By Philomina Attah

An All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant and former President of the Senate, Sen. Ken Nnamani, has withdrawn from the partys presidential primary, pledging to back emergence of any Southeast aspirant.

Nnamani, who disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, while briefing newsmen, said that he withdrew from the race over the partys alleged decision to jettison the zoning arrangement.

He also alleged that the primary had been monetised by some serving political office holders and some party chieftains.

He, however, expressed determination to support the emergence of any aspirant from the Southeast, noting that they have what it takes to move the country forward.

The fact that leading northerners failed to indicate interest in the race convinced many of us that our party will thread the path of honour and justice by zoning its presidency to the south after a northern president has completed eight years

But the events of recent day created the impression that zoning had been jettisoned in the APC.

The vacillation of party leaders regarding zoning of the APC presidential ticket has not created clarity in the party and injures the confidence and faith of many in the south, particularly the southeast, in the party.

It has the implication of suggesting to many in the party, including myself, that the party will allow conveniences of the moment to override foundational issues of justice and fairness.

The former President of the Senate said that another issue that confused the process for the primary was the lack of certainty on schedules and timelines.

This uncertainty, he said, frustrated effective campaign and made the primary a game for those with deep pocket who are those mostly in control of state funds and those in political offices.

And I am not in any of these groups.
In the present circumstances, it does not make any sense for me to continue in the race, as I have not had the opportunity to market my profile and ideas to the delegates of our party in a manner that allow for deliberation and introspection.

Therefore, I discontinue my aspiration and wish the party successful primary and unity of purpose so that we can win the 2023 general elections.

I will continue to engage with the party and its leadership to make sure that the ideas and values that I cherish and propagate find strong footing in the party administration and in public leadership after election.

No matter the outcome of the primary, I pray that our party does justice to the southeast that ought to present the next presidential candidate of our party, he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye
Gov.Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has condoled with his Ondo State counterpart, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, over Sundays attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, which led to the killing of many worshippers.

Okowas condolence message is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Sunday in Asaba

He condemned the dastardly act and called on security agents to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

He expressed shock and sadness over the heinous killing of innocent worshippers at the Owo Church.

We received the news of the gruesome attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, which led to the death of many worshippers.

We join all well-meaning Nigerians to condemn this unprovoked attack at a worship centre and call on security agencies to intensify efforts towards arresting the culprits and bringing them to book.

The attack is not just barbaric but an affront on the Church of Christ, and we stand in solidarity with the Ondo people at this trying time.

On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I condole with my dear brother, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu and the people of Ondo State over the gruesome attack on innocent worshippers on Sunday in Owo.

My profound condolences also go to the families of the deceased, the entire Catholic Church and the people of Owo Kingdom, Okowa said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Hawa Lawal/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Delta Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu says the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa-led government will present its scorecards during the 2023 general elections campaign.

Aniagwu stated this at a press conference on Monday in Asaba while responding to certain allegations ascribed to the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, that the state government could not account for over N700 billion in the past seven years.

He noted that facts were sacred, adding that the money quoted by the senator was not up to the state civil servants wage bills for the period.

He urged people to shun campaign of calumny while directing candidates of political parties to speak on issues that would better the life of the peopleinstead of painting pictures that were at variance with reality.

He said that Okowa has discharged his duty creditably to advance development of the state with the accruing resources over the period.

I speak to you today to set the records straight. Not too long ago, I advised the Deputy Senate President to try as much as possible to trade with issues that will help his electioneering campaign and not to stray in directions that will not advance the cause of his interest.

I read somewhere, where he said that in the past seven years we have received over N700 billion and that we could not account for that and I began to wonder, our wage bill alone is even far more than that.

As a government, we have been able to show transparently through the media and other programmes through which we have empowered our youths and women across the state.

According to Aniagwu, Okowas administration over the years have impacted the people through road networks, bridges, storm water drainages, the ultramodern secretariat, Stephen Keshi Stadium,others and the riverine communities were not left out.

On Tuesday, the state government will be calibrating the Instrument Landing System (ILS) using the drone at the Asaba International Airport

The talk about N700 billion leaves one wondering because there has never been any year that we have budgeted less than N350 billion.

So, as we go into the electioneering campaign, we are going to put across to our people what our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, has done in Delta, he said.

