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The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), has debunked claims that the recently revitalized Port Harcourt Refinery is not working.
The NNPCL, in a statement on Friday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said the claims that the refinery is not working are all false.
He called out an individual identified as Timothy Mgbere for displaying crass ignorance on the operations of the refinery and feeding unsuspecting members of the public with lies.
The NNPC spokesperson added that the claims by Mgbere would have been ignored altogether, but the need to set the records straight and avoid misleading members of the public necessitated a response.
Soneye submitted that the claims by the ‘self-acclaimed community person’ were not only false, but borne out of sheer mischief and blatant display of ignorance.
The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), has been drawn to a video clip of one Timothy Mgbere, a self-acclaimed ‘community person’ who alleged that the much-publicized streaming of the Port Harcourt and truck out of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) which held earlier in the week were all false.
“We would have not bothered to reply him considering that all his assertions were a crass display of ignorance, which is consistent with his claim of being a ‘community person’ who does not necessarily have any knowledge about the workings of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
“But the need to set the records straight and not mislead the public has constrained us to clarify.”
Below is the full statement.
A Nigerian national alongside eight others has been accused of running a multi-state money laundering organization that handled $20 million from internet fraud.
The US Department of Justice announced this in a statement on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
“An indictment was unsealed yesterday in Nashville, Tennessee, charging nine members of a multi-state money laundering organization responsible for laundering millions of dollars derived from internet fraud, including business email compromise schemes,” the statement read.
The nine defendants were arrested in a takedown coordinated across three jurisdictions.
According to court documents, Samson A. Omoniyi, 43 of Houston; Misha L. Cooper, 50 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Robert A. Cooper, 66 of Murfreesboro; Carlesha L. Perry, 36 of Houston; Whitney D. Bardley, 30 of Florissant, Missouri; Lauren O. Guidry, 32 of Houston; Caira Y. Osby, 44 of Houston; Dazai S. Harris, 34 of Murfreesboro; and Edward D. Peebles, 35, of Murfreesboro, were charged with conspiracy to engage in money laundering.
As alleged in the indictment, the defendants were members of a long-running money laundering organization operating since approximately November 2016 in and around Tennessee, Texas, and across the country.
The conspirators allegedly structured the organization so that recruiters or “herders” recruited and directed participants or “money mules” to launder money obtained from internet frauds that targeted businesses and individuals in the United States and abroad.
The defendants allegedly used sham and front companies to conceal the fraud proceeds and enrich the members of the conspiracy. The conspiracy is alleged to have agreed to launder more than $20 million in fraud proceeds.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee; and Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Nashville Field Office and Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency are investigating the case. FBI’s Forensic Accountant Support Team provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Trial Attorneys Kenneth Kaplan and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Carran Daughtrey for the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced that petrol from the Port Harcourt refinery will be sold at ₦1,030 per litre, confirming that the refinery is operational as declared by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
In a statement released on Thursday night, PETROAN spokesman, Joseph Obele noted that the NNPCL informed the association that the price for a litre of premium motor spirit at the refurbished refinery is N1,030.
Obele stated, “NNPC Retail Ltd has officially announced the PMS price at the Port Harcourt refinery as N1,030 per litre.
“It was also communicated to PETROAN that the product request portal was open for booking/request.”
He added that PETROAN’s strategic pricing team is currently analyzing the most favorable pricing for its members, saying, “we are open to patronizing all the refineries in Nigeria.”
The association also urged NNPCL to consider further price reductions to ensure a joyful Yuletide celebration for Nigerians.
This announcement follows weeks of speculation regarding the petrol price from the refinery.
Recall that the Port Harcourt Refinery commenced operations and truckout of petroleum products on Tuesday.
French President, Emmanuel Macron has sparked conversations online after welcoming Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to France in a tweet written in Pidgin English.
In the tweet posted on Thursday evening, Macron described Tinubu’s state visit as a “big honour for France,” emphasising the strong partnership and friendship between the two nations.
