News
FG Decries Massive Effect of Corrosion on Nation’s Economy

FG Decries Massive Effect of Corrosion on Nation’s Economy
By: Michael Mike
The federal government has decried the massive effect of corrosion on the nation’s oil production and economy.
Speaking at the 2023 Nigerian Corrosion Association conference, NICA in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako said according to Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) over 270 million barrels of national commercial crude oil production was lost between 2016 and 2020, at an estimated revenue loss of $14.6 billion, due to corrosion, operational faults and other factors.
He said furthermore, in 2021, 193 million barrels of crude oil deficit was allegedly recorded, which translated to an estimated $3.5 billion of revenue, about 10% of the country’s foreign reserves, noting that: “Corollary to revenue deficits are incidents of air and water pollution, loss of vegetation, land contamination, climate effects, manifesting in loss of livelihoods, quality of life, pollution burdens of diseases in impacted communities and huge costs of remediation and rehabilitation.”
The Minister, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Engineer Dilichukwu Etigbue said: “The costs associated with corrosion impacts on critical assets and associated losses are rapidly becoming unacceptable, but really hardly completely mitigatable, in today’s world where sustainability is a priority.
“Therefore, deploying appropriate eco-friendly strategies for corrosion management is not only the best sustainable infrastructural development, but a smart investment preventing highly expensive industrial failures and accidents. It also mitigates other safety hazards, linked indirectly with health,
quality of environment and carbon-footprints. The cumulative benefits thereof include an increased public safety, reliable performance, maximised assets life, environmental protection, and more cost‐effective operations on the long term.”
He assured that: “Federal Ministry of Environment places a premium on inclusive stakeholders’ participation in environmental governance,” soliciting for the support of NICA and other critical players in advancing a paradigm shift from traditional control processes with carbon and human/environmental exposure footprints, to sustainable effective, economic and environmentally friendly corrosion protection technologies/processes, in order to guarantee long-term sustainability of our national infrastructures and structures.
On the international level, he said a two-year study by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE), United States of America, estimated the corrosion cost as $2.5 trillion per year, or around 3% of global Gross Domestic Products (GDP).
He noted that: “The study, however, projected that implementing best practices in corrosion prevention could result in as much as $875 billion in savings. This claim was also corroborated by the World Corrosion Organisation (WCO).”
He decried that corrosion is also one of the major legacy challenges facing Petroleum Refineries and Chemical Process Industries globally, some of which have recorded incidental accidents leading to destruction of infrastructures and loss of personnel, he added that: “Among these are the Caribbean Petroleum Refining Tank Explosion and Fire Puerto Rico, 2009; Chevron Refinery in Richmond, California (2012); and Bhopal Pesticide Plant, India Incident of 1984, one of the world’s largest industrial disasters, resulting in the ill-fated death of nearly 8,000 people.”
The Minister of Transportation, Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola said that prevention and control of corrosion cannot be undertaken by the government alone, especially in the face of emerging innovations and advances in technological developments in addressing this phenomenon.
Oyetola while was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Engineer Shogo Omotayo said; “The significance of this conference in terms of addressing the critical issue of corrosion in building environmentally resilient infrastructures and the need to maintain their integrity over their service life couldn’t have come at a better time as the Nigerian Government intensifies its commitments to expanding public Infrastructures and utilities for improved economic and social development.”
According to him, “This conference will produce workable and implementable outcomes to address the challenges of corrosion in the development of public infrastructures and utilities in all sectors for the Nation’s benefit.”
On his part, the President Nigerian Corrosion Association, Mr Ese Ochoga said the conference aimed to educate and enlighten the society on the best practices in physical assets protection management in improving the GDP, as well as public and environmental safety.
“The theme of our conference this year is an inclusive one, as it hones on the impact of corrosion on the public infrastructure and utilities, which is common to us all,” he said.
Ochoga noted that the conference would also help present the unique perspective of the materials and corrosion specialist insights and recommendations in managing and maintaining public infrastructures.
He said: “We are here today at the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Corrosion Association, importantly, the corrosion is addressing the issue of building sustainable infrastructure by ensuring that there is corrosion resistant or resilient to corrosion. Corrosion comes from environmental sources and as the environment varies, the corrosion impact also varies some lower and some higher, the corrosion professional is always monitoring this to ensure that infrastructure or structures are viewed to be able to withstand the peculiar environment that is bound to a counter because of his service, that’s why we’re here and the conference is going to address this issue.”
The Nigerian Corrosion Association established in 1988 by industry practitioners and academicians, provides opportunities for excelling in the fields of corrosion science and engineering practices.
It also assess and proffer solutions to the interwoven adverse effects of the environment and corrosion on modern civilization.
”Corrosion Control of Public Infrastructures and Utilities,” was the theme of the 2023 Annual National Conference. It was organised by the Nigerian Corrosion Association (NICA) and hosted by Federal Ministry of Environmennt.
FG Decries Massive Effect of Corrosion on Nation’s Economy
News
IGP launches Zulum’s distribution of 110 vehicles, 280 houses to police, others

IGP launches Zulum’s distribution of 110 vehicles, 280 houses to police, others
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has distributed 110 brand new operational vehicles, 500 motorcycles and 280 houses to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
The distribution was flagged off by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who commended the initiative and described the governor as a “performing governor” in the fight against insecurity in the North East.

