General
Oil Pollution: We Will No Longer Tolerate Firms Ignoring Invitations—NOSDRA
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Director General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Mr Chukwuemeka Woke, has warned members of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) to desist from ignoring invitations from the agency concerning oil pollution issues.
Speaking while receiving the leadership of the group led by the Executive Director Mr Gwueke Ajaifia, the DG said while the organisation remains “a major stakeholder” in the energy sector, it must subject itself to the laws of the land and support the agency achieve its primary objective of maximising “oil and gas production to stimulate robust economic growth in the country,” noting that the importance of ensuring environmental sustainability—NOSDRA’s core mandate—cannot be overlooked.
“As an agency, we need to address the neglect from some of your members in responding to our invitations concerning these critical issues,” Mr Woke stated, highlighting that NOSDRA is often the closest agency involved when such matters arise, and neglecting to engage with the agency can escalate tensions with communities and may lead to sanctions from regulatory authorities.
He urged OPTS to undertake community education and outreach initiatives aimed at raising awareness about petroleum-related crimes, such as pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal bunkering, stressing that these efforts are essential for effectively addressing these issues and promoting social harmony in oil-producing communities.
Mr Woke acknowledged that the current challenges facing Nigeria’s petroleum industry, particularly crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, were not anticipated when NOSDRA was established. This has led to significant difficulties in addressing oil spills resulting from third-party interference or sabotage.
He noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is diligently working to close regulatory gaps and strengthen enforcement measures to tackle these pressing issues.
Additionally, he pointed out that enhancing inter-agency collaboration is crucial for effectively addressing crude oil theft and similar challenges, expressing optimism that closer cooperation among key stakeholders, including NOSDRA, oil companies, and host communities—will play a vital role in overcoming these challenges.
Earlier, Mr Ajaifa informed the DG that the group visited him to explore potential areas of collaboration between NOSDRA and OPTS, which comprises 25 indigenous oil companies and five foreign operators in Nigeria.
He emphasized OPTS’s commitment to prioritizing environmental conservation within the petroleum industry, seeking a collaborative relationship with NOSDRA, which plays a crucial role among regulatory bodies due to its statutory mandate in environmental management and pollution control.
Addressing key challenges such as pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, insecurity, and excessive taxation, Mr Ajaifia recognized NOSDRA as a vital partner in fostering a regulatory environment that upholds acceptable standards and international best practices to attract investment in the sector.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
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