“Na big honour for France, dear President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT, to welcome you for dis state visit as one big partner and friend of today and tomorrow,” the French president wrote.
The French leader, who interned at the French Embassy in Nigeria earlier in his career, also reflected on his connection to Nigeria, saying, “E still dey sweet me well well as I remember say I be young intern for French Embassy for Nigeria that time.”
Macron’s use of Pidgin — a widely spoken language in Nigeria — has drawn praise from Nigerians online, with many commending him for his effort to connect culturally.
The post, which included a photo of the two presidents shaking hands in front of their countries’ flags, quickly went viral, garnering thousands of interactions.
“Macron dey write for Pidgin. It is high time we make Pidgin our official language,” wrote Twitter user Daviid.O.
Others lauded Macron’s approach.
“Wow. This is absolutely incredible! Nice one, Macron!” tweeted Talba na Kashim.
Muhammadu Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, stated on Thursday that Nigerians should not expect his ministry to provide jobs, as this is not part of its mandate.
He made this statement during the annual conference of the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Abuja.
Dingyadi acknowledged the country’s large youth population and the importance of ensuring their engagement in productive activities. However, he stressed that the ministry’s primary role is to create an enabling environment for job opportunities rather than directly providing employment.
“You will agree with me that the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment is not to offer jobs directly. Instead, it focuses on fostering job creation, promoting inclusive investment, and enhancing productivity for improved service delivery as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Dingyadi explained.
He further shared an anecdote: “The former minister of youths and sports once requested that I provide jobs, and I had to clarify that we only create the environment for employment opportunities; we do not provide jobs ourselves.”
Dingyadi highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to economic recovery and transformation, citing initiatives such as negotiating a new Minimum Wage for workers and strategic investments in human capital, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.
John Adetola, a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), revealed before the Lagos Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Thursday, November 28, how he delivered $400,000 to the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
Adetola, who served as an executive assistant to the ex-CBN governor, testified before Justice Rahman Oshodi, shedding light on the transaction.
Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, are currently on trial, facing 26 charges related to alleged abuse of office and financial fraud involving $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.
During his testimony as the seventh prosecution witness, Adetola, led by EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), disclosed that he was summoned from his new posting in Ekiti State.
He recounted: “In 2018, I can’t remember the date, Mr. Eric Odoh sent me a message on WhatsApp that I should go and collect the sum of $400,000 from John Ayoh and give it to the former CBN Governor when he came to Lagos.
“I went to the house of John Ayoh at Lekki in Lagos. He gave me an envelope and I came back to the office, and I gave it to the former CBN Governor.”
Adetola elaborated on his role as Emefiele’s executive assistant, detailing his responsibilities, including managing office correspondence, attending to visitors, and handling assignments from his boss.
He explained that he joined the CBN in June 2014 after starting his career with Veritas Registrars (formerly Zenith Registrars) in 2007. Adetola also mentioned that he had known Emefiele as the Managing Director of Zenith Bank before transitioning to the CBN.
Regarding his communication with Emefiele, Adetola stated, “I communicate with the former CBN Governor through telephone, office line, email, and verbal communication.”
When asked to identify some of Emefiele’s family members, he said, “I know Mr. George, I know Mr. Okanta. They are Mr. Emefiele’s brothers. I know his wife, Mrs. Margaret Emefiele. I know the second defendant, Henry Omoile.”
Adetola also described his encounter with the EFCC, stating, “In February 2023, I received an invitation from the EFCC to come to their office. They interviewed me. I travelled to the EFCC office in Lagos and made voluntary statements.”
When questioned about his interactions with John Ayoh during his tenure at the CBN, Adetola confirmed, “Yes, we work together; John Ayoh was the former Director of the ICT.”
He further noted that his phone had been examined by the EFCC, and he was questioned about certain office documents printed from it.
“In 2018, I can’t remember the date, Mr. Eric sent me a message on WhatsApp that I should go collect $400,000 from John Ayoh and give it to the former CBN Governor when he comes to Lagos.
