Security
Amb. Dere Podoki Urges Federal Government to Withdraw and Re-Award Non-performing Oil Facilities Surveillance Contracts for Improved Performance.
Amb. Dere Podoki Urges Federal Government to Withdraw and Re-Award Non-performing Oil Facilities Surveillance Contracts for Improved Performance.
By Anthony Beauty,
Date: February 14, 2024.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has been urged to withdraw and re-award Non-performing Oil Facilities Surveillance Contracts in order to improve the performance of the War Against Oil Theft and Environmental Pollution.
Making the call in Odimodi, Amb. Dere Podoki, the community Public Relations Officer stated that the Federal Government should reevaluate and redistribute oil facilities surveillance contracts issued by NNPC Limited in the Niger Delta. The call comes amidst concerns that certain contractors are failing to meet expectations, compromising the government’s efforts to curb oil theft and mitigate environmental damages.
While several private security companies were awarded contracts to safeguard oil and gas facilities, evidence suggests that only one contractor Tantita Security Services Ltd. stands out for its remarkable achievements. This distinguished contractor has not only been successful in apprehending suspected saboteurs but has also significantly contributed to community outreach and awareness campaigns, emphasizing the perils of unchecked oil spills resulting from illegal bunkering activities. And pointing out that companies now pin spillages due to their equipment failures on community sabotage.
In stark contrast, areas covered by non-performing or compromising contractors remain hotbeds of oil theft activities, undermining the government’s tireless endeavours to combat oil theft and protect the environment.
Amb. Dere Podoki emphasizes the urgency of withdrawing contracts from underperforming entities and either reawarding them to capable contractors who have capacity to do the job, or to already contracted companies who have demonstrated commitment and results.
The Youth Amb. explained that the current state of Nigeria’s economy, already under strain, cannot afford any additional leakages or environmental damages caused by lax surveillance in key oil-producing areas.
The ambassador’s call resonates with the collective sentiment that strategic reallocation of contracts can enhance the efficiency of oil facilities surveillance, ensuring a more robust defense against theft and environmental degradation. “As the government faces increasing challenges, reshuffling these contracts becomes a critical step towards safeguarding national interests and securing the economic well-being of Nigeria.” Amb. Podoki stated.
By Admin
Abuja – A proposal to create 31 additional states across Nigeria is currently under consideration by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review. According to the committee, the move aims to address concerns about representation, governance, and regional development across the country.
The proposed states are distributed across various geopolitical zones, with six states suggested for the North-Central region, four for the North-East, five for the North-West, five for the South-South, and seven for the South-West. The committee has indicated that the proposal is in line with Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the requirements for state creation.
Proposed States by Region
North-Central
1. Benue Ala (Benue)
2. Okun (Kogi)
3. Okura (Kogi)
4. Confluence (Kogi)
5. Apa-Agba (Benue South Senatorial District)
6. Apa (Benue)
7. Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (as an autonomous state)
North-East
8. Amana (Adamawa)
9. Katagum (Bauchi)
10. Savannah (Borno)
11. Muri (Taraba)
North-West
12. New Kaduna (Kaduna)
13. Gurara (Kaduna)
14. Tiga (Kano)
15. Kainji (Kebbi)
16. Ghari (Kano)
South-East
17. Etiti (New)
18. Adada (Enugu)
19. Urashi (New)
20. Orlu (Imo)
21. Aba (Abia)
South-South
22. Ogoja (Cross River)
23. Warri (Delta)
24. Bori (Rivers)
25. Obolo (Rivers & Akwa Ibom), possibly a renamed Oil Rivers State
South-West
26. Toru-Ebe (Delta, Edo & Ondo)
27. Ibadan (Oyo)
28. Lagoon (Lagos & Ogun)
29. Ibeju (Ogun)
30. Ife-Ijesha (Ogun, Oyo & Osun)
31. Oke-Ogun (Ogun, Oyo & Osun)
Constitutional Process for State Creation
The proposal will require approval through a series of legislative steps. The Nigerian Constitution stipulates that for a new state to be established, it must be supported by at least a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, and local government councils in the affected areas. Additionally, a referendum will be conducted, with the final decision forwarded to the National Assembly for ratification.
This proposed restructuring has generated mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a step toward decentralization and regional autonomy, while others question its feasibility given Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.
What are your thoughts on this development? Share your views!
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INC Demands the Creation of Toru-ebe and Oil Rivers States to Address the Underdevelopment of Ijaw Nation.
By Admin – Yenagoa
Ijaw National Congress (INC), the highest socio-cultural body representing the Ijaw people globally, has renewed its call for the establishment of two homogeneous Ijaw states—Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers—citing persistent infrastructural under-development, political marginalization, and environmental neglect.
This was disclosed during a press conference held on Wednesday at Ijaw Ware in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, emphasized that despite being Nigeria’s fourth-largest ethnic group and hosting some of the country’s key oil export terminals as the single highest producer of oil and gas, the Ijaw people have endured systemic neglect, both in infrastructure and politics.
“We call on the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and all distinguished members of the National Assembly to seize this moment in history and act in the interest of justice,” Prof. Okaba stated.
He described this demand as a crucial step toward achieving justice, equity, and lasting peace in the Niger Delta, stressing that it would help redress historical injustices, drive economic progress, and secure a better future for the Ijaw people.
According to the INC, the creation of the proposed states would not only address issues of political exclusion and under-development, but also strengthen national unity. The organization urged all Ijaw people, along with other well-meaning Nigerians, to support the move towards the actualization of this critical milestone for fairness and equity.
By Divine Perezide
In a developing environmental crisis, residents and concerned stakeholders have raised alarms about an ongoing issue threatening marine life in Alakiri (Ofiemina Ama), Okrika.
According to reports, the cause of the problem remains unknown. However, its impact is severe, as it is actively destroying the sea life in the affected region. A call for urgent intervention has been made to prevent further damage.
In a statement issued by a concerned source, it was noted: “Matter of Urgent Repair. Location: Alakiri (Ofiemina Ama) Okrika. Reason: Unknown. Status: Not yet stopped. Impact: Destroying our sea life.”
The exact nature of the issue has yet to be determined, but local authorities and environmental agencies are urged to investigate and address the situation promptly.
This report is credited to MEDBOSS, with the hashtag #MEDBOSS signaling a wider appeal for awareness and action.
As the crisis unfolds, environmentalists and community leaders emphasize the need for swift measures to mitigate further harm and preserve the delicate marine ecosystem of Okrika.