My Afrikan Diary

Military stops admission of combatant female cadets

2017-11-13T11:13:00.001+01:00

In a major policy reversal, the Nigerian military is set to end the admission of female cadets into the combatant course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, The PUNCH has learnt.

A set of 20 females, nicknamed Jonathan Queens, were first admitted into the course in Nigeria’s premier military officer training institution during the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2011.

It was learnt that the recommendation to end the programme was made by the Armed Forces Council which was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari last week.

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Police recruitment: Five applicants arrested in Nasarawa for certificate forgery

2016-06-15T14:58:00.000+01:00

The police in Nasarawa have confirmed the arrest of five applicants during the ongoing police recruitment exercise in Lafia over forgery of certificates and theft.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the exercise in the state, Alhassan Mamoda, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lafia.
According to him, four of the applicants were discovered to have forged their certificates in order to gain employment while the fifth was arrested for stealing a cell phone.
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US Sends Medical Experts To Study How Nigeria Arrested Ebola

2014-10-02T13:14:00.002+01:00

Stunned by the entrance of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, into America, the United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention has despatched its personnel to study how Nigeria contained the killer disease. The US reported on Tuesday that it has discovered a case of EVD in Dallas, Texas, but its health officials said “the crisis is under control and the public has nothing to fear.” A statement released by US CDC Director Tom Frieden said “it’s clear the nation needs a quick and thorough response to its first Ebola patient” He said although Nigeria was not completely out of the woods, “their extensive response to a single case of Ebola shows that control is possible with rapid, focused interventions.” Apart from Nigeria, the US will also visit Senegal to study its model. Frieden said “the best practices in Nigeria and Senegal suggest the U.S. should monitor all individuals who may have been exposed to Ebola and establish a dedicated management and response system.” Senegal has had no new reported cases of Ebola since Sept. 18 while Nigeria has not reported new ones since August 31, US health officials are expected in Nigeria which it claimed had the best practices in combating Ebola Virus disease which entered into Nigeria through Liberian born American citizen Mr. Patrick Sawyer whose index case was reported on July 20, 2014. Nigeria is expected to officially announce today that the remaining two potential Ebola patients will exit the 21-day observation period. How Nigeria stopped the spread of Ebola According to US CDC, “Nigeria’s first reported case of Ebola surfaced July 20, when Patrick Sawyer landed in Lagos from Liberia and exposed 72 other passengers to the virus. Nigeria’s Health officials quickly issued notifications and tracked everybody who may have been in contact with Sawyer. “Nigeria also established an Ebola Incident Management Center to handle the potential outbreak and developed a staffing plan that executed a social mobilization strategy that reached more than 26,000 households of people living around the contacts of Ebola patients,” The deadly virus has killed more than 3,000 people in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia in the largest outbreak ever recorded. How Senegal contained Ebola Senegal confirmed its first Ebola case Aug. 29 after a man, travelling from Guinea on Aug. 14, took ill and showed symptoms of the disease. This prompted a quick response, including an experienced and trained staff that was prepared to contain the Ebola outbreak. The procedure led to the identification of 67 contacts who were placed under quarantine, monitored for 21 days and showed no symptoms of Ebola. Panic in America The man who imported Ebola into US was found to have travelled to Liberia without informing the authorities and did not disclose the nature of his ailment to the nurse that attended to him. Reports from Texas yesterday said that the Nurse who attended to the man has also taken ill for Ebola in Texas. A spokesman for Texas Health Presbyterian said the patient had walked into a Dallas emergency room on September 26, without knowing that he contacted the deadly virus and left after he was treated. He then returned to the facility on September 28 where it was determined he likely had Ebola and was isolated. He tested positive Tuesday, health officials said. Following the lapse on the part of the hospital officials, questions are being asked amid panic across the country. The CDC has thus advised that all medical facilities should ask for patients with symptoms consistent with Ebola for their travel history.

2013-05-30T11:28:00.000+01:00

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Breaking News: Liberty Reserve blocked.

2013-05-29T08:29:00.000+01:00

Liberty Reserve the popular online bank has been blocked by the United States of America for money laundering. It is said that the site had been used to launder over 6 BILLION DOLLARS being illegal fund from Drug dealers, Child pornography, terrorist and other sources of illegal fund.

TERROR ATTACK IN KADUNA

2013-01-31T11:02:00.000+01:00

BREAKING NEWS: Gunmen Invade Birnin Gwari Township In Kaduna State, Bomb Police Station And Banks

SaharaReporters has just received information from students living in Birnin Gwari town in Kaduna State to the effect that heavily armed bandits took over the Police Station in the area and burnt it down after about two hours of gun battle with troops.

The police station was completely razed in an attack that started at midnight, according to the source.
Banks and other public buildings were reportedly bombed along with the Police Station.
The source who claimed to have witnessed the attack said the bandits also planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that exploded simultaneously in addition to sporadic gun shots.
The source also said that the whole area was sealed by the unidentified gunmen whose number could not be ascertained because of they came in the dark. Several police officers and some of the bandits are believed to have died in the attack which lasted about two hours.
“We are trapped, and under fear, we need military support to, if not there is no certainty on our lives. As I speak, they are still firing”, he said.
In October, 2012, bandits invaded the town killing some 20 worshippers leaving a Mosque in an early morning raid in the area.
Calls made to spokespersons of the army and police were not returned as at the time of this report.

Train accident in Lagos

2012-09-01T12:00:00.001+01:00

900 passengers escape death in Lagos train accident

September 1, 2012

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Over nine hundred passengers escaped death on Friday morning when a 10-coach Iddo-bound train rammed into a truck at Ilupeju Railway Crossing near Oshodi, Lagos.

The accident, which occurred at about 7.30 am, led to traffic gridlock on the Ilupeju/Oshodi Road for several hours.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that each of the coaches has 90 seats, but they were usually overloaded.

An eyewitness told NAN that the articulated vehicle blocked the railway crossing when the train was already close by.

The loaded trailer had crashed into the double barriers on the railway crossing shortly before the train arrived.

On seeing the approaching train, the driver jumped out of the trailer and ran away. The train then dragged the truck for some distance, scattering the goods inside it — which were mostly empty cartons of Malta Guinness drink – along the track.

The dragging of the truck also led to the damaging of some vehicles parked along the rail track by auto mechanics.

The accident caused some damage to the engine of the locomotive and the track.

NAN reported that the incident was the third time in the month of August that a passenger train would ram into vehicles at railway crossing in the Lagos metropolis.

The earlier two accidents occurred at the Ikeja railway crossing, and claimed some lives.

Confirming the accident, Mr Ademuyiwa Adekanbi, the Lagos District Public Relations Officer of the Railways, said that no life was lost in the incident.

Adekanbi said that the corporation had embarked on enough enlightenment campaign on the use of the railway crossings.

“We have done enough jingles on radio and television, we have rallies and distributed fliers to sensitise people of the right of way of a train at level crossings,” he said.

Source:The Punch Newspaper

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2012-08-14T11:34:00.002+01:00

At last the Nigrerian "Petroleum Industry bill is out for public perusal. You can can download a copy from here. PETROLEUM INDUSTRY BILL

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2012-08-13T14:53:00.000+01:00

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2012-08-13T14:05:00.000+01:00

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Nigerian Oil Industry

2012-08-13T11:50:00.001+01:00

Part 1: Nigerian Oil Industry And Fuel Subsidy: The Facts, The Myths And The Hidden Truth!

Wednesday, 08 August 2012 21:43

Written by OLUMIDE ILUYOMAD

BACKGROUND HISTORY:
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a nation whose name is synonymous with oil riches! Shortly after independence in 1960, the young democratic nation was soon confronted with divisive and unsavoury political wrangling which led to an unsolicited military intervention and political assassinations! A violent vortex of political unrest, sectional violence and further military agitation and politicization was to follow, which ultimately culminated in a civil war in 1967!
In the early formative years, Nigeria was not known for oil production, much rather the nation had a vibrant and fecund agrarian economy. Commercially viable crude oil deposit was first discovered by Shell-British Petroleum Company at Oloibiri (now in Bayelsa State) shortly before independence in 1956. Initially, a 50-50 sharing arrangement between the company and the colonial government of Nigeria was implemented. By the early 1960’s Mobil, Texaco and Gulf Oil had purchased concessions and Shell-British petroleum was no longer the exclusive oil exploration company.
By 1970, in the aftermath of the civil war, the nation as a whole was in the process of recovering from the devastating effect of war and the blossoming Nigerian oil industry had not been spared the negative impact either! Oil production had dropped to a mere 33% of its production peak of 420,000Bpd in 1966. The incumbent military leadership was in dire need of revenue and new sources of income to pay outstanding debts and forge a viable nation state. It was under this circumstance that Nigeria was to discover her true potentials as an oil producing nation.
A few years later, the tides of the nation would turn dramatically culminating in the oil boom of the 70s, Nigeria experienced her first and most critical economic boom! Billions of dollars generated by the production of crude oil flowed into the national confers. The fossil-fuel rich Niger delta region which had been a primary bone of contention in the acrimonious negotiation leading to the civil war was to become the nation’s primary source of revenue! Nigeria had become an important and critical producer of the most valuable energy resource in the world! Thus the nation’s influence and wealth grew exponentially.
Nigeria soon joined OPEC and embraced regional initiatives. Critical national infrastructures were constructed and strategic oil Refineries were built to reduce dependency and to yield greater income! The military government which was in control of the federal government, realizing the great potentials and the wealth trapped underneath the ground, especially with regards to revenue generation, actively and aggressively sought out the best opportunities and means of exerting exclusive control over the valuable resource! The federal government persisted in garnering control over oil revenues by implementing the following laws and policies:

