By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Monitoring Group (NIDDEMOG), Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for recovering N83.59 billion and $98.07 million in outstanding statutory levies owed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by some oil companies.

The recovery relates to the three per cent statutory levy payable to the NDDC by oil companies operating in the Niger Delta.
According to an EFCC investigation report, an audit by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) had identified N90.046 billion and $229.534 million in outstanding NDDC levies covering the period from 2015 to 2020.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Friday, Chief Nengi James described the recovery as a welcome development, saying oil companies operating in the region had failed to meet their statutory obligations to the NDDC.

He said it was unacceptable that companies expected to contribute to the development of the Niger Delta were withholding funds meant to support development projects in the region.

According to him, oil-producing communities have continued to bear the environmental and socioeconomic consequences of oil exploration and production, including pollution, degradation of farmlands and waterways, and the destruction of traditional means of livelihood.

The NIDDEMOG chief also commended the NDDC management, led by its Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, for pursuing the recovery of unremitted statutory funds owed the commission.

He equally praised the National Assembly for exercising its oversight powers in facilitating the recovery through the EFCC.

Chief Nengi James, however, urged the NDDC to ensure that the recovered funds were transparently deployed to projects and programmes capable of producing measurable improvements in the lives of people across the Niger Delta.

He called for priority attention to environmental challenges confronting the region, particularly erosion, shoreline degradation, ocean encroachment and other forms of ecological damage.

He said the commission should also strengthen its human capital and infrastructure development programmes to ensure that communities derive tangible benefits from the statutory resources meant for their development.

Chief Nengi James who is also the immediate former Vice president of Ijaw National Congress (INC) further urged communities in the Niger Delta to protect NDDC projects located in their areas, warning against the vandalism and theft of public infrastructure.

He called on the NDDC to sanction communities where projects and public amenities were deliberately vandalised or stripped of their facilities.

“It is despicable to see public infrastructure being vandalised and stolen with reckless abandon in communities across the Niger Delta,” he said, stressing that community ownership and protection were essential to sustaining development projects in the region.

By David Owei

Elders and people of the Olugboboro community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsà State have kicked against the alleged wrongful and strange directive from some members of management staff of OandO PLC stopping the ongoing reclamation project in the area.

According to the community, they were shocked and in disbelief over the recent directive by officials of Oando Plc ordering the contractor handling Olugboboro’s community reclamation project to stop work immediately being executed for the community.

The Elders of the Olugboboro Community led by Chief Ebimobowei Kenbo ( Ikpesiwari ), Chief Mathew Azeke (Akpokowari ), Chief Ayibaini Oweifighe (Compound Chief), Chief Layo Tarighebo (Compound Chief), Mr. Napoleon Azeke (General Secretary),Mr. Timiundumene Usen (Youth President) and Andrew Vincent (BOT Member), in a letter to the Chairman, BOT SILGA 1 Host Communities Development Trust, expressed displeasure over the directive ordering the contractor handling Olugboboro’s community reclamation project to stop work immediately being executed by Oando SILGA. 1. HCDT in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of Bayelsa State.

In the letter, the Olugboboro community attributed their displeasure to “the verbal message received by the contractor undertaking Olugboboro community reclamation project OGBODAWEI Nig Ltd. from the chairman of the board Mr. Profit Toyain that unnamed officials from Oando Plc, (settlor) directed him to inform the contractor to stop work immediately on the project; on the grounds that Olugboboro community sand filling project is not viable”.

“It will be pertinent to intimate you that Olugboboro community reclamation project went through all processes; before contract was awarded and consequent commencement of work by the contractor. Perhaps, a little explanation of the initial journey of the sand filling project would be necessary.”

“A need assessment of Olugboboro community was carried out by the precursor to Oando Plc, Agip in all host communities years ago. Wherein sand filling of the community’s back was identified as number priority project for Olugboboro community.”

“Also during the era of GMOU, the community submitted reclamation of the back to the Board but unfortunately; the GMOU did not take off and was subsequently replaced by the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. 2 ”

“When the PIA Act eventually took off, another need assessment was conducted in Olugboboro community: sand filling was considered the most important and pressing project the community highlighted.”

“It was carried out in conjunction with officials of Agip. When Oando SILGA.1. HCDT, began operation, all the host communities were required to submit priority projects to Oando SILGA.1. HCDT. Olugboboro community submitted five projects in order of preference or ranking order.”

“Again, reclamation of the back was ranked number one Project due to its overwhelming importance and transformational pull on the community. The settlor was duly informed. As a result, sand filling was approved as the first project.”

“Consequently, scoping was done to determine the viability of the project by officials of Oando, SILGA.1. HCDT. The report of the findings was submitted to the settlor and it was duly approved. The next stage was the contract award process.”

” Again, the settlor approved the process for the contract award. An open bidding process was conducted in May 2026, and the contract was awarded to OGBODAWEI Nig Ltd. Thereafter, an award letter was issued to the contractor on 29
th May, 2026.”

