By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government says it will continue to work with stakeholders for the improvement of the West African Gas Pipeline Project (WAGP) performance.

Chief Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA) project.

The WAGP project, is a visionary project originated from the ECOWAS Energy Policy and aimed at fostering economic development and integration among ECOWAS States through cross border natural gas transportation.

Sylva said over the years, the Nigerian government had shown leadership in ensuring that WAGPA was properly positioned to ensure that the objectives for which the organisation was set up were achieved.

The minister described the meeting as a commitment and dedication to the success of the project which was a true proof of economic integration and cooperation in the sub-region.

He said the meeting came at a very critical time, especially the changing socio-political landscape occasioned by the Russian-Ukrainian war that had put pressure on global gas demands across Europe.

He said since inception, the committee had worked collectively to achieve some successes and projects through cooperative efforts of member countries in spite of the challenges in the sector.

Sylva included the projects completed as Open Access, implemented in 2012; Improved Gas Availability; and Takoradi-Tema Interconnection Project (TTIP) which has significantly increased gas flow through the WAGP.

He noted others as Lifting of Force Majeure that was in place by Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) between June 2013 and October 2020; and the reforms of the Access Code to the WAGP Network Code.

Another project, according to the minister is the ongoing amendment to the WAGP Act and the WAGP Regulations.

This, he said, would ultimately among other things give a licencing power to WAGP authority to oversee the activities of the Shippers as it related to the WAGP, for free and fair business environment.

However, there are more to achieve and we are determined to get to the zenith of our targets, which are to deepen gas supplies and utilisation within the ECOWAS sub-region.

The global community has classified gas as part of renewable energy.

Since we cannot but join the global energy transition train we must hurry to exploit the abundant natural gas deposits within the borders of our respective countries, he said.

On the institutional level, he said the meeting was a follow-up on the extraordinary meeting of the committee held in Accra, Ghana on Nov. 16, 2021 to consider issues related to the appointment of the Director-General of WAGPA.

He said the solution that emerged from its discussions in Accra, in November 2021 to move ahead with the appointment of a Nigerian as a Director-General for WAGPA was very critical.

In the circumstances therefore, I will seek the understanding and cooperation of all to be guided by the provisions of WAGPA Treaty in reaching a sustainable, profitable and fair decision on this matter, he said.

He then appreciated the effort of its partner, the West African Gas Company Ltd. (WAPCo), as Operator of the pipeline to implement the International Project Agreement and assure transportation of natural gas from entry points to customers in the State Parties.

He said the ECOWAS Commission had initiated the West African Gas Pipeline Expansion Project (WAGPEP) and was currently working with the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) Project for possible synergy between the two projects.

I also know that WAPCo and WAGPA are working closely with the entities to provide technical assistance and experience to achieve the synergy to increase the potential to deliver natural gas for more countries in the ECOWAS sub region and beyond, he said.

In a remark, Ms Chafari Hanawa, Director-General, CoM, WAPGA said it would accelerate growth within WAGPAs mandate under the WAGP Treaty, International Project Agreement (IPA), the Enabling Legislation, the WAGPA Regulations and other applicable instruments.

She said it would collaborate with WAPCO and other stakeholders in the WAGP project to identify area of gap in the delivery of better services by WAGPA and abridge such gap to ensure increased and sustainable flow of gas.

This is important because adequate flow of gas to end users through the WAGP will fast track positive growth of the power sector of the countries, accelerate industrialisation, generate employment, increase revenue for the State Parties and increase infrastructural developments for our people.

Dr Matthew Prempeh, Ghanas Minister of Energy and Chairman of the Committee, while declaring the meeting open called for plans to extend pipelines further along west African Coast up to Morocco to supply natural gas countries along the pipeline route and in-land.

It is for this reason that effort must be made to enhance operational efficiency of pipeline and strengthen the regulatory authority to perform its role, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

========
Edited by Donald Ugwu

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says the sixth Iraq Energy Forum (IEF) will host the formal launch of OPECs history book to commemorate the organisations 60th anniversary.

