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Petrobras Eyes Return To Nigeria’s Oil Sector, Targets Deepwater Acreage

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Petrobras Eyes Return To Nigeria’s Oil Sector, Targets Deepwater Acreage

** As VP Shettima mobilises ministers to capitalise on Brazil’s hosting of BRICS, G20, COP30

By: Our Reporter

Petrobras, the state oil company of Brazil, is seeking to re-enter Nigeria’s oil sector, with a specific interest in frontier deepwater acreage.

As the economic reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu take root, the company, which had previously wound down its operations in Nigeria at the Agbami Field, is now actively engaging with Nigerian authorities as part of broader efforts to revitalise bilateral cooperation ahead of the 2025 Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM).

This was part of the discussions on Wednesday during the interministerial review meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to coordinate Nigeria’s preparations for the second session of the SDM scheduled for June 2025.

Speaking at the meeting, VP Shettima said, “The presence of six ministers and the Solicitor-General of the federation in this review meeting ahead of the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism shows the importance we have attached to our relationship with Brazil.

“We have not maximally capitalised on the fraternity between us and Brazil, but it is better late than never. The upcoming SDM presents an opportunity to execute sector-specific Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and unlock investment flows.”

The Vice President particularly noted that 2025 represents a critical moment of interface with Brazil, emphasising that the convergence of international events provides Nigeria a unique opportunity to advance its interests on the global stage.

“This year is our moment of interface with Brazil. Brazil is hosting so many global events this year, from the BRICS Summit to the G20 Summit and COP30. This convergence of events provides us with a unique opportunity to advance our interests on the global stage,” the Vice President said.

VP Shettima commended the ministers for their passion and aggression in pursuing Nigeria’s national interest, noting that “there is a sea change in our attitude, disposition, and commitment.”

Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed ongoing engagements with Petrobras, saying, “Apart from Ethanol, which they are hoping to engage the NNPCL for blending, Petrobras is also being actively engaged, and we expect they will form part of the delegation to Nigeria. Petrobras is no longer active in Nigeria, but they are very keen on coming back to Nigeria. They said they want frontier acreage in deep waters.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister further reported that Brazil’s preparations for the dialogue are well advanced, with both government agencies and private sector players being actively engaged by the Brazilian Vice President.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is coordinating the interministerial working groups, has compiled at least 12 draft MOUs pending approval from the Ministry of Justice. These cover areas such as energy, health, culture, and agriculture.

Also, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, emphasised the historical and ancestral connections between Nigeria and Brazil, noting that a significant percentage of Brazilians trace their roots to Nigeria.

“We must not only preserve this relationship but deepen it. We’ve finalised MOUs with the Nigerian Film Corporation on audiovisual co-productions, the National Gallery of Arts for joint exhibitions, and the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation ahead of FESTAC at 50 next year,” Musawa said.

On agriculture, Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, outlined completed MOUs focused on research collaborations: “We have finalised MOUs that focus on research in three areas of soybean value chain development, cassava research and technology transfer and agro-forestry systems, which promote integrated crop and livestock models and erosion control and climate adaptation,” he said.

The minister noted that these efforts build on the previously signed Green Imperative Project (GIP) agreement between Nigeria and Brazil.

Also, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, pointed to Brazil’s achievements in universal health coverage as a model for Nigeria.

He said, “There are important opportunities for us in several areas in our efforts to achieve universal health coverage and primary health care between Nigeria and Brazil- they have done a lot that we can learn from them. There is the aspect of knowledge sharing and workforce, and human capital training in specialised areas.

“We see potential for collaboration in pharmaceutical research, local drug manufacturing, and workforce training. Brazil’s experience in addressing tropical and sub-tropical diseases makes it an ideal partner for joint research and development.”

Other ministers present at the meeting included the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha and the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.

Petrobras Eyes Return To Nigeria’s Oil Sector, Targets Deepwater Acreage

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Gombe: Jos DisCo condoles families of victims of electrocution

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Gombe: Jos DisCo condoles families of victims of electrocution

Gombe: Jos DisCo condoles families of victims of electrocution

The Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company Plc, has commiserated with the families of those who died on Saturday from electrocution.

The commiseration is contained in a statement signed by Saratu Aliyu Dauda, the Ag. Head, Corporate Communications, JED and issued to journalists on Saturday.

The statement partly read: “the Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc is deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident that occurred at approximately 00:45 hours today, affecting customers connected to the Tudun Wada Pantami Distribution Transformer 2 in the Riyel community, Gombe.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was caused by a high-tension line snapping and making contact with low-tension lines, leading to a voltage supply outside permissible limits.

“We are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in light of the palpable tension within the affected community, and will continue to provide accurate updates as more facts emerge.”

Dauda stated that the company was already carrying out a thorough evaluation to determine the root causes of the incident, and subsequently ensure appropriate corrective and preventive measures would be implemented to avoid a recurrence.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families impacted by this tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

“We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Traditional and Community Leaders in Riyel for their invaluable support in helping manage the aftermath of the incident.”

Gombe: Jos DisCo condoles families of victims of electrocution

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North East APC Forum Endorses Tinubu/Kashim Ticket for 2027

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North East APC Forum Endorses Tinubu/Kashim Ticket for 2027

By: Michael Mike

The North East chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu/ Vice President Kashim Shettima ticket for the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made on Sunday during the North East All Progressives Congress Consultative Meeting in Gombe, the Gombe State capital.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, Mai-Mala Buni of Yobe, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe and other top APC officials in the northeast were among thousands of party members that attended the meeting.

The forum noted that President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have transformed Nigeria in their short terms of leadership with their renewed hope agenda.

They call on all Nigerians to rally behind a ticket that promises unity, progress and hope for the country.

While delivering his speech, the governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, noted that in the last two years, the Tinubu/Shettima-led government has done a lot in the areas of health, education, youth and women empowerment, revenue generation, and improving the lives of citizens.

Other prominent personalities present at the meeting include the National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy National Chairman, Dr Ali Bukar Dalori, and other members of the APC.
End

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Thirteen suspects including notorious kidnappers, escape from police cell in Nasarawa

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Thirteen suspects including notorious kidnappers, escape from police cell in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Thirteen suspects escaped from police detention after breaking through the wall of their cell at the Area Command in Nasarawa State, a Police sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama on Sunday.

The incident occurred on June 14, 2025, at about 06:30 hours when suspects held by the OC Anti-Kidnapping and OC Anti-Cultism broke out of their cell from the rear wall, sources at the command said.

The suspects, now at large, include Jamilu Abdulsalam chain theft and kidnapping, Abdullahi Yahaya (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Usman Yerima (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Abba Musa (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Idris Hussaini (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Abu Amu (chain theft and kidnapping), Usman Hassan (chain theft, intimidation and attempted kidnapping), Hussaini Sani (chain theft and kidnapping), Ibrahim Shuaibu (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Hamza Abubakar (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Usman Ibrahim, a.k.a Tecno (chain theft, causing grievous hurt, belonging to unlawful society and culpable homicide), and Abdullahi Muhammed (on court order).

The police say efforts were ongoing to arrest the suspects and bring them back into custody.

Meanwhile, the Cell Record Officer, incident duty officer, cell guard, and visiting-round officer have been queried and held accountable for their respective roles in the incident.

Thirteen suspects including notorious kidnappers, escape from police cell in Nasarawa

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