By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry have objected to a proposed establishment of a new regulatory agency for the decommissioning and abandonment of oil production facilities, insisting that existing structures were already adequately equipped for the task.

During an interactive session with lawmakers and key industry players in Abuja, representatives of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and other stakeholders argued that the creation of a new commission would amount to duplication of responsibilities and unnecessary bureaucracy. The meeting, chaired by Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, brought together key stakeholders including officials from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR), Ministry of Environment (FME), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).In his opening remarks, Doguwa underscored the significance of the proposed commission, describing the NC-DOGI Bill as a “landmark legislative proposal aimed at establishing a dedicated commission to coordinate all decommissioning efforts in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”“This Bill is not just another legislative initiative—it is a leadership Bill,” he said. “It is designed to ensure Nigeria meets globally accepted standards of decommissioning, while protecting host communities and the environment from the harmful effects of improper facility abandonment.”Despite the Chairman’s optimistic framing, the proposal faced strong opposition from industry regulators and stakeholders, who insisted that Nigeria already has an effective framework under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and other regulatory instruments to handle decommissioning and abandonment.

Despite the Chairman’s optimistic framing, the proposal faced strong opposition from industry regulators and stakeholders, who insisted that Nigeria already has an effective framework under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and other regulatory instruments to handle decommissioning and abandonment.The Director of Production and Development of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mark Emmanuel argued that the obligations for decommissioning are embedded in current licensing frameworks and are strictly enforced under the supervision of the commission.“The PIA under Sections 232 and 3 already makes elaborate arrangements for decommissioning and abandonment,” he said. “It is the legal obligation of the licensee or lessee to fund, plan, and carry out decommissioning at the end of an oil field’s life cycle. The funds set aside for this purpose are not government revenue but are controlled by the operators under the NUPRC’s supervision.”He further warned that setting up a new agency would be premature and wasteful, noting that most oil fields in Nigeria are still productive and far from their decommissioning phase.The Director, environmental assessment department, Ministry of Environment Rofikat Odetoro, echoed the sentiments, warning against creating redundant structures. “This is already embedded in the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and current regulations. Instead of creating a new agency, let’s empower NOSDRA and the relevant existing institutions,” she said.As discussions unfolded, emphasis was placed on the need to differentiate between what exists on paper and the realities on the ground, particularly in the Niger Delta, where host communities have long suffered the consequences of environmental degradation from abandoned oil infrastructure.Doguwa concluded the meeting by reaffirming the committee’s commitment to inclusive and informed decision-making.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Ex-Agitators comprising Phase 1,2,3 has emphatically condemned the recent protest by a sponsored group called “the Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change”, which petitioned Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for corruption, favouritism and other crimes.

They said no doubt Nigeria operates a generally accepted constitution which stipulates rules and procedures, structure and powers, rights and freedoms and fundamental principles, which are binding on all citizens. But In as much as it is the constitutional right of every Nigerian citizen to peaceful protest, the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (PHASE 1, 2, 3) notes that it has become worrisome and a source of concern to them when such privileges become a means to blackmail, spread falsehood or to embark on a campaign of calumny against a law-abiding citizen of the country like Dr Dennis Brutu OtuaroIn a communique issued on Thursday in Yenagoa and signed by General Alhaji Letugbene Vice Chairman (PAP Phase 3), General Emmanuel Satu Secretary-Abuja Chapter (PAP Phase 3) and General Asawana Lucky Leader (PAP Phase 1) said, “we make bold to say that since the Presidential Amnesty Programme was established by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’dua in 2009 till date, no appointee has been more attacked or blackmailed and castigated like the incumbent Administrator, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro.The communique further said, Nigerians should not be deceived by what they hear or see from groups like this because the several protests and media attacks against Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, have become the favourite pastime of a few idle and confused individuals.According to them, they want Nigerians to know that Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro’s only offense is that, upon his appointment into office, he cleared the rot in the system by stopping leakages and unwholesome practices being spearheaded by some former militant leaders whose fraudulent activities could have truncated the Amnesty Programme.

“There is no gainsaying that the only objective of the Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change”, a sponsored group, is to blackmail and spread lies and evil propaganda against Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro. This is why we are calling on all Nigerians to disregard the allegations because they are the figment of the imagination of this group being sponsored by a cabal of ex-militant leaders to tarnish and discredit Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro’s indelible achievements and legacy.”As ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme, we will not mince words to say Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro has exhibited transparency, accountability and prudent management of amnesty funds. It will interest you to know that an audit of the Amnesty Office some time ago showed he has managed funds prudently better than his predecessors. It’s a known fact that before his appointment, the Amnesty Office was characterized by unwholesome practices but since his appointment, the Amnesty Office has been sanitized and repositioned.”There are thirty thousand ex-agitators in the database of the Amnesty Programme and we are all paid our monthly stipend regularly and on time. This has, in no small measure, boosted the attainment of the core objective of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight point Renewed Hope Agenda.They said the success of the Amnesty Programme is hinged on Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro’s commitment towards promoting peace and stability in the Niger Delta region. “He has criss-crossed the length and breadth of the region, speaking with governors, elder statesmen, opinion leaders, women and youth groups including beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Thus, he has given all stakeholders a sense of belonging as we work together for the peace and stability of our region”.The group therefore call on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Department of State Services and the EFCC to deal decisively with the “the Niger Delta Concerned Youths For Change” for unsubstantiated claims of corruption which amounts to defamation of character and misinformation to cause harm. “To act as a deterrent, the leaders of the group should be invited to provide evidence of their claims and if they fail to do so, convincingly, they should be prosecuted”.They unanimously pass a Vote of Confidence on him and urge him to continue to provide quality, assertive and responsive leadership.

By James Samuel, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of the renowned Professor of Political Science and President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR), Prof. Jonah Isawa Elaigwu, who passed away at the age of 77 on July 22.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also commiserated with the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states on the loss of the distinguished scholar, whose contributions to constitutional democracy, political economy, and federalism remain indelible. Tinubu noted Prof. Elaigwu’s patriotism, loyalty, and dedication, which fueled his passion for research, teaching, and training over the course of five decades. He served with distinction at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of Jos, and was a visiting professor at numerous universities worldwide.During his lifetime, Prof. Elaigwu served on several presidential committees and boards of educational institutions. He also provided consultancy services to federal and state governments, the National Assembly, and various state assemblies.He also provided policy guidance to multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Centre for Development and Population Activities, the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements, the Department for International Development (DFID), and the British Council.Prof. Elaigwu authored numerous seminal papers on peacekeeping, human rights, politics, leadership, security, federalism, democracy, and good governance.Tinubu prays that Almighty God will grant the erudite scholar eternal rest and comfort his family.