Environment
We Used Indigenous Capacity to Contain Nembe Well Leak- Firm
FROM TAYESE MIKE, Yenagoa
Kenyon International West Africa Limited says it deployed 100 per cent local manpower and expertise to contain the oil and gas leak from a wellhead blowout at Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration in Nembe, Bayelsa.
The Santa Babra South Well 1, which blew out on November 5, 2021 discharged thousands of barrels of Bonny Light crude blend into the Santa Babra River for 32 days, out of which some 18,600 barrels of emulsified crude and water sediments were recovered.
Aiteo had approached Boots and Coots, a subsidiary of United States Halliburton to plug the well but the firm was unable to mobilise its expatriate workforce due to the COVID-19 restrictions and hiccups which compelled the operator to look inwards.
Mr Victor Ekpenyong, Chief Executive of the indigenous oil services firm said the feat was attributable to the enactment and implementation of the Nigerian Content Act 2010.
Ekpenyong, a member of International Well Control Forum, appealed to oil firms operating in the company to give opportunities to Nigerian companies as they have developed competencies to match their foreign counterparts.
Ekpenyong noted that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has helped in building the capacity of Nigerian companies by facilitating collaboration between local players and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
He explained that prior to the Nigerian Content Act 2021, the OEMs dominated the scene and enjoyed monopoly on oil and gas projects that Nigerians had the potential to execute but were marred by challenges.
Ekpenyong explained that the NCDMB has been assisting Nigerian firms overcome the challenges they faced in the industry and listed the $500 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund as a boost to local capacity in oil and gas sector.
“Many companies are having difficulties and challenging experiences in the industry through a lot of challenges. Some companies may stay for a long time without any job. Also, the issue of marketing support in the sector is equally a cause for concern because it is very expensive amidst limited capital environment to engage in marketing communications.
“Equally, COVID19 affected a lot of businesses, and some businesses are not able to meet up with orders. On the other hand, some companies have been showcasing their services at Nigerian oil and gas conferences without getting the desired patronage,” Ekpenyong said.
On the over 10 years of operating under the Nigerian Content Act 2010, Ekpenyong noted that the law enabled Nigerians in the oil and gas space to be in business as it reserves categories of jobs for them.
“Prior to the implementation, the operations we do now would not have been possible for an indigenous company. It would simply be the exclusive reserve of the OEMs.
“These days, OEMs partner with indigenous companies which enables these companies to develop their capacity.
“It also has made some Nigerians in the diaspora move to Nigeria knowing full well that their expertise would be well utilised. Without a doubt, the implementation of this act has been a vehicle for talent development in the country.
“We are very excited we have been given the privilege to establish businesses. I would say it is a win-win situation. There are some jobs we still partner with OEMs to deliver. It has been an inclusive venture where we work together,” He said.
Ekpenyong, an alumnus of Federal University Owerri, noted that there was available Nigerian technical expertise drilling services which encompasses piling, cold cutting and supply and installation of well head casing adding that patronising Nigerian firms creates more jobs and checks capital flight.
Environment
Erosion Control Project: Gombe SEC Approves N389m Compensation for Residents
The Gombe State Executive Council (SEC) has approved payment of N389 million as compensation for residents that would be affected by the gully erosion control project at Federal College of Education (FCE) Technical and its surrounding communities.
The Commissioner for Finance, Gombe State, Malam Mohammed Magaji, stated this at the end of the SEC meeting on Friday in Gombe.
Magaji said the payment, which would commence immediately, would be for individuals and organisations along the gully erosion site.
He said almost 1000 persons were expected to benefit from the gesture.
According to him, the compensation is part of the requirements of the World Bank, which specifies that such payments be made to property owners.
Magaji said the payment would also be made to ensure seamless resettlement of affected persons.
“The beneficiaries are in hundreds, almost a 1,000 people; there is compensation for houses, and also for business premises.
“There is also stipends for the elderly living around that area so that they are able to have good livelihood,” he said.
The commissioner for Education, Hajiya Aishatu Maigari, also said the SEC approved upgrade of the five mega senior secondary schools in the state to sustain improvement in the education sector.
Maigari said the upgrade would be carried out based on the needs of each of the schools.
She stated that infrastructure in some of the schools were already being upgraded to global standards.
“We have seen construction of toilets, installation of solar-powered light, construction of roads, school clinics, boreholes and many more,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had on Nov. 23 signed a N12 billion contract with Triacta Nigeria Ltd. for a 21-kilometre gully erosion control work in six communities within Gombe metropolis.
The project is under ACRESAL project, a World Bank-assisted project to address the challenges of land degradation and climate change in northern Nigeria. (NAN)
Environment
Fire Razes Household Properties Estimated at Millions of Naira
The Ebonyi Fire Service, on Tuesday confirmed that a fire incident destroyed properties estimated at millions of naira at the residence of Mr Chris Uchaji, a former commissioner in the state.
Mr Raphael Ibiam, the Chief Fire Officer of the agency, said that the inferno was suspected to have been caused by an electrical spark within the building.
He explained that the fire razed valuable household properties in three rooms of the storey building.
He said no life was lost in the incident as his men responded promptly and was later assisted by the Federal Fire Service.
“At about 0800 hours, there was a fire outbreak at 13 Lawrence Ónór street, off Nna street.
“It destroyed properties in a storey building belonging to Mr Chris Uchaji, a Former State Commissioner for Solid Mineral Development,” Ibiam said.
Uchaji told newsmen shortly after the incident, that he was at the stadium with his wife for morning exercise when he received a distress call from his security man that his family house was on fire.
“We quickly rushed to the scene, only to see many people on a rescue mission as the whole house had been engulfed.
“I suspected it was due to an electrical spark and it started in my wife’s room, where my six-year-old daughter was sleeping.
“The intensity of the fire was high and it spread to other rooms, causing massive damage, but thank God no life was lost.
“I thank God for people’s goodwill and the fire service. Though the state fire service came here, their water finished early, but with the intervention of federal firefighters, they were able to control the fire.” Uchaji said.(NAN)
Environment
Nigeria’s NGO Takes Plights of Local Communities to COP28
Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development, a Nigeria-based NGO, has called for the involvement of local communities in decision-making on climate solutions in order to build a sense of responsibility and unity.
Mr Israel Orekha, Executive Director of the NGO, made the call on Monday in his address at a side event organised at the ongoing COP28 in Dubai.
“The event is themed “Putting Local Community First in Climate Agenda.
’’Orekha advocated policy changes that incentivised and prioritised sustainable practices at the local and national levels
According to him, empowering communities through participation will ensure that solutions align with local needs.
He also called for inclusive policies that addressed both environmental and social aspects of clean energy transitions.
The executive director particularly canvassed for the consideration of local community in the clean energy transition plan.
The local community, he said, needed clean energy transition parks and not false solutions.
“Clean energy transition parks not only combat climate change but also strengthen community resilience.
“Local involvement in these parks is key to addressing pressing environmental challenges.
“Beyond jobs, clean energy engagement enhances community knowledge about sustainable practices.
“Involving communities in clean energy decisions fosters responsibility and unity.
“Local job opportunities and skill development can result from participation in the renewable energy sector.”
Orekha also underscored the importance of transparency in decision-making processes so as to discern genuine solutions from greenwashing.
“False solutions can perpetuate environmental injustice, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities.
“False solutions, like greenwashing, hinder genuine progress.
“Thorough research and community input are essential for sustainable solutions,’’ he said.
Reports says that clean energy parks are separate areas used and planned for the purpose of clean energy development, like wind and solar generation facilities.(NAN)