He said that on national profile of Gov. Okowa, only God can stop Okowa not man, with his performance, he will impact the national development.

We have seen a number of persons who are trying to bring down the rising profile of our governor, adding that God and the people of the state have affirmed that Gov. Okowa has performed creditably.

On Okowas relationship with former state governor, Chief James Ibori, the commissioner said that they remained best of friends, adding that Iboris leadership has never been questioned.

We believe that Ibori will continue to support any move that will lift Okowa or Delta forward.

On the PDP governorship and presidential primaries, Aniagwu described the process as free, fair and credible.

According to him, the delegates spoke and their choice for the party isdemocratic. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News

Osinbajo not involved in accident- FRSC

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, was not involved in an accident on Monday but helped to rescue an accident victim along Airport Road, Abuja.

The Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Kazeem said that the vice-president and his security aides were joined by other Nigerians to pull the victim out of the scene of the accident.

He said that the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, commended the vice president for rescuing the victim, saying that it was a call to all that road safety was everybodys business.

Kazeem attributed the accident to speeding by the driver of the affected vehicle, adding that the lone victim was only injured.

The FRSC official stated that the vice-president had directed that the victim be treated on his account.

Kazeem said that the accident, which occurred at Zamani Junction, involved a Toyota Corolla with registration number GWT842AA.

One male was injured, but no one died. The victim has been taken to the Air Force Base Hospital, Airport Road, Abuja, for treatment by the vice-president convoy ambulance, as it happened in his presence.

Kazeem warned against speeding, urging road users to be calm and patient while driving. (NAN)

Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News

By Polycarp Auta

As Nigerians prepare for the 2023 general elections, Mr Felix Hyat, PDP chairman in Kaduna State, has said that the chances of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his partys presidential candidate, are extraordinarily bright.

Atiku is a well known name in Nigeria. No name is equal to his.

He was Vice President for eight years and got 11 million votes in the 2019 presidential election. So, his chances this time are just very bright, Hyat, former aviation minister, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that Atikus focus, as he told PDP delegates, would be to unite the country, ensure adequate security and create jobs.

Nigerians must unite to save the country and strengthen the economy. Thats Atikus focus.

We also need to secure the country from bandits that make it difficult for even local farmers to produce food.

With the current insecurity, even our roads are no longer safe which has stagnated our economy. We must all unite to save and strengthen the nation, he said.

He also spoke on the allegations of a gang-up against Nyesom Woke, Rivers governor, in the presidential election.

There was no gang-up. Wike did so well and got solid votes across the country.

He was, and still is, a force to be reckoned with. But in any contest, theres always a winner and a loser. But in this particular case, it is democracy that won. No one can ignore Wike, he said.

Hyat also spoke on the chances of the PDP governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Alhaji Ashiru Kudan.

Our candidate is consistent; in 2019, we won and wanted to prove that at the election tribunal, but our call for a recount of the votes fell on deaf ears.

The ballot boxes were there and ready to be recounted, but the tribunal members were afraid to recount.

He said that Kaduna State people were solidly determined to ensure PDP victory in 2023 as the current administration had not lived up to expectations.

All the cries have worsened. The state is more indebted. Insecurity has worsened. So, the people want a change, he said.

He said that the primaries were open and all aspirants had a fair chance of picking the ticket.

That is why the losers congratulated the winner. Justice was done to everyone.

He said that efforts were in progress toward reconciling all winners and losers so as to present a cohesive front in the secondary election.

At all levels, both state and federal, the PDP has set up an elaborate mechanism for carrying everybody on board, he said.

Hyat said that many support groups had sprung up to offer PDP a strong base towards victory.

Everyone is coming on board. Everyone wants to rescue Nigeria and Kaduna State. PDP is the platform to achieve that, he said. (NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Source: NAN News

By Martha Agas

The Forum for Circular Bio economy Alliance Plateau chapter, has planted no fewer than 500 trees at Jos Wild life Park, Jos, as part of its activities to mark the 2022 World Environment day.

Speaking at the event on Monday in Jos, the chairman of the forum Alh. Suleiman Dikwa, highlighted the importance of sustaining the biodiversity of the environment through tree planting .

He said the trees were planted at the park to restore the missing fauna of the green area while some were distributed to people to do like wise in their communities.

