Opinion
Farouk Ahmed; Matching Words and Actions at NMDPRA
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
Since his inception as Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority NMDPRA , Engr. Farouk Ahmed, three years down the line had kept to the mandate of the newly created agency.
This was against the backdrop of insinuation and cynicism as well as speculation that a lot of sharp practices was on going in the oil and gas sector.
From the regulatory functions to monitoring as well as administration of oil and gas industry in the country, with a view to meeting the statutory functions of the new agency .
Recently, after at the Inauguration of the first local refinery owned by Dangote group, the top echelon of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority NMDPRA announced to Nigerians that procurement of petroleum products will continue both locally and through importation to mitigate the teething problems been witnessed by the new local refining company, and meeting the chain of distribution to Nigerians .
Aside the distribution process of Petroleum products, he also impressed on Nigerians that sales of crude oil to Dangote group refining company will commence in local currency, the naira in October along with other decisions.
Through to his words, last week the NNPCL commenced the sales of crude oil to Dangote Refinery in local currency, paving way for foreign direct investment FDI, local participation, competition and to improve the local currency against the foreign exchange.
The stress of assessing the foreign exchange by the new Dangote Refinery capable of causing needles fuel scarcity in the country has become a thing of the past, with the availability of crude oil assessed in local currency.
What is left for the management of Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority NMDPRA under the indefatigable leadership of Engr. Farouk Ahmed that had rejigged it’s monitoring and regulatory functions, that ensured the compliance with both the new ex- depot prices, retail prices across the country, so as not to under dispense the products capable of sustaining ordinary Nigerians, following the increment.
With a strong local currency and ease of doing business both locally and internationally, the economy of the country and the gradual need to export the petroleum products will be the other of the day .
This was to counter the allegations of importation of adulterated products, connivance with fuel importers to shortchange Nigerians and seamless importation of products side by side with the local refining of Dangote Refinery, to serve consumers and reduced scarcity to the barest minimum.
The new policy will also address perennial smuggling of products particularly through the northern part of the country to neighboring countries of Africa, that had constantly affected the price regime of products in the country.
By matching words with actions, no doubt the unabated crises in the oil and gas industry under the leadership of Engr Farouk Ahmed at Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority NMDPRA will become a thing of the past .
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.