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PIA: Nigerian Government inaugurates boards of new oil industry successor regulatory agencies

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Minister of Petroleum commissions projects as intervention for North East

Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has inaugurated the governing boards of the new entities comprising the regulatory framework for the oil and gas industry as provided for by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The new entities are the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NURC) and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The inauguration of the two bodies is a critical step to ensuring effective regulation and the adoption of best practices in the Oil and Gas sector, in line with global standards.

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The minister inaugurated the new Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and members of the Governing Boards of the Commission and Authority on Wednesday, in Abuja, following their appointments, screening and clearance by the Senate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Commission replaced the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) while the Authority replaced the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

NAN recalled that the Minister had on Oct. 18  unveiled the CEOs appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari  in a public event and directed the immediate commencement of their assignments for effective implementation of the PIA.

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The commission has Mr Gbenga Komolafe as its CEO while Alhaji Farouk Ahmed is the CEO of the authority.

Sylva, who described the new development as a very normal transition, said it was an effect of the newly passed PIA which created upstream, midstream and downstream regulatory authority.

According to him, the law stipulated that certain actions must be taken, which included winding down of the DPR and inauguration of the two successor agencies.

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He decried the speculated media reports that the former CEOs of the defunct DPR, PEF and PPPRA were sacked, saying that the reports were not reflective of the situation, as the PIA established the new regulatory agencies to succeed DPR and others.

Speaking on the position of the staff of the three agencies, he assured them that their emoluments and entitlements were fully protected by law, while anything concerning their welfare would not be compromised.

“No job or remuneration will be lost in the process, the transition is by law and the law protects you completely,’’ Sylva said.

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He also assured DPR staff that their ongoing yearly promotion issues would be resolved and tasked the newly appointed CEOs to ensure that the process was concluded expeditiously before the end of 2021.

In a similar vein, the minister reassured people and contractors, who had commitments with the PEF, that the law vested all the liabilities and assets of the PEF on the new regulatory authority.

Mr Ibrahim Chiroma, Head, Corporate Services, DPR, in a remark, said that the staff were fully committed to working with the new CEOs, expressing readiness to give them maximum support.

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Chiroma added that the DPR had put in place a compendium to serve as a guide to the CEOs as they assumed duty as heads of the commission and the authority.

In a remark, the acting Executive Secretary, PPPRA, Mr Olasupo Agbaje, said the inauguration was in fulfilment of the requirements of the law as it related to the implementation of the PIA.

Agbaje noted that it was also designed to ensure that the Oil and Gas Industry and the nation derived the maximum benefits envisaged by the Act.

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“It is based on this optimism that we whole heartedly salute the doggedness, determination and commitment of the Minister in ensuring a seamless and timely implementation,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the handing over of the 2021 compendium consisting of DPR’s business and service instruments to the CEOs, to guide both upstream and downstream sector. (NAN)

 

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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

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Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

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Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

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“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

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On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

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He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

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