He said the celebration of the day was a reminder of the need for concerted efforts by individuals and communities to plant trees to mitigate climate change.

Dikwa urged the youths in the state to plant trees because of their economic benefits , especially in the production of bioenergy which can be utilised to fuel vehicles and generate electricity.

Our energy problems can be solved as well. Energy is expensive to move vehicles and to cook.

Today in the United Kingdom houses are still built with mud. What we need to do is to refine our approaches in housing, in how we move, how we live and with the energy we use, he said .

In her remarks, the General Manager of Tourism Corporation, Mrs Salome Bidda, described the exercise as very significant because the park is located at the metropolis .

Jos Wild life park is situated in the heart of the city and is absorbing the carbon mono oxide and giving us oxygen, she said.

She explained that the commemoration with theme: Only One earth was also to sensitise the public on the need to protect the environment and restore the status quo of the planet Earth and promote biodiversity.

Encourage people to not only plant trees but ensures it survives, she said .

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the forum also organised the Jos Green Walk on Saturday in the metropolis to commemorate the day.

The walk was also part of campaign for the planting of 50,000 trees in Plateau.

The day is celebrated annually on June 5 to raise awareness on the importance of nature.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) on Monday in Abuja, commenced a two-week United Nations Military Observers Training of Trainers Course 1/2022 for participants from African countries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the course was organised in collaboration with UN Integrated Training Services and United States Global Peace Operations Initiative.

There are 22 participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic, Malawi, Liberia, Zambia, Rwanda and Sierra Leone.

The Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, said the course was designed to equip the trainers with integrated service approach to training through interactive sessions.

Ibrahim was represented by the Deputy Chief of Training (Courses and Examination), Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye,

He said the training would enable participants to deliver training in their respective countries with a view to attaining the UN standard.

He said the course aimed to roll out new specialised training materials for UN mission observers in Africa.

According to him, granting the hosting opportunity to Nigeria portrays that the UN still recognises and values the contributions of Nigeria to global peace and security.

The MLAILPKC has indeed maintained its status in the region for delivering professional and realistic training to potential peacekeepers for multi-dimensional peace support operations.

At United Nations training cycle, the continuous evaluation of training detects training gaps in existing training manuals, of which the integrated training service develops the required corresponding module during periodic reviews.

This is because contemporary peace support operations are increasingly uncertain and complex, he said.

The commandant, MLAKLPKC, Maj.-Gen. Awaul Fagge, said the training would enable participants to deliver realistic training on the roles of military observers in their respective countries.

Fagge said the course would also equip them to meet the challenges associated with the contemporary peace support operations.

He said the role of diplomatic peacekeepers in conflict resolution was usually underscored by the signing of peace agreement by the parties in such conflict.

According to him, to make it effective, peace agreement must be nurtured, monitored and supervised to ensure compliance by all parties to the conflict.

The need to further equip potential peacekeepers with UN military observation in conflict zones, necessitated the rollout of this new cause.

This module was developed by UN Integral Training Services, based on needs assessment conducted on UN peacekeeping operations in general.

At the end of the course, it is expected that you will further expand the number of potential observers in your various countries, he said.

The Team Leader, UN Integrated Training Services, Col. Alexander Simeone, said there was for UN military observers to enhance their capacities to deliver the same course in their countries.

Simeone said the course would also support the UN gender parity strategy 2018-2028 to increase meaningful participation of women in UN peacekeeping operations.

He said it was UN pre-deployment training requirements for the military officers selected to be deployed to peacekeeping mission as military observers.

The essence of the course is to increase the capacity of the member states form Africa to deliver the new specialized training materials to military observers, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Glory Abuh-Adejoh

The National Industrial Court in Abuja on Monday ordered that Emmanuel Ogbeche of the Abuja Enquirer be served originating summons by substituted means in a case brought before it against Ogbeche by Mr Donald Ugwu.

The substituted means as ordered by the court was by way of pasting the summon and hearing notice at NUJ Secretariat, Zone B, 05, E.A Ekukiinam Street, Utako District, Abuja.

The suit instituted by Ugwu of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), claimed the election of Ogbeche as the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council was a violation of the unions constitution.

The suit has as first defendant the registered trustees of the NUJ and Ogbeche as the second defendant respectively.