“I went to the house of John Ayoh at Lekki in Lagos State; he gave me an envelope, and I came back to the office; I gave it to the former CBN Governor,” Adetola reiterated.
The prosecution attempted to tender documents as exhibits, but the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN) and Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), opposed the move.
However, Justice Oshodi dismissed their objection and admitted the documents, which included “a combination of official communication between the witness and Emefiele via WhatsApp, between the witness and John Ogah and Eric Odoh,” as evidence.
The court adjourned the case for further hearing.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed optimism that Rivers State people, especially civil servants, will look back someday and realize how much difference his administration made in their lives.
Fubara stated this while reaffirming his government’s dedication to meeting its responsibilities to the citizens, safeguarding the state against those who aim to undermine governance, and promoting peace and stability within the region.
Naija News reports that these statements were made by Governor Fubara on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the Emblem Appeal Fund, in anticipation of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day scheduled for January 15, 2025.
Fubara, who noted that his government is characterized by its focus on people-centric policies and initiatives, underscored significant advancements, including the recruitment of 2,000 professionals in the healthcare sector and the authorization of 1,000 new positions for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) and Post-Primary Schools Boards.
He also noted that the previously intended 10,000 civil service appointments have been put on hold to prioritize more strategic hiring for specialized roles.
“We have employed over 2,000 medical doctors, and we have also approved 1,000 teaching positions for UBE and Post-Primary Schools. We are focusing on professional cadre employment for the state’s growth,” Fubara stated.
The governor also discussed the state’s scholarship programs, highlighting that although the state government has not yet established its scholarship board, students at PAMO University of Medical Sciences and Wigwe University have already received scholarships.
“Rivers State Government has not yet started its scholarship program, but we have offered scholarships at PAMO and Wigwe Universities. When our internal scholarship board is activated, we will expand the opportunities for students,” the Rivers State Governor noted.
Governor Fubara further emphasized the government’s success in improving the welfare of civil servants in the state. He pointed to the increase in salaries, with civil servants now earning between N120,000 and N140,000, a significant improvement from the previous N70,000.
“The greatest joy for any government is to ensure the happiness of its people. Today, our civil servants are jubilating because their salaries have improved. They will remember this and recognize that this government made a difference in their lives,” he said.
On the Emblem Appeal Fund, Fubara reflected on the importance of honouring war veterans and their families, sharing a personal story about his late father, a military officer.
“This event is close to my heart because I am a dependent of a fallen hero. Every January, my mother would return from this event smiling, proud of the contribution my father made. We must support the survivors and families of our fallen heroes, as no amount of money can fully compensate for their sacrifice,” the Governor said.
He urged all to contribute to the cause, recognizing the sacrifices made by the nation’s military in protecting its sovereignty and unity.
The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has lamented that Nigerians no longer have confidence in the country’s lawmakers.
Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume argued that the parliament has deviated from the people’s expectations.
The former Senate Chief Whip called for the protection of the legislature.
He said, “It is not about these reforms but I am concerned, that institution is supposed to be protected.
“Out of 109 of us, only 25 of us made it back to the Senate. It means we have lost the confidence of the people. Out of those that didn’t come back, almost all wanted to come back except for few that wanted to be governors.
“Instead of sticking to what is true and right, if you deviate for whatever reason will be tantamount to the confidence given to you by the people.”
Speaking on the uproar in the senate regarding the tax reform bills, Ndume described it as an ambush.
Naija News reports that there was a disturbance in the Senate on Wednesday after Ndume protested the entry of Zacch Adedeji, chair of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), into the red chamber.
Adedeji’s briefing was not outlined in the order paper of the upper legislative chamber, and that prompted Opeyemi Bamidele, majority leader, to move a motion for the suspension of the senate rules.
In response, while citing the rules of the senate, Ndume said visitors were not allowed into the red chamber to speak if the item was not listed on the order paper.