” Furthermore, on 11
th June, 2026 SILGA.1. HCDT led by the Project Manager went to Olugboboro community to formally handover the project site to the contractor to commence work. As expected, the contractor mobilized funds, resources and equipment and moved to site on 17
th June, 2026.”

“The contractor had already completed the first milestone; excavation of the soil has been successfully completed; when the settlor suddenly directed the chairman of the Board to intimate the contractor to stop work. In effect cancelling the project for no reason whatsoever.”

“The settlor cited flimsy, illogical and irrational reasons for cancelling the project; that reclamation project in a riverine community such as Olugboboro is not viable. We wish to inform you that most host communities in SILGA .1. HCDT have either completed their projects or nearing completion but Olugboboro’s project was unnecessarily delayed due to the antics of the settlor. Because the community had insisted that they did not need any other project; except reclamation of the back of the community.”

” Consequently, the scope of the project was watered down to accommodate the available funds; initial size of the project was 500m by 100m, but has been scaled down to 100m by 50m. 3. We would like to intimate you that the Olugboboro Community Environmental Improvement (Reclamation) project is a strategic intervention designed to address the persistent environmental and developmental challenges confronting the community.”

” Since the day the community was founded, it has been exposed to perennial flooding; resulting in the destruction of homes, loss of valuable land, disruption of livelihoods, displacements and constraints on physical and economic development.”

“Therefore, the project is not merely a capital project but a strategic environmental restoration initiative that underpins the community long-term developmental goals and aspirations.”

” In addition, the people of Olugboboro Community conceived the sand filling project as a multi-pronged approach to solving challenging environmental hiccups, as well as a sustainable engineering solution to improve drainage, reclaim land, reduce flood risks and create an enabling environment for future physical and socio- economic development of Olugboboro Community.”

“Consequently, we hereby wish to stress that the long-term economic benefits to be derived from this project are expected to exceed many conventional infrastructural projects; it creates the physical space upon which future development depends. Indeed, the project is a catalyst for sustainable development rather than simply a sand filling exercise.”

” In addition, the project aligns with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, Act 2021. The Act established Host Community Development Trust framework to promote sustainable development, environmental stewardship and socio-economic advancement in host communities.”

According to the community leadership, “The Olugboboro reclamation project directly advances these objectives by: addressing long-standing environmental challenges facing the community; such as improving community infrastructure, enhancing environmental sustainability, promoting economic empowerment.”

” It also supports, inclusive and sustainable development. Ultimately, to improve the quality of life of host communities. We wish to assert that, the project represents an exemplary implementation of the intent and objectives of the PIA Act 2021. Indeed, it was a huge relief when the contractor mobilized to site and began work 4 in earnest.”

” It was a dream realized; because it has been the greatest environmental challenges the people have endured since the day the community was founded. We had hoped that the dream of developing the community has finally arrived; finally, nature has been conquered through the sand filling project. We were sure, that our forefathers were smiling and celebrating in their graves when the project began.”

” Suddenly, the settlor decided to put spanner into the work: dashing the hopes of the community. The big questions that, the people of Olugboboro Community have been trying to answer are; how did the settlor conceive the concept of viable project and how did they arrive at viability of a project? Why is viability of project only confined to Olugboboro project? Why singled out Olugboboro project for such a sordid treatment? For a project that is so dear to the people’s heart.”

” A legacy project, that is the bedrock of Olugboboro Community’s modern development agenda. It is indeed, paradoxical and absurd for the settlor that has been operating in Olugboboro community for over fifty years (Agip and Oando Plc) to claim that sand filling the back of the community is not viable. A project that is consciously designed to usher in a paradigm shift in physical development index of the community.”

“The community’s future development plans largely depend on the successful execution of this project; making it an essential investment rather than option. We state hereby that Olugboboro Community do not want any other project apart from the reclamation that has already commenced.”

“This is our cherished and legacy project; until this project is successfully completed, we will not accept any other project in Olugboboro community. The order to stop work was conceived in bad taste; intended to truncate the match of progress and the people quest to overcome their challenging environment.”

“The directive to stop work, for a job that has already commenced and progressing accordingly offends common sense, sensibility of the people and ethos of corporate social responsibility. Indeed, the directive to stop work and terminate the project was part of a broader pattern to undo Olugboboro physical development.”

” Based on this development, the community’s trust and integrity of the settlor has been severely compromised and shaken. The order to cancel the project is obviously, an invitation to crisis and a fragrant breach of the PIA Act 2021; which requires host communities to choose projects according to their needs.”

“The order to stop is also clearly a breach of contract between SILGA 1 HCDT. and the contractor, (OGBODAWEI Nig Ltd) The community did not complain that contractor was having an issue or not performing. Why would Olugboboro Community case be different from others.”

“We have it on record that the settlor has not directed any contractor to stop work in any of 21 host communities in SILGA. 1.HCDT. This again has brought into sharp focus the distain and levity the settlor has treated any matter concerning Olugboboro Community. We have been treated unfairly and urge you stop maltreatment of Olugboboro Community in the scheme of things and what rightly belongs to the community.”

