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NNPC Ltd and challenges in the oil sector: Banire misconceives the facts, promotes biased views

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By Olufemi Soneye

 

 

In the face of the challenges in the oil sector, particularly the current tightness in the supply of petrol, it has become fashionable to blame the national oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd), for everything. Last week, it was Prof. Pat Utomi who railed and fumed at the NNPC Ltd calling it one of the most opaque and unreliable companies in the world. Before then, The Punch had published an editorial in which it described the NNPC Ltd as a danger to Nigeria. The latest of these vitriolic attacks is by Dr. Muiz Banire, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and former Commissioner of Transport and Environment, Lagos State, who contended in his column in The Sun that NNPC Ltd is the black hole of Nigeria.

Considering all that is going on in the petroleum sector, it would appear justifiable to call out the NNPC Ltd as some people have been doing in recent times. But most of the diatribes have been based on sentiments that are not rooted in facts. Railing at the NNPC Ltd without a thorough understanding of the issues that threw up the current challenges in the oil sector, as most of the commentators have been doing, will yield no good for the country. At this critical intersection, the task for all well-meaning Nigerians should be how to find lasting solutions to the mischiefs in the oil sector and not to look for scapegoats, as Dr. Banire has done.

According to Banire, Nigeria has been experiencing fuel scarcity since 1973 on the back of fuel subsidy and the NNPC Ltd is responsible for it. The assertion that the NNPC is responsible for this state of affairs is moot. The policy of fuel subsidy is not the preserve of the NNPC. Various administrations over the years have thought it wise to subsidize the cost of petroleum products for citizens. They came up with different methods of doing that. The role of NNPC Ltd has been to implement the policy as decided by government. At a point when the various administrations felt that the fuel subsidy policy had become a burden that should be done away with, they made it known. NNPC Ltd, as the national oil company, implemented it. This was the case in 2012 when the nation went up in protest against the decision of government to remove fuel subsidy. The same scenario repeated itself in 2019 when the then administration came up with the policy to remove fuel subsidy. NNPC Ltd is neither responsible for the policy of fuel subsidy or its removal.

It is very unfortunate that Dr Banire would descend to the level of castigating the NNPC Ltd for the fuel subsidy debacle that has plagued Nigeria and on the basis of that label the Company that has over the years patriotically borne the brunt of the fuel subsidy policy as a black hole. His analysis fails to take into consideration the huge challenges of products smuggling, pipeline vandalism, and crude oil theft that the company contends with daily, and in spite of which it manages to keep the nation going with crude oil production and fuel supply.

Barely three months after the Federal Government announced the removal of fuel subsidy, it became difficult for both major and independent petroleum products marketers to import petrol because of the foreign exchange policy. They could not source forex to continue to bring in petrol. Since then, NNPC Ltd has been importing the product and selling at almost half price in keeping with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which designates it as the fuel supplier of last resort. Yes, there have been supply hiccups here and there because of the financial constraints imposed by the transaction. Just imagine the hardship the nation would have suffered if NNPC Ltd was not there to play the role of supplier of last resort! NNPC Ltd is the reason Nigerians continue to enjoy lower pump price for petrol than they would ordinarily pay for the product. How then does such a company become a black hole?

For Banire, NNPC Ltd is responsible for everything that is wrong in the oil sector. He even blames smuggling and the unauthorized sale of petroleum products to street urchins who in turn trade it in the black market in jerrycans on the NNPC Ltd. But does he have evidence that the unpatriotic marketers who divert petroleum products meant for local consumption to neighbouring countries are staff members or representatives of the NNPC Ltd? Does he have any shred of evidence that the boys who sell fuel in the black market in jerrycans source their products from NNPC Retail Ltd.’s stations? The least one would expect from a lawyer of Banire’s standing is a fact-based and not speculative commentary.