In May 1971, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), then under the leadership of General Yakubu Gowon, consolidated its involvement in the nation’s oil industry through the creation of Nigerian National Oil Corporation (NNOC).
1972: FGN declared that all properties not currently owned by a foreign corporation or entity, legally and automatically became properties of the federal government, thus effectively nationalizing regional assets and gaining jurisdiction and control over the sale and allocation of concession to foreign investments.
1974: FGN decreed a mandatory participation in all oil industry projects that accrued 55% equity share to the federal government.
1975: FGN enacted Decree #6 which increased the federal share of the revenue from oil to 80%, with only 20% going to the states!
1976: First notable exploration and development venture undertaken by NNOC to uncover commercially viable deposits of petroleum off-shore
1978: FGN promulgated the Land Use Act which vested control over all land in the office and jurisdiction of each respective State governor.
1979: Declaration of 1979 federal constitution of Nigeria. Section 40(3) of the constitution declared all natural resources – fossil oil, minerals and natural gas; found within the sovereign boundaries of Nigeria as the exclusive and legal property of the federal government of Nigeria.
1979: In an effort to further increase its control over the oil industry, the FGN merged and restructured the functions and responsibilities of NNOC with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum’s area of oversight, thus creating the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Through its proxy in NNPC, the federal government’s involvement and equity share in all petroleum ventures was henceforth established by law to be 60%.

As oil production revenue rose, federal government subvention to states and parastatals increased significantly, getting to the point where the states and agencies felt no pressure to generate their own income or even maintain a semblance of self-sustenance! With the concentration of funds and resources in the hands of the central government, hardly any efforts were made by the state governments to engage any economic activity to help maintain and accomplish self-reliance! It was to be the beginning of an unfortunate saga!
It was also during the oil boom of the 1970s that the political economy of petroleum in Nigeria became characterised by endemic patronage and corruption by the political elites. It was to be the beginning of a federal government policy drive that entailed brazen insensitivity to the needs of the nation as a whole, especially with regards to the economic inclusion and environmental concerns of the communities wherein the resources were extracted! This period would also highlight the completion of a federal objective to takeover all oil revenue and centralize income!
Having never reconciled the differences, bitterness and grievances of the various ethnic factions that constituted the nation after the civil war, allegations of sectional favouritism in the allocation of funds and resources were soon common place and rife. A general mien of discontent persisted within the political elites! Nigeria’s income centralization when coupled with her colourful diversity and a bludgeoning population was a recipe for disaster! The temporal demise of the military from politics in 1979 would ensure and bring about another morbid struggle for political dominance and control! The federal government and federal offices became the epicentre of acute political wrangling, power struggle and economic subjugation!
In ignoring the nature of her federal constitution and depending exclusively on the sale of crude oil for income generation, Nigeria’s military leadership and the subsequent national governments had unwittingly created a dangerous situation which spelt doom for the previous ideal of autonomous regional governance and self-reliance! The mandate of federalism with which the nation had been bequeathed, had now been clearly subverted!
Beyond that, the dangers and disadvantages of having a monolithic and singular source of income had been made evident by the erratic swinging pendulum of commodity prices! It had now become obvious that a stable and consistent economic growth could only be attained through the development of a broad and versatile economic base! In other to achieve this, the current oil revenue would have to be purposed tacitly to more focused, astute and strategic objectives! It goes without saying that this noble objective was never accomplished!
Today, Nigeria is home to 160 million citizens making it the most populous nation in Africa! Nigeria is also the 7th most populous nation in the world along with being the most populous black nation in the world!! In spite of having fabulous economic potentials, ebbing human resources and a territory riveted with natural resources, Nigeria has not fared so well, economically! Over the years, the socio-economic prospects of her citizens have dwindled, even as the earnings and income generated from oil continued to sky-rocket!
Nigeria is the Cinderella nation that never quite made it to the king’s dinner, having been betrayed, ambushed, raped and despoiled by her own keepers and guards! The moribund nation has had the great misfortune of being saddled with 32 straight years of utterly corrupt, depraved and inept leadership! The consequence of which is the total annihilation of any form of advancement or development hitherto achieved! The social retrogression and the prevalent social decadence currently experienced is a lasting testament to this undeniable truth! Virtually every aspect of the nation’s socio-economic well being and national virtue has been completely eroded and thoroughly devastated!
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW:
To fully understand the magnitude and scope of problems and dysfunction experienced in the Nigerian oil industry today, it is imperative that a detailed and comprehensive overview of the industry be carried out. In so doing, a lot more light will be shed on several confusing and unknown facts. Also, the opportunity to review, identify and expose areas of inadequacies and recurring shortfalls will be thus assured!
REFINERIES:
In the last 20 years, Nigerian citizens have had to deal variously with a myriad of unmitigated issues! Chief among such problems is the perennial fuel supply problems which range from scarcity of fuel to outright non-availability of some products! With a total installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day (bpd), the nation’s four refineries despite their capacity, have been consistently and variously mismanaged, pilfered, sabotaged, politicized, neglected and denied much needed maintenance! It is no wonder that they have been unable to perform to expectation and deliver the domestic needs of the nation!
Today in Nigeria, the federal government owns all the major refineries in the nation and they were all constructed or installed between 1965 and 1989. The refineries are as follows:

Port Harcourt Refinery 1 – (PHRC I) This is the smallest and oldest of the refineries. A former Shell-British Petroleum complex and investment which was nationalised under General Obasanjo’s administration. Built in 1965 as a simple topping and distillation refinery with a capacity of 60,000Bpd! With no overhaul or upgrade since then, it is essentially obsolete and decommissioned! NNPC website suggests that refinery’s facility is probably used for oil storage with some pump station components.

Port Harcourt Refinery 2 – (PHRC II) The new Port Harcourt refinery which also happens to be the youngest and biggest of the nation’s refineries was conceived as an export refinery with a capacity of 150,000Bpd. It was completed in 1989 by General Babangida’s administration. The Eleme Petrochemical plant was built adjacent to the refinery in 1995. It was designed to produce Olefin, Polypropylene and Polyethylene. Today, due to a history of poor management and maintenance, the current output in the refinery is a low fraction of its installed capacity. Even at that, it is perhaps still the most functional of the nation’s refineries. Like the refinery, the petrochemical facility has been plagued by unresolved technical and maintenance issues and has never been able to function at more than 40% of its installed capacity. It now lays dormant!

Warri Refinery – (WRPC) This refinery was built in 1978 when (the then) Brigadier Buhari headed the Petroleum Ministry. With an installed capacity of 125,000Bpd, the complex had an additional petrochemical processing capability added to it in 1986 for downstream petroleum products such as Polypropylene and Carbon Black. However, with an unresolved history of corrosion even in its younger days and frequent shut-down due to neglect, lack of maintenance and pipeline sabotage, the facility often manages to output at no more than 30% of its installed capacity but that is on an infrequent and haphazard basis! WRPC also has an integrated design capability that generates 125MW of electricity if running at capacity. Hence the energy needs of the refinery could be met while the excess energy produced (upwards of 70%) could supply the nation’s power grid. In more recent years, however, most operations have ceased and the facility has typically become unproductive and comatose!

Kaduna Refinery – (KRPC) Built and championed by General Buhari as head of NNPC in 1979, under the administration of General Obasanjo, this politically motivated project is perhaps one of the most convoluted, ill-conceived projects ever built by the federal government of Nigeria! Located over 600km from its feedstock supply in Escravos, Delta State and designed to process both Nigerian Bonny light and imported crude oil (Arab Light), Kaduna refinery has never performed at full capacity! With an installed capacity of 110,000Bpd, the refinery was also designed to feed a base-Oil manufacturing plant, an asphalt plant and a LAB plant. However, having never had an assurance of unimpeded flow of feedstock except in the first 10 years of its installation, KPRC has been plagued by all kinds of problems including a frequent sabotage of the supply pipelines, technical breakdowns, pilferage, poor management and maintenance which has resulted in a major fire outbreak on at least two occasions – 1997 and 2002! In its best operating years, between 1999 and 2002, KRPC’s output was estimated to have been around 30%-40% of capacity. In 2003, due to political unrest, communal discontent and rebel actions, the pipeline from Escravos was sabotaged and blown apart! The refinery is currently said to be barely operational and is capable of being operated at less than 10% capacity, however this can only be done sporadically - if and when there is crude feedstock supply!