The history book, titled OPEC 60 years and beyond: A story of courage, cooperation and commitment, was prepared to commemorate the organisations 60th anniversary.

According to a statement by OPEC on Tuesday, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the sixth Iraq Energy Forum (IEF) is slated to hold in Baghdad, Iraq, from June 18, to June 20.

OPEC Secretary-General, Dr Mohammad Barkindo, will be in attendance, it said.

The statement said the focus of the publication was to bring to a wider readership OPECs history, its objectives and its achievements over its first six decades.

It said the Iraq Energy Forum, the countrys energy and economic flagship event, would provide platform for lively discussion and interactive exchange between a wide range of industry stakeholders.

In its sixth iteration, the forum will attract government officials, policy-makers, decision-makers, industry leaders, experts and analysts from Iraq and beyond.

The event will be held under the theme The Middle East as The Cornerstone of Global Energy Security.

It will cover a number of key issues related to energy, including global energy security, the energy transition, uncertainties related to economic recovery, investment, as well as sustainable development, it said.

It noted that the the Secretary-General would also receive the prestigious 2022 Iraq Energy Award from the Iraq Energy Institute for his years of dedication to the organisation, its Member Countries, the energy industry, and his support to Iraq and its people.

The statement quoted the Secretary-General as stating: We are extremely excited to return to Baghdad and to take part in the sixth IEF, which is taking place at a decisive moment in the history of the energy sector.

IEF 2022 promises thought-provoking discussions on some of the most important issues of our times, from global energy security to the Middle Easts key role in the energy transition.

Since I attended the first IEF in 2016, the forum has grown into a premier regional event that attracts luminaries from Iraqs energy industry, high-level policymakers and some of the foremost thinkers on energy, Barkindo said.

He said as the birthplace of OPEC in 1960 and one of the worlds most important oil providers, Iraq, the cradle of civilisation and the land of prophets, was especially well suited to host discussions on how to ensure a stable, secure and sustainable energy future for all.

Ali Allawi, Iraqs Deputy Prime Minister of Economic Affairs and Minister of Finance, is among the confirmed participants in the leading energy industry event.

OPEC Secretary-General participated in the Iraq Energy Forum in 2019. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=========
Edited by Donald Ugwu

Source: NAN News

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Mo Heat, Kano Pillars and Hot Coal Ballers Basketball Clubs have all qualified for the Elite Eight Round of the ongoing Mark D Ball Mens basketball championship in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all three teams won their two consecutive group games to maintain their winning run in the championship, with a game to spare.

Mo Heat currently top Group A with four points and a goal difference of 80, having out dunked Bayelsa Waves 100-30 in their first group A game before defeating Police Baton 87-77 in their second game.

They are closely followed by Delta Force which also have four points with a goal difference of 35 having beaten Police Baton 53-48 in their first group A game and thrashed Bayelsa Waves 76-45 in their second game.

Kano Pillars currently lead the pack in Group B with four points and a goal difference of 38.

They defeated Plateau Peaks 53-49 in their first game, before dishing out an 83-50 whitewash to the current NUGA games champions, Nile University Spartans in their second game.

They are closely followed by Gombe Bulls with four points and a goal difference of 42 and have also booked a berth in the last eight.

The Bulls thrashed Nile University 80-51 in their first group game and defeated Plateau Peaks 82-69 in their second game.

Hot Coal Ballers are the current pace setters in Group C with four points and a 74 goal difference, closely followed by Nigeria Customs with same number of points but 30 goal difference.

Hot Coal Ballers thrashed Apa Flames 80 50 in their first game, before thumping Novena Heartlanders 100-56 in the second game.

Group D is still looking dicey as all four teams namely: FCT Hardrockers, Kwara Falcons, Suleja Bulldogs and NSDC Defenders are still in with a chance of qualifying for the last eight, having played two games and recorded one win each with one defeat.

Only the top two teams from each group will qualify for the elite eight of the championship.

The final round of matches will be played on Tuesday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

NAN reports that on Monday, Gombe Bulls beat Plateau Peaks 82-69, Apa Flames 64- 49 Novena Heartlanders, Suleja Bulldogs 81- 65 NSCDC Defenders.

