NUPRC Transforming Nigeria's Oil and Gas - Report

By Dansu Peter 

A recent report by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network (RHAN) has highlighted the significant strides made by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in transforming the country's oil and gas sector. 

The report assesses the impact of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the efforts of NUPRC under the leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

The report notes that Komolafe's leadership has made significant strides in restoring the lost glory of Nigeria's oil and gas sector. 

In the report signed by its secretary general, Fabian  Opialu, the group said the commission has embraced digitalization, ensuring real-time monitoring of oil production and compliance, which has helped curb crude oil theft and improved accuracy in production reporting.

Furthermore, the report also said the NUPRC has strengthened engagement with host communities, ensuring benefits from oil production reach local populations, and has facilitated open dialogue and cooperation between government agencies, international investors, and host communities. 

Despite these achievements, challenges persist, including oil theft, regulatory bottlenecks, and security threats.

To overcome these challenges, the report recommends that the NUPRC continue to enhance transparency and digitalization, strengthening security measures by implementing cutting-edge surveillance technologies to address oil theft and pipeline damage. 

The report also urged the commission to maintain improved stakeholder engagement, ensuring continuous dialogue with host communities, international investors, and oil-producing firms.

“Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has undergone a dramatic transformation since the petroleum Industrial Act (PIA) was passed,” the report said. 

“It has contributed to the establishment of a well-organized regulatory environment with the goal of improving investment opportunities, efficiency, and transparency. 

“In addition to ensuring that regulatory oversight is reinforced to support sustainable growth in the upstream petroleum sector, the establishment of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been crucial in advancing these reforms.

“However, with Engineer Gbenga Komolafe strategic foresight in increasing operational efficiency in NUPRC, it can be conclusively said that,  better than before, an atmosphere that is favorable to investment and economic expansion now exist.

“Despite putting policies like security enhancement, digitization, stakeholder engagement, and revenue optimization in place, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, host community concerns, and oil theft, though now at minimal, still remain issues that require continuous attention and strategic interventions.

“We are convinced that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensuring it remains a vital contributor to national economic development.”

Pro-Tinubu Group Lauds NUPRC Leadership, Komolafe for Driving PIA Reforms

 By Akonasu Gbedozin 

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network (RHAN) has commended the exemplary leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and its Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

The group, consisting of loyalists of President Bola Tinubu, praised Komolafe's tireless efforts in driving reforms in the petroleum industry, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to RHAN's assessment report, the NUPRC has made significant strides in implementing the PIA, which has led to improved operational effectiveness, reduced misconduct, and increased revenue generation for the government.

The report highlighted the commission's efforts in streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing transparency, and promoting a more investment-friendly environment.

Speaking at a press conference, the national secretary of the group, Dr. Opialu Fabian specifically praised Engr. Komolafe's leadership style, which he says,has brought about a strong commitment to regulatory excellence, innovation, and transparency.

He noted that Komolafe's initiatives, such as technology-driven regulation, review of crude oil handling agreements, and commitment to local content development, have helped to curb oil theft, promote gas utilization, and attract investment in deepwater exploration.

RHAN also commended Komolafe's commitment to local content development, which has strengthened engagement with host communities.

According to Fabian, this has ensured that the benefits of oil production reach local populations, promoting socio-economic development and reducing conflicts.

Furthermore, the report acknowledged the challenges still facing the NUPRC, including oil theft, regulatory bottlenecks, and security threats.

However, RHAN expressed confidence that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria's oil and gas industry.

Fabian added: "Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has undergone a dramatic transformation since the petroleum Industrial Act (PIA) was passed. It has contributed to the establishment of a well-organized regulatory environment with the goal of improving investment opportunities, efficiency, and transparency.

"In addition to ensuring that regulatory oversight is reinforced to support sustainable growth in the upstream petroleum sector, the establishment of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been crucial in advancing these reforms.

"However, with Engineer Gbenga Komolafe strategic foresight in increasing operational efficiency in NUPRC, it can be conclusively said that,  better than before, an atmosphere that is favorable to investment and economic expansion now exist.

"Despite putting policies like security enhancement, digitization, stakeholder engagement, and revenue optimization in place, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, host community concerns, and oil theft, though now at minimal, still remain issues that require continuous attention and strategic interventions.