OIL EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION:
By law, all petroleum exploration and production carried out by foreign Multi-National Corporations in Nigeria are performed as a Joint Venture (JV) with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which is a proxy of the federal government of Nigeria. NNPC has the sole responsibility for upstream and downstream developments and is also charged with the responsibilities of regulating and supervising the oil industry on behalf of the federal government.
In 1988, NNPC was commercialised and its operational departments were split into eleven (11) subsidiaries. The ensuing business model covered the entire spectrum of the oil and gas industry. The subsidiaries are as follows:

Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC): A wholly owned subsidiary of NNPC with responsibility for Petroleum Exploration and Production activities.
National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS): A subsidiary mandated to enhance the benefits accruing to the federation from its investments in the upstream petroleum industry through effective cost control and supervision of JV and PSC operations.
Nigerian Gas Company (NGC): Wholly owned subsidiary charged with the responsibility of developing a domestic gas industry to fully serve Nigeria’s energy needs. It is also responsible for laying an integrated natural gas pipeline and network for both domestic and regional export market.
Products and Pipelines Marketing Company (PPMC): This subsidiary is essentially mandated to ensure the security of supply of petroleum products to the domestic market. It does this by transporting crude oil to the refineries and moving petroleum products to the domestic market through various different means.
Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG): This is a joint venture between NNPC (49%), Shell Gas B.V (26%), Total LNG Nigeria ltd (15%) and Eni International (10%). NLNG operates six liquefaction units (LNG trains) producing 22 million metric tons of LNG per year. NLNG operates a liquefied natural gas plant on Bonny Island.
Integrated Data Service Limited (IDSL): IDSL was set up to offer services in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry. These services include; Seismic Data Acquisition, Seismic Data Processing, Reservoir Engineering Services and Data Storage & Management Services.
National Engineering and Technical Company Limited (NETCO): This wholly owned subsidiary provides both basic and detailed engineering in the oil and gas industry. Company handles procurement, construction supervision, project management, quality assurance, quality control, environmental services and training.
Hydrocarbons Services Nigeria (HYSON): An NNPC/VITOL joint venture which was envision to be an international petroleum trading company with particular emphasis on the West African and the Central African sub-regions.
Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Co. Limited (WRPC): More detailed description given earlier.
Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Co. Limited (KRPC): More detailed description given earlier.
Port-Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC): More detailed description given earlier.

The Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) is the basic and standard agreement between NNPC and the numerous operators (IOCs). The agreement sets the guidelines and modalities for running the operation according to the law and constitution of Nigeria. As such, Oil corporations operating in Nigeria generally appropriate only 40% of the revenue or crude volume, while the federal government through its proxy in NNPC accrues about 60% of the revenue or crude oil. Six Joint Ventures involving International Oil Companies (IOCs) are currently operated and they are as follows:

Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited (SPDC): The biggest Joint Venture in Nigeria producing 899,000Bpd as of 1997. JOA provides for a rather complex appropriation – NNPC (55%), Shell (30%), Elf (10%) and Agip (5%)
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL): Largely operating around the shores of Warri at an estimated production rate of 400,000Bpd. The JOA provides for NNPC (60%) and Chevron (40%)
Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU): With an estimated production rate of 632,000Bpd (1997), MPNU is the second largest joint venture. The JOA is NNPC (60%) and Mobil (40%).
Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC): A joint venture owned by NNPC (60%) and operated by Agip (20%) and Conoco-Philips (20%). 1997 output was 150,000Bpd!
Elf Petroleum Nigerian Limited (EPNL): An off-shore and on-shore joint venture between NNPC (60%) and Elf (40%). Output was 125,000Bpd in 1997.
Texaco Overseas Petroleum Company of Nigeria Unlimited (TOPCON): A joint venture operated by Texaco (20%) and Chevron (20%) and owned by NNPC (60%). Production output is 60,000Bpd from five off-shore fields.

DATA & PERFORMANCE:
According to the Oil and Gas Journal, Nigeria has an estimated 37.2 billion barrels of proven oil reserves as of January 2011. In 2010, total oil production in Nigeria was slightly over 2.46 million Bpd making Nigeria the largest oil producer in Africa. The instability in the Niger delta has caused significant amounts of shut-in production. The US EIA estimates that Nigeria’s total production capacity may be close to 2.9 million Bpd however, due to incessant disruptions and instability often occasioned by attacks on oil infrastructure, daily crude oil production could sometimes hover as low as 1.7 – 2.1 million Bpd.
In 2010, Nigeria exported approximately 2.2 million Bpd of total oil output and 1.8 million Bpd of crude oil. Over 40% of Nigeria’s oil output is exported to the US, thus making Nigeria the fourth largest foreign oil supplier to the United States. Nigeria’s light, sweet crude is a preferred feedstock and is thus priced higher in the commodity market because of its low sulphur content. A barrel of Saudi Heavy crude (2.8% sulphur, 27API gravity) is intrinsically worth less than a barrel of Nigerian Bonny Light (0.14% sulphur, 34 API gravity), because the former will yield less high-value gasoline, diesel and jet fuel than the Nigerian variant. Consequently, any disruptions to Nigeria’s oil production impacts trading patterns and refinery operations in N. America, often affecting world oil market prices!
Considerable attention has been drawn to the environmental damage caused by oil spills in the Niger Delta. According to the Nigerian National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), approximately 2400 oil spills were recorded between 2006 and 2010, most of which resulted from sabotage, bunkering and poor infrastructure. The annual volume of oil spilled in Nigeria has been estimated be about 260,000 barrels per year for the past 50 years!
It is also no secret that Nigeria has an even more abundant supply of natural gas than oil! According to the ‘BP Statistical Review of World Energy’, Nigeria has an estimated and proven natural gas reserve of 187 trillion cubic feet (Tcf), which makes the nation the ninth largest natural gas reserve holder in the world and the largest in Africa! In 2009, Nigeria produced about 820 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of marketed natural gas and consumed another 255 billion cubic feet (Bcf), mostly for the generation of electricity. Nevertheless, according to National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Nigeria flared 536 billion cubic feet (Bcf) in the same period!
Because many of Nigeria’s oil fields lack the infrastructure to channel and market associated natural gas, it is often flared away – an action with grievous environmental consequences! In 2011, an NNPC report claims that flaring costs Nigeria roughly $2.5 billion per annum in lost revenue! The government of Nigeria has maintained a policy that is targeted at ending natural gas flaring, however progress is limited, largely due to uncommitted and unserious implementation of policy and an unfocused and feeble regulatory culture.
POWER & ENERGY CORRELATION:
With regards to energy, available data from US Energy Agency (IEA), shows Nigeria has an electrification rate of 50% for the entire country. Approximately 76 million people do not have access to electricity in Nigeria! The current and the most critical challenge and pending issue is the need for the Nigerian government to produce enough electricity to meet its economic needs and the pent up local demand! Nigeria has vast resources in the form of petroleum, natural gas, coal and renewable energy that could be used for domestic generation of electricity. However, the country is lacking a proper Power and Energy policy to harness the resources and develop the electricity infrastructure.
The Nigerian government recognizing the need to address its power inadequacies, developed and introduced a ‘Gas Master Plan’ that promotes the installation of new gas-fired power plants to help reduce gas flaring and provide much needed electricity generation. However, the implementation of this Gas Master Plan has been fraught with graft and corrupt practices! Also, the plan has not been integrated, merged and reconciled with a viable National Power and Energy policy. As is usual, Nigerian government keeps coming up with various frenzied plans that merely address the symptom and not the root cause! This includes a recent announcement to create up to 40,000MW of electricity by the year 2020 (compared to the current 5900MW installed capacity), however the underlying issue and the primary need for a comprehensive and viable Power and Energy policy remains unresolved and keeps getting ignored and sidetracked!
SUBSIDY AND THE STATUS QUO:
Nigerian citizens have always insisted on and clamoured for the right to enjoy certain basic benefits from the nation’s oil wealth - a privilege which the government which had often failed to act in the best interest of the people, sees as burdensome! The revolving and perennial problems of corruption and putrid leadership when added to the latent and insidious problems created by the actions or the inactions of such corrupt governments over the years had left citizens with much despondency and considerable disenfranchisement in the face of extreme social deprivation!
Therefore the people, who have never known or had the benefit of a good social infrastructure or a social safety net to rely on, as is done in other countries, have maintained a subconscious resolve to make the benefit of cheap oil a worthy cause! It has hence become a natural imperative for the embattled citizens to fight and resist any and every attempt to deny or rob them of the only benefit which they could perceive and enjoy as Nigerian citizens. To truly understand the anger, frustration and absolute mistrust that the citizens have for their government in this regard, a revision of the history of oil prices in the last 30 years is in order.
In 1986, the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida declared that due to the devaluation of the Naira, the domestic price of fuel had become unreasonably cheap and was therefore burdensome to the federal government’s purse! The price of petroleum products was thus raised from 23 kobo per litre through a negotiation process, eventually settling at 70 kobo per litre! Chief Ernest Shonekan, the brief successor to the Babangida regime, cried out in dismay at the fiscal state of affairs upon taking over. The price of fuel was identified as one of the primary budgetary burdens based on the fact that the currency had further been acutely devalued. In 1993, the price of gasoline (petrol) was therefore increased to N5/litre!
Shortly after General Abacha grabbed power from the tethering administration of Ernest Shonekan, he would reduce the price of petroleum products slightly to gain public support. With gasoline (petrol) now priced at N3.25/litre, fuel price adjustment had become a tool in the hands of the government for manipulating the support and mood of the people! Just over a year later in 1994, the government announced a sharp increase in the price of petroleum products. PMS (petrol) would now cost a fearsome N11 per litre! Upon the death of Abacha and the ascension of General Abdulsalami, the price was once again reviewed and increased to N25/litre! An outcry by the public and resistance from the labour congress forced the administration to reduce the price to a ‘paltry’ N20/litre in January of1999.
As democracy was ushered in, the newly ‘rebranded’ President – General (rtd) Olusegun Obasanjo, soon found enough reason to want to ‘remove the subsidy’ on oil product prices! Obasanjo would become the president who increased and inflated the price of petroleum products three times within a period of 8 years! Alongside some other economic indices, this action would bring about a hyper-inflationary trend that remains unresolved even today! Phrases such as ‘subsidy removal’; ‘eliminate waste’; ‘to free government funds’ and ‘encourage foreign and local investment in upstream sector’ were thrown around with reckless abandon! Does that sound familiar??
In the space of 8 years, the price of petrol went from N20/L to N30/L in 1999 but was reduced to N22/L because of public resistance in 2000. In 2002 prices went to N26/L, however, in 2003 it was increased to N40/L but reviewed back to N34/L because of another stiff resistance from the public. In 2006 however, the price was revised up to N40/L again and finally as a parting gift in 2007, the reprobate president would foist a criminal and sudden increase to N75/litre on the citizens! For his part, the feeble and morbid President Yar’dua who succeeded Obasanjo, showed some compassion and reduced the official price of petrol to N65/litre!
After a mere 18 months in Aso Rock, the incumbent president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan declared that the Federal Government of Nigeria could no longer afford to keep paying for the subsidy of oil products (by this stage diesel had already been surreptitiously deregulated!). It was disclosed that the FGN was expending an inordinate amount of money, a sum that totalled a whopping N1.3 trillion for the fiscal year of 2010! The president further alleged that the status quo and current arrangement was a painful and debilitating burden on the federal budget and thus is unsustainable! He further iterated that the FGN had made a decision to do away with all subsidies and deregulate the domestic petroleum product market –hence opening fuel supply and prices up to capitalistic endeavours and free market forces! Deja vu!!
In 2010, Nigerian domestic market consumed approximately 280,000Bpd according to official NNPC figures. Under the current dispensation, upwards of 92% of Nigeria’s domestic demand for finished petroleum products is imported by ‘independent marketers’ through the implementation of contract and license based arrangements with NNPC. The hand-picked importers (cabal??) are allocated a proportion of the domestic demand which is expressed in weight/volume, upon which the allotted quantity of petroleum product is imported to the nation. The difference in the cost accrued for importation in comparison to the official domestic price of N65/litre (PMS), along with an agreed profit margin for the marketer, is thus calculated and paid out - called a reimbursement, ...these essentially is what is being referred to today as a ‘Subsidy’!
This ‘Fuel Subsidy’ cost has increased dramatically over the years, especially as world crude oil price has risen! Other factors that may have contributed significantly to the rising cost are the devaluation of the Naira and the increasing cost of transportation. However, the primary component of the cost that has caused the greatest uproar is the inordinate ‘Depot’ (dock and jetty) charges which is best described as very high and unnecessary ‘demurrage charges’ at the port!
According to information derived from the website of Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) - the agency charged with the control and regulation of domestic fuel consumption, Petroleum Product Pricing templates are being used – a formatted and standardized formula for calculating the final landed cost of petroleum products. It is indicated that as of July 2011 the landed cost of PMS (petrol) was calculated to be N142.40/litre! This suggests that N77.40 will have to be ‘subsidized’ by the FGN in other to sell that fuel for N65/litres! A closer study of the underlying component of the cost reveals that ‘Depot’ related costs are separately charged to federal government account, which amounts to almost N50/litre –this ‘fuzzy’ charge is said to be the cost of port demurrage alone without adding the landed cost of the imported fuel! In essence, the actual and total cost of a litre of PMS fuel (Petrol) to the FGN was a whopping N191.91/litre!!!
In 2006, Nigeria spent N261.1 billion (US$2.03 billion) on ‘fuel subsidy’. In 2007, this figure rose to N278.9 billion (US$2.3 billion). By 2008, the amount expended nearly tripled to N633.2 billion (US$5.37 billion)!! The drastic increase in cost was partly attributed to a depreciation of currency and the very high global prices of oil products. However, there was also the incessant issue of massive graft and fraud which was opportune by the unfortunate and sordid chain of events that led up to the death of the former president! Once this precedence had been set in 2008, the stage was primed for inordinate fraud and for annual increases in the cost to the FGN that would eventually culminate in the whopping cost estimate for the fiscal year 2011!
It comes as no surprise however, to note that despite the exponential increase in the cost of importing and ‘subsidizing’ fuel for domestic consumption, there has only been a marginal increase in the total volume of domestic fuel consumption over the last few years! (2006 -2010). In 2006, the official figure for domestic consumption acquired from PPMC indicated a consumption rate of 237,000Bpd. For 2010, PPMC data reflects domestic consumption rate of 280,000Bpd for the year. Most of PPMC data is however based on the figures for Domestic Supply Obligation (DSO), although it is a well known fact that the actual figures for the import of petroleum products may not necessarily equate to this figure!
An unspoken and often overlooked but critical factor to consider is that NNPC is mandated to set apart a certain amount of crude oil to fulfil the allocation for Domestic Supply Obligation (DSO). This particular allocation of crude oil is supposed to be supplied to the local refinery companies at a hugely discounted and commiserate local price! In the past years such discounted prices have been as low as US$18 per barrel however, it is nearly impossible to verify the current discounted price! The entire premise surrounding this DSO debacle is deliberately hushed and remains a well kept secret!
In the original bureaucratic process, the standard arrangement was for NNPC to allocate the approved DSO to the local refinery companies through its subsidiary - Products and Pipelines Marketing Company (PPMC), for refining and then re-distributed for domestic consumption! However, since all the refineries have been rendered impotent and are incapacitated - being unable to meet domestic obligations, the allotted crude supply (DSO) is re-diverted by NNPC through a shady and dark process that is not remotely transparent! This arrangement involves the issuance of ‘oil lifting rights’ to private marketers, lobbyists and powerful brokers (Oil Cartel??), who act on behalf of NNPC and sell the crude supply at astronomical profits in the international export market!! In this way, much of the nation’s wealth is siphoned into private confers through illicit back-deals and corrupt practices! For the year 2010, the DSO crude supply amounted to 280,000Bpd which the FGN had heavily discounted, however the profit accrued from the sale remains unaccounted for and goes into private pockets without any return to the people!
According to data available from Transparency for Nigeria, a NGO and watchdog, Nigerian domestic consumption and demand for the key petroleum products in Nigeria is as follows:

