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Opinion

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.

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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

Opinion

Tribute to Dr. Habib Sadauki: A Visionary Leader and Mentor-Kwalwa

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Late Dr Habibu Sadauki

 

The inevitability of death reminds us to live modestly and cherish the memories of those who have impacted our lives. Today, we gather to honor the legacy of Dr. Habib Sadauki, an exceptional mentor, medical director, CEO, and senior consultant.

Dr. Sadauki’s life embodied simplicity, patience, dedication, and collaboration. His commitment to the common good inspired countless individuals, from clinical practice to public life. I had the privilege of working alongside him during our call duties at the Hospital Management Board, where he demonstrated remarkable dedication and responsiveness.

As Executive Secretary, Dr. Sadauki displayed exceptional tolerance and maturity, even in the face of adversity. His leadership facilitated joint efforts and achievements between the board and unions. He championed on-the-job training and sponsored staff for specialized courses locally and internationally.

Dr. Sadauki’s contributions to the MPDRS policy and development were invaluable, drawing from his personal experience. His punctuality, resourcefulness, and tirelessness in attending review meetings were hallmarks of his commitment.

A devout and prayerful individual, Dr. Sadauki’s warm smile and genuine spirit comforted all who encountered him. A 1978 graduate of ABU Zaria, he had an illustrious career as a specialist medical consultant and administrator, alongside notable contemporaries like Dr. Dutse and Dr. Bashir Birnin Kudu.

As I pen this tribute, I pray that Allah grants Dr. Sadauki peace and mercy in the highest level of paradise. May His blessings be upon his children, and may His comfort envelop his family and friends, particularly Hajiya Maryam.

Rest in peace, Dr. Habib Sadauki. Allah ya gafarta masa.

Abdullahi Ismail Kwalwa

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Opinion

Professor Gwarzo Launches AAG Fellowship to Empower African Youth in Leadership and Entrepreneurship.

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By Musa Abdullahi Sufi

In a bold step towards empowering African youth, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, renowned educationist and philanthropist, has announced the establishment of the Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo (AAG) Fellowship.

The initiative, which will be housed under the AAG Leadership Centre, aims to mentor young people on leadership and entrepreneurship, equipping them with the skills needed to achieve self-reliance and contribute to the development of Nigeria and the African continent.

The Fellowship, according to Professor Gwarzo, is designed to build the capacity of young Africans by providing them with opportunities to learn valuable skills in entrepreneurship and leadership.

“My intention is to build the capacity of our young people across Africa,” Professor Gwarzo remarked, “so they can be trained on modern entrepreneurship and leadership skills. These young people will become agents of change, contributing to making Nigeria and Africa great

This new initiative is a testament to Professor Gwarzo’s commitment to youth development and his vision of creating a generation of leaders and innovators capable of transforming Africa’s socio-economic landscape.

By focusing on mentorship, training, and hands-on experience, the Fellowship will help young people to realize their potential as self-reliant individuals who can drive sustainable development in their communities.

Building the Next Generation of Leaders

The AAG Fellowship will offer a structured program that includes practical training on entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal development. Fellows will receive guidance from local and international experts, gaining the knowledge and tools necessary to launch their own businesses, lead organizations, and influence positive social change.

For Professor Gwarzo, the future of Africa depends on the ability of young people to take ownership of their destinies through self-reliance and proactive leadership. “Africa is full of potential, and our young people are the key to unlocking that potential,” he emphasized.

This Fellowship will empower them to take on leadership roles, create innovative solutions to local challenges, and drive the continent toward a brighter future.”

Strategic Partnerships for a Broader Impact

The success of the AAG Fellowship hinges on strategic partnerships with both local and international experts and organizations. Professor Gwarzo highlighted the importance of collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure the program reaches as many young people as possible.

We intend to partner with experts and organizations from around the world who share our vision of youth empowerment. This initiative requires collective action, and by working together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of young Africans.” He said.

These partnerships will not only provide technical expertise but also create a global network of support for the fellows. Through these collaborations, the Fellowship will foster an environment where young people can engage with thought leaders, industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs, learning directly from those who have made a mark in their respective fields.

A Vision for Africa’s Future

Professor Gwarzo’s vision for the AAG Fellowship aligns with his broader mission of enhancing access to education, leadership, and entrepreneurship opportunities for African youth.

The Fellowship aims to create a ripple effect, where young people who benefit from the program will, in turn, become mentors and role models for others, fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and growth.