Other results are Delta Force 76-45 Bayelsa Waves, Mo Heat 87-77 Police Baton and Kwara Falcons 64- 55 FCT Hard Rockers. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)

=========
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Georgina Adegbie

Marylove Edwards, Mary TenuMicheal, Oyinlomo Quadri, Stella Udokwelu and Racheal Adunoye were among players who on Monday advanced to the second round of the ongoing DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they progressed after first round games in the ongoing competition at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Edwards defeated Loveth Ogah 6-1 6-1, while TenuMicheal beat Blessing Anoma 6-2 6-1.

Quadri on her part beat Destiny Okhinaye 6-1 6-4, while Udokwelu beat Esther Olamide 6-1 3-6 6-4 and Adunoye beat Maryam Salami 6-1 6-2.

Quadri, a former national number one, later told NAN that the game was like a training session for her ahead of playing in the competitions final match.

The game was like a warm-up for me. I have come to win this second edition of the championship.

It is in the quarter-finals to the final rounds that I expect to put in my full strength in my game. Todays (Mondays) match was an easy game for me she said.

NAN reports that DavNotch Nigeria Limited is sponsoring the competition, which is being organised by the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF).

The main draw of the championship started on Monday in the female category with the round of 32 matches.

A total of 64 players will feature in the main draw of the championships male category.

The championship which started on Thursday is expected to end on Saturday. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=========
Edited by Olawale Alabi

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Antswen

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it had obtained a court order to forfeit all abandoned vehicles and motorcycles within its premises in Benue.

This is contained in a press statement on Tuesday signed by the Command Public Enlightenment Officer, DCC Suleman Mohammed for the Sector Commander and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi.

The FRSC stated that it relied on the provisions of its Establishment Act 2007 to obtained the interim order to forfeit all the abandoned accidental vehicles and motorcycles under their care in the state.

The statement noted that people should claim their cars or motorcycles or forfeit them.

Interested owners of all the abandoned accidental and impounded motorcycles should visit the various formations of the Federal Road Safety Corps where his/her accidental and impounded motorcycle is kept for identification, documentation and reclaiming.

Attend the Federal High Court to show cause why his accidental or impounded motorcycles or vehicle should not be forfeited permanently to the Federal Government through the Federal Road Safety Corps, it stated. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Benson Iziama

Source: NAN News

By Ruona Isikeh

The Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), has graduated over 15,000 students in different disciplines since its inception in 1999.

The Chancellor of the university, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, said this on Tuesday during the 23rd Founders Day Celebration of the university held at Okada, near Benin.

He said that most of graduates had distinguished themselves in their various endeavours in Nigeria and abroad.

Represented by the Deputy Chancellor of the university, Dr Lucky Igbinedion, he said that the critical role of education in the growth and development of any nation cannot be overemphasized.

In the immortal words of the revered international icon, Nelson Mandela, education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Providing the right kind of education in quality without interruption is even more imperative, he said.

Igbinedion described this as the primary motivation for the establishment of university.

Though over 100 private universities have followed in our trail since 1999, the realisation of our vision of private sector-intervention in the provision of tertiary education was protracted, painstaking, and challenging to the extreme.

It is therefore to the eternal glory of Almighty God that, 23 years after, the university has not only come of age but continues to lead the pace.

it has continued to champion higher education revolution through innovation, entrepreneurship and research.

I must register my debt of gratitude to our development partners and dependable alumni for their continuous support and solidarity over the years, he said.

He appreciated the universitys members of staff for their commitment to its growth and development.

Earlier, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of the university, said it remained in the vanguard of digital literacy, uniting people of different cultures through knowledge exchange.

We are celebrating not just 23 years of our existence, but we are indeed proclaiming our rich heritage in revolutionising the higher education landscape.

This we have done through the delivery of world class education in a highly conducive global environment, inspiring a culture of creativity and innovative experience, he said.

According to him, the university has introduced Skills Set and Master Classes in all academic programmes.

This, he said, was to further enhance the skills content of the curriculum and the university a truly entrepreneurial university.

