A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
The Senate on Thursday passed the first part of the much anticipated Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) after 17 year of consideration.
The Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) has been passed to take care of the governance aspect of the PIB.
The Bill which has gone through 5 sessions of the National Assembly beginning from the 4th Assembly which was inaugurated in 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The bill seeks to open up the sector to more and better business opportunities, make the sector more transparent and ensure better accountability of revenue derived from oil.
If the bill scales through assent by the President, it would restructure the Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation, Department for Petroleum Resources and also create new agencies with more responsibilities.
Below are key benefits of the PIGB:
1. It will create a conducive business environment for petroleum operations 2. Enhance exploitation and exploration of petroleum resources in Nigeria for the benefit of Nigerians 3. Optimize domestic gas supplies, especially for power generation and industrial development 4. Encourage investment in Nigerian petroleum industry 5. Optimize government revenue 6. Establish profit-driven oil entities 7. Deregulate and liberalize the downstream petroleum sector 8. Create efficient and effective regulatory agencies 9. Promote the development of Nigerian content in the oil industry 10. Protect health, safety and the environment in petroleum operations. 11. PIB will lead to the establishment of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Investment Pact Scheme will ensure that components of industry equipment can be manufactured locally
Chelsea's Nigeria forward Victor Moses on Thursday praised club manager Antonio Conte for resurrecting his career and giving him the "confidence to enjoy his football''.
The 26-year-old Moses joined the Blues from Wigan for nine million pounds in 2012 but was loaned out to Liverpool, Stoke and West Ham by former club manager Jose Mourinho.
But he played 34 times this term in the role of wing-back as Chelsea claimed the English Premier League title with a record 30 wins.
"I am more focused now than ever. I am enjoying my football again,'' he said.
The Nigeria international played 43 games in his first season with the Blues, scoring 10 goals on the way.
He was part of the 2013 Europa League-winning squad under interim manager Rafael Benitez.
But the forward failed to play under Mourinho in the Portuguese manager's second spell at Stamford Bridge, being given temporary moves to three top-flight clubs.
This season, he was handed a new defensive role as he rejuvenated his Chelsea career, playing an integral role in Italian boss Conte's first season in charge.
"We have got a new manager here who is willing to give everyone an opportunity,'' said Moses.
"He gave me that opportunity and I didn't look back after that.
"I am very pleased with that and I just want to keep improving in every game I play. It is a new role for me and I am still getting used to it,'' Moses said.
NAN reports that he could add an FA Cup winners' medal on Saturday when Chelsea take on London rivals Arsenal in the final match at Wembley.
"That would be a great achievement for me. We don't feel any pressure, we are just taking this game as it comes.
"We have got the league title and they are going to want to win because they missed out on top four. We are going to try and stop them because we want the Double.''
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accused the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello of double registration for Permanent Voter Card against electoral law.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued by Prince Solomon Soyebi, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC) on Thursday in Abuja.
INEC stated that Bello second registration was done on Tuesday May 23, in Government House, Lokoja, outside the designated centre for the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).
Yahaya Bello
"It has come to the attention of INEC that Gov Bello of Kogi State registered as a voter for the second time on Tuesday May 23, 2017 in Government House, Lokoja, the state capital.
"His first registration was on Jan. 30, 2011 in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
"The Governor's double registration and doing so outside lNEC's designated centres are both illegal.
"For the on-going Continuous Voter Registration [CVR) exercise, INEC has designated a centre in each of the country's 774 Local Government Areas including FCT's six Area Councils.''
The commission therefore dissociated itself from the governor's action while it also pledged to take disciplinary action against its staff who did the second registration for Bello.
"We wish to make it clear that no INEC staff was authorised by the Commission to re-register him or any Citizen or to do so outside our designated CVR centres.
"The Commission is taking disciplinary action against the INEC staff involved.
"As for the State Governor, Section 308 (l) (a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended], precludes lNEC from prosecuting him while in office.
"However, the Commission wishes to state that it has cancelled his second and illegal registration forthwith.''
It stated that the second registration would be cancelled as Electoral Law and the Commission's guidelines make no exception for anyone to register more than once, and to register outside the designated centres.
History was made, weekend, when the newly constructed Copyright Society of Nigeria,COSON House, was officially commissioned amid roaring applause, amazing fireworks and countless balloons released to the skies.
(R-L) Shina Peters, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Moses Ekpo and Prof Victor Uwaifo.