When asked if it was listed on the day’s proceedings during the interview, he said: “That is why I raised the matter. If not, why not?”
“Zacch and Taiwo Oyedele, brilliant guys, I respect them for their intellect but not the way they are doing this thing,” he added.
The Nigerian Army has warned against the use of social media to fuel insecurity in the country.
The commander of the Nigeria Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General A.A. Ayanuga, gave the warning in Lokoja during the 38th edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar themed “Cultivating a Culture of Security Awareness Through Social Media.”
According to him, the reckless sharing of harmful messages, videos and voice notes through social media is jeopardising Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence.
"Social media has evolved into a powerful tool that profoundly influences the security landscape of societies worldwide. As we navigate the vast expanse of social media, we must recognise the transformative power.
“Social media has democratised information, connected us across borders, and provided unparalleled opportunities for self-expression. However, this freedom comes with immense responsibility and challenges such as misinformation and disinformation, cyberbullying, online harassment, hate speech and divisive rhetoric, impersonation and identity theft, with their effects on national security.
“It is critical to understand that misuse of social media to propagate damaging narratives has severe consequences for national security,” he said.
The Chief of Civil Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, Major General N.C. Ugbo, who was represented by B.S. Keji, maintained that social media is a critical aspect of asymmetric warfare being fought in contemporary times.
He said: “The Nigerian Army recognises the importance of social media in shaping public perception and influencing national security. It presents an invaluable opportunity for those who recognise the transformative capabilities of social media to connect and collaborate.
"That is why we are here to explore ways to harness social media’s potential, counter misinformation, and promote national unity. As we delve into the world of social media, let us remember that our actions online have far-reaching consequences for national security. Therefore, we must use social media responsibly, preserving truth, respect, and national interest.”
In his address, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, who was represented by the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara, argued that, as much as social media has the potential to be a force for good, its misuse cannot be ignored.
Continuing, he said: “We must acknowledge the ever-growing role social media plays in shaping perceptions, guiding public discourse, and driving action on important issues like national security.
"The same platforms that enable the rapid spread of life-saving information can also be harnessed to propagate falsehoods, fuel divisions, and escalate tensions. This, as we all know, can have dire consequences for the stability of our communities and our nation as a whole.
"Security awareness is a collective responsibility, one that requires constant engagement, education, and collaboration across all sectors of society. We must understand that social media is not just a space for personal interactions but a global stage for conversations that influence real-world outcomes.
” This makes it imperative for us to cultivate a culture of security awareness that equips our citizens, especially the youth, with the right knowledge to distinguish between fact and fiction, to recognise credible sources, and to understand their role in maintaining peace and security within their communities.”
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Ndume said he taught in the polytechnic for 20 years before joining politics.
He spoke on Channels TV’s Politics Today while faulting those against his stance on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills.
Ndume said people see him as ignorant because he wears Agbada.
The lawmaker said despite schooling in Nigeria and the United States, while two of his daughters are married to Yoruba men, some people still consider him ignorant.
He said: “I’m 65 years old. I schooled in Nigeria and in America. Because I’m wearing Agbada and because I’m from Borno State, some people call me ignorant. I taught in polytechnics for 20 years before I joined politics. I married two of my daughters to Yoruba men.”
On Thursday, there was an uproar and a shouting match on the floor of the Senate over the tax reform bills.
Ndume had kicked against the bills, identifying timing as one of the elements drawing antagonism to the proposed bills.
He said introducing such a bill at the moment was bad timing, noting the current perception of the present administration by the populace.
Port Harcourt Refinery: Oil business not selling cement, sugar – Fani-Kayode tackles Dangote
AFOLABI
The former Nigerian Minister of Tourism, Femi Fani-Kayode, has tackled critics of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited upon the recent revival of Port Harcourt Refinery.
This comes as he alleged that some elements within the private sector in the oil and gas industry want to undermine and understate the revitalisation of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
Fani-Kayode made this known in a statement on his official X handle on Thursday, noting that the oil business is not the same thing as selling sugar, spaghetti, and cement, tackling Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Refinery.