The NNPC Ltd has turned a corner since 2018 when it began to prepare for the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, which was eventually passed into law in 2021. Apart from deepening its commitment to accountability and transparency by regularly publishing its audited annual financial statements, it has become a profitable company with undisputable growth trajectory. It recorded an unprecedented N3.29 trillion profit in its recently released 2023 audited financial report. But this fact is conveniently lost on Dr. Banire who insists that he has not seen any difference between NNPC as corporation and the commercially focused NNPC Ltd that was incorporated in 2021. Fortunately, it does not take Banire to see or believe that NNPC Ltd, as presently constituted, has broken away from its debilitating past for it to be true. He is at home with the legal maxim: “Res Ipsa Loquitur”, meaning the facts speak for themselves.

While one cannot dissuade people like Dr. Banire from criticizing the NNPC Ltd, they must refrain from standing facts on their heads all because they want to be populist or be in the good books of the public. Besides, the Banires of this world should also not be intentionally mischievous in their assertion that the NNPC Limited is exercising an overbearing influence on the regulators. One expects that given the level of their educational accomplishments, they should have the capacity to research very well into the subject matters of their editorial interventions so that they do not argue, assert and progress in error(s). In the corollary, it is either Banire is mischievous or ignorant about the assertion he made in his write-up that the NNPC influences the NUPRC and the NMDPRA who are the two independent regulators. If he lacks a clear knowledge of the workings of the sector, he should be humble enough to seek clarifications so he could be well informed. NNPC Limited is an operator-with a number of refineries under its purview. The Port Harcourt refinery will soon take off. As a matter of fact, the refineries under the NNPC are operators and are therefore subject to the regulatory framework and regulations set out by the NMDPRA. The operator(s) cannot, therefore, exercise overbearing influence on the regulators. This is commonsensically impossible. Pure and simple.

Soneye, is the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC Ltd

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Opinion

As ex-rep, cleric, media scholar move to sanitize social media

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By Sani Danlami

The advent of social media which is believed to have begun around 1997 with the launch of the platform “Six Degrees”, is shaping the news reporting, in the sense of narrating happenings.

Access to news has been democratized. Citizens masquerading as journalists now report events in real-time.

Social media comes in with some magic. It provides a direct line between journalists/citizens journalists with their audience and sources. It seems that things have been made easier as news stories are broken faster, thereby creating more interactive environments among journalists, audience and sources.

As well, social media allows politicians as well as power brokers to speak to constituents or their target audiences directly. Now people express themselves without the gatekeeping employed by the traditional media to sanitize discussions.

But this comes with some challenges and responsibilities as verification of information and combating misinformation become daunting tasks.

In spite of the strides taken by social media to ease down slow dissemination of information as exemplified by the traditional media, it gave birth to some sicknesses including but not limited to cyberbullying, disinformation morphing, privacy violation, which are fast consuming us.

It is within this context that a former member House of Representatives from Tarauni Federal Constituency, Hafizu Kawu under the auspices of Hafizu Kawu Media Team, teamed up with the Council of Ulama of Nigeria, Kano State Chapter, to cleanse social media in order to attract healthy political discussions.

For ages, people have been complaining of the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation; but little is done to walk the talk. Social media has dissevered relationships, led to conflicts and heated the polity much more than it served us.

It was out of this frustration that the former deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 governorship election, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo called on the past governors of the state including Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso to set aside their differences and work together for the betterment of the state. Kano has been at the receiving end. Disinformation and misinformation split up former established political figures in the state.

This social media summit could not have come at a better time. Already, the drum of the 2027 general election is quietly beating and political parties’ social media handlers are fast becoming adamant. Based on this, the summit will go a long way in sanitizing and strengthening processes of social media.

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One beautiful thing about this summit organized by Hafizu Kawu in collaboration with the Council of Ulama’a is that it drew participants from major political parties in the state including the APC, the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), among others.

Also, the choice of the venue of the event, which is Islamic Forum of Nigeria National Headquarters, in Kano, testified to the commitment of the organizer on reforming and promoting decency in modern political practices, particularly on social media platforms.