"We are convinced that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensuring it remains a vital contributor to national economic development."

"Lest We Forget 2024 Budget Padding, Ekiti Representatives At NASS And 2025 Appropriation Bill"

By Femi Awojobi 

The current political atmosphere in Nigersia was sometimes ago filled with so much noise but very few or no logical ideology in terms of human feelings from the so called Politicos.

Nigerian political system had recently turned to nothing but rather "a surface dressing construction site of a dysfunctional foundation with eminent catastrophic and monumental nearest future destruction"  The larger-than-life percetage of the current Nigerian Politicians  by their  nature, action and performance are Flukes, Loafers and Maladroitness who look innocent at a glance but devilish and heinous inside.

Ekiti State might have not be so lucky in terms of getting juicy leadership roles in the National Assembly under any President unlike the present President Bola Ahmed Tinubu going by the roll call at both the Green and Red Chambers.

Undoubtedly, Ekiti State for the first time in Nigerian checkered history produces the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB). Also, the State is proud to have produced the current Spokespersons for both the Green and Red Chambers at thesametime, Hon. Akin Rotimi and Sen. Yemi Adaramodu respectively.

Summarily, nearly all the Representatives from Ekiti State at the National Assembly are currently holding chairmanship positions including a returning member who had been relegated from a juicy chairmanship Position to a "just figurehead committee" without a single Agency. Though, it is never an aberration after all, committee headship is a privilege not a right.

The question now is that, will Ekiti People get the dividends of the current opportunities of being placed at strategic positions of the National Assembly ? Or will Ekiti People also continue to experience failure or abysmal performances from their Legislators like before especially from some of the last crop of Legislators from Ekiti State who were just full of themselves with propaganda or media staunch on facilitating fake Federal employments for Ekiti People or other mirage achievements without traceable of such on reality except unreasonable acquisition of properties at the detriment of the People?

Going by the last March, 2024 appointment letters as Senior Legislative Aides in some local government Areas of Ekiti State by the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, one would have commended the generosity of the Benefactor but the question is that, WHY IN MARCH?

Why? MOB as been fondly called in political circle have to wait for, nine good months as a Senate Leader before bringing his People in Ekiti State as SLAs when you are not a Governor or President who may need the clearance of the Legislators before such appointment, if he genuinely meant well to serve the People. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele had served as a member, House of Representatives for a single term of four years and the Lawyer turned Politician is serving a second term  as a member of the Red Chamber, hence the need to know better or act as such except his "alleged intention is to continue to deceive People to win them to his side whenever he needs them for political journey as a machinery".

I watched a Video clip of MOB speaking as a Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele after he was recognised by the  Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio as a Senate Leader on the floor of the Senate, trying to whip up sentiments on the Senate Presidency between the Northern and the Southern parts of Nigeria, leaving aside the sensitive subject matter of 2024 Budget Padding which is still casting great aspersion on the 10th Senate under his Leadership. So, who is fooling who? MOB.

MOB had tried as much as he could, to be smart enough as if nothing was wrong with the 2024 fiscal budget as passed by the Legislators but Nigerians especially the reasonable ones knew many things were wrong with the conduct of the Senate at handling the issue of the Appropriation Bill for the Country.

Though, One may not blame the former Commissioner for Information, youths and Sports in Lagos State for whipping up  sentiments and sway away the Public inorder to defend his immediate Boss at the Senate, Akpabio, because traditionally, in the legislative arm of government in Nigeria, "a fall of one, is a fall of all in thesame political Circle". But, as a Senate Leader and an Ekiti Man who cherished sincerity, hardwork and honest, MOB ought to have come out like the former Chief whip of the Senate, Sen. Alli Ndume who had On March 13, 2024  said presiding and principal officers received more in constituency project allocation because “some animals are more equal than others".

Also, Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta North, says he was able to attract N1 billion worth of projects for his constituents in 2024.

In his axiomatic reaction, Jarigbe Jarigbe, senator representing Cross River North, claimed that some “senior” senators got N500 million for projects.

Jarigbe made the claim when the senate deliberated on the allegation  by Abdul Ningi, Senator representing Bauchi Central, who had been recalled after serving a-3month-undeserved suspensin Sen. Ningi had claimed that the 2024 budget was padded by over  N3 trillion, thesame issue that MOB was trying to politicise in an attempt to cover up an already exposed "Maggot- breeding-rotten- element" of the current Senate.

