to strengthen and deepen the communication channels between the Government and the people of Edo State, ensuring clarity, transparency, and effective dissemination of Government policies, programmes, and activities.

READ ALSO:‘His Security Is Not Guaranteed,’ Okpehbolo Warns Obi Not To Come To Edo Without Informing Him

The statement partly reads: “Dr. Ebojele’s journalism career spans reputable Nigerian media houses where he served as Edo/Delta Correspondent for Channels Television, as well as correspondent roles in New Nigerian Newspaper, Champion Newspaper, and Comet Newspapers.

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“He will be taking over from Mr. Fred Itua, who will, upon handover, await a new reassignment to be communicated in due course. The Government expresses appreciation to Mr. Itua for his contributions and service.”

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Full List: FG Releases Names Of 68 ambassadorial Nominees Sent To Senate For Confirmation

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a list of 68 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for approval, signalling a major reshuffle of Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.

The list, read during Thursday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, comprises 34 career diplomats, 31 non-career appointees, and three candidates previously cleared by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. The President is seeking swift confirmation to enable Nigeria to fill several key foreign missions.

According to the letter, the appointments aim to strengthen Nigeria’s international representation and reposition its diplomatic engagements. The Senate has referred the list to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, directing it to screen the nominees and submit a report within one week.

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Among the non-career nominees are former Chief of Naval Staff and ex–Sole Administrator of Rivers State Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), former presidential aide Ita Enang, former Imo First Lady Chioma Ohakim, and former Minister of Interior Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd.).

Others include former Lagos Deputy Governor Olufemi Pedro, former Edo lawmaker Abbasi Brahma, media personality Reno Omokri, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and former Minister Femi Fani-Kayode.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Tinubu Nominates New Defence Minister

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The career nominees, representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, are serving diplomats and senior foreign service officers recommended for ambassadorial postings.

The appointments follow ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to bolster Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally and ensure representation in critical foreign missions.

The full list, as transmitted by the President, includes nominees for all states, with details of career and non-career appointments as well as the three candidates cleared earlier by the Senate Committee.

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CAREER AMBASSADORS (34)

1. Abia – Mwaobiola Ezeuwo Chukwuemeka

2. Adamawa – Maimuna Ibrahim

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3. Anambra – Enpeji Monica Okochukwu

4. Bauchi – Mohammed Mahmoud Lele

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5. Bayelsa – Endoni Sindup

6. Borno – Ahmed Mohammed Monguno

7. Cross River – Jen Adams Ni Okun Michael

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8. Delta – Clark Omeru Alexandra

9. Ebonyi – Chima J. Leoma Davies

10. Edo – Oduma Yvonne Ehinose

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11. Edo – Wasa Shogun Ige

12. Ekiti – Adeyemi Adebayo Emmanuel

13. Enugu – Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley

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14. Jigawa – Magaji Umar

15. Kaduna – Mohammed Saidu Dahiru

16. Kano – Abdul Salam Abus Zayat

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17. Katsina – Ambassador Shehu

18. Katsina – Aminu Nasu

19. Kebbi – Abubakar Musa Musa

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20. Kebbi – Haidara Mohammed Idris

READ ALSO:Tinubu Submits Fresh Ambassadorial List To Senate, Ibas, Dambazau Make Cut

21. Kogi – Bako Adamu Umar

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22. Kwara – Sulu Gambari

23. Lagos – Romata Mohammed Omobolanle

24. Nasarawa – Shaga John Shama

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25. Niger – Salau Hamza Mohammed

26. Niger – Ibrahim Dan Lamy

27. Ogun – Adjola Ibrahim Mopolola

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28. Ondo – Ruben Abimbola Samuel

29. Osun – Akonde Wahab Adekola

30. Oyo – Ariwani Adedokun Esther

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31. Plateau – Gedagi Joseph John