Undoubtedly, this is a very interesting outing which says a lot about Hafizu Kawu’s intention and commitment towards promoting political cohesion and understanding among political parties in the state, particularly within the ranks of their social media users, who proved, many times, to be in disarray.

The dual-professor, Abdallah Uba Adamu, was the guest speaker at the all-important event. Present at the event also was a renowned Islamic scholar, Shaykh Ibrahim Khalil, the chairman of the Council of Ulama, Kano Branch.

Abdallah Uba Adamu was particularly selected to initiate the participants into some core values of journalism as a communications scholar to enable them engage in healthy communications and discussions. He said that this is necessary for Kano State to occupy its rightful position as a melting pot of politics and it will serve as an example for the neighboring states.

Going by the targeted audience, popular politicians from Tarauni Local Government, namely; Alhaji Talle Mai unguwa, who came with a group of who is who in Tarauni APC; former member of State Assembly from Tarauni, Abubakar Zakari, with his large entourage and former Commissioner for Special Duties, Kabiru Muhammad, among others, attended the event.

Other politicians from APC were the Tarauni local government APC Chairman, Maikudi Ali, with Wards Chairmen were present, signaling their endorsement of this important effort of cleansing social media space.

Former Speaker Tarauni Local Government Council, Ali Madu attended the event in the company of former councilors of the local government and other political heavyweights from Tarauni.

Tarauni is the birthplace of this idea; but members of political parties across the state were attracted by the event. They all endorsed this idea of enhancing public morality and cleansing social media. Why? Everyone is a victim. Fake news and propaganda have turned electioneering campaigns into physical strife

The two teams, the former lawmaker and the council of Ulama’a, from all intent are deeply engaged in promoting saner and safer political discussions among political actors in the state. This is what Kano political atmosphere desires the most to produce good leadership that will serve all.

The most interesting part of the event, though it was organized by Hafizu Media Team and the Council, was that participation cuts across the state, as many social media users from across APC, PDP and NNPP, attended the first of its kind event.

Prof Adamu explained with all clarity that the necessary paradigm shifts from misuse of social media platforms by party promoters. On the other hand, Shaykh Khalil, referred participants to always put Allah first before engaging in anything towards promoting their political interest.

Other speakers called on social media users to always have a good understanding of their principals in order to work effectively and efficiently.

This and similar efforts can promote peace and stability in the polity. It is obvious that without peace no development is possible, workable and reachable.

Despite the threats social media poses to political stability, with such summits, where educators and community leaders join hands with educators to enlighten users of social media on ethical considerations, the future looks bright.

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Opinion

Palestinians Won The 15-Month Battle -Hashim Abdallah

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By Hashim Abdallah

The Palestinians Won The 15-Month Battle -Hashim Abdallah of justice.

On 15th January, 2025 Zionism signed to end its US backed genocide in Palestine where hundreds of thousand casualties recorded mostly Palestinian civilians, including women and children from among whom were journalists, health, rescue and above all diplomatic workers.

Although Palestinians being seeing at the receiving end as they recorded such a huge number of casualties, either dead or maimed ones, it is obvious they won the battle for many reasons from their perspectives and of course from different point of view.

We must firstly take into consideration the aim of the oppression even if it might had falsely been claimed, ie, to rescue the hostages captured by the Hamas. Have the captives been liberated from the Hamas captivity? If no, the claimed, or open aim of the shelling has been defeated outrightly. Has Hamas been forced to release them unwillingly? If no, their resistance is steadfast and their pledge is amazing.

The facts of their being triumphant did not stop there as their resilience in thronging in multitudes to return to the remains and the ‘only remaining 8% saved places in Gaza’ as according to Aljazeera. It surprised the world as they were smiling and raising the two fingers symbolizing their triumph and courage which confirm you the notion of feeling being victorious as they harbour it amidst the debris of the collapsed structures. They appear rejoicing the news of the armistice in spite of the Israeli breaches from the truce first day till the second and third day that exceeded even to the fourth day. Yes, there were attacks here and there with death toll rising even after the ceasefire being said to have already been signed.

