By David Owei, Bayelsa

There is rising tension in Onuebum community of Ogbia Local Government area of Bayelsa State over the alleged violation of a Court ordered issued by a Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa stopping the Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company Nigeria Limited,.(SEEPCO) from oil exploration activities from the OPL 2005 located at Owaliba land.

According to Elders and Youths of the Onuebum community, SEEPCO reportedly defied the court order and have resumed civil works, including extensive sand filling, at an oilfield site in Bayelsa State’s Onuebum community.

This action, according to Onuebum Indigenes, is a clear violation of the February 19, 2025, interlocutory injunction handed down by Justice N.Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court, in a suit numbered FHC/YNG/CS/277/2024 and by HRH Kine Kolobota Osain and Diomaziba Daniel Odumafor (for themselves and on behalf of the people of Onuebim Community) against the Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company Nigeria Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Bayelsa State Government and the Attorney-General of Bayelsa State.

The Court in its ruling gave an order of interlocutory injunction restraining SEEPCO from carrying out any oil exploration or any activity related to exploration or any activity of oil at OPL 2005 situated in Owaliba land in Onuebum community pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit.

The plaintiff in their prayers before the court had sought for six relief bothering on the alleged failure of SEEPCO to prepare NEEDS assessment in consultation with host community, which is the Onuebim community as recognised under the Petroleum Industry Act, before proceeding with it’s oil and gas exploration.

” And that the defendants by the Environmental Impact Assessment Act and the Petroleum Industry Act are obligated to carry out an environmental Impact assessment with respect to the oil and gas exploration activities to be carried out on OPL 2005 and possible resultant effects on the inhabitants of Onuebum community”

“That the first defendant (SEEPCO) act of proceeding to embark on oil and gas exploration activities without first preparing it’s host communities needs assesment as well as environmental Impact assessment is a flagrant breach of the relevant provisions of statute.”

“That the 3rd and 4th defendants, Bayelsa Govt and Attorney-General respectively, have also given the 1st defendant (SEEPCO), conditions to access and carry out it’s oil and gas exploration activities on OPL 2005 in Owaliba land in Onuebum community but same conditional resumption of work has been disregarded.”

“That the Court has a duty to put a stop to the 1st defendant’s brazen acts of flagrant disobedience to relevant provisions of statute despite the fact that it’s attention has been called to same.”

An Indigene of the Onuebum community, Comrade Azibola, who confirmed the development, said “Despite this order, SEEPCO has resumed work at the Owaliba bush site. Community sources confirm ongoing civil works, specifically extensive sand filling—a precursor to potential oil extraction.”

“This action, while not drilling, represents a potential contempt of court, as the injunction broadly prohibits any project-related activity, and it could trigger penalties for SEEPCO and its officials.”

“This shows they don’t care about us, or the law,” said Azibaola, an Onuebum resident. Community outrage is growing.

“The 2021 PIA aimed to reform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, tackling long-standing issues of transparency, community disenfranchisement, and environmental damage in the Niger Delta.”

“The law strives to ensure direct community benefits from oil extraction and minimize environmental harm. This case tests the PIA’s effectiveness, and SEEPCO’s actions question the enforceability of court orders in the region”.

This correspondent however gathered that SEEPCO, the NUPRC, and the Bayelsa State Government have not yet commented publicly on the court order or the resumed work.

Attempts to obtain comment, including inquiries from SEEPCO workers on the site of the project however declined comment.

The Onuebum Communications Team, however said the outcome of this case could significantly impact Nigeria’s oil industry, setting a precedent for PIA enforcement and resolving disputes between oil companies and host communities.

” It highlights the persistent challenges of balancing economic development with environmental protection and community rights in the Niger Delta.”

HOSTCON Youth Council hails Senator Ned Nwoko on his new  appointment

By David Owei, Bayelsa

Youths of the Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council Of Nigeria (HOSTCON) have described as ” commendable” the appointment of the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State, Sen. Ned Nwoko as the Chairman, Senate Ad- Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft.

According to HOSTCON, the appointment of Sen. Ned Nwoko by the 10th Senate under the leadership of Sen God’swill Akpabio as a game-changer for the entire oil and gas value chain in the nation’s oil industry.

The Host Communities Producing Oil Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council Of Nigeria under the leadership of the National President, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Path finder, stated in a statement issued via electronic mail, that the Senator Ned Nwoko-led Committee will salvage the nation’s oil and gas sector and the economic woes of the country.

According to HOSTCON, ” it would never be business as usual for the saboteurs, both locally and internationally because he has already hit the ground running, and Nigerians would see what has never happened in the fight against oil and gas thieves no matter who they are.”

“As a round peg in a round hole, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Other Related Matters, his underground strategies would take these thieves by storm and surprise, and this would usher in lasting solutions in curbing the menace of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering activities in the creeks of Niger Delta region and the hinterlands.”

“The Senator Ned Nwoko we know, is a man of courage and master strategist, who has all it takes to rid the oil and gas sector of this ugly menace of sabotage by some devilish persons who have over the years stolen our common patrimony for their self aggrandizement.”