The multi-million naira edifice, located on Oluwaleimu Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos,was the first real property owned by any association, union or group in the Nigerian creative industry.
Commissioning the new COSON House, the deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Moses Ekpo, who was the first Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission,NCC, recalled how Professor Egerton Uvieghara as former Chairman of the Nigerian Copyright Commission,NCC, midwifed the copyright administration in Nigeria. He said, without Professor Uviegbara, this history wouldn't have been possible.
He, therefore, sued for peace among musicians, praying that the commissioning of the ultra-modern complex should bring eternal unity to Nigerian musicians. " We pray that the ultra-modern complex should bring eternal unity to Nigerian musicians. Before now, musicians in Nigeria have been scattered. This is because of the fact that none of them has enjoyed the sweat of his or her labour."
"We want to thank Professor Egerton Uviegbara for the bigger thing he gave to copyright owners in Nigeria. At that time, he insisted that the artistes must receive what was due to him or her for his or her creativity. For me , it has been a great honour to part and parcel of writing this history," he said. Earlier, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji thanked his Board, the management of COSON and the team of skilled Nigerian professionals who worked tirelessly to build COSON House in record time without any money from the government, any support from any donor agency or any loan from any bank.
However, many dignitaries defied the early morning downpour to be part of the event. Among them were Professor Egerton Uvieghara, highlife maestro, Professor Victor Uwaifo, Sir Shina Peters, Chris Ajilo, Baba Dee Fasasi, Azeezat, Kenny Saint Brown and Prince Ann Inyang. Others were Obi Asika of Cabal Entertainment, Dr Ben Ofoeze of Billtop, Mr Joel Ajayi of MULOAN, Hon John Ewelukwa Udegbunam, immediate past president of MORAN and Engineer Sharon Esco Wilson of MUPMAN. Also, Ken Calebs Olumese, Guvnor of Niteshift Coliseum; Ayo Animashaun who owns the wave making HipTV among other dignitaries.
The Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom has said that the Former Senate President in the 7th Senate, Senator David Mark is telling lies. Governor Ortom also asked senator Mark to come to the state for better clarification on his misconception of his (Ortom's) developmental strides in the state.
Governor Ortom was reacting to a mocking statement credited to the Ex-Senate President who had, while commissioning some projects in Rivers state, said that while Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers was busy commissioning projects such as roads and bridges, his own state governor, Ortom, was also busy distributing wheelbarrows to youths as empowerment.
However, while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday, the Benue state Governor said although Senator Mark is just jealous of his achievements in Benue as well as his rising profile amongst his people, he (Ortom) would nonetheless discuss things over with the ex-Senate President whom he regards as an elder statesman.
"When you hear the likes of David Mark, who are supposed to be an elder statesman, go to make false propaganda against people who are supposed to be his subjects, I used to regard him as an elder, but it's unfortunate he is telling lies.
Senator David Mark & Gov. Samuel Ortom
"Those wheelbarrows were brought to us by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to be distributed to displaced people who need them.
"They actually need those wheelbarrows and they were given to the state emergency relief body for onward distribution to the victims. And for whatever reasons, the agency wrote my name that I was distributing it.
"But as soon as that was drawn to my attention, I refuted it and I said this is not my property.
"In empowerment, I have several programmes for the youth and this one is not meant for the youths. It was distributed to displaced people.
"So, it was just meant to blackmail me because PDP in Benue are still dreaming, including David Mark, that I am governor and I won election.
"I left them (PDP) because of the injustice they did to me and I came to APC and found a platform. The people accepted me and I won. They are out to blackmail me and it will not work because there is no iota of truth."
"Of course, they have been propagating that they want to take over the leadership in 2019 but I think they are just dreaming because even when it was pepper, I was able to finish the food, how much more now that it's with chicken and sesame seed. You know it's easier to eat and the people we are working with, we have gotten more support.
"More people have decamped from the PDP to the APC. So, where will they go? The local government election is coming up on June 3. I want them to come up and compete.
"It's unfortunate that even to present candidates, there are factions and up till today.
"I am told that they have six candidates out of the 23 local governments. It is their problem. They should go and sort out their own problem. All I am concerned is to bring development to my people," Governor Ortom said.
Continuing, the Governor said, "On the 22 May, I invited all Benue stakeholders, David Mark was invited and I was given standing ovation. That alone is an indication that Benue people are pleased with me in all sectors despite all the challenges especially in funding.
