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NNPC Ltd Moves to Revive Brass, OK LNG Projects
In its continued bid to maximise the nation’s abundant gas resources for economic development and prosperity, NNPC Ltd. has begun discussions with investors towards bringing back two Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects, Brass and Olokola LNG projects.
NNPC Ltd.’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Umar Ajiya disclosed this on the sidelines of the ongoing 2024 Gas Technology Conference and Exhibition (Gastech), in Houston, United States, on Thursday.
Brass LNG and OK LNG are two LNG projects with the potential of manifold economic benefits for the country which include job creation, power generation, revenue generation and economic diversification. The multi-billion-dollar projects were however stalled due to unfavourable market dynamics and slow decision-making by the political class in the past.
“In the past, gas prices went down, the economics of the projects meant a high Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), and this was a dis-incentive for investors and partners. Also, there was slow decision-making by the political class,” the CFO added.
While describing NNPC Ltd. as a commercially driven Company which recognises timely project development and execution, the CFO said there are abundant gas resources in many parts of the world and therefore, the earlier Nigeria makes smart decisions to bring partners to the table, the better.
Ajiya commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support in driving new projects in the Industry through the Presidential Executive Orders on Oil & Gas Reforms.
“We are also happy to have the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 (PIA) which has provided fiscal incentives for investors and is creating the enabling environment that has rekindled hope in the energy sector.”
Ajiya described Gastech as an avenue for NNPC Ltd. to learn new technologies which will help the Company decarbonise its operations and promote its abundant LNG resources to the global market.
In a statement signed by Olufemi Soneye Chief Corporate communications officer of NNPCL said Gastech is the world’s leading forum dedicated to delivering a more sustainable energy future by bringing together experts who brainstorm to create pathways towards global energy security for lasting climate impact.
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Kano Ministry Hails Progress on Key Infrastructure Projects
The Kano State Ministry for Public Procurement, Project Monitoring and Evaluation (MPPPM&E) has commended contractors for their progress on several key infrastructure projects across the state. During an inspection tour on Thursday, Honorable Commissioner Ibrahim Ali Namadi Dala visited seven major ongoing projects, as part of the ministry’s mandate to ensure accountability and quality in public works.
The commissioner’s tour included the dualization of the Government House-Daula Hotel Roundabout Lodge Road, which is 40% completed, and the full renovation of Nuhu Bamali Maternity Hospital, now completed. Other projects reviewed included the Sickle Cell Center at Murtala Muhammad General Hospital, which is 70% completed, and the Kiru Reformatory Center, which stands at 44% completion.
Additional projects inspected were the construction of female hostels at the School of Nursing in Madobi and the construction of two flyover and underpass bridges at Tal’udu and Dan Agundi intersections. These projects are part of the Kano State Government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education across the state.
Speaking to journalists after the tour, Hon. Namadi Dala emphasized the ministry’s commitment to upholding high standards of efficiency, transparency, and fairness in project execution. He assured that ongoing monitoring is in place to prevent unethical practices and ensure that all projects meet the needs of the public. “This visit is part of our mechanism to prevent and detect unethical practices in project processes,” he said.
In a statement issued to newsmen by the public relations officer of the ministry Sageer Ado said while expressing satisfaction with the quality and pace of the work, the commissioner stated that the MPPPM&E will continue to oversee all projects to ensure they are completed to the highest standards. The ministry’s mission, he added, is to ensure openness, probity, and competitiveness in the procurement and execution of government projects.
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Kano Government Reverts Sa’adatu Rimi University to College of Education
In a move aimed at improving the quality of education and ensuring effective management in the state’s higher education sector, the Kano State Executive Council has approved the conversion of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education back to Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso. The institution will remain a degree-awarding body despite the reversion.
The decision was made during the council’s 18th sitting, following extensive consultations with key stakeholders and the recommendations of a high-level committee appointed by the state government. The committee was tasked with assessing the university’s status and proposing ways to enhance its academic quality.
In a statement signed by the states commissioner for information Baba Halilu Dantiye said the following
The committee’s findings reflected concerns from both the academic and non-academic communities, as well as other stakeholders, about the challenges associated with the transition from a college to university status. One key issue was the institution’s strategic location, which serves students from non-metropolitan areas. Stakeholders feared that the transition could have a negative impact, including the potential loss of experienced lecturers, salary-related disputes, and administrative challenges that could compromise the institution’s operational efficiency.
The Council highlighted that similar institutions across the country have operated successfully as colleges of education while offering a range of degree programs without converting to university status. The “Dual Mode” system, introduced by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), allows colleges to offer both certificate and degree programs, providing a flexible academic structure.
The Kano State Government reassured students that the conversion will not affect their current academic pursuits. Existing undergraduates will continue their studies without disruption, and the university’s certification will be preserved for future use. Additionally, the institution will maintain its traditional courses and continue to offer degree programs under its new expanded mandate as a college of education.
As part of the restructuring, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the immediate dissolution of the university’s management. The Vice Chancellor has been directed to hand over the institution’s affairs to the most senior deputy, pending further announcements.
This decision underscores the Kano State Government’s commitment to stabilizing and enhancing the performance of its higher education institutions, while addressing stakeholder concerns to maintain academic excellence and operational efficiency.
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