In thesame budget that, MOB could not see anything wrong with has among other things a whopping sum of 212 billion Naira to erect about 1,150 Streetlights which mean, a unit will cost over 184 million Naira, (maybe the Streetlights are going to be Gold enshrined ones, Nigerians are yet to be informed) while 427 Boreholes are to gulp up 82.5Billion Naira which means a Unit of such "Millennium Boreholes" as passed by our Senators for themselves as parts of their Consistueny projects will cost the Country over 193million Naira with 47.5Billion Naira allocation for rehabilitation of 50 Schools without locations and among others.

Our current Legislators must remember that, the Senator represented Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2007- 2011, Senator Ayo Arise only served for one term and touched nearly all nooks and crannies of the five Local Government Areas in the District and crowned his Superlative Performance with a Federal University that all Ekiti People both at home and in the Diaspora are enjoying today.

As at today, no other Representatives from Ekiti State except the two youngest Lawmakers among them, Hon. Akinlayo Davidson Kolawole and Hon. Akin Rotimi who represent Ekiti North Federal Constituency II and Ekiti North Federal Constituency I respectively, could be seen to have lived above Board in the distribution of palliatives or empowerment packages and Consistueny Projects for the benefits of their Consistents apart from the fact that, some of them had been alleged to have diverted such gestures to other States or Countries on commercial purpose inorder to rake in more monies into their Bank accounts at the detriment of the People they represent. But time will tell.

"It is disheartening, barbaric and uncouth to have seen some marred Federal government packaged bags of Rice meant to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal delivered as far back as February 2024 or earlier in Ekiti State to have been kept till December 2024 for distribution as xmas gifts for the People of Ekiti State by our Politicians or Representatives even the State Government was also guilty of the ugly development".

In as much as we will continue to wish all Politicians especially MOB and other Legislators in Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole a successful tenure, it is however high time we demanded a better service delivery to alleviate the sufferings of the People from our Leader as 2025 Appropriation Bills are about to take off across the Country..

kingfemi13@gmail.com (08037643696).

Leadership Crisis: Lagos Assembly Absolves Remi Tinubu of Involvement, , Meets With APC Excos

By Dansu Peter 

The Lagos State House of Assembly has strongly denied any involvement of Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in the ongoing leadership crisis within the legislative body.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the House spokesperson, Olukayode Ogundipe, the lawmakers distanced the President's wife from speculation suggesting she was backing the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

"The Lagos State House of Assembly categorically dissociates all its members from this false and baseless claim. The report is purely a fabrication and has no basis in truth,” the statement read.

The lawmakers emphasized their deep respect for the First Lady, acknowledging her past role as First Lady of Lagos State and her current contributions to national development.

"It is, therefore, inconceivable that any member of the Assembly would accuse her of involvement in legislative matters or seek to tarnish her reputation. We firmly state that the First Lady has no role in any internal disagreements within the House. Any attempt to link her to these issues is entirely unfounded,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, some lawmakers on Tuesday met with the executives of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide updates on the situation in the Assembly.

The State Chairman of the APC, Cornelius Ojelabi, confirmed the meeting in a post on X, stating that the party’s State Working Committee received members of the Assembly to discuss recent developments.

Speaking further, the party's Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, described the meeting as a routine briefing.

"It was just a courtesy visit to brief the party about what’s happening at the House, nothing more than that. And whatever is going on in the House, our position remains that it has to be resolved by the House,” Oladejo stated in a telephone interview.

The Lagos Assembly’s firm stance on the issue aims to quell any misinformation and reaffirm its autonomy in handling internal matters.

47 Rifles, other Cache of Arms Discovered in Ex-Speaker Obasa's Office by DSS - Photos

By Our Reporter 

A significant cache of firearms has been reportedly discovered in the office of the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, following a security sweep conducted by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), multiple media reports have claimed 

According to Street Journal, the shocking find comes just a day after heightened tensions at the Assembly complex, with the presence of DSS operatives fueling speculation. According to insider sources, security personnel conducting routine checks stumbled upon a stockpile of weapons, including 47 pump-action rifles and live cartridges, carefully concealed within the ex-Speaker’s office.