“In view of the above, we reject and condemn in strong terms the settlor directive ordering the contractor to stop work. The settlor is trying to draw back the hand of the clock; in effect retarding the anticipated physical development of the community on the successful execution of the project. We therefore, urge you to wade into the matter, direct Oando to order.

By Our Correspondent

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has initiated efforts to reduce clash of interest between petroleum importers and domestic refiners, as it engaged key stakeholders in the downstream oil and gas sector to chart a common path towards energy security, stable fuel supply and sustainable industry reforms.

At a highly interactive session held on Tuesday at House wing of the National Assembly, the Committee met with executives of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), with discussions centred on balancing support for local refining while ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability across the country.

Chairman of the House Committee Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, said the engagement reflected the House’s commitment to inclusive lawmaking, stressing that reforms in the downstream petroleum sector would be driven by dialogue rather than confrontation.

“We are here not to interrogate, not to accuse and not to put anyone on trial. We are here to listen. We are here to talk to one another as partners who share one common destiny, a Nigeria where energy is affordable, supply is stable and no citizen suffers because petroleum products are out of reach,” he said.

Ugochinyere assured these stakeholders that no policy affecting the downstream sector would be formulated without broad consultations with operators whose investments sustain Nigeria’s petroleum distribution network.

According to him, Nigeria is at a defining stage in its energy transition, with increasing domestic refining capacity, evolving import dynamics and renewed efforts to improve pipeline security and distribution efficiency.

“The marketers, depot owners, independent operators and major marketers remain the bridge between government policy and the pump. When that bridge is strong, Nigerians enjoy stable prices and reliable supply. When it is weak, the entire nation feels the consequences,” he stated.

He said the Committee would carefully consider the submissions of all stakeholders in developing legislative interventions that would encourage investment, strengthen domestic refining, deepen competition and guarantee affordable and uninterrupted petroleum product supply.

The lawmaker further assured industry operators that the committee would continue to prioritise constructive engagement over confrontation in carrying out its oversight and legislative responsibilities.

Presenting DAPPMAN’s position, the association’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to develop practical operating-stock guidelines under Section 182 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

He said the guidelines should clearly define standards for stock measurement, reporting, quality assurance and accessibility, adding that strategic stockholding should not be measured merely by product volume but also by the industry’s capacity to finance, transport and release products quickly during emergencies or supply disruptions.

DAPPMAN also proposed the establishment of a joint market-monitoring framework involving the NMDPRA and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to monitor supply concentration, product availability, transparent allocation, fair treatment of operators and early warning indicators of market stress.

The association further called on the Federal Government to prioritize investments in critical infrastructure, including roads, railways, inland waterways, pipelines and petroleum depots, to reduce the sector’s heavy dependence on long-distance trucking from a few coastal supply hubs.

It also advocated a permanent government-industry consultative platform bringing together regulators, marketers, refiners, NNPC Limited, transport agencies and security institutions to periodically review supply conditions, infrastructure gaps and emerging risks.

In a presentation the National President Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria IPMAN Alhaji Abubakar Shettima described the downstream petroleum industry as one of Nigeria’s most strategic sectors, noting that it remains central to powering households, industries, agriculture, transportation, healthcare and national security.

The association observed that the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, deregulation of fuel prices, rehabilitation of government-owned refineries and the emergence of large-scale private refineries have positioned Nigeria to evolve from a major importer of refined petroleum products into Africa’s leading refining and distribution hub.

Despite these opportunities, IPMAN identified several challenges slowing the sector’s growth, including high financing costs, multiple taxation, foreign exchange volatility, inadequate storage and transportation infrastructure, pipeline vandalism, limited access by independent marketers to refinery products, delayed payment of bridging and NTA claims, and insufficient stakeholder engagement.

The association urged the House committee to support reforms that would improve logistics, deepen market competition, reduce distribution costs, encourage investment and guarantee the sustainable availability and affordability of petroleum products nationwide.

Speaking on behalf of MEMAN, Executive Secretary Clement Isong acknowledged that Nigeria now possesses the capacity to refine petroleum products locally, meet domestic demand and export refined products to international markets.

However, he cautioned against imposing blanket restrictions on fuel imports, arguing that government must retain the flexibility to approve imports whenever necessary to safeguard national energy security.

According to him, strategic imports remain indispensable during supply shortages or unexpected market disruptions, helping to protect consumers from sharp price increases and supply crises.

Isong recommended that Nigeria establish a strategic petroleum reserve capable of sustaining at least 60 days of national consumption to cushion the country against global supply shocks and price volatility.

He cited the recent Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) market as an example where increased imports successfully bridged supply shortages and moderated prices, demonstrating how timely regulatory intervention can stabilise the market.

While reaffirming MEMAN’s support for the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen domestic refining, Isong maintained that decisions on petroleum product imports should remain the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government and the NMDPRA to ensure adequate supply, preserve healthy competition and protect consumers.

The engagement highlighted the differing perspectives among downstream operators on the future of petroleum imports and domestic refining.

These stakeholders were united in calling for policy consistency, improved infrastructure, stronger regulatory collaboration and continuous dialogue with government to ensure Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry remains competitive, resilient and capable of guaranteeing long-term national energy security.

End