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Inefficient Systems, Outdated Regulations Stifle Petroleum Sector Growth – Speaker Abbas

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….as lawmakers deliberate on Petroleum sector regulations
By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives has said the petroleum sector has always been impeded by inefficiencies and outdated regulatory frameworks.
Speaker Abbas stated this at a one-Day retreat on “Legislative Measures Towards the Realisation of the Mandate of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for members of the House Committees Gas Resources, Petroleum Resources (Downstream, Upstream and Midstream) on Monday in Abuja.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this critical workshop is aimed at enhancing lawmakers’ understanding of the petroleum sector and equipping them with the necessary legislative tools to support the NUPRC.
The workshop was designed to deepen the understanding of the NUPRC’s operations, the legal framework governing its activities, and the broader dynamics of the petroleum industry.
According to Abbas, this initiative is part of efforts to ensure effective oversight and accountability in the sector.
He said the petroleum sector has long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing substantially to the nation’s GDP and serves as the primary source of foreign exchange earnings.
Abbas stated that the National Assembly has played a critical role in driving these reforms, from legislative enactments to oversight, ensuring the sector’s sustainability and effectiveness, adding that there is a need for continued support for the NUPRC and other stakeholders in achieving the full benefits of these reforms for all Nigerians.
He said: Legislative oversight is a cornerstone of democracy and good governance, adding that  the Petroleum Industry Act underscores the importance of parliamentary scrutiny in ensuring accountability within the oil and gas sector.
“The petroleum sector has long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing substantially to our GDP and serving as the primary source of foreign exchange earnings. However, its potential has often been hindered by inefficiencies and outdated regulatory frameworks.
“The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 marked a significant turning point, introducing reforms that have redefined the governance, operations, and transparency of the oil and gas industry
“It provides a robust framework for oversight, empowering the National Assembly to monitor the operations of regulatory agencies like the NUPRC.
“The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 marked a significant turning point, introducing reforms that have redefined the governance, operations, and transparency of the oil and gas industry.
“Central to this transformation is the NUPRC, which was established to regulate the upstream petroleum sector. Its mandates, as outlined in Section 94 of the PIA, include ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable resource management.
“Some immediate gains include improved regulatory clarity, increased investor confidence, and a structured approach to addressing environmental and community issues. However, challenges remain, including the need for further infrastructural development, capacity building, and the full implementation of the PIA’s provisions.
“However, effective oversight is not without challenges. The technical complexity of the extractive industry, information asymmetry, and the ever-evolving nature of the sector can limit the ability of parliamentarians to perform their duties effectively.
“To overcome these obstacles, members must develop technical expertise, engage in continuous learning, and foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders”.
Soeaker Abbas noted that it is all important to fully utilise all oversight tools at our disposal, including inspections, public hearings, investigations, and interpellations. Effective engagement between legislative committees and the NUPRC is critical to avoiding unnecessary conflicts or repetitive invitations.
“By fostering open communication and mutual understanding, we can create a more productive working relationship.
To this end, I urge the committees to adopt a strategic approach that prioritises constructive dialogue and aligns legislative priorities with the operational realities of the NUPRC. Regular updates, joint assessments, and targeted inquiries can streamline oversight processes and improve outcomes”, he added.
Naijablitznews.com reports that the NUPRC was established to regulate the upstream petroleum sector, plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable resource management.
The workshop is expected to foster a more productive working relationship between legislative committees and the NUPRC, ultimately ensuring that the upstream petroleum sector serves the interests of all Nigerians, promotes sustainable practices, and remains globally competitive.

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Army Nabs Wanted Soldier Accused Of Supplying Uniforms To Terrorists While Escaping to Cameroon

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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have nabbed a soldier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over his alleged involvement in supplying military wares to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

The suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility (NAOTF), Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 25, 2026 by troops of 7 Provost Group led by the Acting Commander.

Preliminary investigations revealed that before he was declared wanted by the Army, the soldier absconded from his unit and travelled to Maiduguri on July 7, where he allegedly went into hiding.

Investigators further established that he was allegedly sheltered at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by 25NA/89/12687 Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.

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Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 7 Provost Group placed the suspect under 24-hour surveillance before intercepting and arresting him at Jidari Bus Stop while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Cameroon.

The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where he is undergoing further investigation into the alleged supply of military accoutrements to terrorist elements and the possible involvement of other collaborators.Government

Military sources described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle insider networks aiding terrorist groups, adding that investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any accomplice.

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AEDC Promotes 547 Employees, Raises Pay For 579 Others

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Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has promoted 547 employees and approved salary step increments for 579 others as part of a broad workforce development programme designed to reward outstanding performance, strengthen staff motivation and drive organisational excellence.

The exercise, which benefitted 1,126 employees, followed the successful completion of the company’s 2025 Performance Appraisal Exercise and underscores AEDC’s commitment to building a high-performing, customer-focused workforce.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye, said the initiative reflects the company’s resolve to place employees at the heart of its transformation agenda, stressing that investment in human capital remains critical to achieving sustainable growth.

He described the promotions and salary adjustments as a recognition of diligence, professionalism and commitment, noting that the company would continue to reward excellence while creating opportunities for career advancement.

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According to him, AEDC is intentionally fostering a work environment where merit, innovation, continuous learning and teamwork determine career progression, adding that employee welfare remains a key pillar of the company’s long-term strategy.

“Our people remain our greatest asset and the foundation upon which AEDC’s future will be built. This is more than a reward for performance; it is a reaffirmation of our belief that excellence should always be recognised, talent should be nurtured and hard work should create opportunities for growth,” Okwuokenye said.

He explained that the organisation is committed to providing employees with fulfilling career opportunities that enable them to maximise their potential while contributing to AEDC’s ambition of becoming one of Africa’s leading electricity distribution companies.

The AEDC chief also urged employees who were not promoted in the current appraisal cycle to remain committed, assuring them that the company’s performance management system is structured to support continuous improvement, skills development and future career progression.

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AEDC said the promotion and salary increment exercise forms part of its broader strategy to cultivate a performance-driven culture, encourage professionalism and recognise employees who contribute significantly to the company’s growth.

The company added that as it continues to modernise operations, improve electricity service delivery and enhance customer experience, it will sustain investments in staff development to strengthen productivity and reinforce its position as one of Nigeria’s preferred employers in the power sector.

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Suspected Hoodlums Cart Away PVCs At Distribution Centre In Osun

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Some hoodlums suspected to be political thugs on Sunday stormed a permanent voter’s card (PVC) distribution centre in Okuku, the headquarters of the Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state, and carted away two packs of PVCs.

The INEC officials were busy distributing the cards at the Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, when the thugs suddenly arrived and started shooting sporadically into the air, scaring residents and officials, and took two packs of cards and left the venue before police could arrive at the scene.

The spokesperson of the Osun State Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said that about ten armed hoodlums invaded the centre, fired sporadically into the air and carted away three packs of PVCs before fleeing the scene.

Ojelabi disclosed that the State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has condemned the attack and directed a comprehensive investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

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Reacting to the development, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, condemned the attack. She said she was to get the detailed report on the attack, adding that she is yet to know the exact number of PVCs carted away by the hoodlums.

The REC, however, assured the people of the state that the governorship election would be free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent.

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