"I have cleared arrears of salaries. These people are just jealous, David Mark is jealous and all his cohorts are jealous. They have left Benue State and went to Rivers and met and came and disturb us in Benue State. Let them come to Benue State." he added
"I don't think it's about quarrel. For a very senior citizen of that level to spread falsehood and tell lies against his governor when I invited them to stakeholders meeting where my two year scorecard was delivered to my people and they accepted it and appreciated what we are doing and he refused to come only to go to Rivers and be telling lies against me, It's unfortunate.
"Anytime I have the opportunity I think we will discuss things over," he concluded.
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday said it impounded 941 bags of foreign per boiled rice valued at about N6.8 million.
According to the Controller of the command, Sarkin Kebbi at a news conference in Lagos, "the impounded rice is valued at N6,830,719, a Duty valued N4, 781,503 and duty paid valued N11,612,322."
The controller, who displayed the commodity, said the feat was achieved through a renewed resolve of the officers to stamp out smuggling.
Kebbi said that on resumption of duty a month ago, he made known to the officers the mandate given to him from the customs headquarters.
According to him, "the service echelon handed me a stern order to ensure that smugglers were compelled to change their nefarious act to legitimate businesses.
"I will not fail in my mandate; I have never failed before and will not stay below the board.
"With motivation from the headquarters, I promise to make bigger seizures.
"We know that the rainy season is the time the smugglers always want to make use of the waterways as the roads are bad because of the rains.
"My officers and I promise them a tougher time within the nation's waterways as all avenues will be explored to ensure that they are forced out of business,'' Kebbi said.
He said that no arrest was made as the only man who was to be arrested in connection with the seizure jumped into the Badagry water and disappeared.
He advised the smugglers to desist from their act as a new "sheriff" had taken over the saddle and therefore, no hiding place for smugglers.
Kebbi said that the Federal Government had been trying to make local rice available to the masses, thereby creating jobs in the agriculture sector.
He expressed regret that the activities of the smugglers were making the effort of the government fruitless
STARBOY, Wizkid has hinted that his first project under RCA Records will be released on July 7. The pop singer disclosed this to US online platform, Revolt TV on Tuesday. Entitled 'Sounds From The Other Side', it's not yet known whether it will be an album project or a mixtape.
Wizkid
Drake, Diplo, Trey Songz, and Chris Brown are some of the international stars expected to guest-feature on the project. "Afrobeat is getting a lot of attention right now. People are really loving the sound. "I was like 'it would just be a good idea for me to do like a project where I try to fuse the sound with artists from right here (USA), with my local producers back home. Some international producers as well."
The "Sounds From The Other Side" mixtape features from international artists like Chris Brown, TY Dolla $ign, Future and Drake among others. The album marks his first international project to be released under Sony RCA Records with whom he signed to in 2016.
Wizkid first gained popularity with the 2010 track "Holla At Your Boy" as a signee to Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment. He's also released two albums: 2011's "Superstar" and 2014's "Ayo".
Wizkid, recently won 3 awards at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards which held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, United States on Sunday, 21 May 2017.
NOLLYWOOD actress, Halima Abubakar, who recently returned from India, where she underwent successful fibroid surgery has refuted reports by an online platform that she has cancer.
Halima Abubakar
The actress is, however, demanding an apology from the online portal, saying "Whoever wrote the story would go through worst pain that I ever went through." Halima who now sports a bald look after shaving her hair due to drug reactions she suffered during the operation noted on a post on her Instagram page that she would have revealed that she has cancer just as she opened up about her fibroid operation.
"Naijagist you know I can sue and win this case right? If I have cancer, just the way I announced my fibroid, I would announce it. Please, I have no such around me and I would appreciate the non-factual information and speculation about my health to stop. Allow me heal in peace!!
"We heal differently. Am encouraging women out there. This is wickedness and whoever wrote this will go through worst pain that I ever went through. You would tell the world who diagnosed me and how you got such conclusions. More than 1000 ladies are suffering from fibroid and I am talking to them. Am scared of none, am sure you know this. Better apologize," she added on Instagram page.
Members of the National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday in Abuja commended the leadership style of the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
NEC, an official economic platform for dialogue among the 36 state governors, the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other co-opted members, is chaired by the Vice-President.
Addressing State House correspondents on the outcome of the NEC meeting, which was presided over by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo said members of the Council were impressed by the way and manner Osinbajo was handling the affairs of the country.