PMS: Premium Motor Spirit (popularly known as Petrol) – 30 to 34 million litres per day
AGO: Automotive Gas Oil (popularly known as Diesel) – 12 million litres per day
DPK: Dual Purpose Kerosene (popularly known as kerosene) – 8 million litres per day
ATK: Aviation Turbine Kerosene (Known as Aviation fuel) – 2 million litres per day
LPG: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (known as cooking gas or propane) – 192,000kg per day (15,360 cylinders of 12.5kg each)

SUMMATION & VERDICT:
In conclusion, one must wonder what has been done to mitigate and resolve this cyclical problem of ‘fuel subsidy’ that seems to have been a bone of contention for every administration for the past 26 years! It is also interesting to note that the beginning of the perennial problem was the devaluation of Naira in 1986, when the Babangida administration adopted and implemented the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP). It was apparently not so long after this moment that the nation’s refineries started experiencing operational and maintenance issues! It goes without saying that the nation’s journey from that moment on, especially with regards to Energy and Power, became a quick downward spiral!
In more recent years however, there was a glimmer of hope – not because of improvement in the leadership profile or improvement in management skill of the government, but rather because of a fortunate and fantastic global phenomenon that inordinately increased and multiplied the nation’s earnings through a steady and consistent stream of high crude oil prices! A Bloomberg report revealed that Nigeria has earned $196 billion in the past 4 years alone (2006 – 2010)! As a matter of fact, it is important to point out that Nigeria’s earnings in the last 10 years has exceeded the total earnings of the nation for a period of 29 years dating from 1970 – 1999!!
The question must therefore be asked of our government and leadership, what has been done with all the money earned recently in the face of the nations numerous problems, chief among them, the perennial issue of domestic fuel supply?? Why are the refineries still in a state of disrepair and neglect even after more than 20 years of epileptic performance and under-performance?? Knowing the strategic importance of the refineries and the importance of reducing governmental deficits and pay-outs, especially with regards to the ‘fuel subsidy issue’, should the government not have made the overhaul and re-alignment of these refineries a national priority??
With the amount of money earned and with a recent high in our foreign reserve that exceeded the $56 billion mark, can it be said that the funds to overhaul, build, expand, restructure and realign the nation’s critical infrastructure to adequately accommodate the domestic needs, was unavailable?? What did the government do with the $23 billion that was recently depleted from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) in a short period of less than two years?? Why should the people be asked again to pay more for gasoline when similar and previous promises to prudently expend any funds realized on building and improving infrastructure have never been fulfilled??
What happened to the lofty promises of Babangida’s (DIFFRI) program, Abacha’s (PTF) program and Obasanjo’s (Vision 2020)?? Most importantly, what did the Goodluck Jonathan administration do with the funds in the Excess Crude Account (ECA)?? It has been suggested and estimated by several professionals and experts that the US$23 billion that was only recently squandered could have been sufficient to finance and resolve all of Nigeria's immediate infrastructural problems which include Refineries, Power Plants and good Inter-State Highways!
A sincere, cogent and prudent assessment of these questions will reveal the answer, the true nature and intent of Nigerian leaders and government! For us to find a true and lasting solution to the domestic energy needs and the fuel supply problems in Nigeria, we will have to effect and mobilize a critical overhaul of current practises, restructure our institutions and get rid of gaping loopholes and the inherent culture of corruption and graft that is prevalent in the oil industry and the national government as a whole! For true and effectual results to be realized, the government must steadfastly implement a total reform of its rules, policies and practices while maintaining a high degree of common sense measures in delivering and attaining the worthy aspiration of the people for Power and Energy sufficiency, independence and affordability! The details of this noble objective will be fleshed out and examined in the second part of this article.
Souce:http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/
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Do we really have thieves in High places??

