News
Belema Sweet Export Terminal Gets License
The Federal Government, on Tuesday in Abuja, presented a licence for the establishment of Belema Sweet Export Terminal, the first of its kind in the world.
With the grant of the licence, Nigeria has successfully acquired its first Hybrid Crude Export Terminal, with eight million barrels storage capacity.
The licence was presented on behalf of the Federal Government by the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Presenting the licence to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of Belema Oil Producing Limited, Mr Tein Jack-Rich, the CEO of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
Ahmed noted that with the presentation of the licence to Belema Sweet Export Terminal, the indigenous oil company becomes the second to acquire such a license, the first being the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Exploration and Production Limited.
The NMDPRA boss explained that except in accordance with the appropriate licence by the Authority, no company or entity had the right to engage in any exploration activity in the country, except the two companies.
He stressed that no entity had the right to operate, establish a terminal or other facilities for export or importation of crude oil or petroleum products.
”In line with this, the authority has processed and hereby approved terminal establishment licenses to these two organisations.
”One is the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, with 2,179,704 barrels of crude oil terminal at Off Shore Akwa Ibom State within the waters of the exclusive zone.
”The second is the Belema Sweet Export Terminal in Kula, Rivers State, with 2million barrels of crude oil terminal,” Farouk said.
According to him, the terminals are expected to operate within the provisions of the conditions of the licences as contained in the document.
He therefore, called on investors to invest in the sector as the government was determined to ensure a business friendly environment for them.
Speaking after the ceremony, Jack-Rich said the event marked a great milestone for the country, and attestation to the great success story of President Bola Tinubu, in less than two weeks of assuming office.
”With the establishment of Belema Sweet Crude Export Terminal, Nigeria now ranks number one in the world to establish a crude oil Export Terminal that is climate conscious, where traditional energy and renewable energy integration is operated through virtual power plant model.
”This is in line with energy efficiency/sustainability to protect our ecosystem,” Jack-Rich said.
”This will also create over 100,000 jobs for families in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
Also speaking, Mr Modibbo Ahmed, who received the licence on behalf of the NNPC, said that Nigeria should expect the crude oil terminal in the next one to three months.
Belema Sweet Export Terminal Project is designed to be the first hybrid crude oil export terminal in the world.
It is a land-based terminal with good proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, via the San Bartholomeo River, for ease of offtake.
The terminal is divided into two sections; the crude oil processing terminal section and the oil export loading terminal section.
The first phase of the project will comprise of a 2,000,000 million barrels storage capacity.
The export loading terminal would be able to receive any crude oil carrier size such as Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), Suezmax, Aframax, among others.
Another key feature of the Belema Sweet Export Terminal include:400,000 Barrel of Liquid per day central processing facility (CPF).
The Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday said that the video of the alleged invasion of the state by suspected Boko Haram currently circulating on social media was recycled.
The command’s spokesman, CSP Adewale Osifeso, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a video clip is currently being circulated on social media alleging the arrest of suspected Boko Haram members who invaded the state along the Ibadan Expressway.
“The Police Command in Oyo wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of the state by Boko Haram elements intercepted along the Ibadan Express road.
“The video, which allegedly depicts articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, has been verified as a recycled clip from 2022,” he said.
Osifeso said the re-emergence of the video, particularly during a period of enhanced security in the state, suggests a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest.
“The command urges the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics; we assure that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of the state.
“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service,” he added.
Osifeso reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all residents in the state.
He urged the public to avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that had been previously resolved and encouraged them to thoroughly verify any information before sharing on social media.
NAN
It was an evening of glamour, prestige, and fine living as the crème de la crème of society gathered for the Falcon Aero Jet Night, hosted in collaboration with Glenfiddich Grand Cru. The event, which took place amidst an atmosphere of refined luxury, marked the announcement of a major partnership: Glenfiddich Grand Cru is now the official in-flight spirit and drinks partner for Viva Jets, catering to both local and intercontinental long-haul flights.
The gathering attracted industry heavyweights, top executives, and celebrated Nigerian celebrities, all of whom came out in full support of the union between the two premium brands. Guests and business leaders at the event expressed strong optimism that the partnership would set new standards for luxury travel and sophisticated experiences, aligning with the shared values of excellence and class that both brands embody.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Eddie Madaki, the Glenfiddich Grand Cru representative, emphasized that the collaboration with Viva Jets is a testament to the brand’s commitment to offering memorable, world-class experiences. “This partnership with Aero Jet will continue to create unforgettable memories for our patrons. Glenfiddich Grand Cru stands for elegance, tradition, and innovation, and we are excited to bring this spirit of excellence to the skies,” he said.
A representative from Aero Jet also shared insights into their vision for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of selecting Glenfiddich Grand Cru as their official in-flight partner. According to the representative, the choice was driven by Glenfiddich’s reputation for quality and luxury, which perfectly complements the bespoke flying experience Aero Jet is renowned for providing to its discerning clientele.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru is a unique expression from the Glenfiddich distillery, renowned globally for its pioneering spirit and craftsmanship. Aged for 23 years and finished in rare French cuvée casks, Glenfiddich Grand Cru fuses the finest flavours from Scotland and France, delivering an extraordinary drinking experience designed to celebrate life’s most special moments. This latest partnership further cements Glenfiddich’s standing as a beacon of luxury and sophistication.
The Falcon Aero Jet Night was not just a celebration of a new venture, but a true testament to the power of vision, craftsmanship, and shared values, ushering in a new era of premium experiences in aviation and luxury lifestyle.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams, has commended the growing commitment of political leaders to the development of Southern Kaduna, describing it as unprecedented.
Speaking at the Southern Kaduna Solemn Assembly for Restoration held in Bara, Jema’a Local Government Area, Adams attributed the progress to the inclusive governance style of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing several ongoing developmental projects as evidence of their dedication.
The meeting, convened at the instance of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political figures to strategize on advancing the region’s growth.
Adams noted that Southern Kaduna is witnessing an unparalleled drive for development under the current leadership, and he urged residents to remain politically united ahead of the 2027 elections to consolidate these gains.
“Since the return of democracy, this is the first time we are seeing leaders who are truly passionate about the development of Southern Kaduna,” he said.
“We must learn to love ourselves so that others can love and respect us.”
Highlighting some of the projects the Governor played a pivotal role, Adams mentioned the military barracks under construction in Samaru Kataf, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.
He emphasized that the governor had to reclaim some state-owned properties to facilitate these developments.
“Southern Kaduna is not there yet, but we are firmly on the path to progress,” Adams asserted.
He further called on the people of the region to unite politically and vote strategically in the 2027 elections, stressing that coordinated political action is crucial for attracting greater development.
“We must bring our votes together and negotiate a better deal for our people, rather than voting indiscriminately, which in the past has led to misfortune for the region,” he added.