32. Rivers – Luther Obomode Ayokatata
33. Taraba – Danladi Yakubu Yaku
34. Zamfara – Bidu Dogondagi

NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS (31)

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1. Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia)

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Ex-CDS Musa meets Tinubu At Aso Villa

2. Barr. Ogbonnaya Kalu (Abia)

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3. Senator Grace Bent (Adamawa)

4. Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom)

5. Nkechi Linda Okocha (Anambra)

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6. Mahmoud Yakubu (Bauchi)

7. Philip K. Ikurusi (Bayelsa)

8. Paul Olga Adiku (Benue)

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9. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd.) – Cross River

10. Reno Omokri (Delta)

11. Abbasi Brahma (Edo)

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12. Erelu Angela Adebayo (Ekiti)

13. Barr. Olumilua Oluwayemika (Ekiti)

14. Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwanyi (Enugu)

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15. Chioma Ohakim (Imo)

16. Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd.) – Kano

17. Tasiu Musa Maigari (Katsina)

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18. Abubakar Sanusi Aliu (Kogi)

19. Olufemi Pedro (Lagos)

20. Barr. Mohammed Obanduma Aliu (Nasarawa)

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21. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo)

22. Ambassador Joseph Yusuf Shara’aji (Ondo

23. Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun)

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24. Ajimobi Fatima Florence (Oyo)

25. Lola Akande (Oyo)

26. Yakubu N. Gambo (Plateau)

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27. Senator Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut (Plateau)

28. Onweze Chukwudi (Rivers)

29. Dr. Kulu Haruna Abubakar (Sokoto)

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30. Rt. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe (Taraba)

31. Adamu Garba Tarba-Nagri (Yobe)

FIRST BATCH CLEARED BY SENATE COMMITTEE (3)

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1. Ayodele Oke – Oyo

2. Amin Mohammed Dalhatu – Jigawa

3. Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are – Ogun

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9 Common Resume Mistakes Graduates Make – And How To Avoid Them

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Graduates entering today’s job market face intense competition, and the first challenge is often getting their resume noticed.
Many employers spend only a few seconds scanning each application, which means even small mistakes can cost candidates valuable opportunities. Unfortunately, a large number of graduates unknowingly submit resumes that are poorly structured, unfocused, or not aligned with the roles they’re targeting.

Understanding the most common resume errors is the first step toward creating a document that truly reflects your strengths and potential. This guide by the experts at ResumeWriterDen highlights these mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Using a Generic Resume for Every Job

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Many graduates make the mistake of using one generic resume to apply for every job. Recruiters can easily spot a one-size-fits-all application, and it often signals a lack of genuine interest in the role.
Each position has unique requirements, preferred skills, and keywords that employers expect to see. When your resume doesn’t reflect these details, it becomes less relevant and may be filtered out early in the process.

READ ALSO:Gunmen Kill Three In Zamfara Community Over N3,500 Yoghurt

To avoid this, graduates should tailor their resume for each application by aligning their skills, achievements, and summary with the job description. Personalization consistently increases interview chances.

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Mistake #2: Overloading the Resume With Personal Information

Most graduates mistakenly believe that adding plenty of personal details makes their resume look complete, but it actually distracts employers and wastes valuable space.

Information like age, state of origin, religion, marital status, or home address adds no value to your application and may even introduce unconscious bias.
Recruiters care about your skills, education, and achievements, not personal details that don’t relate to the job. A professional resume writer ensures your resume remain strictly professional and focused on what you bring to the role.
How to Avoid It: Keep personal information minimal and stick to contact details, location (city only), and professional links.

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Mistake #3: Poor Resume FormattingMistake #3: Poor Resume Formatting

A lot of graduates underestimate how much resume formatting affects first impressions. Recruiters often skim documents in seconds, so a cluttered layout, unusual fonts, or inconsistent spacing can make your resume look unprofessional or difficult to read.
Poor formatting also confuses Applicant Tracking Systems, causing important details to be missed. A clean structure helps your strengths stand out quickly.
To avoid this mistake, use a simple, modern layout with clear headings, consistent spacing, and readable fonts. Keep sections well-organized and avoid unnecessary graphics. Good formatting doesn’t just improve appearance — it increases your chances of getting noticed.

