Business
Corrosion: A major challenge for petroleum refineries , chemical process industries— Minuster
The Federal government, through the Ministry of Environment, has declared that corrosion is one of the significant enduring challenges confronting Petroleum Refineries and Chemical Process Industries worldwide.
The ministry is seeking the support of the Nigerian Corrosion Association (NICA) and key stakeholders to drive a shift away from traditional control methods that result in carbon emissions and environmental impact. Instead, they aim to embrace sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly corrosion protection solutions.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Honourable Minister of State for Environment, made this announcement during the 2023 annual National conference organized by the Nigerian Corrosion Association in Abuja, with the theme “Corrosion Control of Public Infrastructure and Utilities.”
He stated, “Corrosion is also a major ongoing challenge for Petroleum Refineries and Chemical Process Industries globally, some of which have experienced incidents leading to infrastructure damage and loss of personnel. I seek the support of NICA and other critical stakeholders in transitioning from traditional control processes with environmental footprints to sustainable, effective, economical, and eco-friendly corrosion protection technologies.”
“Infrastructure and utilities encompass physical structures, assets, and systems that provide essential services, contributing to a nation’s security, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and citizen well-being, regardless of their characteristics and circumstances,” he added. “Ensuring the integrity, reliability, sustainability, and resilience of critical assets is a top priority for national development.”
Dr. Salako highlighted past incidents such as the Caribbean Petroleum Refining Tank Explosion and Fire in Puerto Rico (2009), the Chevron Refinery incident in Richmond, California (2012), and the tragic Bhopal Pesticide Plant disaster in India in 1984, which claimed nearly 8,000 lives.
“On the national front, Nigeria, as a major oil and gas producer, has made substantial investments in critical infrastructures, from exploration submersibles and oil production platforms to refineries, depots, and transportation pipelines. However, corrosion control remains a particularly challenging issue impacting oil and gas production in three key areas: production, transportation, and refinery operations.”
In his welcome address, the President of the association, Engr. Ese Ochoga, emphasized the inclusivity of this year’s conference theme, focusing on the impact of corrosion on public infrastructure and utilities, a concern shared by all.
He stated, “The period from 2019 to 2023 represents a significant indicator of NICA’s unwavering commitment to driving change through education and enlightenment on best practices in physical asset protection, preservation, and management, which directly affect GDP and industrial, public, and environmental safety.”
“The theme also provides valuable insights and recommendations from materials and corrosion specialists in managing, monitoring, and maintaining our cherished public infrastructures. For many, both technical and non-technical individuals, this will be a paradigm shift, fostering a desire for acquiring rare knowledge.”
Ese Ochoga also mentioned that the conference offers practical solutions available at the exhibition stands and during excursions.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the appointment of a new eight -man Senior Management Team.
The appointment followed the recent announcement followed the appointment of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and Board of Directors.
Disclosing this in a statement on Friday, NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said the appointments all take immediate effect.
“Following the appointment of the Group Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the appointment of a new 8-man Senior Management Team on Friday,” he stated.
“The team which will be headed by the GCEO, Mr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has Rowland Ewubare as Group Chief Operating Officer; Adedapo Segun as Group Chief Financial Officer; and Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President Gas, Power & New Energy.
“Other members of the team are: Udy Ntia as Executive Vice President Upstream; Mumuni Dangazau as Executive Vice President Downstream; Sophia Mbakwe as Executive Vice President Business Services; and Adesua Dozie, as Company Secretary & Chief Legal Officer. All appointments are with immediate effect.”
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director-generaI of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), says the recent tariffs announced by the United States (US) will have significant implications for global trade and economic growth prospects.
On April 2, President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs on all imports into the US, imposing 14 percent on Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday, Okonjo-Iweala said the WTO secretariat is closely monitoring and analysing the measures announced by the nation.
The WTO DG said many members have “reached out to us”, adding that the secretariat is actively engaging with them in response to their questions about the potential effect on their economies and the global trading system.
“The recent announcements will have substantial implications for global trade and economic growth prospects,” the economist said.
“While the situation is rapidly evolving, our initial estimates suggest that these measures, coupled with those introduced since the beginning of the year, could lead to an overall contraction of around 1% in global merchandise trade volumes this year, representing a downward revision of nearly four percentage points from previous projections.”
Okonjo-Iweala expressed concern over the decline and the potential for escalation into a tariff war with a cycle of retaliatory measures that could lead to further declines in trade.
“It is important to remember that, despite these new measures, the vast majority of global trade still flows under the WTO’s Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) terms,” she said.
“Our estimates now indicate that this share currently stands at 74%, down from around 80% at the beginning of the year. WTO members must stand together to safeguard these gains.”
According to the WTO DG, trade measures of this size have the potential to create significant trade diversion effects.
Therefore, she called on members to “manage the resulting pressures responsibly to prevent trade tensions from proliferating”.
“The WTO was established to serve precisely in moments like this — as a platform for dialogue, to prevent trade conflicts from escalating, and to support an open and predictable trading environment,” Okonjo-Iweala said.
She encouraged members to utilise the forum to engage constructively and seek cooperative solutions.
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Association of Labour Veteran and Trade Union Assembly has voiced its support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, claiming that food prices have significantly decreased across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the union’s interim president, Comrade Isa Tijjani, acknowledged the initial economic hardship faced by Nigerians at the beginning of Tinubu’s administration but insisted that government efforts had led to tangible improvements.
“At the start of this administration, the cost of food soared, and the nation was filled with cries of hunger and complaints. People were urged to be patient as the government worked towards solutions,” Tijjani said.
“Now, the President and his aides have worked tirelessly, and prices have come down drastically. However, I have yet to hear words of appreciation for their efforts. Recognising their achievements will encourage them to do even more for the nation.”
Tijjani, a former national vice-president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, urged Nigerians to differentiate between constructive criticism and unwarranted opposition.
He emphasised that engaging with the government in a respectful and solution-oriented manner would yield better results than resorting to hostility.
“The President of this country today is Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Advising him in a humble and respectful manner will be more productive than adopting a confrontational stance. Constructive engagement achieves more than threats and name-calling,” he added.
Tijjani also condemned the recent act of violence in Edo State, describing it as a cowardly attempt to incite division and instability in Nigeria.
He welcomed the swift response of both the President and the Governor of Edo State in addressing the situation and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The labour leader further urged union members to participate in the upcoming General Executive Council meeting, where the union’s position on national issues will be formalised and disseminated at all levels of governance, from the state to the local and ward levels.
The Tinubu administration has faced criticism over the country’s economic challenges, including inflation and currency depreciation. However, government officials have maintained that their policies will yield long-term benefits for Nigeria’s economy.