The ceremony, held at the Government House in Maiduguri, was attended by top security officials, including the theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Waidi Shuibu; Deputy and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and others.
According to the distribution formula, 60 vehicles will be allocated to the Nigerian Police and 50 vehicles and 500 motorcycles to the Nigerian military.
Similarly, the police will be allocated 220 houses at Mai Mala Buni Estate, 20 at Kashim Shertima Estate and another 40 at Wulari, all in Maiduguri.

In his address, Governor Zulum emphasised the importance of supporting security forces with the necessary tools which, he said, would enhance their efficiency and dedication to duty.
“Today marks a significant step in our unwavering commitment to strengthening the security architecture of Borno State; we are gathered here to present 100 operational vehicles, 500 motorcycles and housing quarters to members of the Nigerian Police Force and military, as the case may be, who tirelessly serve and sacrifice to safeguard our communities.
“This modest gesture continues our government’s commitment to the security agencies, which are the cornerstones for achieving peace, progress, and development in our state.
“These vehicles will enhance their mobility, improve their response times, and bolster their operational capabilities in the fight against insecurity and social vices,” Zulum states.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership in supporting the security agencies.
Governor Zulum also expressed his commitment to rendering his services to the security organisations.

He said: “We are grateful to the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing strategic leadership and unalloyed support to our security agencies as they work assiduously to safeguard the life and property of our citizens.
“Under my watch, the Borno State Government has maintained a cordial relationship with our security forces. We realised that without security, the recovery of our state from insecurity, Insurgency and decadence would not yield the desired result.
“By supporting our security forces, we are investing in force multiplier, speed of action and timely response of the armed forces and security agencies to our daunting security challenges. We are committed to working together to address the insecurity issues and build a safer and more prosperous future for our people.”
In his remarks, the IGP expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for what he described as massive support.
Egbetokun said: “These operational assets, including 110 vehicles and 500 motorcycles, will, no doubt, enhance our operational capacity. They will enable us to respond more effectively to emergencies in the state. They will also enable us to patrol our communities more efficiently, ultimately improving the delivery of services to the people of Borno State.
“I thank you, your Excellency, once again, for this gesture; I also want to assure you, Your Excellency, that these operational assets are going to be put to immediate operational use to enhance the security of the people of Borno State tate.”
IGP launches Zulum’s distribution of 110 vehicles, 280 houses to police, others
News
FG Insists Christians are Not Targeted for Killings in Nigeria

FG Insists Christians are Not Targeted for Killings in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The federal government has moved to counter the narrative that Christians are targeted for killings in part of Nigeria, stating that it is the work of fifth columnists aiming that the country should be designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the international community.
A statement on Friday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to express strong concern over the recent wave of misinformation and misleading reports regarding the supposed targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria. The unfortunate development is intended to influence foreign governments, especially the United States Government, to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), due to the violence against Christians.
“While the Federal Government acknowledges the security challenges confronting the nation, it is imperative to clarify that these negative activities are not driven by religious bias, nor targeted against any particular religious group. It should be noted that the majority of incidents relating to insurgency and banditry that occur in the predominantly Muslim northern part of Nigeria are not targeted at followers of a particular faith or religion. Any narrative that seeks to give such incidents a coloration of religious persecution is erroneous and misleading.
“Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation and the government remains committed to protecting the lives and properties of all citizens, irrespective of faith, ethnicity, or gender. The security issues in Nigeria are complex and multifaceted and manifest as criminality, terrorism and communal clashes – including farmer/herder confrontation, that do not have any religious connotation.”
The statement added that: “The government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken significant steps to address these security concerns, including the deployment of security forces, intelligence gathering and community engagement initiatives. Indeed, the military has recorded substantial gains in curtailing the activities of bandits and insurgents. To bring an end to such security challenges, both the Federal and State authorities have embarked on kinetic and non-kinetic methods and expedited the implementation of the national livestock plan.
“To this end, a Ministry of Livestock Development has been established while a Special Adviser and Coordinator of Livestock Reforms, has been appointed to find sustainable solutions to pastoral farming, with a view to end contestations over land, between farmers and pastoral herders.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, therefore, urges the international community to exercise caution and verify information before drawing conclusions or making statements that could exacerbate tensions within Nigeria. We call on all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organizations and foreign partners, to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability.
“Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa and is committed to preserving this heritage. We welcome constructive dialogue and support from the international community in addressing our security challenges. However, we strongly reject any attempts to wrongly designate the country, distort the narrative, or sow seeds of discord among our people.”
FG Insists Christians are Not Targeted for Killings in Nigeria
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
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