2012-08-13T11:20:00.001+01:00

If This Is True Of David Bonaventure Mark By Taju Tijani

Posted: August 12, 2012 - 21:21

By Taju Tijani

With the wide plenitude of information that can be retrieved from the Internet, we sometimes have to be guarded by intuition, common sense and rationality or else we might ship into sweeping , dangerous judgement . If the luminous dirty details gathered from the quietly defiant and bravura writing styles of Rudolf Okonkwo about David Mark were to be true, then we should all suspend our biases and issue citizen's arrest warrant on the senate president. But if all the ugly revelations were to be a mere writer's salacious pretensions to entertainment and titilation, then we should all hail this unfolding chrysalis of journalistic experiment.
Okonkwo, a columnist with the online and combative SaharaReporters was rudely bolshie with his piece titled "How To Properly Insult David Mark" . In his anger he segue into permissible journalistic bathos which enhanced his prolonged and unrestrained insults against David Mark which then leaves readers in sheer astonishment . In summary David Mark is portrayed as a wanker who has come to see politics as part fun, part laziness, part robbery, part accumulation, part deceit, part licence to engage in fornication, part plundering and part hedonism. And because Nigerian politicians are flamboyant liars, we have to regard David Mark as not above suspicion.
First, is it true that David Mark is a rascally thief? Rudolf Okonkwo says, "But we know that he can open offshore accounts in New Jersey and the Cayman islands. We know that is the place he hid most of the Gulf oil windfall for himself and his boss, Babangida. We know that is where he hid proceeds from NITEL deals he cooked up as Minister of Communication when he famously said that poor people had no need for phones and as such he siphoned the money allocated to his ministry. We know that he spent about 6 million British pounds sterling to purchase significant interest in the 18-hole St Margaret’s Golf Club in Ireland. We know he owns a 2.5 million British pounds sterling home on Thames River in London. We know he has millions and millions of pounds sterling in trust for his numerous children and wives all over Europe and America. We know this because his nasty divorce from wife number five, Victoria Preye, exposed some of his hidden investments".
Secondly, is it true that David Mark has a dual nationality? Rudolf Okonkwo says, " Not even one of the 400,000 people of his other country, Belize, will nominate him to be a janitor for their senate". Thirdly, is it true that he supported the tenure elongation dream of Olusegun Obasanjo? The inquisitor says, " He supported Obasanjo’s effort to amend the Nigerian constitution to serve a third term. For that effort he collected the lion share of the billions that Obasanjo’s supporters used to bribe senators. He became the Senate president in 2007 as a reward for his loyalty to the PDP". Moving on, is it true that our number three democrat supported the annulment of Chief MKO Abiola's election victory of June 12, 1993? Okonkwo says, " He played a prominent role in the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election. He headed the gang that threatened to kill M.K.O. Abiola if the military had dared to hand power over to him".
Is it true that David Mark hates the flowering ferment of the new institution of social media and its power to muckrake? Dr Damage says, " Mr. Mark hates a marketplace of ideas because he has no confidence in his own opinion. So he dislikes any media that challenges his opinion and tries to hold him accountable. This is why David Mark does not like the social media. He cannot buy them over. He cannot pay them retainership to publish only favourable stories about him. He cannot get them to submit drafts of their stories to his office for approval before publication. He cannot fly them to an expensive resort hotel and give them lectures on how to do their job as the Fourth Estate. He is mad because he cannot stop social media from writing what one of his six wives said in anger".
Furthermore, is it true that David Mark, the senate president goes home with 600million naira a year? Okonkwo says, " Mr. Mark loves the compromised media that does not ask him what he does for Nigeria for which he gets paid over N600 million a year". Is it true that David Mark is a phallicratic philanderer who engages in fornication? Rudolf says, " He is mad because he cannot stop social media from writing what one of his six wives said in anger". Has he renounced his Nigerian citizenship for other country? Dr Damage says, "... he renounced Nigeria’s citizenship to become a citizen of Belize when his investment in that country was threatened". Lastly, is David Bonaventure Mark an arrestable criminal? Okonkwo says, " If an American newspaper places its searchlight on him for just 24 hours, as soon as the report comes out, Interpol, FBI, Scotland Yard, KGB, SSS, MSS, BNI, ICPC, EFCC etc will all be fighting over whose handcuffs will be on David Mark’s hands, legs, waist and ankles".
Now I am in a dilemma. If the above revelatory stench is true of the misadventure of David Bonaventure Mark, it is criminal, convicting, treasonable, seditious, shameful, vexatious and scandalous. Rudolf's effusion and journalistic knightliness in their most strident lamentations have all gone to showcase how we have fetishised a rogue and deadender like David Mark. It has gone to show how our democratic experiment needs a quick release from illusionist like Mark who has been damning millions of Nigerians and acting as a leading, proud wreckers of their destinies. The relentless reinforcement of Mark's excesses has gone to promote further the genetic dissonance of Africa's leaders natural submission to greed, debauchery, tribalism, arrogance, dictatorship, corruption, , godfatherism, militarisation, fornication, political opportunism and primordial vandalism of their nations. Even his delirious burlesque on patriotism, "I will die for Nigeria" is Mark's adroit way of deceiving the Nigerian society he had destroyed and a childish way to hide his Belize's nationality. A pragmatic lesson in David Mark's life is this: the chinless, unpatriotic, degenrate, thieves, fin de race, political charlatans, blood suckers, betrayers, fornicators, occult grandmasters, looters, imbeciles, foolish and sadistic are governing Nigeria while the visionary, resourceful, patriotic, intelligent, trustworthy, sincere, progress-driven, creative and transparent are floor sweepers.
David Mark portends a bad omen for our politics, our future and our continent. We are seeing the death of democracy of vision, virtue, merit and probity. We are seeing the enthronement of "parasitic excellencies" whose reputation would eventually be reduced to a tarnished historical footprint. Before then, can somebody please do a citizen arrest on David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark on the above charges? And when his file is ready, would someone pass it to Scotland Yard? That is, if all the allegations of Rudolf Okonkwo against the senate president are as real as the horror of our time.
tajutijani@hotmail.com
Culled From:www.saharareporters.com
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2012-08-13T11:13:00.000+01:00

Nigerian railway moves 14,000 passengers daily in Lagos

Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Adeseyi Sijuwade
| credits: File copy

The Lagos District of the Nigerian Railway Corporation is currently moving 14,000 passengers on daily basis, the District Manager, Mr. Paul Ndibe, has said.
He also said that the district was targeting 20,000 passengers per day in the next six months from its recently increased mass transit trains, which moved from 12 trains to 18 trains daily.
Ndibe, who spoke with our correspondent in Lagos on Friday, attributed the rise in train passengers to the increase in mass transit trains, first from eight trains daily to 12 trains and later to 18.
He explained that the first increase in trains was a way to cushioning the effects of the partial removal of fuel subsidy, which the Federal Government announced at the beginning of the year.
The other, he said, followed the partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge to ensure an unhindered repair of faulty expansion joints on the bridge linking the Lagos Mainland with the Island.
He also said the district had increased the Lagos-Ilorin train to two per week. “That was significant; and it was well tailored to suit the needs of the people,” he added.
The Railway District Manager recalled that the NRC was moving between 8,000 passengers and 10,000 passengers last year when the district operated only eight trains per day.
Ndibe also spoke on congestion on the mass transit trains, noting that more people had taken to the train because it was timely and punctual.
He said, “Many people live along the railway route (Ijoko/Agbado – Iddo/Apapa). And people prefer the train because they are sure of meeting their appointments. We are regular and punctual. That is what we market. In about one hour, we are there at the destination; you can’t achieve that by road where there is traffic congestion in less than three hours.”
He, however, hinted about plan to ease the congestion on the train with the introduction of more coaches from locations such as Kafancha, Enugu and Zaria, where they were being trapped as a result of inability of the train to get to the North.
He said the repair of Akere Bridge, preventing the train from getting to the North, would soon be completed while all trapped coaches would be returned to Lagos.
Ndibe also condemned the attitude of people sitting on the roofs of trains, describing it as a suicide mission.
He said the corporation would continue to arrest and prosecute such people until there was a better way to end the habit.
Ndibe said the increasing use of GSM telephone with earphone had raised the spate of accidents at NRC level crossinCulled From The punch newspaper: www.punchng.com
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2012-07-31T13:18:00.003+01:00

Explosion Rocks Kenya

2012-05-28T12:27:00.001+01:00

At least 30 people have been injured in a 1:10pm explosion that rocked an exhibition stall next to Mt Kenya University Campus along Nairobi's Moi Avenue street.
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has reported receiving 27 casualties.

According to an eye witness, there was a huge blast as debris flew in different directions injuring people in the environs.

The powerful explosion shook buildings surrounding the area and evacuation process began, with most occupants fearing for their safety.

The explosion has disrupted activities along the street as Military Police cordon off the area and forcefully evacuating curious onlookers.

Casualties are still being ferried to various hospitals in the city.

Former Minister of Labour Jailed For Burying N450M Stolen Money On His Farm

2012-05-28T10:31:00.000+01:00

Zambia Have shown a sign that they are ready to fight corruption and move the country forward. I hope that Nigeria will follow in this right step.

Former Labour Minister Austin Liato has been handed a two year sentence with hard labour in the K2.1 billion case by a Lusaka Magistrate court.

This is in the matter in which Mr Liato was facing one count of being in possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime contrary to section one (1) of the forfeiture of proceeds of crime Act number 19 of 2010 of the laws of Zambia.