READ ALSO:Appeal Court Upholds Ban On Vehicle Impoundment, Awards N1m Damages

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Mistake #4: Not Highlighting Relevant Skills

Most graduates either list too many unrelated skills or fail to showcase the ones employers actually care about.
Recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems scan resumes for specific skills that match the job description, so a generic list weakens your chances. Instead of filling the skills section with every tool or software you’ve ever used, focus on abilities that align directly with the role. Prioritize skills that demonstrate problem-solving, communication, technical proficiency, or industry-specific knowledge. Through presenting the right strengths clearly, you make it easier for employers to immediately see your value.

Mistake #5: Weak or Vague Career Summary

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Several jobseekers and graduates fill their resumes with generic statements like “Hardworking and motivated” without showing real value.
A weak summary fails to grab an employer’s attention and doesn’t communicate why the candidate is a strong fit. Recruiters often spend seconds scanning this section, so vague phrases are easily overlooked.
How to Avoid It: Craft a concise, results-oriented summary that highlights your key skills, achievements, and career goals. For example, instead of generic words, describe your expertise, relevant experience, and what you bring to a prospective employer.

Mistake #6: Listing Responsibilities Instead of Achievements

The error of simply listing what they did in previous roles or internships, rather than highlighting what they accomplished is common amongst many graduates. For example, stating “Handled customer inquiries” is vague and unimpressive. Employers want to see results, impact, and measurable contributions.
How to Avoid It: Frame experiences as achievements using action verbs and quantifiable outcomes. Instead of “Managed social media accounts,” write “Increased social media engagement by 30% in three months through targeted campaigns.” This approach demonstrates value and sets your resume apart from the competition.

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READ ALSO:MOWAA Controversy: Edo Assembly Threatens Arrest Warrant On Obaseki, Others

Mistake #7: Typos and Grammar Errors

Underestimating how critical a flawless resume should be is common among graduates. Even minor typos or grammatical mistakes can make a candidate appear careless or unprofessional, often causing hiring managers to discard the resume immediately.
Recruiters typically spend only a few seconds reviewing each application, so errors stand out instantly.
How to Avoid It: Always proofread your resume multiple times and consider using grammar tools like Grammarly. Asking a friend or a professional to review it can also catch mistakes you might overlook. A polished resume reflects attention to detail and professionalism.

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Mistake #8: Making the Resume Too Long
Many fresh graduates think more is better, but overly long resumes can actually hurt their chances.
Recruiters often skim resumes in seconds, so unnecessary details bury key achievements. Including every course, internship, or extracurricular activity makes the document cluttered and hard to read.
How to Avoid It: Focus on the most relevant experiences and skills. One well-structured page is usually enough for a graduate.
Highlight achievements that demonstrate your value, and remove anything that doesn’t directly support your application. Concise resumes leave a stronger, more memorable impression.

Mistake #9: Not Including Keywords for ATS

This is highly underestimated. Many graduates don’t realize that most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever sees them.
If your resume lacks the right keywords such as relevant skills, job titles, or industry terms, it may be automatically filtered out, no matter how qualified you are. To avoid this, carefully review each job description and include the exact terms employers use.

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According to experts at https://www.resumewriterden.com tailoring your resume with targeted keywords significantly increases the chances of passing ATS filters and landing interviews.

Final Thoughts
A well-crafted resume can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Graduates should avoid common mistakes, tailor their content, and highlight achievements clearly.
For those seeking expert guidance, executive resume writers can provide the structure and insight needed to stand out in a competitive job market. Remember, your resume is often the first impression an employer has: make every word count.
(GUARDIAN)

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