When the matter slated for mention came up before Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, the claimants counsel, Mr Michael Okorie informed the court that he had an application.

The counsel submitted that the motion ex-parte which was filed on May 19 was supported by a 6-paragraph affidavit which he deposed to.

The court on its part granted the application by granting leave to the claimant to serve the originating summon and hearing notice on Ogbeche by pasting them on NUJ Secretariat at Utako, Abuja.

The court in addition held that the substituted service would be deemed as proper service being duly served on the second defendant.

The court adjourned the matter until July 25 for mention.

NAN reports that the claimant, an Assistant Editor in-Chief in NAN, is seeking amongst others, an order of the court to set aside the inauguration of Ogbeche as chairman by NUJ on Dec. 4, 2021.

He is also praying the court to declare that the second defendant was neither qualified to contest the said election, nor to become an officer of the union.

The claimant posited that he was the only duly qualified candidate for the office of chairman in the said poll, and urged the court to invoke the constitution and declare him duly elected.

The claimant is also urging the court to determine if the check-off dues of the second defendant were being deducted at source, paid, or remitted monthly by his employer, the Abuja Enquirer.

This is in line with the provisions of Article 4(1) (a) and (b) of the NUJ constitution.

Ugwu is also asking the court to determine if the second defendant not being in good financial standing was legally qualified as a candidate for chairman or any other elective position of the Union.

This is according to the provisions of Articles 4(1)(a) and (b), 2 (a) and 6(7) (a), (b) and (c) of NUJ constitution.

The claimant is also praying the court to determine whether the screening and clearance of the second defendant by the credentials committee not unlawful, unconstitutional, and void.

Ugwu is further asking the court to determine whether the constitution of the union in any of its provisions contemplated any form, way, and manner of payment of check-off dues by financial members other than the way and manner it prescribed.

He is asking the court to declare that the union violated its constitution in the Dec. 4, 2021, FCT Council election.

In addition to the declarative prayers, Ugwu is seeking the court to grant an order to nullify the purported screening and clearance of Ogbeche.

The claimant is seeking another order disqualifying Ogbeche, an order nullifying the purported election, and an order setting aside his purported inauguration as chairman of the FCT NUJ council.

He is also seeking an order of the court for a perpetual injunction restraining Ogbeche from parading himself as the chairman of the FCT Council of the NUJ.

Ugwu is further urging the court to declare him as the sole candidate qualified to contest the office of chairman, the winner, and an order directing the first defendant to immediately swear him into office as Chairman, FCT Council of NUJ. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Uche Anunne

Source: NAN News

By Edith Ike-Eboh and Emmanuel Afonne

The weekly activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) started with one of its subsidiary, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), brandishing an impressive financial record of N12.95 billion profit.

The profit was for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021 representing a 260 per cent increase over its net profit of N3.59 billion in 2020.

Mr Umar Ajiya, the Alternate Chairman of PPMC Board of Directors and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NNPC Ltd., disclosed this during the companys 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) which held in Abuja.

Ajiya said that the leap in profit was due to the adoption of a commercial mindset in the companys operation, a quality he said was required for survival in todays business environment.

He disclosed that the company also achieved 85 per cent reduction in demurrage cost from 64.9 million dollars in 2020 to 9.46 million dollars in 2021 due to effective vessels/cargo programming and increased PMS demand.

He noted that the figure surpassed the target of 50 per cent demurrage cost reduction that had been set for the year.

Ajiya listed some of the companys achievements for the 2021 financial year to include sustenance of products supply sufficiency, zero fuel queues throughout the year with peaceful industrial harmony, and automation of business processes.

On the outlook for the future, the CFO informed that PPMC was looking at expanding its products portfolio.

Also in the week the NNPC Ltd. got the green-light to sign an agreement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the construction of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, who disclosed this said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) gave the approval at its weekly meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja.

Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting, Sylva explained that the cost of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline was yet to be determined as it was still at the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) stage which normally precedes cost evaluation.

The ministry of petroleum resources presented three memos to the council.

In the first memo, the council approved for the NNPC Ltd. to execute MoU with ECOWAS for the construction of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline.

This gas pipeline is to take gas to 15 West African countries and Morocco and through Morocco to Spain and Europe.