Principal Magistrate Aridah Chulu handed Mr Liato the jail term when he appeared for judgment this morning.

Magsistrate Chulu has also forfeited the money and Mr Liato’s farm were the money was buried to the State.

In litigation Liato pleaded for leniency from the court stating that he suffers from a heart condition and takes care of a big family.

He becomes the first former senior government official of the MMD facing corruption charges in the courts of law to be convicted.
Mr Liato buried the 2.1 billion Kwacha in two steel trunks under a thick layer of concrete slab in a highly fortified and electronically fitted structure at his farm in Mumbwa.

courtesy of. Naija 247

Posers over Malabu Oil deal as govt refutes claims of scam

2012-05-28T09:42:00.001+01:00

Stakeholders seek open probe

Govs back Reps’ bid to unbundle NNPC

GOING by the legendary snail’s speed at which government business gets done in Nigeria, the great despatch deployed to settle this particular one raises eyebrows, moreso for the billions of petrol-dollars involved.

However, as much as officialdom wants all to take the case of Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245 involving Malabu Oil & Gas Limited (Malabu) and Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited (SNUD) as a transparent done deal, this hydra-headed controversial transaction would not just go away.

To be sure, the ease with which the rift over the deal was recently resolved by the Federal Government has caught the attention of the international community, whose members wonder how easily Nigeria could opt to give away its resources. For one thing, Nigeria’s already abysmal rating on the Corruption Index would take further plunge

On the home-front, stakeholders are also insisting on a full-blown public probe of the deal, led by the National Assembly, with a view to determining the truth behind the acquisition, transfers and payments relating to the OPL 245.

But, the Federal Government yesterday defended its role towards resolving the dispute between Malabu Oil & Gas Limited (Malabu) and SNUD over the ownership and right to operate OPL 245.

In a statement, Attorney General of Federation (AGF) and Justice Minister, Mohammed Bello Adoke, government refuted claims that government officials were involved in round-tripping in respect of the N155 Billion Malabu Oil deal.

He said government only acted as an Obligor in the settlement of the agreement between Malabu Oil and Gas Limited and Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited (SNUD) over Block 245.

Adoke wrote: “Malabu was allocated OPL 245 in April, 1998 and in accordance with the terms of the grant, it appointed SNUD as its Technical Partner. The two companies executed relevant Agreements including a Joint Operation Agreement in 2001. Records indicate that SNUD took 40 per cent participating interests in the venture in a farm-in- agreement and also signed agreement with Malabu as its technical partner for the venture. Although, Malabu was issued a licence for Block 245 in April 2001, the same licence was subsequently revoked by the Federal Government on July 2, 2001. Exxon-Mobil and Shell were invited in April 2002 to bid for OPL 245 despite a subsisting contractual agreements between Malabu and SNUD with respect to OPL 245. Malabu was dissatisfied with the revocation and contended that the circumstances leading to the revocation of its licence on Block 245 was less than transparent and smacked of inducement and connivance from SNUD, its technical partner.”

The minister further stated that “Malabu also contended that the subsequent re-award of OPL 245 to SNUD by the Federal Government was done under questionable circumstances. It then petitioned the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum to look into the matter. It is apposite to note that the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum found no rational basis for the revocation and reprimanded Shell for its complicity. The Committee also directed the Federal Government to withdraw the re-award, it made to Shell and return OPL 245 to Malabu, the original allotee of the Block.

“Malabu also instituted Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/420/2003, before the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja to enforce its claim to OPL 245. Although, the suit was struck out by the FHC, Malabu lodged Appeal No. CA/A/99M/2006 before the Court Appeal, Abuja, Division. During the pendency of the Appeal, an amicable settlement was entered into between Malabu and the Federal Government and in compliance with the Terms of Settlement executed by the Parties on the 30th of November 2006, OPL 245 was fully and completely restored to Malabu in consideration for its withdrawal of the Appeal.

“In furtherance of the Resolution Agreement, SNUD and ENI agreed to pay Malabu through the Federal Government acting as an obligor, the sum of US$ 1,092,040,000 in full and final settlement of any and all claims, interests or rights relating to or in connection with Block 245 and Malabu agreed to settle and waive any and all claims, interests or rights relating to or in connection with Block 245 and also consented to the re-allocation of Block 245 to Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCO).”

According to Adoke: “It is therefore quite evident from the foregoing that the role played by the Federal Government, its agencies and officials in relation to Block 245 was essentially that of facilitator of the resolution of a long-standing dispute between Malabu and SNUD over the ownership and right to operate Block 245. At all times material to the resolution of the dispute, the Federal Government was not aware of any subsisting third party interest in Malabu’s claim to OPL 245 and neither did any person or company apply to be joined in the negotiations as an interested party.”

Adoke added:” Government has, overtime, demonstrated its commitment to attracting investment in the oil and gas sector of the economy and encouraging genuine investors (local and foreign) by creating the enabling environment for their business to thrive. The resolution of the lingering dispute over Block 245 was in furtherance of that objective. Accordingly, the Federal Government, its agencies and officials should not be dragged into a purely commercial dispute between Malabu and its purported partners.”

He then concluded: “It is also clear that the allegation of round-tripping levelled against the Federal Government is without basis and cannot be substantiated, having regard the role it played as mere facilitator of an amicable settlement between two disputing parties over a long standing dispute with obvious economic implications for the country.

But, among many other stakeholders, rights activist and former Governor of Kaduna State, Col. Abubakar Umar (rtd), has urged the National Assembly to hold a public hearing on the Malabu oil block scam.

Umar, in a statement issued at the weekend, said though, “the Senate has decided to conduct investigation in order to determine the truth behind the acquisition, transfers and payments relating to the Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL)-245 between the Federal Government and Malabu Oil Company on one hand and the Government and Shell on the other”, continuing the probe in secret “would not augur well with the spirit of transparency, accountability and justice being professed by the regime.”

The Guardian has also been told by top officials of countries whose companies have huge stakes in the Nigerian oil industry that they are worried about the impact of the so-called settlement on the nation’s image.

Also arguing that the corporation has become a behemoth inimical to the growth of the oil sector, the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) at the weekend backed the House of Representatives’ quest to unbundle the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Chairman, NGF, Chibuike Amaechi, stated the forum’s position at during an interactive session at a retreat of the House ad-hoc committee on the review of the constitution in Port Harcourt.

Meanwhile, over 40 new alliances formed by British and Nigerian companies are expected to expend over $500 million (about N77.5 billion) in the Nigerian oil and gas Industry within the next five years.

Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Peter West, disclosed this at the Nigeria-UK Oil and Gas Supply Chain programme, in Lagos, at the weekend.

He pointed out that the partnerships, some of which will undertake specialist local manufacturing, technology co-operation for deepwater production and gas utilisation have the potential to create new investment, business opportunities and high value employment for skilled Nigerian talents.

Following its investigation of the subsidy regime, the House of Representatives passed a resolution recommending the unbundling of the NNPC in line with the deregulation policy of the Federal Government.

Amaechi expressed dismay over what he described as alleged refusal of the NNPC to comply with the constitutional provisions directing it to remit oil sales proceeds to the Federation Accounts.

He said: “Everyday we hear of deregulation of the petroleum sector. The truth is that nobody wants to deregulate. So, on your own you owe this nation a responsibility to do it. Break up NNPC. Even if it means putting it in the Constitution, the governors will support you.”

Umar stated that the amount reportedly involved in the Malabu oil block scam was staggering, stressing that “the public is at a loss and have a right to ask how Nigerian government officials always manage to pull through monstrous transactions such as these which, in hindsight, seem otherwise impossible”.

He noted: “In the same way, the decision by the Senate Committee on Upstream oil Sector to conduct their investigation in camera and in total confidentiality would do nothing but upset those already miffed by dubious transaction.”

Indeed, The Guardian has been told of a huge lobby in the National Assembly to compel the legislature to conduct a public probe of the deal

Author of this article: From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Lemmy Ughegbe (Abuja), Saxone Akhaine (Kaduna) and Obiora Aduba (Lagos)

For more interesting articles go to:

Posers over Malabu Oil deal as govt refutes claims of scam

Scholarships for African Women in 2012-2013

2012-05-26T19:29:00.000+01:00

Scholarships for African Women in 2012-2013

Posted: Jan 17, 2012 |Comments: 0 |

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Here are available scholarships for African women to investigation for Postgraduate and Undergraduate programmes A couple of these are niche scholarship programs precisely for women. With this bubble showing no signs of popping, parents can expect the costs of their children's education to continue to rise for the foreseeable future. There is also Information about added resources available for single mothers to aid in their efforts for higher education.

The Google UNCF Scholarship Link This technique is actually aimed at helping African American students within their pursuit of a computer engineering degree. Our goal is to make analyzing single mother scholarships a little less difficult for them. Students applying for this scholarship must be able to demonstrate their leadership and participation in community service, in addition to showcasing a commitment to continuing education. Our goal is to make investigationing single mother scholarships a little a lot less complicated for them. Interesting the fund also allows for, and organizes a retreat for the students at Google headquarters in California. Students who successfully apply for funds will receive up to ten thousand cash toward their education at an American university.

Google, via out the Global Community Scholarship Link, are Making grants available for women, outside the United States of America to attend these conferences, and participate in a momentous occasion, as nicely as contributing to and below standing from the several activities that occur there. AAUW Scholarships for girls and Grants for Women -Postgraduate Fellowship in US American Association of University Women (AAUW) Educational Foundation Fellowships and Grants is genuinely available for women who are not US citizens or Permanent resident within the United States. An additional scholarship within the College of Liberal and skilled Studies is the Nieberle Scholarship. D. using an application deadline of March 1 2012, the Hispanic College Fund, in association with the Google Scholarship method delivers a purse of ten thousand funds to the successful students to fund their studies in computer science or computer engineering.

