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.

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.

“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.