By investing in the next generation of leaders, the AAG Leadership Centre hopes to lay the foundation for a prosperous and self-reliant Africa.

We want our youth to be at the forefront of change, actively participating in shaping the future of Africa. This Fellowship will provide them with the tools they need to succeed and contribute to the development of their communities and beyond.” Professor Gwarzo said.

As the program launches, it stands as a beacon of hope for young Africans, offering a pathway to personal and professional growth. The AAG Fellowship not only promises to equip participants with critical skills but also aims to inspire them to take on the mantle of leadership, driving the transformation of Africa into a continent of innovation, growth, and opportunity.

Through this initiative, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo is once again demonstrating his unwavering dedication to youth empowerment and his belief in the potential of Africa’s young people to lead the continent into a brighter future.

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Opinion

Nigerian Youth And The Future Prosperity

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Mudassir Aliyu

BY
MUDASSIR ALIYU YUNUSA
mudassiray@gmail.com

The aftermath of the recent demonstration tagged ‘#EndBadGovernanceProtest’ has exposed the morality, probity and its effects on our children more especially the growing population ranging between 15 – 30 years. Innitially, the protest is believed to be organized as peaceful one and to be demonstrated in a good manner but unfortunately it was hijacked and forcefully changed to be violent in many state of the federation. The conducts exhibited by some adolescents and young generations during the protest have no doubt become threat to our future generation as it is often said children of today are the elder/leaders of tomorrow. However with the above notion, it is easily possible to have assessment of the next generation to come by looking at the present lifestyle and moral etiquettes of our adolescents and youths population displayed during the protest.

It is really a worrisome to see underage children in the society turned to be cruel, nasty, brutal and outrageous all in the name of protest which was planned to be a peaceful one. In some states of the federation So many evidences and exhibits of footage, images and still pictures have captured children and youths that wrecked havoc, vandalised shops, super markets, offices and carted away with people belongings and destroying public properties. This brings total breakdown of law and order, lost of lives, many injured as well as destruction of public goods which led to the government engagement of security operatives and in sequence imposition of 24 hours curfew in many states and cities across the country.

My point of concern is these underage children and youths that are believe to be the future generation and part of them will surely immanent as leaders of the society in the next generations to come. However, with bad inclination and behavioral pattern demonstrated by some youths and adolescent age of the population it is a threat to the peace and harmony of our society and hence if urgent and imperative actions are not taken to change the fortune of our youths, the future of our country is in jeopardy and the danger is signaling now.
The way forward to this danger is a collective responsibility of both government and the society. Government need to be alerted that the issue of economic well being of the citizens is paramount and it (Govt) need to explore and implore all possible ways in respect to this issue and provide an enabling environment for children to acquire sound education, skills and moral etiquettes right from the childhood age to enable them obtain sense of belonging, morality and integrity as backbone of building a just and prosperous nation. Government on the other hand should provide a smooth pathway for children to develop creativity, innovation and invention especially from primary school. This will surely make our youths self reliant and it will also reduce the burden of over dependence on government by people in the country.
The role of community in shaping the behavior of children and youths is highly needed particularly parents, guardians and elders in the society. These children and youths are integral part of the society and the they are living within the community and therefore it is imperative for elders and good people within the community to contribute positively toward proper upbringing of our young ones by giving them good orientation, moral discipline, virtues, meritocracy, decency, good gesture and acceptable behavoural inclination. I want call on various societal organisation like old student’s/pupil’s association, community base social groups, self-help associations, families’ associations that are given more attention to megre things especially during festive period of Sallah, Xmas, New year where we used to witness various meetings and get together where huge amount of money is spent in just food, drinks and event centres, let these meetings go beyond mere eating and drinking, we can make it an avenue for planning our lives, giving out self assistance and let it be geared toward supporting the needy among ourselves. It is obvious that all these children are members of various family and I believe the family meetings could serve as an avenue to embrace these children and youths by touching their lives positively. Those that are in bad shape could be rehabilitated to become good people in the society
Moreso, I call upon all societal base groups including social media platforms to engage themselves in this regard with the aim of changing the fortune of our youths from bad to good, worse to better and indeed worst to best citizens in the rankings. This will certainly build more confidence and patriotism in their minds which in essence provide an excellent, brilliant and exceptional future generation and within them the making of altruist leaders accountable and responsible for transforming our dear country into prosperity, admirable and developed nation.
Caution: in present time, if government and the society fails to do the needful on youths and children our future generations/leaders will be in a great jeopardy

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