By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has commenced an investigation into a gas bubbling incident in Bille community in Rivers State, but preliminary “deductions and field observations indicate that the gas bubbling may be associated with a subsurface phenomenon that could be linked to a variety of triggers.”

In a statement signed by its chief executive, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, on Thursday, the agency said it was worried about the unfortunate incident, assuring residents that efforts are being made to address the issue.

The commission acknowledged the concerns the “unsavoury development has raised in relation to public safety, the environment, and the health of the populace,” stressing that, “The overall well-being of our communities and the protection of the environment remain paramount to the commission, as they are to government.”

It stated that, “Upon notification of the incident, the commission activated a coordinated technical investigation process in line with established regulatory protocols to assess the nature and extent of the gas seepage, identify source(s) and potential cause(s), and propose immediate and long-term mitigation measures.”

“The investigative study is being conducted in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive, fact- based outcomes for long-term sustainability,” it added.

“Detailed geotechnical and geological analyses are ongoing to determine the contributing factor(s) and possible remedies for prompt implementation,” the statement further said.

“The commission assures the Bille community of its resolve to ensure that necessary actions required to address the situation are taken in line with applicable regulations, industry standards and global best practices.

“Once again, the commission commiserates with the Bille community as we work assiduously with all stakeholders to unravel the incident, and enjoins members of the community to maintain the commendable level of responsibility whilst adhering to all safety measures and public health advisories issued by the relevant authorities,” the statement disclosed.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed claims that it plans to sell Ibom Power Company, describing the allegation as false and reaffirming its commitment to reviving the state-owned electricity asset through debt repayment and structural reforms.

In a statement issued on March 18, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, said a report by a Uyo-based tabloid alleging plans to dispose of the company was “a wicked fabrication” that should be disregarded.

“At no time has the government approved the sale of Ibom Power Company as scrap or otherwise,” the statement said, adding that such claims exist only in the “imagination of mischief-makers intent on misleading the public.”

Instead, the government said it is focused on stabilising the company’s operations by clearing legacy debts, including a $9 million facility obtained from Afreximbank several years ago.

According to the statement, Governor Umo Eno approved a structured quarterly repayment plan of $560,000 beginning March 15, 2025, aimed at gradually liquidating the loan.

The government described the move as part of broader efforts to “rescue and reposition Ibom Power Company for sustainable operations,” stressing that the approach reflects a commitment to “revival, stability, and long-term value preservation, not liquidation.”

Beyond debt repayment, the state also outlined ongoing electricity sector reforms anchored on a Private Sector Participation (PSP) framework designed to attract investment while retaining public ownership of assets.

Under the initiative, the government said it has established key institutions, including the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission and Ibom Electricity Holdings Limited, to strengthen oversight and coordinate state-owned electricity assets. Shares of the holding company have also been vested in the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation.

The concession model being introduced will allow qualified private operators to rehabilitate, finance, and manage electricity infrastructure over a defined period, with strict performance benchmarks and regulatory supervision.

The government said the framework is structured to ensure that “the State will retain ownership and strategic control of all electricity assets,” while transferring operational and commercial risks to private sector participants.

It added that the reform programme is expected to improve reliability, resolve longstanding challenges, and promote a more efficient electricity market without placing additional fiscal pressure on the state.

On recent power outages across parts of Akwa Ibom, the government noted that electricity transmission and distribution currently fall outside its direct control. However, it said efforts are ongoing to engage relevant authorities to address the disruptions and improve supply.

The statement also criticised the publication that carried the initial report, accusing it of spreading misinformation and warning that “government’s measured silence should not be mistaken for weakness,” citing existing laws on libel and defamation.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Three African subsidiaries of global advisory firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), have been debarred by the World Bank Group for 21 months after being found guilty of manipulating procurement processes for a major cross-border electricity project.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Washington-based multilateral lender said PricewaterhouseCoopers Associates Africa Ltd, based in Mauritius, along with its Kenyan and Rwandan affiliates, engaged in “collusive and fraudulent practices” linked to the Eastern Electricity Highway Project, a flagship initiative to transmit hydropower from Ethiopia to Kenya.

The decision sidelines PwC from lucrative World Bank-funded projects on the continent, dealing a blow to one of the region’s most influential audit and advisory firms.

This development could reshape competition for high-value consulting work across emerging markets, potentially disrupting startups and tech firms reliant on World Bank funding, as scrutiny over governance and compliance tightens.

The World Bank, through its private sector arm, International Finance Corporation (IFC), offers grants and low-interest loans to startups across emerging markets.

Earlier this week, the IFC committed $20 million to invest in high-growth startups in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

“The debarment makes PwC Associates, PwC Kenya, PwC Rwanda, and any affiliates they control ineligible to participate in Bank Group-financed projects and operations,” the World Bank said. “It is part of a settlement agreement under which the three companies admit culpability for sanctionable practices.”

The determination was based on the company’s conduct between 2019 and the award of contracts for consultancy services and asset valuation work for the Ethiopian state power utilities.

According to the World Bank statement, the firm obtained confidential procurement documents to improperly influence the award of a contract for the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards at the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation.

They also attempted to steer a separate contract for a fixed asset inventory and revaluation for the power utility towards PwC Associates. During the bidding and execution of that contract, the bank found that the company misrepresented the availability and qualifications of key experts and failed to disclose the full list of subconsultants involved.

According to the World Bank, the debarment is shorter than would otherwise apply because PwC admitted misconduct. The advisory firm also agreed to a series of remedial measures, including internal investigations, disciplinary action against responsible staff, terminating relationships with all subconsultants involved, and additional staff training.