Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

Senate Moves to Resolve NMDPRA, OGFZA Dispute at Bayelsa Retreat

Lawmakers warn unresolved regulatory overlap may threaten oil and gas investments as committee seeks practical solutions

Published

on

Lawmakers warn unresolved regulatory overlap may threaten oil and gas investments as committee seeks practical solutions

The Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector has commenced a major intervention to end the ongoing dispute between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA). The committee began its effort during a five-day stakeholders’ retreat held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, starting Monday.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano South), told attendees that the Senate is determined to address the regulatory overlap that has caused uncertainty for investors in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. He described the retreat as a strategic move to bring all relevant parties together and resolve grey areas within the mandates of both agencies.

The conflict between NMDPRA and OGFZA over jurisdiction in oil and gas free zones has lingered for years, creating confusion among local and foreign investors. Lawmakers raised concerns that failure to resolve these issues could undermine investor confidence, threaten ongoing projects, and slow down economic growth within the vital oil and gas sector. Nigeria relies heavily on petroleum exports for government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.

“Our aim is to develop practical recommendations that will promote institutional harmony, strengthen energy security, attract more investment, and support Nigeria’s economic ambitions,” Senator Sumaila said in his opening address at the retreat. He noted that stakeholders from government agencies, private companies, and civil society were present to contribute their perspectives. As at press time, no official statement had been released by OGFZA or NMDPRA on their response to the Senate initiative.

The Senate committee is expected to submit its findings along with actionable policy recommendations at the conclusion of the retreat. Industry observers say resolving this regulatory turf war could improve Nigeria’s business environment and help unlock new investments in downstream petroleum infrastructure across all six geopolitical zones.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/senate-steps-in-to-end-nmdpra-ogfza-turf-war-boost-investor-confidence/

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

Delta Police Confirm Death of Twin Infants Abandoned in Drainage by Parents

Authorities say tragic incident occurred in Warri South LGA; investigation ongoing, community expresses shock over loss

Published

on

Authorities say tragic incident occurred in Warri South LGA; investigation ongoing, community expresses shock over loss

Police in Delta State have confirmed the death of twin infants who were discovered lifeless in a drainage channel after allegedly being dumped by their parents. The incident took place in Warri South Local Government Area on Sunday, 21 June 2026, according to the state police command.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer stated that the infants were found by residents who immediately alerted law enforcement. Preliminary findings suggest that the babies had been abandoned in the drainage, leading to their eventual death. The police have launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the act and to identify those responsible.

This development has drawn concern from many residents and child rights advocates within Delta State, as similar incidents have been reported in parts of the South-South zone. Community members expressed sadness at the loss of innocent lives and called for increased vigilance and social support to prevent such occurrences.

While speaking on the matter, the Delta State Police Command assured that efforts are ongoing to bring any culprits to justice and urged members of the public to report suspicious behaviour around their neighbourhoods. As at press time, no arrests had been announced, but police said investigations are progressing.

Authorities emphasised that cases involving child abandonment or endangerment will be prosecuted under Nigerian law. The police also appealed to families facing hardship to seek help from appropriate government agencies rather than resorting to actions that could endanger lives.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889639-police-speak-on-how-twin-infants-died-in-drainage-after-parents-dumped-them.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

APC Hails Oyebanji’s Re-Election, Says Victory Reflects Ekiti People’s Confidence

Party leadership describes result as endorsement of Governor Oyebanji’s performance; opposition parties yet to issue formal response

Published

on

Party leadership describes result as endorsement of Governor Oyebanji’s performance; opposition parties yet to issue formal response

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election in Ekiti State, stating that the outcome of the poll demonstrates the confidence and trust the people have in his leadership. The party made this known in a statement released on Sunday, 21 June 2026.

According to APC officials, Oyebanji’s victory at the polls is a clear indication of the electorate’s satisfaction with his administration’s achievements over the past term. The party leadership commended voters across Ekiti for what it described as peaceful conduct and active participation during the governorship election.

The re-election comes at a time when political observers had raised concerns about voter apathy and heightened competition from opposition parties in the South-West state. However, APC argued that the result is an affirmation of its policies and the Governor’s performance in areas such as infrastructure, education, and social welfare programmes.

While congratulating Oyebanji and all APC supporters in Ekiti, party leaders urged him to continue prioritising good governance and inclusive development. The statement read: “Governor Oyebanji’s re-election shows that our people believe in his vision for Ekiti State.” As at Sunday evening, no official statement had been released by major opposition parties regarding the outcome of the election.

With Oyebanji set for another term, attention is now turning to how his administration will consolidate on existing projects and address key challenges facing residents. Political analysts expect heightened scrutiny on policy implementation as Ekiti remains a critical state in South-West politics.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889635-apc-hails-oyebanjis-re-election-says-victory-reflects-ekiti-peoples-confidence.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Gunmen Kill Former OGTV Staff Kitan Oyesiku in Kobape, Ogun State

Police launch investigation as community mourns respected broadcaster; motive behind attack remains unclear

Published

on

Police launch investigation as community mourns respected broadcaster; motive behind attack remains unclear

Unknown gunmen have killed Mrs Kitan Oyesiku, a former staff member of Ogun State Television (OGTV), at her residence in Kobape area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, in the early hours of Sunday. The assailants reportedly broke into her home and carried out the fatal attack, leaving family members and neighbours shocked by the incident.

The circumstances leading to Oyesiku’s death remain unclear as at press time, and security agencies have yet to establish the motive for the killing. The tragic event has thrown the local community into mourning, with colleagues and residents expressing disbelief over the loss of the well-known broadcaster popularly called ‘Aunty Kitan’.

Oyesiku was widely recognised within media circles in Ogun State due to her years of service at OGTV, a state-owned television station. Her death has highlighted ongoing concerns about security in residential areas across South-West Nigeria, where cases of violent attacks by unidentified gunmen have been reported intermittently.

Ogun State Police Command is expected to commence a full investigation into the incident. As at Monday, no official statement had been released by police authorities regarding possible suspects or arrests connected to the attack. Efforts to reach police spokespersons for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Residents and stakeholders in Kobape have called on security agencies to intensify patrols and bring those responsible for Oyesiku’s death to justice. Community leaders say they are working with law enforcement to ensure such incidents do not recur while urging anyone with useful information to come forward.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/gunmen-kill-ex-ogtv-staff-kitan-oyesiku-in-ogun/

Continue Reading