According to the Minister, FEC also approved the sum of N3.8 billion for the construction of a switch-gear room and installation of power distribution cables and equipment for the Nigeria Oil and Gas Park in Ogbia, Bayelsa State.

He said the park was designed to support local manufacturing of components for the oil and gas industry.

He said the third memo approved by FEC was for various contracts including the construction of an access road and bridges to the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal (BPPT) in the Niger Delta for N10.5 billion including 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT).

Still in the week under review, the Federal Government gave the assurance that works on two of the roads funded by the NNPC Ltd. under Tax Credit Scheme would be completed between January and May 2023.

The projects are Section II of the Suleja Minna Road and the Agaei Baro Road which are for dualisation and construction respectively.

Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr Folorunsho Esan, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the roads.

A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Works and Housing, Blessing Lere-Adams, disclosed that the Ministry was satisfied with the pace and quality of work on the roads.

On the Suleja Minna Road, Esan was quoted as saying: My impression is that the contractor is on the site making progress and we can see the various aspects of work, the earthwork, the pavement work and even the asphalt laying is going on smoothly.

The only challenge is that of security but it is being taking care of with the presence of security agents.

Speaking on the 52-kilometre Agaei Baro Port Road which connects the Lambata Bida highway, Esan said: Work is progressing, 14kilometres have been asphalted, earthwork is up to 32 kilometres and the rest which is about 18 kilometres is still outstanding but we have the assurance that the work will be delivered on target.

The Director said the road when completed would boost the economy of the North Central region in particular and the nation in general as it led to the Baro Port through which goods and services can be brought into the country and exported to other countries.

The two roads were among the other 21 critical roads selected for funding by the NNPC because of their importance to the economy of the nation, especially in terms of the movement of petroleum products across the country.

The contractors working on both projects also expressed confidence that the projects would be completed and delivered on target as funding was readily available.

The Chief Financial Officer of the NNPC Ltd., Mr Umar Ajiya, said within the week that the NNPC-Gas and Power Investment Company (NGPIC) would leverage on the opportunities provided by the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) roadmap for the electricity sector to boost companys cash flow.

This is in line with the current reality of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA),

Speaking at the 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NGPIC, Ajiya, who is also the Chairman of the companys Board of Directors, said NGPIC was determined to harness the potentials in both brownfield and greenfield portfolios to expedite business growth.

He disclosed that having achieved significant milestones in the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Project, NGPIC would soon sign the Financial Closure agreement to commence the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) of the integrated 10,000 Metric Ton Per Day (MTPD) Methanol Plant.

While commending the management and staff of the company for their commitment to the growth and development of the company, Ajiya urged all stakeholders to put in more effort towards improving on the current profit after tax, which stood at 1.81 billion naira for the year ended Dec. 31 2021.

Ajiya listed some of the achievements of NGPIC to include, completion of its 2nd Audited Financial Statements with improved profitability; completion and successful synchronisation of two Gas Turbines for the 450MW Okpai Phase 2 Independent Power Plant at Kwale, Delta State.

Others were the production of additional 320MW from the Phase 2 of the 450MW IPP ready to be wheeled into the national grid; and the take-over of management of Okpai and Afam VI JV IPPs for business profitability, among others.

Speaking on the contributions of the company to the overall objective of the NNPC, the Managing Director of NDPIC, Dr Jamari said efforts were on to position the business entity towards becoming strategic revenue stream, emphasising that NGPIC had enough potentials to increase the bottom line of the nations oil company.

One thing I will assure the public is that by the time we conclude our activities in terms of acquiring some additional power plants and building some others, this and company will be the strongest company in future in the portfolio of subsidiaries of the NNPC Ltd.

NNPC Gas Power Investment Company Ltd. (NGPIC) is a subsidiary of the NNPC Ltd.

It was incorporated on July 21, 2016 and commenced business in 2020 with main focus on power generation and other gas and power investment services.

In the meantime, CEO/GMD NNPC Ltd, Malam Mele Kyari, reiterated his commitment to sustain the strategic energy partnership between Nigeria and Spain.

Kyari disclosed this while addressing Nigerian and Spanish business leaders on investment opportunities in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry, in Madrid, Spain, on the sidelines of President Muhammadu Buharis state visit to Spain, Wednesday.