His comments come amid claims against the viability of Port Harcourt Refinery after NNPCL announced that the plant has begun trucking out petroleum products on Tuesday.
Recall that Timothy Mgbere, Secretary of the Alesa community stakeholders, in an interview on Arise Television on Thursday alleged that Port Harcourt Refinery trucked out old stock, not freshly refined petroleum products.
However, Fani-Kayode fingered some elements in the private sector of the industry as responsible for the campaign of calumny to discredit the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the commencement of Port Harcourt Refinery after years of being in comatose.
He stressed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is a great victory for Nigeria.
According to him, what Nigerians need is for NNPCL refineries to flourish, and the same for Dangote Refinery and others.
He said, “The resurrection of the PH refinery is one of the most encouraging things that has happened in the petroleum sector for many years, and the credit for this must go to the President and the GMD of NNPC.
“It is a pity that some elements in the private sector who are new in the field are doing all they can to undermine and understate this great victory for Nigeria.
“The oil business is not the same as selling sugar, spaghetti, cement, or rice, and no matter how hard you try, you cannot muscle your way and create a monopoly on the sale of refined products as you did for other commodities over the years.”.
He added: “NNPC will go from strength to strength, and once its other refineries are working as well, Nigerians will have cause to smile again. Let the new kid on the block flourish, but let the NNPC refineries flourish too. That should be our goal and not a squalid attempt to discredit NNPC and its leadership.
“Every optimistic and true lover of Nigeria’s progress and President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda must be proud of the GMD Mele Kyari. His tenacity, bravery, ingenuity, and forthrightness have been rewarded with this great feat. Surely this is hope renewed for Nigerians.”.
DAILY POST recalls that on Tuesday the NNPCL announced the commencement of petroleum product production at the Port Harcourt Refinery.
President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and attracting investment in critical economic sectors.
This high-profile visit comes as 2024 half-year foreign trade data highlights France as Nigeria’s sixth-largest trading partner, with total trade volumes at N4.4 trillion.
Notably, exports to France stood at N3.4 trillion, making it Nigeria’s largest single-country export destination and second only to Africa as a region.
In a high-profile meeting at the historic Palais des L’Elysée, President Tinubu and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, explored avenues to strengthen their economic and diplomatic ties.
Tinubu outlined an ambitious agenda focusing on key areas of collaboration, aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s untapped potential and fostering mutual prosperity.
Nairametrics research highlights the ten key areas of economic partnership President Tinubu sought to strengthen during his visit to France, aimed at fostering mutual growth and unlocking Nigeria’s vast economic potential.
1. Agricultural Development and Food Security
President Tinubu called for French investment to bolster Nigeria’s agricultural productivity, emphasizing food security as a top priority. He noted:
“The French-Nigeria Business Forum is doing a lot already, but we need to do more on food security. We cannot help but invest in another’s country. It is our responsibility to put together a food security program for the private sector to come and invest in the country.”
Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s flourishing financial sector as a catalyst for foreign investments in agriculture. He assured:
“Nigeria’s financial sector is evolving and flourishing. We are also creating grounds for investment in Nigeria’s economy for French nationals, especially in the area of food security.”
Nigeria’s financial services sector recorded a GDP growth rate of 30.83% in the third quarter of 2024 boosting overall GDP growth rate to 3.46%
2. Solid Minerals Exploration
The President invited French investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s underdeveloped solid minerals sector. He emphasized de-risking the sector for easier investment:
“We should de-risk the opportunities in the solid minerals. We have the potentials and we have agreed on a deeper and deeper relationship.”
An agreement was signed during the visit, signaling increased French commitment to the sector.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s mining sector is set to become a key driver of economic diversification and growth.
- The administration aims to modernize the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act to attract global investors, ensure environmental sustainability, and improve community welfare.