Celebration vs protest
As the Palestinians celebrate the ceasefire, Israelis have been reported to have been protesting violently attacking Israeli Palestinians/Arabs.

Captives’ Exchange
It is both surprising and fascinating Palestinians would exchange few jews for many Palestinians as Israeli agreed to with no alternative.

‘You can kill a man, but you can’t kill his ideology’ is a popular saying originated from wise thinkers, revolutionaries and freedom fighters from Bhagat Singh to Martin Luther King, Victor Hugo and Steve Biko. All Palestinians believed to have been fighting a holy war which leads them to heaven. However, this is not an ideology limited to be held by only Palestinians but also all moslems. You could find a lot ready to die defending their territory from Israeli aggression and occupation.
Matyrs is what all Muslims consider and/or refer to brethren died fighting the holy war of self defense and/or the other one,ie, ‘crusade.’

That not limited to Muslims for the world too believed they have been defending themselves from occupation, transgressions, trespassing and land seizure by Israeli settlers backed by the Jew government(s) which the current one is being led by the blood monger, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Even from the eyes of the world of analysis, it is a striking ascertainment among the analysts that none on earth resist like Palestinians. Of course, it is undeniable fact that they never surrendered to Israeli full military forces of aggression and oppression.

Indeed, as it is according to the Muslim faithfuls, the people around the holy mosque of Al’aqsa would be bold, resistant and guards of the Quds Mosque on behalf of the Muslim and Islam as the third holy mosque in Islam.

Palestinians won the war if the world really united in speaking up against the atrocities in Gaza Strip.

The secrets that many non Muslims do not know is that all the happenings have been predictions in Islam. Nothing surprised Muslim world that much.

Hasheem Abdalla teaches English language and Literature at Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic Hadejia, Jigawa State.

08038662494
hashimat@bupoly.edu.ng

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Opinion

Tribute to Lawal Saidu Funtua-Balarabe Idris

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Late Lawal Saidu Funtua

 

By Balarabe Idris

It’s hard to believe that 15 years have passed since we graduated from the Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication program at Bayero University, Kano (BUK). Even more difficult to accept, is the loss of my dear colleague and friend, Lawal Saidu Funtua, a correspondent of Peoples Daily Newspaper in Katsina and also Publisher of blueinknews, an online media. The last time we met was in 2019 during the wedding ceremony of his daughter in Funtua. Even though, we maintained communication through phone calls, the last time we had spoken was almost 6 months ago.

I still remember Lawal Saidu Funtua’s bright smile, infectious laughter, and unwavering dedication to our studies. We shared many late-night study sessions and lively discussions that shaped our understanding of the media and communication.

Lawal Saidu was more than just a classmate; he was a true friend, generous and confidant. His selflessness stood out, particularly when he covered our hotel accommodation at Afforestation Hotel in Kano during our program.
I recall how he’d arrive in Kano before me and entrust his car key to his late brother, Murtala, to book our accommodation. Even his ATM card was in Murtala’s possession, showing his trust and generosity.
One notable instance was when Lawal received a call for an advertisement payment worth millions of naira. Instead of sharing his own account details, he opted to share those of his younger brother.

Lawal’s kindness and empathy extended beyond these gestures. I recall in 2016 when our entourage came to Katsina from Abuja for a SCI Work to Improve Nutrition in Northern Nigeria (WINNN) Media/CSO’s field visit to Katsina communities. At that time when he visited me in my hotel room, I told him about some personal issues I was undergoing and he offered his support.

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Lawal Saidu was a book worm, a good writer and researcher to the core whom has spent so much money on books related to media and communication, political economy and governance. His commitment to research had definitely assisted me during our study.

His passion for journalism and commitment to telling the stories that needed to be told inspired us all. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists and communicators

Though Lawal Saidu may be gone but his memory lives on in our hearts.

Rest in peace, my dear friend, Lawal Saidu Funtua. You will never be forgotten by us. May Jannatil Firdaus be your final abode.

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