By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Wednesday in Abuja, kicked off a two-day performance review session with companies currently holding gas distribution licences.

A statement by the regulator said the review was in compliance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which mandates it to ensure and monitor performance parameters of the industry and the quality of service provided by licensed operators.

According to NMDPRA, the review focused on regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and Health, Safety, Environment, and Compliance (HSE&C) standards of the licensed gas distribution activities.

It reiterated that it would continue to work towards enabling proper gas utilisation in the country to meet domestic demands and boost the nation’s economy.

In January, as a way of increasing gas utilisation and expansion in the country, the NMDPRA awarded 10 Gas Distribution Licences (GDLs) to six companies, including a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

The six beneficiary companies include the NNPC Gas Marketing Company, Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, NIPCO Plc, Central Horizon Gas Company, Falcon Corporation Ltd, and AXXELA.

The licenses issued under the Petroleum Industry Act were to help unlock opportunities in power generation, clean cooking, CNG mobility, and energy parks.

The licenses issued covered a cumulative gas distribution capacity of approximately 1.5 billion standard cubic feet per day with over 1,200km of gas distribution pipeline network as well as over 500 customer stations.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

About 1,000 small-scale farmers in Ogun State would be empowered with a mobile-enabled agricultural intelligence launched by MTN Foundation.

The organisation has partnered with the federal government, the Ogun State government, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and Huawei to introduce a digital agriculture platform known as AgriConnect.

This initiative will give the beneficiaries access to mobile-enabled agricultural intelligence and digital tools designed to enhance food production.

The selected farmers are from a state-managed database of over 160,000 registered farmers, providing them with mobile-enabled services and digital technologies supplied by Huawei.

“This initiative is intended to enhance food production, ensure food security, and boost agribusiness opportunities across the state and Nigeria at large.

“These are not just gadgets; they are tools of transformation. With this programme, we are boosting productivity, promoting efficiency, and fortifying the cassava value chain. Ogun State is proud to lead in cassava production and equally proud to lead in agricultural innovation,” the Governor of Ogun State, Mr Dapo Abiodun, stated at the launch of the scheme at June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta.

He announced the construction of a new cotton processing plant with a capacity to process 100 tons per hour, expected to generate 250,000 direct jobs and position Nigeria as a key player in the global cotton and garment industry.

The governor called on all public and private stakeholders to support the AgriConnect Initiative, stressing that Ogun State is home to the most responsible and best-organised farmers in the country.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Ms Odunayo Sanya, said, “We strongly believe in the power of technology to drive growth, create opportunities, and empower individuals.

“The AgriConnect Initiative embodies this belief by leveraging both global and local partnerships to provide our farmers with essential tools and resources.

“Access to real-time weather forecasts, market prices, and best agricultural practices will not only support informed decision-making but also significantly improve yields and increase farmers’ incomes.

“Ultimately, this will contribute to economic growth at both the state and national levels.

“For those unfamiliar with the MTN Foundation, since its inception in 2004, we have remained at the forefront of Nigeria’s social empowerment.

“We have invested over N32 billion in projects and interventions that align with national priorities and Sustainable Development Goals.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Mr Atiku Abubakar, has officially resigned his membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.

In a resignation letter addressed to the Chairman of PDP, Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, Mr Abubakar expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities offered to him by the party, including serving two full terms as Vice President and contesting twice as its presidential candidate.

Mr Abubakar, who described himself as a founding father of the PDP, stated it was “heartbreaking” to make the decision, but emphasized it was necessary due to the current trajectory of the party, which he believes diverges from its foundational principles.

“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognizing the irreconcilable differences that have emerged,” he wrote, wishing the party and its leadership well in the future and thanked them for their support.

His exit comes as he joins a coalition of some opposition leaders in the country which recently adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The former candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, also indicated interest in the coalition.

Other prominent members of the coalition include former Governors Nasir El-Rufai, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Mr Sule Lamido, Mr Gabriel Suswam, Mr Emeka Ihedioha and Mr Rauf Aregbesola, who is the national secretary of the ADC.