- Key initiatives include developing infrastructure to support mining operations, combating illegal mining through a dedicated Mining Marshal Corps, and fostering human capital development through training and research programs.
- To boost foreign investment, incentives like tax waivers and security reforms have been introduced, alongside efforts to mandate local mineral processing and revoke dormant licenses.
3. Youth Development and Training
Tinubu stressed the importance of equipping Nigeria’s youthful population with skills through French-backed training initiatives. He stated:
“I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business. We have a vibrant youth population that is educated and ready to be trained in various areas of entrepreneurship and development.”
Tinubu requested specific programs aimed at building the entrepreneurial capacities of Nigerian youths.
4. Energy Transition
The President urged French companies to collaborate with Nigeria in its drive toward cleaner energy solutions while maximizing existing resources.
- While not directly quoted in this sector, Tinubu’s broader remarks about foreign investments in critical areas aligned with Nigeria’s energy priorities.
- Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s energy transition plan aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 while ensuring economic growth and energy access.
- The strategy focuses on decarbonizing key sectors: power, cooking, oil and gas, transport, and industry.
- Initiatives include increasing renewable energy contributions, promoting clean cooking technologies, and adopting natural gas as a transitional fuel.
The government is also investing in infrastructure, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) stations, to provide affordable alternatives to petrol and reduce transportation costs. International partnerships, like the agreement with Germany on wind energy development, support these efforts.
5. Blue Economy and Fisheries
Tinubu highlighted the opportunities in Nigeria’s untapped blue economy, particularly in fisheries, citing Lagos as an example of effective resource management:
“In Lagos, we have tamed the Atlantic Ocean. For us, fishery is an important aspect of investment.”
He encouraged French investors to explore these prospects, assuring:
“We want to assure the French investment community that Nigeria is open for business. It shall be easy in, and easy out.”
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is prioritizing the development of its blue economy to stimulate economic growth and sustainability.
- The administration is focusing on enhancing maritime security through initiatives like the Deep Blue Project, which has significantly reduced piracy in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
- Collaborations with regional partners aim to address maritime insecurity comprehensively.
6. Security Cooperation
Acknowledging global security challenges, Tinubu called for collaborative measures to combat terrorism and reduce migration pressures. He stated:
“Nigeria is a partner in progress. We are ready to partner with France so that we can have security operations that will stop the challenge of migration.”
7. Education and Child Welfare
Tinubu emphasized the importance of child education and welfare as a cornerstone for national development. He noted:
“A starved nation will not care about weather or environment, and in the 21st century, no child should go to bed hungry.”
Proposing solutions, he said:
“If an African child is given a glass of milk in a class, there will be no problem in getting him to return and stay in school to learn. The more educated the children are, the better it is for us.”
8. Defense and Technology
In discussions on defense, Tinubu sought advanced technology solutions to address security threats and enhance Nigeria’s defense capabilities. He emphasized the shared responsibility of governments to ensure regional stability.
9. Support for Creative Industries
President Macron praised Nigeria’s creative industries as a growth engine and pledged France’s support. Tinubu encouraged deeper collaboration in promoting Nigerian art, music, and film globally, as part of broader youth-focused initiatives.
10. Trade and Investment Ease
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to business and reassured potential French investors of a friendly operating environment:
“We are working on stability and we are getting closer and closer, but we can do better and better.”
He emphasized ongoing reforms to simplify trade and encourage foreign direct investment, stating:
“I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business.”
Macron’s Commitment to Strengthened Ties
President Emmanuel Macron described Tinubu’s visit as a landmark in bilateral relations, applauding his leadership and vision:
“You are the great leader of the great country in Africa. We appreciate your visionary leadership and energy in transforming the economy of your country.”
Macron pledged to expand cooperation, especially in solid minerals and youth development, emphasizing that global challenges require collaborative solutions:
“We have confidence that you, Mr. President, will reinforce our relationship with Nigeria, and it will cover the West Coast region, with ECOWAS playing the leading role.”