"But the highlight of the whole discussion today was a special commendation the Council made on the Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who we have all resolved to call a `System Stabiliser.
"For the mere fact that Mr President (Muhammmadu Buhari) is on medical vacation, the system is still as smooth as it has always been.
"So, we commended the acting president for a job well done.''
Okorocha, who disclosed that the Council discussed monetary issues concerning Nigeria's economy, said the nation's Excess Crude Account stood at 2.3 billion dollars as at May 24.
He said the Council also reviewed the discrepancies in the figures and directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris to reconcile the discrepancies.
He said: "we were made to understand from the office of the Accountant-General that the excess crude account as at May 24 stands at 2.3 billion dollars''.
"Council also reviewed the discrepancies in figures and we have said that the Accountant-General will look at it and at the next meeting he will brief the council appropriately.''
On the budget support facility for state governments which would be terminated by the end of May, the governor said the Council expressed concern that this may affect the economies of the states negatively.
He said the Council resolved that the budgetary support be extended to enable state governments to meet some of their financial challenges.
"As regards the loan support called the budget support facility for states which is suppose to come to an end by the end of this month, council was concerned about the fact that we are gradually coming out of recession.''
According to him, if this budgetary support ceases at the end of May, it may create some lapses in our bid to stabilise the economy.
"So council resolved that the budgetary support be extended to enable states catch up with the economic challenges of the moment,'' he added.
He stated that the council noted with delight that the Forcados terminal would soon commence crude oil production and this would subsequently help to stabilise the economy.
Parties to conflicts are treating hospitals and clinics as targets rather than respecting them as sanctuaries, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Thursday.
Guterres, who gave the warning during a Security Council debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Violence, regretted that civilians continued to bear the brunt of such attacks.
"Despite our efforts, civilians continue to bear the brunt of conflict around the world," Guterres told the 15-member body, stressing that attacks on medical staff and facilities continue in conflict zones.
"These unrelenting attacks on civilians, coupled with lack of access to aid, are also playing a major role in creating conflict-driven famines that threaten 20 million people in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen."
The UN chief recalled that last year, the Council took specific action to improve the protection of medical care during conflict by adopting Resolution 2286 of former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Guterres noted his predecessor's recommendations for the swift implementation of this resolution, which platforms to enhance respect for the norms of international humanitarian law.
The recommendations, among others, urged 'States and all parties to armed conflict to develop effective measures to prevent and address acts of violence, attacks and threats against medical personnel and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties'
"But on the ground, little has changed," Guterres warned, citing statistics from the World Health Organisation showing that attacks on medical care took place in at least 20 countries affected by conflict in 2016.
In Syria, Physicians for Human Rights has documented more than 400 attacks on medical facilities with more than 800 medical staff killed, and more than half of all medical facilities are closed.
Similarly, in South Sudan, after years of attacks, less than 50 per cent of medical facilities are functional in areas affected by conflict.
"These attacks are evidence of a broader trend: parties to conflict are treating hospitals and health clinics as targets, rather than respecting them as sanctuaries," Guterres said.
"We must also tackle the causes of displacement. That means addressing the root causes of conflicts by investing in inclusive and sustainable development, promoting all human rights.
These rights are civil, political, economic, social and cultural; and the rule of law, strengthening governance and institutions, and enhancing mediation capacity, from communities to national governments.
"No one is winning today's wars; everyone is losing. I appeal to all leaders, parties to conflict and those with influence to bring these raging conflicts to an end.
"And to do all in their power to prevent new ones from erupting; preventing and ending conflict is my first priority as Secretary-General.
"I call on you all to make it yours, for the sake of the millions of civilians who are suffering around the world," he said.
Nigeria`s Consul General in South Africa, Amb. Godwin Agada, says the country`s rich culture, food and attires were on display at a cultural event to mark Africa Day in South Africa.
The event was organised by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Thursday.
Agada told newsmenon telephone from Johannesburg, South Africa, that the Nigerian stand at the event attracted many visitors, tourists and potential investors.
"Nigerian foods like "Amala'', Pounded Yam, Semovita, "Moi-Moi'', "Suya and all native soups were more than enough for visitors to taste.
"We also displayed various native attires made in Nigeria and distributed pamphlets about investment opportunities in the country,'' he said.
Agada said that Nigerian culture was also displayed through music as native attires were won to dance to the country's local music and songs.