“We must say that Senator Ned Nwoko, a son of the Niger Delta understands the region so deeply and has broad knowledge about the nefarious activities of these plunders of our national wealth, and knows how to marshal out his strategies to change the ugly narrative in the oil and gas sector.”

” His appointment is highly welcomed by all and sundry and due to his pedigree and sagacity as a patriotic, detribalized, and true Nigerian leader who has distinguished himself in serving the nation with national conscience.”

“We also want to assure Nigerians that Senator Ned Nwoko’s 100 days in this saddle will end oil theft and would be resounding and reverberating because we have seen the handwriting already, and that it would bring about a stupendous growth and development of the oil and gas sector in no distant time as he had already commenced the job by leading a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, seeking a partnership with the military to curb the menace, and also has set up and inaugurated a surveillance team for overt and covert oversight on oil facilities and institutions.”

“Interestingly, the committee has called for strengthening of intelligence-sharing mechanisms, surveillance operations and fostering of seamless inter-agency collaboration to dismantle the complex networks behind crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region and across the international borders.”

“Recently, he affirmed the The committee’s unwavering commitment and sense of patriotism in its resolve to implement watertight policies, deploy cutting-edge security technology, and ensure that those who undermine the national wealth are held accountable.”

“He also said that the task at hand transcends revenue protection; it is about securing the future, bolstering economic resilience, and creating an environment conducive for national progress.”

“0We want Nigerians to be confident about Senator Ned Nwoko because his track record based on his background as an international criminal lawyer. He has the expertise to ensure these thieves are brought to justice, and also his solid performance on the floor of the Senate and impact on his senatorial district is amazing as he has moved numerous life changing motions and bills been sponsored by distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko on the floor of the Red Chambers within the one and half years under the President Bola Tinubu ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra has drastically transformed the lives of his people.”

“Therefore at this juncture, the leadership of the HOSTCON YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, under comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, National Exco, elders and Board of Trustees, throw our full weight behind Sen Ned Nwoko-led Ad hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Other Related Matters.”

“We at HOSTCON, being the most critical umbrella body that is the ears, eyes, strength, energy and heart beat of the nation’s oil and gas producing communities in the creeks as well the strength and the life-wire of the nation’s economy will partner with the 10th Senate under the leadership of Distinguished Senator Godswill Akp, through the Chairman of the Senate Add-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, Sen Ned Nwoko, the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in Delta State to join hands together for us to foster a collective responsibility to salvage the economy of our dear country by all means from the hands of this sophisticated oil thieves in collaboration with their foreign counterparts in this illicit business bent to cripple out economy.”

By David Owei, Bayelsa

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Thursday achieved a much-needed consensus among critical oil and gas industry stakeholders and manufacturers to ramp up in-country production and utilisation of line pipes in oil and gas operations, as part of the strategy deepen local content, and conserve foreign exchange and create jobs.
The Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), comprising all international oil companies, and their indigenous counterparts under the aegis of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) met with the leading pipe manufacturing companies and pipe coaters as well as the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) at the instance of the NCDMB to take stock of progress made since 2011.

In Opening Remarks at the one-day “Stakeholders Workshop on Manufacturing of Line Pipes in Nigeria: Processes, Challenges, and Opportunities,” which held at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), Yenagoa, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described line pipes as “a major driver in oil and gas industry operations,” adding, “without line pipes you cannot evacuate products.”

He said the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, envisages 100 per cent in-country manufacture of line pipes (seamless and welded pipes) and that the Board, in conjunction with the OPTS, had agreed on an initiative in 2011 to work towards attainment of that target.

The NCDMB boss noted that a lot still has to be done and that status reports of projects on line pipes would have to be presented and discussed at the workshop so as to determine appropriate measures by all stakeholders to intensify efforts to overcome teething problems if any.
Engr. Ogbe, represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, disclosed that in realisation of the potential of in-country manufacture of line pipes for retention of significant revenue and job creation, the Board had introduced different policies and remains determined to work with industry players for meaningful progress.
In setting the tone for the workshop presentations and deliberations, he posed six questions to which he sought answers from the participants: Should we continue to focus on making line pipes in Nigeria? Where are we on the ‘Made in Nigeria’ line pipes projects? Are there still opportunities for Made-in-Nigeria line pipes? What should be the main considerations for ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ line pipes (infrastructure imperatives, investment incentives, etc.)? Who should invest and who are the buyers? What policies would drive the delivery of ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ line pipes?

In his own remarks, the Director, Capacity Building, NCDMB, Dr. Ama Ikuru, explained that the Board and the entire oil and gas industry are focused on Made-in-Nigeria line pipes, because it is “the key to Nigeria’s industrial development and a critical requirement of the NOGICD Act, 2010, and the Presidential Executive Order on Local Content.”

