News

Oil Sector Records 98% Spillage From Sabotage –Report

Published

3 years ago

October 23, 2022

Oil theft through pipeline sabotage caused 98 per cent of oil spill in the oil and gas sector across the country since June this year till date, the Federal Government has said.

It also stated that the sector recorded 60 fatalities (deaths) and 62 injuries from 34 incidents between September 2021 and September this year.

The government disclosed this in a report by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, titled, “HSEC Practices in the Midstream and Downstream Sector: Past, Present, PIA Regulations, Guidelines and other Policies.”

The report, which was obtained by our correspondent from the authority in Abuja on Friday, stated that 82 oil spills in Nigeria occurred in Rivers State, while 75 were recorded in Bayelsa State.

Oil spill occurrences in Delta, Akwa Ibom and Imo states were 12, two and two, respectively, according to the NMDPRA report.

Speaking on the key mandates of HSEC (Health, Safety, Environment and Community) directorate of the NMDPRA, The Executive Director, HSEC, Mustapha Lamorde, said, “It is to regulate midstream and downstream petroleum operations including technical, operational and commercial.

“To promote healthy, safe, efficient and effective conduct of activities in the midstream and downstream petroleum operations.

“And to ensure that the midstream and downstream operations are carried out in an environmentally accepted and sustainable manner, as well as foster host communities’ development.”

The agency observed that the statutory provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 on HSEC administration clearly indicated that the Federal Government understood the importance of a healthy and environmentally conscious workforce.

It said the effective implementation of the HSEC would ensure a safe workplace for businesses to thrive in the oil and gas industry.

This, according to the NMDPRA, led to the creation of a directorate to manage the Health, Safety, Environment and Community matters in the mid and downstream value chain.

The Chief Executive of the authority, Farouk Ahmed, said the petroleum industry had been at the forefront of HSE innovations in the last few decades, often in response to the peculiar challenges that the industry faces.

He said the directorate, dedicated to HSE in the oil and gas industry, had over the years played a huge role in driving HSE innovation and awareness.

“I am aware that the erstwhile regulator of the oil and gas industry has over the decades collaborated with the industry in the institutionalisation of some programmes, especially HSE related,” Ahmed stated.

He added, “This is with the aim of progressing the cause of the industry and ensuring hitch-free implementation of such programmes, operations and processes.”

He noted that in the recent past, the regulator and the industry through the Quarterly HSE Managers Forum, exchanged ideas, thoughts and deliberated extensively on topical day-to-day operational and process-related HSE issues.

Ahmed said the deliberations yielded positive results as well as fostered the relationship between the industry and the regulator, specifically on HSE issues.

“It is therefore in this regard that the authority has decided to revive this forum to enable us to build on its past achievements,” he stated.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

11 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

11 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

12 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.