Following the discovery, the security team promptly alerted the DSS, who swiftly intervened, documented the firearms, and secured them for further forensic analysis. Emerging images depict DSS operatives cataloging the weapons, sparking widespread speculation regarding their intended use, report by TheNigerian Voice detailed 

According to National Daily, assembly insiders suggest that the revelation casts new light on Obasa’s apparent desperation to retain his position, raising concerns over possible illicit activities linked to his tenure. A senior Assembly official disclosed that the former Speaker’s Chief Security Officer, Baruwa Idris Okeowo, a retired service officer, oversaw security operations in the office, further deepening the intrigue surrounding the cache.

The discovery has triggered speculation that Obasa may have been involved in arms trafficking, as no reasonable explanation has yet been provided for the presence of such a substantial arsenal in a political office.

“We now understand why he was so determined to reclaim his seat. There appears to be unfinished business that was disrupted by his removal,” an Assembly insider stated. Another source raised the question of whether Obasa had been preparing for a forceful return to power, with concerns mounting over the possibility of additional weapon stockpiles at his private residence.

Security operatives are now probing potential accomplices, as it is suspected that the former Speaker may not have acted alone. “The DSS must not only investigate the presence of these weapons but also uncover the network behind them,” a senior security source emphasized.

A lawmaker, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the investigation, expressed alarm over the implications of the discovery. “This is an unprecedented scandal for the Lagos State House of Assembly. The public must demand accountability, and we hope this case will not be buried by political interference.”

The lawmaker further suggested that the presidency is unlikely to support Obasa’s actions, stating, “We believe President Bola Tinubu does not endorse his excesses. This discovery underscores the scale of what we are dealing with.”

Although the DSS has yet to release an official statement, reports indicate that the seized firearms remain in custody, and a formal inquiry is underway. However, concerns persist that influential figures may attempt to obstruct the investigation.

“This is a valid concern,” a source close to the investigation admitted. “But we must acknowledge the professionalism of some security personnel who refuse to compromise their integrity. The truth will eventually come to light.”

AYF condemns malicious attack on NSA, Ribadu

By Jumoke Owoola 

The Arewa Youth Federation, AYF has strongly condemned the malicious and Vicious Media Attack against the person of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu

The AYF President, Kabir Matazu said the Unfounded, Mindless and Vicious Media Attack and Campaign of Calumny Against NSA, Nuhu Ribadu by Politicians is because they are not happy with the progress recorded in terms of tackling insecurity in Nigeria.

"By targeting Nuhu Ribadu, the failed Politicians aim to divert attention from the tremendous gain recorded in the fight against terrorism and banditry in order to create a bad narrative against the government of President Tinubu in the build up to 2027 election.

"Some unpatriotic elements are also investing in hybrid information warfare characterised by disinformation and outright falsehood against the person and character of the NSA whose integrity is legendary and second to none in the history of public officers in Nigeria.

"In this regard, the Arewa Youth Federation call on the NSA to remain focus and dedicated to achieving the President Tinubu agenda of fighting insecurity and ensuring stability in Nigeria. He should not give in to detractors and desperate political actors who seek to burn Nigeria in order to achieve their political objectives.

"The Nigerian people must remain vigilant and discerning and reject the divisive tactics of these unpatriotic politicians who are hellbent in undermining the country's progress" he said

15years After, CSO Seeks Probe Report, Prosecution of Asabe Waziri Over Death Of Pregnant Woman

By Dansu Peter 

A civil society organisation, Justice and Equality For All Movement has staged a peaceful protest to the Federal High Court, Abuja, to demand the release of a probe report and prosecution of Ms Asabe Waziri, over the death of a pregnant woman, Mrs Shitua Aso. 

The movement, led by Barrister Moses, Aham Akano, said the incident which took place in 2010 cannot be statue barred. 

He said it's a criminal matter amd the long arm of the law is always ready to catch up with anyone that runs foul of the law. 

We are here to call on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun to release an investigative report of the  murder allegedly committed by one Asabe Waziri in 2011.

"According to the letter of demand for the report written to the IGP,  we are asking the him to release its investigative report on the matter.  

"We have as long asked the court to order the IGP to release police report on the matter. 