The Trust delivers Full Scholarship for research in South Africa are for women of rural origin below the Grab Michel scholarship scheme. One more scholarship within the College of Liberal and expert Studies is the Nieberle Scholarship. S or Puerto Rico for the following academic year (this must be full time research), and must have a minimum GPA of 3. Canon Collins Trust South Africa scholarship technique me Canon Collins Trust awards postgraduate scholarships for southern African Students including Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe- to study in South Africa. The fund allows for $2,500 for costs incurred in travelling to the conference. D.

Students who are awarded this scholarship are able to take two liberal and professional studies courses in every single and incredibly of the fall and spring terms, as nicely as two courses in the field during the 12-week summer course program. Fellowships for Women Scientists in producing countries and Africa The Third World enterprise for Women in Science (TWOWS) with money generously provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), has instituted a fellowship programme for female students from Sub-Saharan Africa and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), who wish to pursue postgraduate training leading to a Ph. Preference is given to women from developing countries. The fund allows for $2,500 for expenses incurred in travelling to the conference. Students who have accomplished a two-year method of analysis in the liberal arts and sciences in the Community College of Philadelphia are eligible for this scholarship.

Credits: fluffy - About the Author:

My name is Lorraine Burns, I was born in Russia and by the age 20 I left my motherland. I came to US to live here and study to become a doctor. I was looking for scholarships for girls for 2 month and finally I got it.

‘Benefits Of Africa’s Economic Growth Yet To Reach All’

2012-05-26T15:11:00.003+01:00

DESPITE the global economic crisis, the economy of African countries continued to expand with positive forecasts for growth, according to the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon.

However, in his 2012 Africa Day Message (which is May 25), he expressed concern that while the economies are expanding on the continent, “the benefits are not reaching all Africans.”

Only on Thursday, the UN released a news statement regarding the food crisis in Burkina Faso, disclosing that 15 million people in the Sahel region, including Nigerians in the northern part of the country, are currently facing severe food insecurity.

In the message released yesterday in New York ahead of the Africa Day normally celebrated around the UN with a number of gatherings and events, the UN Secretary-General said all Africans are yet to enjoy the benefits and that instead, “poverty, hunger, and disparities in health, education and participation in society are preventing hundreds of millions of Africans from fully realizing their potentials.”

According to him, this is why “greater effort is needed by all to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.”

He added: “Each year, Africa Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the peoples and governments of Africa and to reaffirm the support of the United Nations for their efforts to build a better future.

“The United Nations commends Africa’s recent efforts to consolidate its peace and security architecture, and to reject unconstitutional changes of power. We will continue to work with Africa in building durable peace, ending armed conflicts, boosting democracy, and promoting respect for fundamental human rights, especially the rights of women and youth.

“Africa is a dynamic continent undergoing fundamental transformation. Even during the world economic crisis, Africa’s economies continued to expand, and growth forecasts remain positive.

“The growing number of success stories across Africa indicates that broader social and economic progress is realistically attainable for most Africans. I have personally seen the dividends of investing in women’s and children’s health and sustainable agriculture. I have spent many hours with African leaders who are committed to peace, human rights, democracy and good governance.

“The challenge is to extend these advances and ensure they reach all Africans, especially the continent’s poorest and most vulnerable people. In particular, we must address the spectre of hunger – from the highly visible periodic food emergencies to the hidden disgrace of stunting that is affecting a new generation of African children.”

Author:Laolu Akande, New York. Source:http://www.ngrguardiannews.com

Lagos and the new face of Apapa

2012-05-25T12:21:00.001+01:00

In the last few days, officers of the Lagos State environmental task force have embarked on a sanitization exercise aimed at clearing shanties and stationed vehicles in the port city of Apapa and its environs. Daily Trust correspondent who has been monitoring the operation takes a look at the development.

The Oshodi/Apapa expressway is quite popular in Lagos. Its popularity stems from the fact that it serves as the entry route to West African most patronised port: NPA Port of Lagos (Apapa Quay), otherwise known as Apapa Wharf and its kindred, the Tin-Can port. But unlike its ignominious past, Oshodi/Apapa expressway is now beaming with a new lease of life, not because the road is actually laced with gold or because its many pot-holes had been rehabilitated, rather, it is about restoration of sanity on a road that was known with the infamy of traffic gridlock.

Instructively, the highway isn’t the only one basking in that euphoria. Other adjoining streets and roads, many of which are situated in the most interior of the port city, are not left out of the frenzy. From the popular Creek road to Mobil road, Liverpool to Marine Beach flyover, Agbo Maalu to Western naval command, a new port city seems to have been defined.

Prior to this time, the ever-bustling highway and other adjoining streets in Apapa enjoyed unenviable reputation in the eyes of Lagosians and business men who commute through these places for one business activities or the other. That notoriety wasn’t arrived at overnight. It was a culmination of years of neglect that reflected in rapid growth of slums and shanties, poor road networks, and uncoordinated activities of tanker/trailer drivers. The latter being the most worrisome.

Given the opportunity, the trailers drivers would tell anyone who cared to listen that their service was key to the sustainability of the port business which invariably enhanced Nigerian dependant-economy. Indeed their argument has an iota of truth. Only that, not a few many would want to take that as an excuse for being rudderless.

Oftentime, the trucks were parked at will, not minding the hindrance such vehicles actually posed to other road users. More pathetic was even the fact that many of the vehicles were not road worthy as they broke down on regular basis. When this happened, commuters who might be unfortunate to be plying the road at the time may have to waste several hours to get to their respective destinations. And like the typical Lords of the jungles, the trailer/tanker drivers will resist any attempt to checkmate their excesses. On many occasions, they have had to deliberately drive and blocked the main roads to demonstrate their grievances. Such were the height of wickedness that have grinded commercial activities on many occasions.

The drivers’ line of argument has often been hinged on the fact that as major players in the channel of distribution, they can’t afford to operate from obscure places if they are to sustain their roles in the port businesses. And if anything, it is the government duty to provide them with alternative parking space as that remained the only way the roads can be eased of vehicular stress.

Apapa vehicular dilemma has an accompanying environmental challenge. It was the rapid growth of slums, shanties and illegal buildings. Observers said this may not be unconnected with the influx of people to the area since the port business is like the taste of honey that sweetened every mouth. And because majority of those within the lower class could not secure descent accommodation in the area, they made do with shanties beside the roads or beneath the flyover bridges.

The class of Apapa slum dwellers also cut across different strata. While it is being alleged that many were non indigenes of the state but who in a desperate bid to earn a living came to the area, some are said to be illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger republic, among others. What however appeared most intriguing in the case of Apapa slum dwellers was the infiltration of their ranks by criminals whom security agents claimed have converted the area to their hideout. Hence, when the state government through its task force, chose to clear off environmental nuisance crippling Apapa, it surely has its job cut out.

“As we all know, Apapa is the home of Nigerian busiest port. Aside serving the nation as a commercial hub, it used to be blessed with serene environment but which has been jeopardized over the years. Coming through Oshodi-Apapa expressway has in fact become a hellish experience as most of the trailer and tanker drivers who have little or nothing to do here often occupy both sides of the highway. As if that was not enough, the flyover bridges have suddenly become criminal havens with many illegal buildings and shanties occupying prominent places. We as government can’t fold our arms, it is our duty to restore sanity to this place and that we must get done,” SP Bayo Sulaimon, the Lagos state environmental task force chairman, said.

Source: Daily Trust

NLC absent at power reforms talks

2012-05-25T12:14:00.000+01:00

NLC absent at power reforms talks

Govt prepares PHCN workers for full deregulation

TOP government functionaries had a tough time selling the new electricity tariffs regime to Labour leaders yesterday at a town-hall meeting in Abuja where President of the Trade Union Congress, Peter Esele, shredded the proposal.

Curiously though, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was conspicuously absent from the forum, which had Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, his Labour and Productivity counterpart, Emeka Wogu, Minister of State for Power, Darius Ishaku and Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, leading government’s charge.

Esele listed several fault lines in the proposed tariffs regime, concluding that the Federal Government had again put the cart before the horse in conceiving and implementing the policy.

For instance, the TUC president queried the rush to implement the new tariffs against the backdrop of erratic power supply nationwide.

He also faulted the argument that the new tariffs would make the power sector attractive to prospective investors, stressing that the same polemics had been deployed in not too distant past to vote billions of dollars to the power sector, which funds went down the drain.

Esele submitted that Nigerians would not pay for the illegality that the planned increment represented.

In his presentation, Amadi had assured that in the next 12 to 18 months, the power distribution companies would supply meters to most electricity consumers in the country.

Besides, the NERC chief explained that what would take off on June 1 was an adjustment in the tariff, which would make the poor pay less.

The poor in the electricity context, according to Amadi, is the least consumers of power.

He stressed that the rich and poor have nothing to do with their geographical location but the kilowatts of electricity they consume, which graduates them from one class to the other.

Although Nnaji admitted that the Federal Government has a record of trust deficit, he assured Nigerians that the current attempt to reform the power sector would be different.

He explained that upon the privatisation of the power sector in October this year, the power distribution companies would quicken metering in order to reduce losses of revenue.