He appreciated the National Universities Commission (NUC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for their support to the institution over the years.

They have individually and collectively added value to our academic engagements, he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Hawa Lawal/Uche Anunne

Source: NAN News

By Nana Musa

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has urged the Federal Government to pay marketers their bridging claims to enable them to begin lifting petroleum products from the depots..

The IPMAN Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Yakubu Suleiman said this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

NAN reports that IPMAN claims the Federal Government owes its members N500 billion as bridging claims also known as transportation claims.

Suleiman also urged the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to convert the special allocation of products meant for cargo to IPMAN in order to quickly address the current shortage of fuel in the country.

We are calling on the Nigeria downstream and mainstream regulatory authorities to try and pay our marketers their bridging claims as from today.

This is important, so that as soon as we get the payment, we can give directives to marketers to start loading their trucks, so that they can start transporting petroleum products.

We are calling on the authorities and the NNPC to quickly allocate a certain cargo of AGO for IPMAN to distribute it to their members to enable them fuel their trucks for accelerated bridging loading.

There is no money to buy the product until the Federal Government pays our claims and assist in allocating a cargo of AGO to us to hasten loading from various loading deports, Suleiman said.

Reacting to the claims by IPMAN, an official of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) who spoke under condition of anonymity said the Federal Government had been paying the marketers, though in batches.

According to the official, IPMAN is one of our key stakeholders and we have a committee looking into issues bothering the association.

NAN also recalls that IPMAN had in a news conference urged Nigerians to prepare for the worse fuel crisis unless the Federal Government prevails on NMDPRA to pay its members their outstanding bridging claims amounting to N500 billion.

Most filling stations in Abuja were shut down at the weekend following scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, thereby, resulting to long queues.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), however, attributed the sudden appearance of fuel queues in parts of Abuja to low load-outs at depots.

A statement by Garba Muhammad, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Department, NNPC had on Monday, said this usually happened during long public holidays (Sallah celebrations).

Muhammad said another contributing factor to the sudden appearances of queues was the increased fuel purchases which were also common with returning residents of the FCT from the public holidays.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Aderogba George

The Executive Director, FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Dr Mohammed Dan-Hassan, has said that clean and safe toilets will ensure human dignity for millions of Nigerians.

The director stated this on Tuesday at the ground-breaking ceremony for mass construction of public toilets across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aimed at ending Open Defecation (ODF) in the city.

He described ODF as a matter currently receiving not just national, but global attention, adding that the FCT administration through RUWASSA was determined to end the menace and promote proper hygiene.

According to him, 2.4 billion people lack access to improved sanitation facilities globally with about 1 billion people who practise ODF around the world.

The director also disclosed that 39.4 per cent of the FCT population is involved in ODF practices, with a promise to change the narrative.

He stated that access to adequate sanitation and the practice of ODF were global issues that go into the heart of his agencys development objectives.

Dan-Hassan listed some of the issues which are caused by ODF spread of disease, threaten the security of women and girls, as well as contribute to malnutrition figure.

Another one, according to him is diarrhea caused by unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene affecting the lives of children each day.

According to him, improving access to sanitation and ending the practice of ODF can translate to fewer hospital visits, child death and missed school days.

Dan-Hassan stated that every one U.S. dollar spent on sanitation could give a return in investment between 9 U.S. dollars and 40 U.S. dollars, adding that Nigeria loses N455 billion annually due to poor sanitation.

Mr Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of Organised Private Sector in Water Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), in his goodwill message thanked the FCT Administration for inaugurating the project saying that it was a welcomed development.

According to him, efficiency is key to achieving the momentous goal in ending ODF by the target year of 2025, and that the was a move in the right direction.

Igwe called on the 36 states to emulate the idea by locating public toilets in their various states to complement the Federal Governments efforts in ending ODF and to have a cleaner and healthier Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Ramatu Tijjani-Aliyu, has directed RUWASSA to accelerate action on ending ODF and to put in place other sanitation and hygienic measures in the FCT.