"Apart from being in court, we also want to bring the attention of the public to this because for 15years, family of the late Shitua Aso, who was pregnant at the time of the! Incident needs justice.  

"We are in court to ensure the law takes its course and to get justice for the late pregnant woman, Shitua Aso.  We are in court to follow the legal way to mandate the police to release its investigative report which was carried out 15years ago. We are saying justice must be done because an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. 

"Asabe Waziri should not frustrate the process of the court with her application to join in the matter. What we need is justice for late Shitua Aso, who was pregnant at the time of her death. 

"Nigerias are crying, the world is crying amd all we want is justice. The case is not statue bar, we are crying for justice for the late pregnant woman".

In May 2024, Global Integrity Crusade Network, GICN, also wrote the IGP, asking for the report saying the investigation in the matter must not be swept under the carpet.

The petition, signed by the Publicity Secretary of GICN, Leticia Omeiza, stated that failure of the police to make public the report, GICN shall institute an action in court to compel the IGP to release the report.

According to GICN, the case should be re-open for the family of the victim to get justice.

Parts of the petition reads, “Research took us to the National Library of Nigeria where we uncovered a story tagged “Woman hit with car by opponent” on Page 57 of the Sunday Trust newspaper dated 30th May. 2010. Certified True Copy (CTC) of the newspaper is attached as APPENDIX 1.

According to the story, a woman named Mrs. Shitua Aso had accompanied her sister Mrs. Nonto Ogunyinka to the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja in a controversy involving Mrs. Ogunyinka and one Miss Asabe Waziri. It was reported that Police had settled the dispute between Mrs. Ogunyinka and Miss Asabe Waziri, whereupon both women left with the intention of going to their respective houses but exchanged unpleasant remarks along the stairway.

Binance Allegations Provide Evidence or Face Consequences- Agbese

By Dansu Peter 

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives and Honourable member representing Ado. Okpokwu and Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue State, Philip Agbese has told the finance executives to provide evidences of the 150 million dollars bribe he and two other lawmakers demanded from them or face the consequences.

Agbese in a statement he personally issued and signed in Abuja said he was outraged by the false allegations made by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of the controversial crypto firm Binance, claiming that he was among those who demanded a $150 million bribe from him. 

Agbese said the allegations are false.

"I  was not part of any meeting with any Binance executive regarding money for any purpose. The leadership of the Committee took the matter to court, and Binance has already apologized.

"Let it be on record that I am not a member of the Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes. I visited my colleague, Hon. Peter Ankpanke, in his office, where he was meeting with some visitors about an activity of his Committee, with Hon. Peter Anakwe, a member of the Committee present. We exchanged pleasantries and, in character with my person as an avid pursuer of knowledge, discussed Binance's activities that did not include any demand from anyone. 

"It was during this visit to the office of Hon. Peter Ankpanke, with Hon. Peter Anekwe present, that he told me they were interfacing with Binance Team from abroad over a referral to their Committee. What transpired between the two of them and the Binance executive after I left the office is left to them. I never saw those visitors again after that chance meeting and did not afterwards attend any meeting with Binance executives, the EFCC, or the DSS. 

"I am aware that when this issue was first raised, the Chairman of the Committee went to court and Binance apologised. So, all inquiries should be directed to the Committee, not to Hon. Philip Agbese. 

" I have never used any cryptocurrency as I do not have a crypto wallet anywhere in the world, so I could not have asked for funds to be credited to a non-existent wallet.

"Gambaryan and his associate, who escaped from prison, should return to the EFCC and defend themselves. Instead of trying to implicate me, they should focus on addressing the allegations against them.

As a consequence of the foregoing, I demand that Tigran Gambaryan publishes any evidence that links Hon. Philip Agbese to the issue. The man has spewed many other lies in his report about the government demanding information on opposition elements and other outrageous claims.  I further demand that, failing to provide evidence as stated, Tigran Gambaryan must cause a retraction of his malicious claims and publication and apologise to me within the next 7 days or face legal action from my lawyers.

"This is not the first allegation against me by a foreign entity. The first was that I work for the past government and the Armed Forces to promote Nigeria’s agenda, which shows the extent of desperation by entities that are interested in undermining public office holders they perceive as nationalistic" he said