Buhari had earlier met with the Spanish President, Pedro Sanchez, King of Spain, His Majesty, King Filipe VI, and gave a speech at the headquarters of the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), in Madrid.

During the visit, Buhari said Nigeria looked forward to increasing bilateral relations with Spain, even as he signed bilateral agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with the Spanish leader, covering areas of prisoner transfer, sports and culture and the economy.

Describing the partnership between Nigeria and Spain as an important one for the NNPC, GMD/CEO said 26 per cent of all LNG produced in Nigeria end up in Spain, while 14 per cent of all Crude Oil produced in Nigeria end up in this country; clearly for us as a business, it is an important market for my company.

Kyari explained that the world would need energy for today and for the future, in industries such as power, IT and automobile.

We know that energy transition is real. We know that net-zero by 2050-2060 is real.

But it doesnt mean zero hydrocarbons in 2050-2060; it means that you are going to have a cleaner use of hydrocarbons, Kyari added.

He said investors must see where their money can come out from and when they invest, they must see that they can recover their cost and make some margin from it.

While noting that in line with global acceptance of gas as a transition fuel, Nigeria had since declared 2021-2030 as the decade of gas.

In our country today, we have a legislation that has clearly created a commercial National Oil Company which will be unveiled by our President in the coming days.

Together with the Spanish business community, I am confident we can build this industry, Kyari said.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) raised Nigerias oil production quota from the 1.772 million barrels per day (mbpd) target approved in June to a new target of 1.799mbpd for July.

A statement issued by OPEC said the decision was taken at its 29th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting.

The new target is 27,000bpd higher than the approved quota for June.

According to the statement, OPEC also adjusted upward the monthly overall production by 648,000bpd for the month of July with a target production of 43.206mbpd.

The statement said: The 29th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting was held via videoconference on June 2.

The meeting noted the most recent reopening from lockdowns in major global economic centres. It further noted that global refinery intake is expected to increase after seasonal maintenance.

The meeting highlighted the importance of stable and balanced markets for both crude oil and refined products.

It said the meeting extended the compensation period until the end of December as requested by some underperforming countries, and requested that underperforming countries submit their plans by June 17.

The statement added that the meeting directed that compensation plans should be submitted in accordance with the statement of the 15th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting.

The figure is 70,000bpd higher than the average crude oil production in April, which stood at 1.35mbpd.

Visit us on www.nannews.ng for more details. (NAN)()

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Edited by Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

Gov. Yahaya Bello, Presidential candidate on the platform of the All progressives Congress (APC) says it is high time Nigerians deemphasized issue of zoning and focused on electing competent leaders.

Bello, who said this at a media appearance on Sunday in Abuja, advised the elite to lift their knees off the necks of citizens and let Nigerians breath.

According to him, he is in the race to change the narratives of regional politics in Nigeria.

It is high time we deemphasised this issue of zoning. In the country today, all what Nigerians want, for instance, is who will secure them.

Out of the 26 million Nigerians who want to support me, they know I am from the north but by my performance by my desire to serve this country, they are all out there to support me not minding where I come from.

So if Nigerias younger generations can try to deemphasise that dichotomy and we still have some leaders (I refer to them as regional leaders) who are still emphasizing this, then Nigerians and the delegates should shine their eyes.

If you go to America today, you do not care where Biden comes from. If you go to the United Kingdom, you do not know where the Prime Minister comes from.

In the United Arab Emirates, most people do not know where the ruler comes from. So why are we always emphasising this?

It is high time our elite lifted their knees off the citizens of this country and let Nigerians breath. By the special grace of God, I will lift their knees off the necks of Nigerians to make them breath, Bello said.

Responding to the decision of the Northern governors to support a southern candidate as presidential flag bearer, Bello noted that not all northern governors were signatory to the document going round the media.

Bello said that such a move would only cause more division in the country among ethno-religious lines.

If you look at the last convention, when all of us came up with a consensus, you will see how each and every governor endorsed that document.

If you put that side by side with this, that is flying around in the social media you will see a statement first then signatures. It was just concocted to heat up the polity.

I sound a note to all Nigerians, it is just a recipe to dividing the country further along ethnic and regional lines and this has been the bane of development causing a lot of disharmony, Bello said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News