But these arguments failed to persuade Esele, who stated: “One of the issues also has to do with the political leadership; sometimes they put the cart before the horse. NERC says it wants to make meters available for everybody so that we start paying for what we consume in 18 months. My question is: If right now I am not paying for what I consume, will I continue to pay illegal bills for 18 months before the meters are available?

“NERC says the new tariff will be pro-poor. I told the chairman that I would like to see how the tariff would be pro-poor. The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the TUC will be having a roundtable that will look at the nitty-gritty of the new tariff with NERC. The minister of power makes references to different various reforms. I will also like to raise some questions.

“Why would I not want regular power supply for 24 hours? I know Nigerians will give anything to ensure power supply for 24 hours. But why are Nigerians worried about the new tariffs? There is parable that says that when a snake bites a child, even a long lizard will scare him.

“The minister spoke about power reform, we have spent billions of dollars over the years on the power sector and the plan was to make it attractive to investors. If after spending billions of dollars and power sector is still not attractive, how do you want Nigerians to trust you on this new tariff regime?”

The TUC president noted that the Federal Government had cleverly desisted from stating its power supply target in order not to be held accountable for failure.

His words: “In the past, we used to hear 3,000mw, 4,000mw by December, but now, we no longer hear that and we have not been told why that was not achieved.”

Ishaku disclosed that the Federal Government had directed the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) to re-train disengaged electricity workers to prepare them for the eventual hand-over of the successor companies to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in October.

He stressed that those found with the right skills would be engaged by the new owners of the public power facilities.

In response to a question on the current status of PHCN, the minister stated: “PHCN has ceased to exist. It has been unbundled to make 18 successor companies while its workers have been redeployed to the successor companies.”

On the fate of the nation’s electricity workers when the privatisation process is concluded, Ishaku noted: “The current PHCN workers will be disengaged. Let me add here that we have effected a 50 per cent increment in the salary of our electricity workers and have since started paying.

“The idea is for their salaries and emoluments to be scaled up to give those of them who are highly skilled to have upper hands when the new owners come. We do not want our workers to be under-valued.

“We are hoping that the new owners would engage them on a higher skills basis. We are training them at the moment to make them highly relevant in the new scheme of things.”

Nnaji also explained why Nigeria currently supplies electricity to Niger Republic when its own citizens largely live in darkness.

His words: “We have two of our electricity dams that share boundaries with Niger Republic. We supply some electricity to that country as part of the agreement for us to use that dam. If we don’t supply them electricity, they may turn off the dams from their own end and that can be disastrous for us.”

Source:The Guardian

Amazing Victoria falls

2012-05-25T11:36:00.002+01:00

A Refinery Project is supposed to be a blessing if handled well.

2012-05-25T10:55:00.000+01:00

Hunger looms in Hoima ahead of refinery project
Publish Date: May 25, 2012

By Ibrahim Kasita
Flavia Katusabe, 21, was born at Kitegwa Village, Kabale village, Buseruka sub-county in Hoima and entirely depends on the land her parents inherited to feed her husband and their seven children.
But her zeal to open up new gardens and grow more food not only for the family livelihood but also for sell reduced when she heard rumours that the land was earmarked for petroleum industry.
"No need. Why waste my energy knowing the land is going. I don't know when and if they will pay us because I hear it is a government project for petroleum industry," Katusabe said.
Indeed, in the foreseeable future Katusabe and other households in the area will surrender their land to government to establish a refinery project.
The project needs 29,000 hectares of land for a modern airport, petro-chemical industries, and staff quarters for the workers and waste management operations, according to Foster Wheeler, the consultants who conducted Uganda's refinery project feasibility study.
Six locations were assessed but the study zeroed on Kabale comprising 14 villages as suitable for the refinery project because, according to the study, it was "sparsely populated" which eases the relocation and compensation process.
It is not clear how many households will be affected by the project but statistics from finance, planning and economic development ministry indicate that the Buseruka sub-county, where the 14 villages are located, has close to 40,000 households.
Inadequate information
More young boys and men wake up to drinking alcohol every morning when they should be tending their gardens, according to Fred Kasangaki the Buseruka sub-county chief.
“They are on a drinking spree. They have abandoned farming,” he said. “The danger is food shortage and hunger will hit us terribly.”
Confusion, uncertainty, anxiety and high expectations reign due to lack of information, inadequate stakeholder engagement, consultations and public disclosure.
“The refinery is a good project but people need to be informed and sensitised,” Oscar Beddi, the Kyapoloni village chief said.
“The compensation issues should be handled with care. It is annoying that we are not updated about the whole process. No agreements have been made. Our people have been ambushed. This has caused fears.”
James Isingoma, a resident of Kitagwa village, fears that he will not be compensated because he has no title for his land.
“When I start the process of obtaining the land title I am stopped. The land board is no longer processing new land titles,” he said.
“We are in darkness. We don't know how much money will be paid. We want enough compensation.”
Christopher Ovurutho, an elder and opinion leader in Kyapoloni village said: “Here there is neither debate nor dialogue. No communication. We are told not to ask for explanations,” he claimed.
“People’s voices are not heard. We live in fear. People have resorted to sell their land cheaply and go. Our interest is not to sabotage the refinery project but we also want fair and equitable compensation for our land.”
George Bagonza, the Hoima district head, said there is “too much expectation” as well as anxiety because of uncertainty.
“Yes, it is true people have stopped farming and I think we (leaders) have not done enough to sensitise them,” he agreed.
“We should quickly identify the people affected by the project. Don’t forget that the refinery is a long-term project and people should continue growing food to sustain themselves.”
Either eat the cake or keep it but not both
It is only last week that government announced the start of the refinery land boundary demarcation exercise and its resettlement action plan.
Fred Kabagambe-Kaliisa, the permanent secretary in the ministry of energy and mineral development, said the objective is to establish land ownership, properties on land and loss of economic activities that will later lead to compensation.
Then, according to the permanent secretary, the report will be forwarded to the chief valuer for compensation or resettlement depending on the terms and conditions with the affected people and the current compensation standard rate.
“But now who is stopping them from growing seasonal crops like beans, maize and other cereals which grow fast? First, we are demarcating the land through a survey. Then we shall enumerate the people who will be affected by the project,” he said.
“Then we shall value the land. You can’t eat your cake and have it. You (people) will be resettled at a cost. But again they want to continue to be there forever.”

Relocation versus cash compensation
Resettlement activities should result in measurable improvements in the economic conditions and social well-being of affected people.
This calls for wide consultations with affected people to develop a reasonable consensus on the methods and formulas for assigning value to lost assets and income forgone during resettlement.
Women like Katusabe have requested for special provisions to be made for households headed by women and children, the elderly and disabled
“I request that the Government looks for land and builds a permanent house with iron sheets, gets land titles and connects us to piped water and electricity," she appealed.
“This way I will be sure for my safety and children’s future. Otherwise my husband will drink all the money. I need land to continue growing food,” she says.
The refinery is a very good project and will enable value addition to the crude oil, boost employment to the locals and give chance to service provision by local entrepreneurs.
But the process of acquiring land must be a transparent and accountable and ensure fair and equitable compensation for livelihood sustainability. We need to talk, listen and act accordingly

By Ibrahim Kasita: Click to read more about the pearl of Africa( Uganda)

I have two kids with my uncle

2012-05-24T20:33:00.001+01:00

Real life experience
What started as a one-night stand between a niece and her uncle progressed into a full-blown relationship and children, Juliet Kasirye writes

It never occurred to me that I would one day have a romantic relationship with a man I considered my father. He had carried me, treated me as his child and took care of me.
I was orphaned at the age of three years and I was taken to live with my grandparents. Life there was miserable as they could not afford to take care of all my needs. Life got worse after Senior Four when I dropped out of school since my grandparents could no longer afford to pay my fees.
About the same time, my paternal uncle, Richard, returned from the US. He took me out of the deplorable conditions in the village and introduced me to the life I missed.
My uncle also took care of me like a father would his daughter. Gone were the days when I begged for food and wore tattered clothes. I thanked God for sending me a saviour in form of my uncle.
We spent so much time together and we grew closer. Once he had to go out of town for business and he invited me along, saying I would love the adventure. Little did I know that we were going to share a hotel room.
That night he made sexual advances towards me. I feared that if I rejected him, he would send me back to the village and I did not want to live in that misery ever again. I gave in to his advances. From then on, we became almost inseparable.
We spent many nights at hotels because we did not want to be found out. However, our relatives found out about our relationship, confronted me and I silenced them with insults.
Then one morning, Uncle Richard’s wife came from the US. Her first stop was the hotel where we were. She came right to the room where we were and found us in bed.
My aunt later teamed up with Uncle Richard’s relatives to confront us. However, Uncle Richard boldly declared that he loved me. We persevered in the ‘relationship’ for a few years, had two children, but eventually separated.
Coutesy of http://www.newvision.co.ug

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Beautiful Monument In Uganda

2012-05-24T20:09:00.002+01:00

The Independence Monument stands along Nile Avenue on Speke Road. It depicts a man holding out a happy child, which symbolically signifies the attainment of independence. The construction of this monument was financed by the British colonial government. It was the effort of artist and sculptor, Gregory Magoba. Photo by Edgar R. Batte
Courtesy:http://www.newvision.co.ug

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Scholarships for African Women in 2012-2013

‘Benefits Of Africa’s Economic Growth Yet To Reach All’

Lagos and the new face of Apapa

NLC absent at power reforms talks

Amazing Victoria falls

A Refinery Project is supposed to be a blessing if handled well.

I have two kids with my uncle

Real life experience

Beautiful Monument In Uganda