News
In Kaduna, DPR Seals 57 Petrol Stations, Gas Plants
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed at least 53 petrol stations and four gas refilling plants in Kaduna State.
DPR’s Zonal Operations Controller, Isa Tafida, on Tuesday, during a monitoring exercise explained that the facilities were sealed for various offences.
He disclosed that some of the erring petrol and gas stations were penalised for selling below the N145 approved pump price, under-delivery, and non-compliance to safety regulations.
Other offences he listed include operating without license, construction and operation without DPR licence, and installation of facilities without approval.
Mr Tafida added that the Department inspected no fewer than 300 petrol stations between the months of July and August.
He stressed that this was to ensure compliance and to also make sure people are not short-changed by unscrupulous marketers, especially as the Sallah festival draws closer.
Tafida maintained that the exercise would also help to checkmate diversion of products and hoarding, selling above government approved pump price, and under-delivery by petroleum marketers among others.
The zonal operations controller who led other officials on the inspection tour informed that the DPR has intensified its operations within the state, in furtherance of its constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, a petrol station located along Kaduna-Zaria Expressway was found to be collecting and diverting petroleum products outside the country.
Mr Tafida further explained that the operation of illegal gas plants without licence and under unsafe condition was illegal and would not be allowed.
He, therefore warned operators of gas plants to stop selling products to retailers due to the inherent risks to the public.
The DPR official also asked them to ensure that stringent safety measures were applied in accordance with international best practice
He noted that the ongoing surveillance of marketers across Kaduna would be sustained to ensure that petroleum operations and facilities were kept in check in the interest and safety of the masses.
The Department is saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and supervising activities of the oil and gas industry across the country, with a view to instilling sanity and orderliness in the system.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has disclosed that 95 million Nigerians need to enroll for the National Identification Number (NIN) to meet its target of 200 million enrollments by 2025.
Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, emphasised the importance of this enrollment during an interview on X over the weekend.
He stated, “For NIMC to meet the 200 million target by 2025, 95 million Nigerians need to register for the NIN.”
Adegoke revealed that over 105 million NINs have been issued to Nigerians and legal residents so far.
He assured Nigerians of the commission’s commitment, saying, “We want to assure Nigerians that within the next one or two years, we will reach our target of enrolling all Nigerians.”
“The NIN serves as a unique identifier for each citizen and has become increasingly important for various government initiatives aimed at improving security, governance, and service delivery.”
Adegoke highlighted the efforts to streamline the modification and enrollment processes under the leadership of Abisoye Coker, the director-general of NIMC. He announced the development of a self-service platform, allowing Nigerians to make necessary modifications such as changing names, dates of birth, email addresses, and phone numbers from anywhere, using different devices.
Emphasising the convenience of the self-service modification portal, Adegoke encouraged Nigerians to utilize this innovative solution.
He noted the evolution of the process, citing the past requirement for applicants to visit NIMC offices for data corrections.
Engr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has disclosed that the nation’s oil and gas reserves have risen to 37.50 billion barrels as of January 1, 2024.
This marks an increase from the 37.046 billion barrels recorded in May 2022.
Komolafe emphasised the implementation of robust policies aimed at enhancing and optimising oil and gas operations across the country.
Notably, gas reserves stand at 102.59 trillion cubic feet (TCF), with non-associated gas reserves reaching 106.67 TCF, culminating in a total of 209.26 TCF of gas reserves.
Addressing concerns during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday regarding crude supply regulation and enforcement, Komolafe underscored the importance of prioritising feedstock supply to local refineries while addressing grievances from oil producers and the Dangote Refinery within specified timelines.
This announcement follows recent reports of a decline in Nigeria’s crude oil production during February and March 2024.
According to data from the April 2024 Monthly Oil Market Report of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria’s crude oil production (excluding condensates) experienced its second consecutive monthly decrease, dropping to 1.231 million barrels per day in March from 1.322 million barrels per day in February.
OPEC attributed this decline, amounting to a reduction of 91,000 barrels per day, to factors communicated directly from Nigeria.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has commiserated with the senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari over the loss of his mother, Alhaja Buhari.
The matriarch, who passed away on Monday, April 8, has left a void in the family that Oseni described as irreparable.
In a condolence message released on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, and made available to newsmen, the lawmaker expressed his deep sympathy, praying for Alhaja Buhari to find eternal rest in the arms of God.
Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, urged Senator Buhari and his family to find solace in the legacy of achievements left behind by their late matriarch.
He emphasised the importance of cherishing the memories of her life and the successes attained by her children.
The statement read, “Distinguished Senator Buhari, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mama, Alhaja Buhari. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
“Alhaja was a pillar of strength and a source of love and guidance for your family and community. Her legacy of kindness, wisdom, and resilience will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
“May you and your family find comfort and solace in the cherished memories you shared with her, and may the love and support of friends and well-wishers provide you with strength and courage in the days ahead.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate through this time of grief”, Oseni continued.
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