News
Reps to partner with Navy to fish out crude oil thieves
By Francesca Hangeior
The House of Representatives Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Losses has appealed to the Nigerian Navy to assist it with relevant information to unravel those behind the perennial stealing of the country’s crude oil.
Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, the Chairman of the Committee, said in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja after its engagement with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogala.
He assured Ogala that information obtained confidentially by the committee would be handled with the utmost care.
According to him, crude oil theft is a major concern for the economy of our country, Nigeria, and on that note, we feel we have to extend our hands of fellowship to the relevant security stakeholders.
“The parliament budgeted about N28.77 trillion for the year 2024 based on the crude oil benchmark of $77.96 per barrel and the production of 1.78 million barrels per day.
“In January 2024, Nigerian oil production rose to about 1.42 million barrels per day; this represents an increase of about 6.85 per cent compared to the production figure of 1.39 million barrels per day in December 2023.
He said there seemed to be a gradual improvement in oil production, but added that the country was still below the OPEC quota of 1.58 million barrels per day in the 2024 budget benchmark.
Doguwa said that the major reason the country was not meeting its production targets was largely attributed to crude oil theft.
“This theft is being carried out in collusion, which not only threatens the economy of the country but has even precipitated a crisis concerning national security.”
The statement quoted the Chief of Naval Staff, who agreed that oil theft remained a major challenge to the country’s economy, stressing the recent report by NNPC Ltd. of the rise of crude oil production to about 1.78 million bpd.
This, he said, was the highest in the last three years, adding that it was still below Nigeria’s OPEC quota while ensuring that the Navy would work in collaboration with others to ensure the quota was met.
He, however, lamented the shortage of personnel in the face of the vastness of the country’s waterways, which he said were over 1/10th of Nigeria’s land.
He said the Navy had less than 30,000 personnel to man the vast sea space with the operational guidelines of policing, enforcing, and assisting in coordinating enforcement.
News
President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.
Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.
He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.
In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.
He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.
He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.
In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.
Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.
The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.
“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.
“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.
“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.
“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.
“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”
News
Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag
…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.
There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.
Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.
The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.
Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.
“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.
It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.
“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.
“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation
News
Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.
This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.
The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.
This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.
Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.
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