"We were fully there. It was amazing. All participants and visitors were impressed with the Nigerian stand. The event was also a big platform for cultural diplomacy.
"The organisers thanked Nigerians for the outing,'' the Consul General said.
Agada said that Nigeria achieved a lot through the event, noting that it was one way of exterminating Xenophobia.
Mr Olusola Solarin, an entrepreneur and cloth designer, told NAN that high grades of Nigerian attires were on display.
"My firm, Bida Clotheirs, specializes in making African attires in modern ways. We use innovations to create African attires.
"Visitors came to our stand to check the clothes, designs and fabrics. It made our great country Nigeria to be proud,'' he said.
Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, President, Nigeria Union, South Africa, said that the Nigerian community gave the country quality representation at the event.
"We believe so much in African unity and Nigerians did the nation proud with the various displays which attracted visitors to our stand,'' he said.
Militia violence in Central African Republic has killed almost 300 people and displaced 100,000 recently, the United Nations and the government said on Thursday, in the worst displacement since a 2013 civil war.
The violence marks a sharp escalation in the long conflict that began when the mostly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition overthrew then-president Francois Bozize in 2013, prompting reprisals from Christian anti-balaka militias.
The UN humanitarian office and the minister of social affairs said in a joint statement that the clash in the last two weeks has hit the towns of Bria, Bangassou and Alindao, all hundreds of kilometres east of Bangui.
Social Affairs Minister Virginie Baikoua told newsmen after a visit on Wednesday to Bria that it was a catastrophe.
"Houses are burnt down, others pillaged, the displaced are afraid it could degenerate at any moment because armed men are roaming around the camps.
"Over 41,400 of Bria's 47,500 inhabitants were displaced by fighting between May 15 and 18,'' Baikoua said.
The Red Cross recently said it had found 115 bodies in Bangassou, a diamond-mining area on the border with Democratic Republic of Congo after it was seized by hundreds of militia with heavy weaponry.
"UN peacekeepers, part of a 13,000-strong force, have since secured Bangassou and reinforced their positions in other areas,'' the mission (MINUSCA) said in a statement.
About 440,000 people were displaced throughout the country by the end of April and that number could reach 500,000 by the end of May.
The UN humanitarian office said the huge number would represent the most displaced since the height of the crisis in 2013.
THE Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Ikeja, Lagos, has inaugurated an 11-member branch Executive Committee for the newly commissioned Shamsi Adisa Thomas (SAT) Mosque, Old Secretariat, Ikeja.
The new branch executive committee which was inaugurated on behalf of the Board of Trustees (BoT) by the former Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Lawal Alade Pedro is chaired by a director in the Teachers Establishments and Pensions Office (TEPO), Alhaji Ganiyu Shodipe.
Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) who administered the oath of office on members of the new executive, enjoined them to put the fear Allah first in their discharge of the onerous task of managing the edifice and ensure that they render selfless service to the generality of Muslim worshipers.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alhaji Saheed Animashahun, urged the branch executives to exhibit a great sense of humility and absolute commitment in the discharge of their duty, noting that the edifice which was completed at a huge cost of N175 million requires utmost commitment of all and must be guided jealously in order to protect the structure from abuse.
PIB: Senate unbundles NNPC, approves creation of two companies PIB: Senate unbundles NNPC, approves creation of two companies By Cecilia Ijuo/Naomi Sharang
The Senate on Thursday passed first tranche of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), titled the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) 2017.
The bill, which is expected to take care of the governance aspect of the industry, scaled third reading following presentation of report of Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream, Oil and Gas).
If assented to by the President, the Act will unbundle the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into two companies: Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company and the National Petroleum Company.
According to the bill, the two companies shall be created and supervised by the Ministry Of Petroleum Incorporated.
It provides that "the Minister shall, within six months after the Effective Date, take such steps as are necessary under the Companies and Allied Matters Act to incorporate two entities – the first may be called the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company, or such other name as may be available and the other may be called the National Petroleum Company, or such other name as may be available, as companies limited by shares, which shall be vested with certain assets and liabilities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ("NNPC").
"Upon incorporation and the transfer of assets pursuant to this Act: the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company (hereinafter called the "Management Company" in this Act) shall be responsible for the management of assets currently held by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under the Production Sharing Contracts and Back-in Right Provisions under the Petroleum Act 1969 as amended;
"The National Petroleum Company shall be responsible for the management of all other assets held by NNPC except the Production Sharing Contract and Back-in Right assets currently held by the NNPC;
"At the time of its incorporation, the initial shares of the National Petroleum Assets Management Company shall be held in the ratio of 20% by the Bureau for Public Enterprises, 40% by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and 40% by the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated on behalf of the Government.
