NEWS
Senate Kicks against Chevron, Exxon Operational Model as NCDMB Seeks their Invitation
By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja
Senate through its Committee on Local Content has kicked against the extractive operational model carried out in Nigeria by Chevron, Exxon and other oil companies without a manufacturing content as done in other countries.
This is as the National Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) sought the committee’s invitation of the oil companies for explanations on their extractive mode of operations, without manufacturing contents.
The committee during its interactive session with the management of NCDMB yesterday, specifically lamented that while Chevron apart from crude oil exploration in Saudi Arabia also manufactures Polypropylene; one of the waste products from Gas to produce Syringe which fetches Saudi Arabia $6 billion annually adding that “Exxon oil does same in United States of America (USA) by making the country, the third largest producer of Polypropylene (PP)”.
The committee chaired by Senator Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) wondered why the same international oil companies exploring crude oil in Nigeria do not go extra mile in using waste products from Crude oil for manufacturing of the needed products in the country.
The lacuna in the operational model of the International Oil companies according to the Committee led to the collapse of Jubilee Syringe Plant in Bayelsa due to lack of the needed raw materials ( Polypropylene).
According to the Chairman of the Committee, since NCDMB says it doesn’t have the power to make the international oil companies diversify their mode of operations, they shall be summoned to give explanations on why they are turning Nigeria to extractive zone and not a manufacturing one, as done in other climes.
“We cannot just allow the oil companies to turn Nigeria to just an extractive zone as far as exploration of crude oil is concerned but a manufacturing one as well with attendant economic value.
“This committee shall therefore summon the affected oil companies to appear before it on how what are available in Saudi Arabia , USA etc can be replicated in Nigeria,” she said .
The Committee was however impressed with the disclosure made by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr Felix Ogbe on $50 million grant for research and $20 m for women in oil and gas.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to conclude an agreement with Washington on its controversial nuclear programme, amid a series of Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities and military leaders.
“There is still time to make this slaughter come to an end,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,” Trump continued.
“JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”Observers consider it unlikely that Iran’s leadership would opt for a diplomatic approach in light of the Israeli attacks.
Israeli media reported that Tehran had retaliated with an attack involving about 100 drones, all of which were shot down.
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump wrote.
“The U.S. makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come and they know how to use it,” Trump wrote. (dpa/NAN)
The Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of theMinistry.Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.”The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN)
The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the economic and political development of the country.Dajoh gave the advice in his Democracy Day message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, in Makurdi.
The speaker urged youths to show more interest in the economic and political development of the country. He said that they had the required education, exposure, and numerical strength to make a positive impact on both the economy and governance. Dajoh assured the youths that the assembly under his leadership would continue to enact laws to protect democracy and the rule of law.The speaker urged Nigerians to be more determined in ensuring that democracy worked in the country.He said that democracy remained the best option for the country.The speaker added that through the determination of the citizens and their active participation in the democratic process, Nigeria would be a great country.He saluted the heroic deeds of patriots who worked assiduously to actualise democratic rule in the country, especially the symbol of the June 12 struggle, the late M.K.O. Abiola.According to him, only a truly great, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria could be a befitting compensation for their sacrifices.He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for their roles in upholding democratic principles.Dajoh said that more sacrifices were required from the citizens to ensure that the country got the best of democracy. (NAN)
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