[Nairametrics]
The operational capacity of the recently rehabilitated Port Harcourt Refining Company faced significant scrutiny on Thursday.
Allegations surfaced that petroleum products loaded from the facility on Tuesday were not newly refined but were, instead, products stored in its tanks for over three years.
This situation has reignited skepticism surrounding the refinery, which has experienced repeated delays and missed deadlines, with seven failed attempts to resume operations.
Timothy Mgbere, Secretary of the Alesa community stakeholders, claimed during a Thursday interview that the refinery’s 60,000 barrels per day capacity is far from being fully operational, contradicting the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) assertions.
The Alesa community, located in Eleme, Rivers State, hosts the Port Harcourt refinery.
Mgbere alleged that only six trucks of petroleum products were loaded on Tuesday, despite NNPCL’s claim that 200 trucks would be dispatched daily.
He further highlighted that the ceremony marking the plant’s reopening was largely symbolic, stating that full operations had not commenced.
Industry experts have called on NNPCL to substantiate its claims by selling products directly to oil marketers. However, NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye declined to respond to inquiries on the matter.
The refinery resumed operations on Tuesday after years of inactivity. NNPCL stated that the revamped complex of the old refinery operates at 70% of its installed capacity, producing diesel, Pour Fuel Oil, and other petroleum products. According to NNPCL, the facility is expected to release 200 trucks of petrol daily into the Nigerian market.
However, Mgbere described the reopening event as a superficial showcase, adding that not all units of the old complex are functional. He insisted that what was presented to the public does not reflect the reality on the ground.
Mgbere further criticized the refinery’s automation claims, stating that inefficiencies remain evident.
He also accused the contractor of incompetence, pointing out that the project was heavily reliant on subcontractors, many of whom lacked the required equipment.
He said, “The Port Harcourt refinery, and by extension, the Port Harcourt depot, happens to be the mainstay of the Alesa community economy. The economic activities emanating from the operations of these depots mean a lot to us as a community people, but as it were, now, I don’t think it’s a cause for celebration yet because what we are having in the media space is different from what we have on the ground.
“I can tell you on authority as a community person, that what happened on Tuesday was just a mere show at the Port Harcourt depot. A mere show in the sense that the Port Harcourt refinery, we call it area five, that is the old refinery, is merely in skeletal operation. When I say skeletal, I mean that some units of the refinery were brought up and are running, but not the entire unit of the old refinery is functional, as we speak.
“I will give them the credit that at least they have started something, but not to say, according to the Head of Corporate Communication, Femi Soneye, like it is in the media that they are already producing 1.4m barrels per day. That’s not the case. That’s not true. I don’t want to use the word lie, but as an agency that is holding the oil industry in trust for Nigerians, they shouldn’t put out information that is not true.”
He argued that “the true picture of what happened on Tuesday is that the NNPC has been under pressure to televise to Nigerians that everything is okay and that the old refinery has started functioning.
“I can tell you that the MD or the CEO of the refinery, was in Port Harcourt since Monday; the other MDs were also in Port Harcourt. The MD of Port Harcourt refinery and those heading the operations department didn’t sleep through the night of Monday to Tuesday because of the whole event they had on Tuesday.
“What is the true picture? The Old Port Harcourt refinery is built with its utilities, different from the new complex. The tank farm that is servicing the Old Port Harcourt refinery has a different loading gantry at the depot.”
Continuing, he said, “The party they had on Tuesday was held at the new loading gantry that is directly connected to the new refinery. And so, how does that work? It is impossible. The feedstock storage facility for the old refinery had some stock, old stock that has been there for over three years.
“And so what they did was to release that stock, and then loaded six trucks and then televised it to Nigerians that it is the production from the old refinery. That’s not true. And so I like Nigerians to know the truth, but they don’t need to believe me, because Nigerians, no matter how you paint the true pictures to them, they get sentimental. They get tribalistic. They want to whip some sentiment and all that the product that was loaded. But let it be on record that it was only six trucks that they used to calibrate the new loading gantry. The product was not a new refined product from the old refinery.”