Sen. Tayo Alasoadura, Chairman of the joint committee, who presented the report, said the PIGB was the first tranche of the PIB.
According to him, other tranches, that would soon be presented before the senate are, Upstream Petroleum Licence and Lease Administration, Downstream Oil and Gas Administration and Petroleum Fiscals.
He added that another tranche to be considered is the Petroleum Revenue Management including Petroleum Host Community Fund.
Alasoadura said the PIGB would help to create efficient and effective governing institutions with clear and separate roles for the petroleum industry.
The lawmaker said with the passage of the bill, there will be a slim, focused yet robust framework for effective institutional governance of the petroleum industry.
He stressed that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would be reformed into two liability companies, while all existing regulatory agencies would be absorbed into a new agency called Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
"We supported and enhanced the creation of an independent one-stop-shop regulatory agency which will absorb the present Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).
"It will also absorb the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) into one agency.
"We have streamlined the role of the Minister.
"We have also enhanced the extensive reform of NNPC into two limited liability companies-the National Petroleum Company and the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company.
"This is to ensure efficient and effective commercial performance,'' he said.
The lawmaker further pointed out that the PIGB would help to establish a framework for the creation of commercially oriented and profit driven petroleum entities that ensure value addition and internalisation of the petroleum industry.
He also said that the bill would help to promote transparency and accountability in the administration of the petroleum resources of Nigeria as well as foster a conducive business environment for petroleum industry operation.
"PIB has been in the works since 2000 and almost all the senate republics that you can think about have tried to work on it and to get it passed but none has succeeded.
"We looked at the Bill as it was and we said it will be better not take the bill as a whole, to divide it into sections.
"And the first section, which we believe will make petroleum industry what we expect it to be, is what was passed today and that is the Petroleum Governance Bill.
"Everything that has to do with petroleum resources the governance is what has been done,'' he said.
The chairman further noted that the laws governing the petroleum industry in the country had become so obsolete and as such the need for an overhaul.
According to him, the law has been an impediment to investment in the oil and gas industry and needed a drastic overhauling, transformation and reformation.
"This situation has brought a lack of investments in this industry and consequently the reserves in the industry are not being grown.
"The Mexican experience has shown that a well-reasoned and crafted Oil and Gas reform law could attract as much as $60 billion additional investment in the industry in 3 years,'' he said.
The joint committee according to the chairman recommended that the bill be given accelerated consideration and passage and its immediate implementation for maximal utilisation of the nation's natural resources.
He further pointed out that the joint committee made amendments and deletions to relevant sections of the Bill were contained in the attached bill for consideration.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki said the passage of the first tranche of the bill was a landmark achievement for the 8th Senate.
He said the present senate made a commitment at its inauguration and was happy to keep to its promise.
"All our friends and investors in the petroleum sector have been waiting for us to put a framework that will ensure transparency and accountability and create the enabling environment for the petroleum sector.
"We hope that by what we have done today, we have continued to show commitment and leadership and our contribution to develop this country. We are proud of all we have done today.
"I hope that with this bill the oil and gas industry will begin to see the kind of investment that is necessary,'' he said.
Saraki said with the passage of the bill, "we will block loopholes, we will be able to reduce the areas of corruption, inefficiency and our people will be able benefit better from the petroleum sector.''
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday revealed strategies being adopted towards moving the State from mega city to smart city, just as he said that his administration has put in place policy framework for a technology-driven land administration and mapping, tax administration and justice administration.
Speaking at an international conference held at Eko Hotels and Suits as part of activities marking the Lagos@50 celebrations with the theme: "Towards A Smart City: Preparing For The Next 50 Years Of Prosperity," Governor Ambode said the government has completed modalities for the take-off of the digital switch, all of which he said would come on stream in the coming months.
The Governor acknowledged that for the State to be prosperous in future and occupy its pride of place among city states, concerted efforts must be geared towards equipping the youth with technological and educational skills they can use to develop solutions to challenges.
He said the future prosperity of Lagos is dependent on how well the young ones are equipped technologically and educationally, adding that in line with such, the State Government was already focusing on driving growth through key areas such as ICT, transportation, ease of doing business and tourism.
