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NIMC to License More Agents for NIN Registration

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NIMC Lagos office

By Adedapo Adesanya

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced plans to license more agents across the country for National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment.

This was disclosed in statement signed by the acting Director General of NIMC, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote, on Monday, inviting organisations, including Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), startup companies, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with proven track records of successful performance in a similar capacity to indicate their interest in the provision of data collection and issuance of the NIN.

The commission said Nigerian representatives of its development partners can also indicate interest.

The move will help change the ongoing revalidation exercise of existing agents instituted by the newly appointed Director General of the commission amid concerns that there are now many fake NIN enrollment centres across the country.

According to the commission, the license to be issued comes in three categories with different eligibility requirements.

It stated that the first category is the LLCs, which are incorporated companies with over 2 years post-incorporation and can operate at National, regional, state, and local government levels.

The second category comprises SMEs, and startups comprise registered business names that operate as SMEs and can operate at regional, state, and local government levels.

The third category comprises CSOs and NGOs that are incorporated Trustees focused on specific groups with special needs and can operate within catchments and areas of their interest in the country.

While all applications are expected to be submitted physically to the NIMC head office in Abuja, the Commission said the expression of interest will close by November 14, 2023.

Earlier this month, NIMC announced the revalidation of its third-party agent licensees. The commission said this was part of its commitment to ensure the highest standards of data security and compliance and was part of ongoing efforts to enhance the security, efficiency, and accuracy of the National Identity Management System.

The commission also stressed that the revalidation process is mandatory for all current partners and is intended to ensure compliance with the latest standards and protocols.

It noted that the revalidation process will include a thorough review of the third-party organisation’s operations, technical infrastructure, and compliance with NIMC’s policies and guidelines.

“It is essential to demonstrate that your organisation continues to meet the required standards to effectively participate in the enrolment of Nigerian citizens, legal residents, and related services.

“Key Details of the Revalidation Process: Documentation: You are required to submit the following documents for revalidation: Current Business Registration Certificate and updated Company Profile. Copy of the signed Memorandum of Understanding. Evidence of fees paid to acquire a license. Tax Clearance Certificate for the past three years. Evidence of compliance with NIMC’s technical specifications.

“Provide proof of training and capacity building for your staff involved in the identity enrollment process. Total NIN registered. LLCs should provide the list of sub-licensees registered under them,” the Commission stated in the notice for the revalidation exercise.

The NIMC had in 2020 licensed 203 agents across the country in 2020. Prominent among the public sector institutions licensed at that time are the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Pension Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria (through the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems Plc), National Population Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joint Tax Board, and Nigeria Postal Services.

Other public sector organisations that have issued licences include the Military Pensions Board, Abuja Enterprise Agency, Corporate Affairs Commission, National Health Insurance Scheme, National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Komolafe Tasks Upstream Petroleum Operators on Decarbonisation

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Decarbonisation

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.

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NCDMB Lauds EFCC for Outstanding Remittances Recovery

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NCDMB

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its role in recovering outstanding financial remittances due to the board from oil and gas industry operators.

The commendation came during a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC by a delegation from the NCDMB, led by Mrs Maureen Obukofe, who represented the Executive Secretary, Mr Felix Omatsola Ogbe.

Mrs Obukofe recounted how the board had initiated a partnership with the EFCC in 2019 after discovering that many oil and gas operators were failing to remit the mandatory one per cent of every contract to the board, as stipulated by law.

“Over time, we realized that most of these operators were not remitting this one percent and we realized that there’s no agency well-equipped and statutorily empowered other than EFCC to help us recover these outstanding remittances,” Mrs Obukofe said.

“That was how this partnership was formed back in 2019 by the then Executive Secretary, and today, we are happy to note that the commission has recovered some monies on behalf of the Board, and I know they will still recover more. So, we’ve come to say thank you.”

She described the collaboration as pivotal in ensuring compliance with Nigerian content obligations in the oil and gas sector.

In response, the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Port Harcourt, Mr Hassan Saidu, expressed surprise and gratitude at the gesture of appreciation from the board.

“Barrister Maureen, we are very grateful for your visit. In fact, if every organization will do what you have done, it will motivate us more,” Mr Saidu said, adding that, “I am lacking in words to describe this type of visit because it is kind of a rare visit, sending a delegation to appreciate what we have done.”

The EFCC director assured the NCDMB of the agency”s continued support in helping the board recover what is rightfully due to it and enforcing compliance within the oil and gas sector.

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TCN Confirms Fire Incident at Egbin Power Station

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Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed a fire incident at the Egbin Power Plc facility in the early hours of Tuesday, August 5, 2025, affecting power supply in parts of Lagos and Ogun States.

According to a statement issued by TCN on Thursday, the fire broke out at approximately 6:30 am and damaged one of the company’s key transmission assets: a 150MVA, 330/132/33kV Inter-Bus Transformer II located at the Egbin Transmission Substation.

It noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from a faulty 33kV current or voltage transformer (CT/VT) owned by Egbin Power Plc.

The defective equipment was connected to the 33kV side of TCN’s transformer, resulting in significant damage to the main tank of the transformer, including oil leakage and a tear in the structure.

As a result, power supply has been temporarily reduced to several critical transmission lines and substations, including the Ikorodu and Odogunyan 132/33kV substations, as well as Sagamu Lines 1 and 2, and Maryland Line 2. An estimated 47 megawatts of load was initially affected and has since been redirected to the station’s second 150MVA transformer, which is now operating under increased strain.

Business Post reports that this development has led to power deficits and load-shedding in the affected areas.

The distribution companies, Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), have been officially notified and are managing electricity loads within their respective franchise areas.

TCN said urgent efforts are underway to source and install a replacement transformer to restore normal operations.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and assure all affected customers that we are working hard to restore normal power supply as quickly as possible,” the company stated.

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