Energy experts echoed Mgbere’s concerns, urging NNPCL to disclose the source of its feedstock and the state of its distillation points.
Bala Zaka, an energy consultant, questioned why products were being stored rather than immediately released to the market, arguing that such practices increase costs unnecessarily.
He said in a telephone interview with The PUNCH, “Generally, when a company produces a product regardless of the type or time, whether it is biscuit or toilet rolls. The first thing you do immediately when products come out of production is to send them to the market. You send them out to customers.
“There is a concept in accounting called the Just In Time concept, when you apply this, there is no provision for a storage warehouse or depot. You would want to save the cost of storage. That simply means as the products are coming out of production, oil marketers are waiting to evacuate them, which is good for the facility and the industry because you won’t pay for storage.
“So when dealers are waiting for an organization to release their products and state their price and it is the organization that is holding back, then something questionable is there. There is something suspicious because ordinarily, you need to save costs of storage.
“Also, we have Nigerians who are practicing petroleum engineers and last week, we had our Annual General Meeting. I can tell you that there was no mention of the refinery at all. There is no way technicians or engineers who are sure it has been put into order or reached completion would not have hinted to us at the meeting that the refinery would soon come on stream. That is very strange. It is just like having a pregnant woman giving birth without anyone seeing the pregnancy. You can’t hide the progression.”
The petroleum engineer added, “Fitting a refinery, trying to test it, and supplying initial feedstock can’t go without being noticed by anyone. How many people saw tankers, rail lines, or pipelines delivering crude to the refinery? If it is from an oil well, which oil wells are within that axis? NNPCL should tell us where it got its feedstock and for how long will the crude oil supply continue. They should also reveal the agreement signed with the crude oil supplying company.”
Meanwhile, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) expressed cautious optimism.
IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, stated that independent marketers would wait until the end of the week before drawing conclusions about the refinery’s performance.
“Well, we are delighted that the refinery that had suffered multiple postponements has commenced. We are very happy about it. The mechanical and technical aspects of the refinery are what we don’t know.
“You can also notice that there is a kind of community problem based on the contract because the guy also contradicted himself talking about contracts and other things. So, these issues, we don’t want to dabble into.
“But we are ready to load petroleum products once NNPC reviews its price and is willing to sell to us. Now, they are only servicing their stations. So, our boys are ready. Our offices have been cleaned up. And we are waiting for product directives,” Ukadike said.
He added that IPMAN would wait till the end of Friday before making comments.
“We will comment on this issue if, by the end of Friday, loading does not continue consistently. We will have to comment on this issue then. But for now, I don’t think any independent marketer will have anything against the refinery and the opening of the rest of them.
“These allegations are too serious to be called a joke. I don’t want to preempt anything for now. I have to reserve my comment. But I also want to let you know that at the working stage of that refinery, we had a pathfinding visitation with the National President of IPMAN when the MD of the refinery conducted us around and showed the tremendous efforts they have put in and those things they have changed to make the refinery come on stream.
“So, I will not believe that all those things are a mirage. I pray that they are not a mirage because it will still take us back to the mono source of petroleum products, which is not healthy for deregulation,” he stated.
In response to the criticism, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) defended the refinery’s operations. PETROAN’s Publicity Secretary, Joseph Obele, asserted that the old Port Harcourt refinery is functional, producing refined petroleum products at 70% capacity. He encouraged doubters to verify these claims through a facility tour.
Obele emphasized that the facility currently refines 60,000 barrels per day, while the new refinery, with a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day, remains under rehabilitation. He also revealed that the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources recently visited the refinery and confirmed its operational status.
Separately, the Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) reported significant progress in PMS distribution from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, highlighting over 251 million liters of PMS loaded in the past 10 weeks. MEMAN Executive Secretary Clement Isong noted that vessel transportation has improved efficiency, making the Dangote Refinery a preferred supply source.
[NaijaNews]