While alluding to the theme of the conference, Governor Ambode said if Lagos must become a Smart City, the next 50 years of the State must cut out a path to create a framework for leaders that are not only visionary but also inspirational with passion for development.
He said: "Obviously, this gathering is not about what we have done or what we ought to have done. I am quick to add, that, there is so much yet to be done. Yes, we are always in agreement that the interplay of THINK, PLAN AND ACT is a sure recipe to success; but the practice and process are not fully picked up in textbooks or lectures. Leadership must have passion and commitment for vision before it can be delivered as a product.
"The next fifty years must cut out a path for us to create a framework for leaders that are not only visionary but also inspirational with passion if Lagos must become a Smart City.
"Our State has made this commitment which has the potential to improve lives of our citizens, expand economic opportunities and access to critical public services. The Smart City initiative is Lagos Urban Development vision to integrate all sectors of governance into one box of growth and development – through efficient service delivery to each citizen.
"The future prosperity of Lagos is dependent on how well we can equip our children and youth with technological and educational skills they can use to develop the solutions of the future," he said.
Besides, the Governor acknowledged the fact that for government to facilitate investment in infrastructure, it was imperative for a top notch public service to be in place, especially delivery of quality service by civil servants, saying that such would facilitate greater confidence in government from the private sector.
In his keynote address, Professor Paul Collier from Oxford University, said in its years of existence, Lagos has shown sustained and visible progress, and especially commended the leadership of the State over the years for moving in the right direction.
He commended Governor Ambode for his initiative on mass transportation, but recommended that it should be scaled up with the deployment of technology, while also calling for introduction of tax to stop people from driving private cars to already congested areas.
Collier, who is a development expert, also advocated for power issues to be addressed as well as clear legal and secured land ownership, saying that such was vital both for housing and commercial investment.
To address housing deficit, Collier said the State Government must plan for housing development through plots preparation, layout of streets, road network, storage, sewage, water and electricity, among others, while the private sector can develop the rest.
Also, other discussants – Mrs Mosun Bello- Olusoga, Chairman of Access Bank; Uyi Akpata, Managing Partner, PWc and Dayo Adelegan, President of British Nigeria Chamber of Commerce advocated for the globalization of the Lagos economy and proper environmental management initiatives.
What could have turned out to a major disaster in Magboro, Ogun State along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was on Thursday averted by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with salvaging of a 50,000 litres of truck conveying Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol from catching fire.
The incident occurred during early morning rain when a truck with registration number – Lagos MK88US belonging to MRS skidded off the road and fell on its side into the ditch spilling its content into the area.
Hundreds of residents of the area had thronged the scene struggling to scoop fuel before they were dispersed with the arrival of the emergency responders and security operatives from Lagos State.
Speaking at the scene of the incident, General Manager of LASEMA, Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu said that the Agency received the distress call at about 9.00am on Thursday through the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
He said LASEMA swiftly intervened and responded by mobilizing all the required personnel and resources to the scene.
According to him, although the scene of the incident falls outside the jurisdiction of its operation but Governor Akinwunmi Ambode gave express approval for the Agency's intervention with the use of its heavy-duty equipment and crane.
The LASEMA boss said the Agency responded promptly with other emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Ogun State Fire Service, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the FRSC, while the truck was carefully lifted up by the Agency’s Crane.
He said the Lagos Fire Service also carried out blanket of the truck with chemicals to avoid fire outbreak.
The RRS, according to him, helped to chase people scooping fuel around the area to avoid any fire outbreak, while LASEMA sensitized the people on the danger of storage of fuel.
The General Manager, however, advised motorist especially articulated truck drivers to avoid over speeding and always adhere to traffic rules and regulations to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and properties on the roads.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has described the Department of State Services (DSS) continued detention of the Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeanyi Ubah as tyrannical, barbaric, reckless and irresponsible display of power, saying; "Within two years of President Muhammadu Buhari's All Progressives Congress (APC) government, the DSS has become the government's terror gang, disobeying court orders with impunity."
The governor, who said the DSS claim that Ubah's offence was punishable by death was reckless and alarming, added that "the DSS has now become law unto itself, dragging Nigeria back to 1984 when Decree 2 was used by the National Security Organisation (NSO) to dump Nigerians in detention without trial."
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Governor Fayose expressed worry that less than two hours after a High Court in Lagos ordered the DSS to release Ubah within 48 hours or charge him to court, the DSS got another High Court in Abuja to secure an order to detain him (Ubah) for another 14 days.
