News
FG Asks for Improved Environmental Regulatory Framework

FG Asks for Improved Environmental Regulatory Framework
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has asked the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and other stakeholders to improve on environmental regulatory framework and use of cleaner technologies for sustainable future.
Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako gave the charge on Thursday at the Maiden Environmental Performance Award for the Oil and Gas sector in Abuja.
The event was organised by NOSDRA in collaboration with the Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), an NGO.
Salako identified effective environmental regulatory mechanism in the petroleum industry as essential for sustainable resource management, climate change mitigation, economic efficiency and accountability.
The minister said that such mechanism was also crucial for building public trust for operational social licencing, legal and international compliance.
He said that oil and gas was unarguably the world’s most vital, but most environmentally disruptive industry.
Salako, however, stressed the need for effective regulation of the sector to ensure that the benefits of oil and gas production were balanced.
He said: “Also, there is the need to protect the environment, maintain public health and contribute to national development on a sustainable manner.”
The minister said that the country had faced significant challenges and limitations in managing and responding to oil spills resulting in consequential land degradation prior to the establishment of NOSDRA in October 2006.
He said that the situation was characterised by a lack of cohesive policy, inefficient coordination among stakeholders and inadequate resources to effectively address oil spill incidents particularly in the Niger-Delta region.
“Nigeria is faced with a fragmented regulatory framework, inadequate preparedness and response, limited community engagement negative environmental and health impacts, adverse economic consequences, among others.
“Since the establishment of NOSDRA, it has been working in the area of spill preparedness, response, cleanup and remediation among others.
“Over the years, NOSDRA has remained unwavering in delivering on its mandate, responding to thousands of major and minor oil spills, ensuring that impacted communities are adequately compensated and remediated.
“Non-complying oil operators are taking to court to enforce compliance,” he said.
He added that environmental performance award serves as a multi-faceted tool aimed at driving change, promoting sustainability and acknowledging those that lead by example.
According to him, the award also addresses historical environmental goals; enhances community relations, boosts innovations and offers reputational requirement and investment.
The event was also an avenue to bestow the environmental sustainability performance award on oil, gas industry players by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN).
The Director-General of NOSDRA, Idris Musa, said that the awards are a testament to stakeholders’ collective commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation and pursuit of excellence within the oil and gas industry.
Musa said this at the maiden edition of the award for the Oil and Gas sector on Thursday in Abuja.
Some of the awardees are TotalEnergy, Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Agip oil while Akwa-Ibom received the best environmental-friendly state award.
He said that the award was to recognise the organisation with the best environmental performance for 2022 and 2023.
Musa said that the performance award was conceived to highlight and reward those that have taken bold steps to address environmental challenges.
“It is to showcase significant progress we can achieve when we commit to responsible practices. This initiative also reflects our understanding of the path to sustainability and the need to work together.
” It requires collaboration among industry operators, regulatory bodies, local communities and international partners, “he said
Musa said that by sharing best practices and leveraging on new technologies among others, the nation could drive the transformative change needed to secure a sustainable future for the oil and gas industry.
He said that NOSDRA plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment from the potential devastations arising from the operations of the oil and gas industry.
Musa explained that 73 companies were assessed from 2022 to 2023 based on performance variables, which included submission of incident reporting forms
Other variables are the inventory of spill response equipment stockpiles as a function of preparedness for response.
He said the award is grouped into four categories which included the best environmental performance for both local and international oil companies.
Others are most environmentally-friendly states as well as awards for the 2019 and 2020 Environmental Performance Index carried out by SDN.
Country Director, SDN, Florence IbokAbasi, said the organisation’s collaboration with NOSDRA was to encourage improved environmental performance in the oil and gas sector.
She advocated for innovation and technical initiatives that would result in reduced oil spills and gas flare in the industry.
IbokAbasi identified some of the challenges in the industry as oil theft, sabotage and insecurity.
She said SDN was collaborating with relevant stakeholders including government agencies, and communities to ensure improved pollution reporting and a safer environment.
Chairman/Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, Jim Swartz, a recipient of the award, said the organisation has been marked by continuous improvement, innovations and collaboration.
He was represented by Sam Daibo, Director, Government Affairs, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA).
“As we celebrate this environmental protection award, we re-echo our commitment to the partnership with NOSDRA and other stakeholders.
“The partnership is enhancing good environmental practices. Together we can build a sustainable future for Nigeria,“he said.
FG Asks for Improved Environmental Regulatory Framework
Crime
Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi

Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
A swift response by the Nigerian troops in Kebbi has foiled a bandit attack on Dabai Town, forcing the assailants to flee after a gun battle with security operatives.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred around 2 a.m. when suspected bandits attempted to invade the town.
“Security forces were immediately dispatched to intercept the assailants and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire,” the source said. “Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the bandits abandoned their mission and escaped.”
While no casualties were reported, security operatives have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.
Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi
News
Unidentified Woman Dies After Jumping Off Third Mainland Bridge

Unidentified Woman Dies After Jumping Off Third Mainland Bridge
By: Zagazola Makama
An unidentified woman has died after allegedly jumping off the Third Mainland Bridge into the University of Lagos (UNILAG) waterfront, an intelligence source has confirmed.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident happened around 3 p.m. on Thursday.
“We received information that a woman suddenly stopped on the bridge and jumped into the water. No identification documents were found on her,” the source said.
According to the source, the Marine Police Division in Akoka was alerted about an hour later, prompting a swift response from a team of marine police officers.
“She was pulled out of the water and rushed to the UNILAG shore, where medical personnel examined her. Unfortunately, she was confirmed dead,” the source added.
The woman’s remains have since been deposited at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) morgue in Yaba for preservation and autopsy.
Meanwhile, another Police sources said that the Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation to establish her identity and uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The investigation is ongoing, and we urge anyone with information about the deceased to come forward,” said Police sources.
Unidentified Woman Dies After Jumping Off Third Mainland Bridge
News
Kidnapped Catholic Priest Rescued in Edo

Kidnapped Catholic Priest Rescued in Edo
By: Zagazola Makama
The Edo State Police Command has rescued Rev. Father Philip Mario Ekweli, who was kidnapped on March 13 in Aghenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the he priest, who serves at St. Peter’s Apostle Catholic Church, Iviukhua Community, was rescued on Thursday at about 4:52 p.m. in Amughe Community.
Security agencies have intensified search and bush-combing operations to track down the kidnappers and ensure the safety of other residents.
Kidnapped Catholic Priest Rescued in Edo
-
News1 year ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News12 months ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions3 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
Columns1 year ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
National News1 year ago
Fraud and Mismanagement Rock INGO’s IDP Cash Assistance Effort in Bama