He noted that Made-in-Nigeria line pipes are a “reputation driver for the NOGICD Act” and are “central to the attainment of the 70 per cent objective of NCDMB’s [Nigerian Content] 10-Year Strategic Road Map.” In addition, the initiative would reduce costs and eliminate mark-up by middlemen.
Dr. Ikuru pointed out that there are major oil discoveries across Africa as well as opportunities in Nigeria and other parts of the continent, supported by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Line pipe opportunities in Africa highlighted include the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, African Renaissance Pipeline and Transmed Gas Pipeline.

On interventions by the NCDMB toward establishment of pipe mills in the country, he said the Board, among other things, introduced the Equipment Component Manufacturing Initiative (ECMI) and issued guidelines on it, which “birthed issuance of the Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate (NCEC).”
The NCEC scheme of the Board is designed to promote and enforce the utilisation of locally manufactured goods, services, and equipment in the oil and gas industry.

Before presentations by key manufacturers of line pipes, representatives of the leading IOCs and Independents, all industry holders in attendance had to state their individual responses and viewpoints regarding the six posers earlier raised by the NCDMB Executive Secretary.

In unison, all declared that Nigeria should continue to focus on making line pipes in-country to meet the target of 100 per cent. Key manufacturers then proceeded to explain where they are in their respective projects, highlighting status reports as well as challenges (in some cases), and what should be main considerations.

The Managing Director, Brentex Petroleum Services Limited, Mr. Chidi Nzerem, disclosed that his company has made appreciable progress in developing an LSAW Line Pipe Mill in Calabar, Cross River State, but has faced difficulties in securing long-term funding from the banks after investing over US$64 million. To take the project to completion stage, an additional US$176 million would be required.
He pointed out that “Nigeria sits on oil and gas and there must be commitment to manufacture line pipes” to eliminate capital flight through importation of pipes. He assured stakeholders that “within the next 36 months, line pipes will start rolling out from the mill if the required funds become available.”
For another industry player, Frigate Pipe and Tubulars Limited, whose seamless pipe mill plant has progressed without hiccups, status report was that the bulk of the manufacturing line has been acquired and that installation of the facility would be completed within the next 24 months.
The Chief Financial Officer of the company, Mr. Bankole Olugbile, said industry demand for seamless line pipes in Nigeria is 120,000 metric tonnes per annum, which could be easily met, but he pointed out that “projects like this require long-term cheap funding.” He called for incentives, such as pioneer status, among others, from government.
From Yulong Steel Pipes Limited, a pioneer in the industry that had suspended production operations in Nigeria for five years after supply of 2,000 metric tonnes of line pipes to Dangote Refinery, Lekki, Lagos, was news of its reentry into the country. Its representative declared that the company is looking forward to business from Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Shell Petroleum Development Company’s Bonga North, among others.
Pipe coating companies, including Solewant Group, Monarch Alloy, and Tenaris, also gave their respective status reports and highlighted what they expect from oil and gas industry operators.
International oil companies affirmed that there are opportunities for Made-in-Nigeria line pipes and expressed keenness to do business with manufacturers in the country. Mrs. Chioma Okpoechi, Supply Chain Manager (Production and Logistics) of Shell Petroleum Development Company, provided procurement data on line pipes from her company indicating that US$43 million was spent between 2019 and 2014.

According to her, “steadily our operational requirements are growing” and that US$115 million is to be spent in the next four years. Mrs. Okpoechi expressed hope that “this should encourage Made-in-Nigeria manufacturers,” although she cautioned that quality and timeliness of delivery cannot be compromised.
Assurances were also received from Exxon Mobil, which urged local manufacturers to strive for cost competitiveness and ensuring that they understand what the oil and gas industry upstream needs. TotalEnergies also gave assurance of support for local manufacture.

Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Independent operator from among the indigenous upstream players, represented by its Nigerian Content Development Manager, Mr. Simeon Ogari, declared “We are 100 per cent in support of Made-in-Nigeria line pipes,” stating that the company is “a product of local content.” Another leading indigenous oil company, First Exploration & Production (First E&P), represented by its Project Manager, Engr. Soyemi Ayodeji, also pledged total support.

In rounding off presentations and deliberations, Dr. Ikuru, reminded participants that responsibilities for advancement of the programme for Made-in-Nigeria line pipes needed to be assigned.
Manufacturers commended NCDMB for its practical role as business enabler, citing a number of the Board’s interventions that have facilitated the emergence of many big indigenous companies, but said the Board could do more by helping to eliminate illegal importation of coated line pipes, particularly by marginal field operators. Also that the Board should play a role in facilitating access of manufacturers to credit facilities from banks.
Dr. Ikuru acknowledged that the suggestions made were appropriate but advised that the manufacturers could employ whistleblowing as a way to bring such illegal importation to the knowledge of the Board and Government. “We’ll follow up,” he assured.

Also contributing, the Director, Project Certification and Authorisation Department (PICAD), of NCDMB, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, said the Customs and Excise Department has a role to play, and that manufacturers and coaters of line pipes could team up and prepare a draft bill, which should be submitted to the National Assembly for a law to bring in the Customs Department to play a role.
The NCDMB and all stakeholders agreed that platforms like the Stakeholders Workshop should hold regularly, and that it would be desirable for similar platforms where financial institutions could participate, given the critical importance of funding.