He said; "The judiciary must be mindful of being used by the DSS to sustain its regime of tyranny by granting orders allowing the service to detain Nigerians perpetually. "Our courts should not allow themselves to becoming willing tools to promote and sustain dictatorship. They should be able to stand up against the tyrannical acts of the DSS by asking when it became the duty of the service to arrest and detain Nigerians for offences still being investigated."
Ifeanyi Ubah
Describing the DSS as the APC-led government's the terror gang, Governor Fayose said; "For the first time in the history of Nigeria, DSS operating under a democratically elected government is justifying the detention of Nigerians in disobedience to court orders.
"Ridiculously, the DSS is even telling Nigerians that the head of Nigeria’s Islamic Movement (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky is being kept in detention since December 13, 2015 for his personal safety, meaning that the government is protecting El-Zakzaky by detaining him for 18 months!
"What happened to the December 2016 order of Justice Gabriel Kolawole of an Abuja Federal High Court, that the DSS shouldo release El-Zakzaky within 45 days and that the Federal Government should provide an accommodation for him (El-Zakzaky), his wife and family members within Kaduna State or any part of the northern region?"
The governor maintained that the DSS claim that it arrested and detained Ubah for inciting members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union to stop lifting petroleum products so as to cripple the economy and cause untold hardship to Nigerians was "nonsensical", said; "The arrest and continuous detention of Ifeanyi Ubah for alleged economic sabotage and the DSS pronouncement that the offence is punishable with death is a sad reminder of the President Buhari's military regime.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to rise in condemnation of "this regime of tyranny being ran be the DSS, saying; “When the regime of tyranny started, we raised alarm but those who should have joined us then kept silent. Today, it is Ifeanyi Ubah that they have visited with their tyranny, who knows who will be next?"
The Ekiti State House of Assembly passed three amendment bills for third reading in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday.
The bills are the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency (Amendment) Bill, Local Government Administration (Amendment) Bill, and Ekiti State Joint Local Government Account and Allocation of Revenue (Amendment) Bill.
Newsmen report that the three bills were passed during the plenary sitting after a thorough debate in which the lawmakers canvassed for their speedy consideration.
Messrs Akinleye Ekundayo, Anifowose Badejo, Akinniyi Sunday and the Chairman House Committee on Information, Dr Omotoso Samuel highlighted the advantages of the amendments and pointed out that they would be of immense benefit to Ekiti people.
The Leader of Government Business, Mr Akinyele Olatunji, said the Primary Health Care Amendment Bill would address health care delivery at the grassroots.
They described the amendment as timely, adding that it would make the health sector function effectively at the local government level.
The Local Government Administration (Amendment) Bill was passed to expunge the primary health department from the local government level.
The House also amended the Ekiti State Joint Local Government Account and Allocation of Revenue.
It said it was to enable the government put the payment of salaries of primary school teachers, primary health care workers, local government workers and five percent of statutory allocation in the account and for the payment of traditional rulers on first line charge.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Kola Oluwawole, said the amendment would improve efficiency and develop primary health care at the local government level.
He said it would also reduce bottlenecks as well as boost the morale of staff at the primary health care agency.
Oluwawole said the amendment removed any ambiguity in matters relating to primary health care delivery in Ekiti State.
Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State on Thursday said that the Zaria waterworks, constructed at the cost of N24 billion, was ready for inauguration.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Suleiman Lere, said this in Kaduna at the annual press briefing, organised by the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He said that the newly constructed water plant would be supplying 150 million litres of water per day to the residents of Zaria and its environs.
"We are happy to inform you that the project has been completed and it is being test run; by Saturday, the water treatment plant will be inugurated," he said.
Besides, El-Rufai said that the Islamic Development Bank had approved a loan of 81 million U.S. dollars for the construction of 73km main transmission station, 10 service reservoirs and two booster stations.
"The project's overall objective is to improve the people's access to sustainable potable water supply in the Zaria metropolis and its environs,'' he said.
Besides, El-Rufai said that his administration had revalidated the consultancy services contract for the engineering design of the Kachia regional water supply project, which was earlier awarded in 2014.
He said the aim was to explore the possibility of drawing raw water from Gurara Dam for treatment and supply to Kachia and its environs.
He appealed to the people to support the state government by promptly paying their bills, while safeguarding the water projects in their neighbourhoods and reporting any leakage to the appropriate authorities.