The minister also disclosed that the public toilets would be manage by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) to ensure proper maintenance. (NAN) ()

Source: NAN News

By Femi Ogunshola

The House of Representatives on Monday mandated the NNPC and the CBN to nip the planned strike by airline operators in the bud.

It enjoined the two government agencies to provide the required assistance and declared that airline operators should name fuel marketer of their choice to supply them aviation fuel over the next three months.

The House enjoined marketers to begin the process of application for licences to import aviation fuel without intervention by middlemen.

It ruled that the six million litres of aviation fuel available should be sold at N480 per litre to the operators.

Speaker of the House, Rep Femi Gbajabiamila, had earlier lamented that certain resolutions of the House in the past had not been implemented leading to the impasse being witnessed in the aviation sector.

He added that although the strike had been called off, the nation did not need to wait for threats of strikes to nip them in the bud.

Gbajabiamila lamented that since the last meeting between the airline operators and the House, there had not been an effective communication as to the resolution of the issue.

In his reaction, Mr Allen Onyeama, Chairman, Air Peace,who represented the airline operators, said the sale of aviation fuel at N500 per litre was still on the high side.

He added that aviation fuel cost should not take more than 40 per cent of airline operators total operating cost.

Alhaji Abdulmunaf Sarina, Chairman, Airline Operators Association of Nigeria who is also the Chairman, Azman Airline,noted that 75 per cent of aviation fuel was imported by the NNPC through Duke Oil.

He added that as a palliative, the NNPC should supply the 25,000 tonnes of aviation fuel promised to the operators which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He observed that earlier resolution on aviation fuel price reached with the operators was not implemented.

Group Managing Director of NNPC Ltd., Mr Mele Kyari, however, countered that the agreed price of aviation fuel was not implementedbecause of price volatility.

Kyari added that going by market forces, the price of aviation fuel could be as high as N700 per lire, adding that the way out was for government to subsidise the price.

He noted also that accessibility to Foreign Exchange was another constraint face by airline operators.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele on his part said oil theft in the Niger Delta was exacerbating the unavailability of Foreign Exchange.

He said that the CBN had no Foreign Exchange to aviation operators and that since the landing cost of aviation fuel was N460 per litre, the price would come to N550 per litre at the pump.

Emefiele said that the CBN would not grant any concession because it would amount to giving subsidy to aviation operators.

He said that there was need to look at the pricing structure that the operators were talking about, adding that the situation was getting attention from the Presidency.

I compelled some fuel marketers to take the loss and to sell aviation fuel at N480 per litre after getting a call from the Chief of Staff to the President that the operators were planning a strike and I promised to intervene, Emefiele said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

============
Edited by Hawa Lawal/Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has charged his political appointees to remain focused and not to allow the heightened political activities in the country to distract them.

Okowa gave the charge while swearing-in two appointees on Monday in Asaba.

He said that their focus should be to pursue the finishing strong agenda of his administration.

The appointees are: Mr Nicholas Ojei as a Special Adviser and Mr Azaka Ossai as a member of the Governing Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

He congratulated the appointees on their appointment and reminded them of the need to make meaningful input in their various positions.

I want to congratulate you for this appointment and it is my prayer that you put in your best as we run through the next few months to the end of this administration.

There is no doubt that at this point in time, there is a whole lot that would want to distract us, but I want to urge you to do all that you can to be able to offer the dividends of democracy to our people in these few months, he said.

The governor said that there must be a connection between political appointees and the people at the grassroots.

He added that his administration would continue to inaugurate projects and advance human capital development.

Okowa advocated the collective inputs of all in achieving government targets, and commended the people for their overwhelming support to his administration which had culminated in the successes recorded in the last seven years of the administration.

We have just about 12 months until the end of this administration. As I promised our people, we want to remain focused as a government and work for the people of Delta State to the very last day of this administration.

So, even when there are distractions, I want to urge that you stay focused to what is expected of your offices, in order to ensure that you make your impacts even with this very short time that you have.

I have great confidence that you will do just that. Once again, congratulations, the governor said.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Ossai expressed appreciation to the governor for finding them worthy to serve the state.

He promised that they would contribute their quota towards the Stronger Delta vision. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

==========
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News