By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The manager of one of the retail stations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State has been suspended.

The action followed the alleged misconduct of one of the pump attendants of the affected filling station, a statement from the organisation said.

In the statement signed by the management of NNPC in Abuja on Friday, it was disclosed that the pump attendant accused of attempting to “swindle a customer” has been sacked and is longer working with the company.

The state-owned oil firm took these actions after its attention was “drawn to a recent video circulating on social media platforms depicting a pump attendant at a filling station attempting to swindle a customer.”

It was explained that after receiving the video, “a thorough investigation” was carried out and the incident was “traced to a station in Ikorodu, Lagos.”

NNPC Retail Limited, which is in charge of the downstream business of NNPC Limited, described the behaviour of the said pump attendant as “unacceptable,” emphasising that it “does not reflect the company’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and exceptional customer service.”

Apparently to deter others from emulating such, NNPC Retail Limited said, “The pump attendant involved has been disengaged, the Station Manager has been suspended, and a formal warning letter has been issued to the dealer” in charge of the facility.

“NNPC Retail would like to thank the public for their vigilance and encourage the reporting of any incidents through the appropriate channels (customer service numbers and email displayed at all stations) for immediate action.

“The company assures all customers of its continued strict enforcement of compliance with its operational standards across its network of filling stations,” the statement noted.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Fuji maestro, Mr Wasiu Ayinde, fondly known as K1 De Ultimate, has apologised over the unfortunate incident involving him blocking a ValueJet aircraft taxing at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, 2025.

The musician was seen in videos on the internet attempting to prevent the plane from taxing, an action described by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development as “reprehensible.”

He said if the pilot and the co-pilot were punished by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) by revoking their licences; Mr Ayinde should also be sanctioned, directing he should be put on no fly list.

Earlier, the spokesman of the music act, Mr Kunle Rasheed, said Mr Ayinde was the victim of the incident, absolving him of any wrong-doing.

K1 De Ultimate was not allowed to be on the aircraft carrying passengers from Abuja to Lagos because he refused to give up his flask alleged to contain alcohol.

In a statement on Friday, the musician claimed the content in the flask was water, which he was advised by his doctor to take regularly because of a health issue.

“Unknown to many, I suffer from chronic dehydration, and my doctor strongly advised that I remain constantly hydrated. This is why I always carry a water flask with me. And contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask I carried on that particular day contained only water — not alcohol, as wrongly alleged.

“For the record, I passed through two security screenings with the flask empty. The flask was only filled with water at the lounge area, just before heading to the tarmac. This fact can be verified by the CCTV footage at the airport lounge. More so, I hadn’t even boarded the plane, let alone being deboarded.

“However, I acknowledge and deeply regret the concerns that arose from the incident. It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols in any way.

“My unwavering patriotism and unshaken loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria have never been in doubt. Over the years, I have consistently used my God-given talent and platform to promote the Nigerian brand across the globe. I would never do anything to tarnish the image I’ve built over the past five decades, nor would I knowingly act in a way that could diminish the reputation of the country I love so dearly.

“That said, the incident is sincerely regretted. I remain committed to upholding the values and responsibilities that come with being a global ambassador of Nigerian music and culture.

“To the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, NCAA, ValueJet, fellow Nigerians, and my teeming fans across the world who have shown great concern since the incident happened, I tender my unreserved and heartfelt apology,” he said in the statement.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, has called on operators to embed decarbonisation in field development, facility design, and production activities.

This was part of his message at the 48th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition on Monday, noting that the commission is driving the Upstream Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Blueprint, based on its seven pillars to attract investment and maintain competitiveness.

“We are optimising the Maximum Efficient Rate, managing produced water, and coordinating shutdowns to reduce disruptions,” he said, adding that, “We urge all operators to embed decarbonisation in field development, facility design, and production activities. Achieving a sustainable future requires trade-offs, collaboration, and innovation. NAICE discussions must become measurable outcomes.”

He said NUPRC was integrating advanced technologies in exploration and production, including decarbonisation and emission reduction strategies, noting, “Our role goes beyond regulatory compliance. We are committed to a stable and forward-looking upstream sector that balances energy security, environmental responsibility, and economic sustainability.”

According to him, technological transformation is reshaping exploration and production, and the Commission is encouraging both adaptation and approval of innovative solutions.

He added that NUPRC is using technology to enhance internal operations, improve service delivery, and reduce turnaround time.

He said: “These changes are not mere technical upgrades. They are part of a broader effort to entrench transparency, promote accountability, and reduce costs to drive industry growth.”

Mr Komolafe also said a resilient supply chain is vital for cutting lead times, lowering costs, and boosting national capacity, stating that the commission is fostering a regulatory environment supporting indigenous and international service providers.

“Our approach supports technology domestication, local manufacturing, and stronger supply chain resilience,” he said.

On workforce development, he emphasised that human capital is the industry’s greatest asset.

“We work with academic institutions and training organisations to promote excellence, close skill gaps, and prepare our workforce for a low-carbon future,” he said.

Highlighting progress since the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was enacted in 2021, Mr Komolafe said 21 key regulations have been gazetted so far.

“These regulations give clarity to investors, streamline administration, and align operations with national and global priorities,” he said.

Among them are the Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations, which promote accountability through real-time, technology-driven production measurement.

Also included are the Gas Flaring, Venting, and Methane Emissions Regulations, aimed at reducing emissions and embedding sustainability.

Beyond regulations, he said NUPRC is implementing core initiatives to accelerate industry development.

These include a recent stakeholders’ forum to develop strategies for cluster development in shallow and deepwater basins.

“Through collaboration, we aim to unlock stranded or marginal fields via joint development strategies,” he said.